Our Morning Offering – 3 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897) and A First Friday of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Daily Offering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (of Lisieux) OCD (1873-1897)
O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to His Infinite Merits and I wish to make reparation for my sins, by casting them into the furnace of His Merciful Love. O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfil perfectly Thine Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee, the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day, be united together in Heaven for all Eternity. Amen
Saint of the Day – 3 October – St Hesychius (Died c381) Confessor and Hermit of Palestine, spiritual student of St Hilarion (c291-371). Also known as – Esichio.Not to be confused with: Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer OR: St Hesychius of Jerusalem, who lived a little time after the above Saint and was a contemporary of St Gregory the Great (540-604).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Palestine, St Hesychius, Confessor, disciple of St Hilarion and the companion of his travels,”
According to the Life of Saint Hilarion by Saint Jerome, Hesychius became a Monk between 328 and 354 in Majuma, near the City of Gaza, in Palestine and accompanied his master to Egypt, for the first time in 359 and a second time in 362-63.
After returning to Gaza, where he restored the Monastery, he joined Hilarion in Sicily (365) and went with him to Epidaurus, in Dalmatia and then to Cyprus where St Hilarion remained. Hesychius, however, returned to Palestine, from where he occasionally went to Cyprus to see hisbeloved master.
Before dying, Saint Hilarion wrote a small will in favour of Hesychius, leaving him the Gospel, his clothes and a hair shirt. Hesychius took St Hilarion’s body to Majuma.
We do not know when and where he himself died. His Feast was fixed on today’s date by the Roman Martyrology.
St Adalgott O.Cist. (Died 1160) Bishopof Chur , Monk in Citeaux, then disciple of Saint Bernard at Clairvaux,, Abbot at Disentis in Switzerland and then Bishop of Chur, Reformer of monastic life and of the Clergy, Apostle of the sick and founder of a Hospital in his Diocese. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Chur in Switzerland, blessed Adalgotto, Bishop, who, disciple of Saint Bernard in Clairvaux, was a great lover of monastic discipline.” Holy Adalgott: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/03/saint-of-the-day-3-october-saint-adalgott-of-chur-o-cist-died-1160-bishop/
Bl Agostina of the Assumption St Candidus the Martyr St Cyprian of Toulon Bl Damian de Portu St Dionysius the Aeropagite Bl Dominic Spadafora Bl Edmund of Scotland St Ewald the Black St Ewald the Fair St Froilan
Martyrs of Alexandria – 9 Saints: A number of Christian Martyrs remembered together. We know the names Caius, Cheremone, Dionysius, Eusebio, Fausto, Lucio, Maximus, Paul, Peter and that there were at least two more whose names have not come down to us, and that’s about all we know.
Thought for the Day – 2 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Guardian Angels
“The realisation that our Guardian Angel is always close at hand, should be a warning to us. It should prevent us from doing anything displeasing to God. Would we venture to do anything unbecoming in the presence of our Father or Mother, or of anyone for whom we have any regard? Definitely not and still less, should we dare to perform an evil action in the presence of our Angel, to whom we owe such gratitude and in the presence of God, our Creator, Lord and Redeemer, Who could, at any moment, snap the thread which binds us to life and plunge us into eternity.
Furthermore, when pride convinces us that we are of some importance, let us turn to our Angel and pray for the virtue of humility. When we begin to seethe with anger and long to utter words which are harsh and injurious, let us ask our Angel to pray on our behalf, for the gift of Christian gentleness. When the devil fills our minds with impure images and thoughts, let us ask our Angel to beseech God to give us the Christian fortitude to resist temptation and to imitate his angelic purity.
Finally, when tepidity is sapping the vigour of our interior life, let us pray to our Guardian Angel in the hope of obtaining a share in his intimate union with God.
Let us pray the Guardian Angel prayer or at least say: “My Guardian Angel enlighten me. My Guardian Angel help me. My Guardian Angel, protect me.” Amen.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Guardian Angels
“You should be aware, the word “Angel” denotes a function, rather than a nature. Those holy Spirits of Heaven have, indeed, always been spirits. They can only be called Angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called Angels and those. who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called Archangels.”
St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church
“In every lodging, at every corner, have reverence for thy Angel. Do not dare to do, in his presence, what you would not dare to do, if I were there. Or do you doubt that he is present whom you do not behold? What if you should hear him? What if you should touch him? What if you should scent him? Remember, that the presence of something is not proved only by the sight of things.”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
“Our Guardian Angels are our most faithful friends for they are with us, day and night, always and everywhere. We ought often, to invoke them.”
St Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
One Minute Reflection – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels – Exodus 23:20-23 – Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10
REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us,one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our half, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …
We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).
PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy wondrous providence graciously send Thy Angels to watch over us, grant that we, who pray to Thee maybe ever under their protection and may rejoice in their unending companionship. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels
O My Good Angel Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel Appointing him Intercessory at the Hour of Death By St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
My good Angel – I know not when or how I shall die. It is possible I may be carried off suddenly and before my last sigh, I may be deprived of all intelligence. Yet, how many things I would wish to say to God, on the threshold of eternity. In the full freedom of my will today, I come to charge thee to speak for me at that fearful moment. Thou will say to Him, then, O my good Angel – That I wish to die in the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church in which all the Saints, since Jesus Christ, have died and, out of which, there is no salvation. That I ask the grace, of sharing in the Infinite Merits of my Redeemer and that I desire to die, in pressing to my lips, the Cross which was bathed in His Blood! That I detest my sins because they displease Him and that I pardon, through love of Him, all my enemies, as I wish myself to be pardoned. That I die willingly because He orders it and that I throw myself, with confidence, into His adorable Heart, awaiting all His mercy. That in my inexpressible desire to go to Heaven, I am disposed to suffer everything it may please His Sovereign Justice to inflict on me. That I love Him before all things, above all things and for His own sake; that I wish and hope, to love Him with the elect, His Angels and the Blessed Mother, during all eternity. Do not refuse, O my Angel, to be my interpreter with God and to protest to Him, that these, are my sentiments and my will. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 2 October – St Leudomer (Died c593) Abbot Founder of an Abbey at Corbion near Chartres, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Lomer (French), Laumer, Launomar or Launomaro.
The Vita of Saint Leudomer reveals that, as a youth, he was a shepherd, before being accepted into the Monastery of St Maximinus (Died 520) near Orleans and where he eventually became a Priest in Chartres.
The Vita also states that Leudomer lived to be more than one hundred years old. One known copy of this Vita was begun by Orderic Vitalis (Monk, Historian, Writer) while he was copyist at the library of Saint-Évroul.
Leudomer was initially trained for the Priesthood by a Priest by the name of Chirmirius, was Ordained and then served in Chartres and the surrounds, where he was made both Canon and Cellarer. Later in life, he withdrew to live a eremitic lifestyle in the forests of La Perche. There, due to his reputation for performing miracles, including the gift of prophecy, a number of disciples came to his hermitage in the forest.
According to Rev Alban Butler, the location of this hermitage was later the site of Fontevraud Abbey. In around 570, the presence of these disciples led Leudomer to found a monastic community, the Monastery of Curbio.
In c920, his Relics were translated to Blois where a Monastery had been constructed and dedicated to him, the Monastery of Saint-Leudomer. While most of his Relics were translated to the Monastery at Blois, his head was translated to a Priory in Auvergne.The monastery outside of Blois would eventually be destroyed during the French Revolution, although the Church itself still stands, known as the Church of Saint Nicholas.
In the early twentieth century, an event in the life of St Leudomer – an incident involving the theft of the Saint’s favourite cow – was published in The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts, a collection of brief hagiographical tales for children, compiled by Abbie Farwell Brown. Leudomer’s Vita states that the Abbot was so holy that ‘savage wild beasts obeyed when he commanded’ amd this obedience was intended to remind readers of the idyllic lives of Adam and Eve in Paradise.
St Leudomer (Died c593) Abbot St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria
St Thomas de Cantilupe (c1218-1282) Bishop of Hereford, Confessor, learned Scholar, known for his care of the poor and his protection of them against feudal landlords, Miracle-worker, Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas de Cantilupe was the last Englishman Canonised before the Reformation. An amazing Life and in death, a wondrous Miracle-worker: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-thomas-de-cantilupe-of-hereford-c-1218-1282/
St Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Hermit, Restorer of the Monastery of Disentis and Architect and builder of 3 Churches in the Diocese. The Roman Martyrology states: “In the territory of today’s Switzerland, Saint Ursicinus, Bishop of Chur and first Abbot of the Monastery of Disentis which he founded.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-ursicinus-ii-died-760-bishop/
Martyred in Nagasaki, Japan: A husband, wife and two sons, who were all martyred together in the persecutions in Japan. They were beheaded on 2 October 1622 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified by Pope Pius IX on 7 May 1867. Blessed Andreas Yakichi Blessed Franciscus Yakichi Blessed Lucia Yakichi Blessed Ludovicus Yakichi
1 October – Devotion for the Month of the Most Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels
An Indulgence of 7 years is granted to all the faithful who devoutly recite the Rosary during the Month of October–granted by Pope Leo XIII, in the same Encyclical, Supremo Apostolatus Officio.
Beginning on 1 September 1883, with Supremo Apostolatus Officio, Pope Leo XIII wrote a total of eleven Encyclicals on the Rosary, ending with Diuturni Temporis in 1898. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII ordered the Rosary to be recited everyday during the month of October in every Parish Church and Cathedral, throughout the world. Those of the faithful who could not be present at this recital he exhorted to say it with their families or in private.
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
Thought for the Day – 1 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Month of the Holy Rosary
“We should say the Rosary devoutly everyday. This beautiful prayer is very pleasing to Our Lady and, the Church, is particularly anxious that we should recite it during the month of October. Families who say the Holy Rosary together can hope for a special blessing from God and for the maternal protection of Mary.
If possible, every family should gather together in the evening and recite the Rosary before an image of our Blessed Mother. If the parents set an example, their child will join them. It is consoling to come together after the toil and trouble of the day, in order to confide our cares and hopes to Mary.
Do you say the Rosary everyday? If you have neglected this pious practice, begin today! Do not plead lack of time. There is time for so many other things, so surely, there is time to pray and to entrust ourselves, in a special way, to the protection of our heavenly Mother!? The practice of reciting the Holy Rosary, will win for you, the blessing of God and the patronage of the Blessed Virgin.”
Quote/s of the Day – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”
The Fifteen Promises is a tradition held by the Order of Preachers, that the Blessed Virgin Mary made Fifteen specific Promises through Saint Dominic (1170-1221) and Blessed Alain de la Roche (1428-1475), to those who faithfully pray the Rosary.
The 15 Promises of The Most Holy Rosary Given by The Blessed Virgin Mary
1.Those who faithfully serve me, by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces. 2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces, to all those who shall recite the Rosary. 3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell. 4. It will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish. It will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God. It will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means. 5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish. 6. Whoever shall recite my Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries, shall never be conquered and never overwhelmed by misfortune. God shall not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death Sinners shall convert. The just shall grow in grace and become worthy of eternal life. 7. Whoever shall have a true devotion to the Holy Rosary, shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church. 8. Those who are faithful, in reciting the Rosary, shall have, during their life and at their death, the Light of God and the plenitude of His graces. At the moment of death, they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in paradise. 9. I shall deliver from Purgatory, those who have been devoted to the Rosary. 10. The faithful children of the Rosary, shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven. 11. You shall obtain all you ask of me, by the recitation of the Rosary. 12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary, shall be aided by me, in their necessities. 13. I have obtained from my Divine Son, that all the advocates of the Rosary, shall have for intercessors, the entire Celestial Court during their life and at the hour of death. 14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons and brothers of my only Son, Jesus Christ. 15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.
“The Rosary, recited with meditation on the mysteries, brings about the following marvellous results:
It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ;
It purifies our souls, washing away sin;
It gives us victory over all our enemies;
It makes it easy for us to practice virtue;
It sets us on fire with love of Our Blessed Lord;
It enriches us with graces and merits;
It supplies us with what is needed to pay, all our debts to God and to our fellow men and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.”
One Minute Reflection – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels” – St Remigius (c438-533) Confessor, “Apostle of the Franks” Bishop –Ecclesiasticus Sir ach 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21
REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness …, it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.
O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring Light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory, to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…
Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me!… I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the solemn feast of blessed Remigius, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. 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 – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”
Queen of the Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Pompeii (Portion)
O blessed Rosary of Mary, Sweet chain which unites us to God, Bond of Love, which connects us with the Angels, Tower of Safety against the assaults of hell, Sure Harbour in the universal shipwreck, never more shall we part with thee; thou shall be our comfort in the hour of agony: to thee, the last kiss of our life and the last word of our dying lips, shall be thy sweet name – Queen of the Rosary of Valle di Pompeii. Mother dear, only refuge of sinners, supreme comforter of the afflicted, blessed be thy name, now and forever, on earth and in heaven. Amen.
Hail Queen, Mother of mercy: ℣ Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, o sacred Virgin. ℟ Give me strength against thy enemies. ℣ Pray for us, Queen of the most holy Rosary ℟ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
This Prayer has been approved by the Congregation of Rites and Pope Leo XIII has granted an Indulgence of Seven Years and Seven Quarantines to those who devoutly recite it on 8 May or on the first Sunday in October. (Rescript of 18 June 1887)
Saint of the Day – 1 October – Saint Severus Priest and Confessor of Orvieto, in Umbria, Italy, Miracle-worker. Two entries in the Roman Martyrology probably relate to this Saint: ✴under 15 February: “In the Province of Valeria, St Severus, Priest, of whom St Gregory (the Great) says that by his tears he recalled a dead man to life”; and: The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Orvieto, St Severus, Priest and Confessor.”
Crucifixion with the Virgin and SS Severus (damaged), Augustine, Mary Magdalene, John the Evangelist, Elizabeth, John the Baptist and Martirius (lost) Fresco (13th Century) in SS Severus and Martirius.
The Abbey of Saints Severus and Martirius (23 January) outside Orvieto is dedicated to our Saint together with St Martirius.
Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great: These two men are mentioned in successive stories in the Dialogues of Pope Gregory.
Book I, Chapter 12: of Severus, a Priest in the same Province
This chapter relates of a Parish Priest called Severus who lived in a valley in the Province of Valeria.
The account records that he delayed visiting a dying man (because he was busy in his vineyard) and, therefore, failed to give him Extreme Unction before he died. On hearing of the death, “the good man fell a trembling and cried out aloud that he had killed him; whereupon he fell a weeping and in that manner came to the corpse … suddenly the dead man returned to life.”
He recounted that, as he had been taken “ through dark places, suddenly a beautiful young man with others met us, who said … ‘Carry him back again; for Severus the Priest laments his death and our Lord, for his tears, hath given him longer life.’”
Severus duly administered the Sacrament, and the man died again having confessed his sins.
The date chosen for the Feast of St Severus in Orvieto (1st October) is also the date of the translation of the presumed Relics of another St Severus whose Feast is 15 February to Trier in the 10th Century. This St Severus was from Munstermaifeld, in Germany and these Relics are now in Saints Martin and Severus Church there.
The supposed Relics of Saints Severus and Martirius in Orvieto were, in 1613, moved to Sant’ Angelo (which belonged to the Abbey), presumably for greater security. They were placed in a new Reliquary and the High Altar of Sant’ Angelo was restored in order to receive it. The old Reliquary was then destroyed. An attempt was made to steal the Reliquary in July 2011 but the stolen objects were, fortunately, recovered.
St Sazan of Abyssinia St Severus (1st Century) Priest and Confessor of Orvieto
St Verissimus + The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon. The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon (Died c303) St Verissimus, St Maxima, St Julia. (Portuguese: Santos Mártires de Lisboa) were three siblings, the brother Verissimus and his two sisters , Maxima and Julia, who were Martyred n the Roman Province of Lusitania (modern-day Lisbon, Portugal) during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Lisbon, in Portugal, the holy Martyrs Verissimus and his tow sisters, Maxima and Julia, who suffered in the persecution of Diocletian.” Their Holy Martyrdom: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/01/saints-of-the-day-1-october-the-holy-martyrs-of-lisbon-died-c303-st-verissimus-st-maxima-st-julia/
Thought for the Day – 30 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Presence of God
“In times of temptation, it is especially necessary for us to place ourselves in the presence of God. We are courting disaster, if we do not raise our minds and hearts to God to implore His help, when temptation assails us. Like the Apostles on the lake of Genesareth, when their frail boat was battered by the storm tossed waves and was in danger of being wrecked, let us cry out with the same faith and confidence, when we are assaulted by the devil: “Lord save us! We are perishing!” (Mt 8:25). God knows our weakness and will certainly have mercy on us.
Let us not lose courage if He seems to be slow in granting His enlightenment and His grace and leaves us prey to the onslaughts of our passions. Like the Canaanite woman in the Gospel, let us continue to pray with constancy and with faith and the merciful God will take pity on us at last.”
Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor
“The scars of others should teach us caution.”
“Be ever engaged, so that whenever the devil calls, he may find you occupied.”
“Being over seventy is like being engaged in a war. All our friends are going or gone and we survive amongst the dead and the dying, as on a battlefield.”
O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me By St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
O Lord, show Thy mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho, who was overtaken by robbers, wounded and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid. I am like the sheep which went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home, in accord with Thy will. Let me dwell in Thy house all the days of my life and praise Thee, forever and ever with those who are there. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14
REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the Mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lit by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lit, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.
Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of life and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).
PRAYER – O God, Who graciously gave Thy Church blessed Jerome, Thy Confessor and peerless teacher, to explain the Holy Scriptures, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of his merits and by Thy assistance, we may be able to put into practice what he has taught us by his life and works. 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 – 30 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church AKA – “The Sun Who Illuminated the Scriptures” “A Lion in Defence of the Faith”
Merciful Jesus! Stretch Forth Thy Hand of Mercy (Excerpt – Prayer in a Time of Anguish) By St Jerome (347-419) Father and Doctor of the Church
Merciful Jesus! Thou art my strength, my refuge and my deliverer; in Thee I have believed and hoped; in Thee have I loved. Call me now, I beseech Thee and I will answer. Stretch forth Thy Hand of mercy, to the work of Thy Hands and let me not perish, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood. It is now time for dust to return to dust and my spirit to Thee Who gavest it. Open then, Lord, the Gate of Life and receive me. Receive me most merciful Lord, according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, Who receivedst the thief on the cross and now prepare my soul for hearing the same promise of mercy which he did. I am ill, O Lord and Thee my Physician. Heal me then, my God and I shall be healed, let me not be confounded, for I put my trust in Thee. In Thee have I hoped – let me not be cast off forever! … Deal not with me, according to what I deserve, nor chastise me, according to my iniquities but help me, O God, my Saviour and for the glory of Thy Name deliver me. Now, at this hour, show mercy to me and whenever I depart, receive me into the number of Thy family that I, may be one of those, who are to praise Thee forever. Amen
Saint of the Day – 30 September – St Midan (Died c610) Missionary Bishop of Anglesey, Priest, Monk, Missionary, founder of Churches. Spiritual disciple and relative of St Kentigern. Born in Wales and died in Anglesey in Scotland. Also knwn as – Idan, Nidan,
Littleis known in detail of Midan’s life. According to manscript sources, dated to the 14th Century) in the Natonal Library of Wales, he was the son of Gwrfyw. Midan became a Monk at St Seiriol’s Monatery at Penmon, on the eastern tip of Anglesey in north Wals and was the Monastery’s Confessor. He founded a Curch in what is now known as Llanidan, also in Anglesey, near to the Menai Straits. He is reported to have lived at Cadair Idan, near the Church and a well about 180 metres away from the Church is reputed to be his miraculous holy well.
St Midan’s Church, Llanidan
Midan is believed to have been one of the 665 Monks who travelled with St Kentigern, also known as St Mungo and thought to have been St Kentigern’s relative, probably his cousin. They travelled to Scotland to preach the Gospel as Missionaries. Together with another of Kentigern’s companions, Finan, they established Christianity in what is now Aberdeenshire and it is here that some sources record that our Saint Midan became a Bishop.
A Church in Midmar was dedicated to Midan. According to some sources, he died in about 610 which would be inconsistent with the reported Consecration date of 616, of the Church founded by him at Llanidan.
St Sophia Widow St Ursus the Theban St Victor the Theban
Martyrs of Valsery Abbey: An unknown number of Premonstratensian Monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Valsery, Picardie, France who were Martyred by Calvinists. They were martyred in 1567 at Valsery, Pircardy, France.
Thought for the Day – 29 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Particular and General Judgements
“It is appointed unto men to die once and after this comes the judgement” (Heb 9:27).
To have to appear before the Face of the Living God is terrifying for everybody. How much more terrifying will it be, for the sinner? Weighed down by numberless sins, he will stand before the scrutinising gaze of God. He will be able to hide nothing. Everything will be evident and clear. The Countenance of our Divine Redeemer which was mild and merciful during life, will at that moment, be that of a severe and just Judge. After having scorned so many graces, after having spurned so many calls to conversion and so many secret inspirations to change his life, after dying unrepentant …behold the sinner in the presence of his Eternal Judge. At that moment, he will hear the irrevocable sentence resounding in his ears “Depart from me, accursed ones, into the everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt 25:41). This terrible condemnation will be publicly repeated, moreover, at the general judgement. Memento mori!”
Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“See, I am sending My Angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”
Exodus 23:20
“God Loves in the Seraphim, as Charity, Knows in the Cherubim, as Truth, is seated in the Thrones, as Equity, Reigns in the Dominions, as Majesty, Rules in the Principalities, as Principle, Guards in the Powers, as Salvation, Acts in the Virtues, as Strength, Reveals in the Archangels, as Light, Assists in the Angels, as Piety.”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor
O Victorious Prince, Guardian of the Church of God By St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
O Victorious Prince, most humble guardian of the Church of God and of faithful souls, who, with such charity and zeal, took part in so many conflicts and gained such great victories over the enemy, for the conservation and protection of the honour and glory, we all owe to God, as well as for the promotion of our salvation. Come, we pray Thee, to our assistance, for we are continually besieged with such great perils by our enemies, the flesh, the world and the devil and as Thou wast a leader for the people of God, through the desert, so also be our faithful leader and companion through the desert of this world, until Thou conduct us safely, into the happy land of the living, in that blessed fatherland from which we are all exiles. Amen.
“The powers of hell will assail the dying Christian but his Angel Guardian will come to console him. His Patrons and St Michael, who has been appointed by God to defend his faithful servants, in their last combat with the devils, will come to his aid.”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5 – Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. ” – Matthew 18:3
REFLECTION – “We must seek for reasons for individual sayings and actions of the Lord. After the coin was found, after the tribute paid, what do the Apostles’ sudden questions mean? Why precisely “at that time” did the disciples come to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Because they had seen the same tax had been paid for both Peter and the Lord. From the equal price, they inferred that Peter may have been set over all the other Apostles, since Peter had been compared with the Lord in the paying of the tax. So, they ask, who is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, seeing their thoughts and understanding the causes of their error, wants to heal their desire for glory, with a struggle for humility.
He called a child to Him to ask its age or to show the image of innocence. Or perhaps, He actually set a child in their midst — He Himself, Who had not come to be served but to serve — to show them an example of humility.
Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as this child, whose example I show you, does not persist in anger, does not long remember injury suffered, is not enamoured inordinately by the sight of a beautiful woman, does not think one thing and say another, so you too, unless you have similar innocence and purity of mind, will not be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Or it might be taken in another way: “Whosoever, therefore, humiliates himself like this child, is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven,” so as to imply that anyone who imitates Me and humiliates himself following My example, so that he abases himself, as much as I abased Myself in accepting the form of a servant, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” – St Jerome (343-420) Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Matthew 3).
PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 29 September – St Quiriacus (c449-557) Hermit of Palestine, Born in Corinth, Greece and died in Palestine Also known as – Ciriacus, Quiriaco, Kyriakos.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Palestine, St Quiriacus, Anchorite.”
He was born in Corinth on 9 January probably in the year 449. Desiring perfection, he went to Palestine and received the habit of Saint Euthymius, one of the fathers of Palestinian monasticism.
However, Euthymius, judging him too young, refused to retain him under his supervision. Quiriacus then decided to join the disciples of Saint Gerasimus who lived near the Jordan River. Here he spent nine years of arduous novitiate. Upon the death of his two teachers, he returned to the care of Abbot Euthymius and remaining there for another nine years.
Over the course of his long life, he changed residence several more times. In his time, monastic life was often troubled by divisions and conflicts over theological doctrines not yet clarified by the Councils. Quiriacus was called upon to use his authority to confront the Monks who supported heretical theories.
His biographer, who went to visit him at the Monastery of Susakim, found him in the company of a large lion which lived with him like a guard dog.
He died in the cave of St Chariton (Died 3rd Century) at the age of 108, in 557.
THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493. The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’ About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492: https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/
St Quiriacus (c449-557)Hermit of Palestine St Rene Goupil St Rhipsime Bl Richard Rolle St Sapor of Persia St Theodota of Thrace
Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.
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Thought for the Day – 28 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Divine Counsellor
“Speak Lord, for Thy servant hears. Give me understanding that I may know Thy testimonies. Let not Moses, nor any of the Prophets, speak to me but speak Thou rather, O Lord God, the Inspirer and Enlightener of all the Prophets… They may indeed sound forth words but they give not the Spirit. Most beautifully do they speak but if Thou be silent, they inflame not the heart… They declare the commandments but Thou enables us to fulfil them. They show the way but Thou gives the strength to walk in it… Speak to me that it may be some comfort to my soul and the amendment of my whole life and also, to Thy praise, glory and everlasting honour!” (Cf The Imitation of ChristBk III, Ch 2).
Quote of the Day – 28 September – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr.
Good King Wenceslaus
Good King Wenceslaus looked out, on the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even; Brightly shone the moon that night, t ho’ the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, gath’ring winter fuel.
“Hither, page and stand by me, if thou know’st it, telling, Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?” “Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain; Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither, Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.” Page and Monarch, forth they went, forth they went together; Through the rude wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.
“Sire, the night is darker now and the wind blow stronger; Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer.” “Mark my footsteps, my good page. Tread thou in them boldly Thou shalt find the winter’s rage, freeze thy blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod which the Saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.
AnaStpaul 
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