Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 13 January – HEAVEN

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

HEAVEN

“God desires our salvation.
“God wishes all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2:4).
We are all aspiring to Heaven.
We shall not be denied the grace of God, as long as we ask for it with confidence and perseverance.
St Augustine tells us that Paradise is ours, if we wish: “You are not called to embrace the earth but, to prepare yourselves for Heaven; not to the successes of this world, nor to a short-lived and transient prosperity but, to eternal life, together with the Angels” (Serm 296 6:7).

Contemplate that true and everlasting happiness.
Let us direct towards it, our intentions and desires and all our work!
Then the day will come when we shall be really happy for all eternity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/27/thought-for-the-day-27-july-heaven/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/13/thought-for-the-day-13-january-heaven/

Posted in "Follow Me", BAPTISM, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on The SOUL, The BAPTISM of the LORD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The INCARNATION, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – ‘… Putting off the old man!’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – Octave Day of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, John 1:29-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Make ready then the vessel of your soul
that you may become a son of God
and an heir of God
and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17);
if, indeed, you are preparing yourself
that you may receive;
if you are drawing near in faith
that you may be made faithful;
if of set purpose,
you are putting off the old man!”

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Let us become like Christ,
since Christ became like us.
He assumed the worse,
that He might give us the better;
He became poor,
that we through His poverty,
might be rich.”

St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Ah Jesus, Sun of Justice,
make me clothe myself with You,
so that I may be able to live
according to Your will.
Make me, under Your guidance,
preserve my robe of Baptismal innocence,
white, holy and spotless
and present it undefiled,
before Your tribunal,
so that I may wear it,
for eternal life.”

St Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301)

“If we wish to make any progress
in the service of God,
we must begin everyday of our life,
with new eagerness.
We must keep ourselves,
in the presence of God,
as much as possible
and have no other view or end,
in all our actions
but the divine honour.”

St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

“Anyone who takes life seriously
in the Christian sense,
will regard it as a difficult journey
towards perfection and towards God.
This journey will be, at the same time,
painful and joyful.
… It is our own loss if we sit down lazily
on the side of the road,
which should lead us to Heaven.
It is even more disastrous,
if we acknowledge defeat
and lay down the spiritual weapons
of prayer and renunciation,
in order to surrender ourselves to sin or to indifference.
Everyday we should say to ourselves,
in the presence of God –
A new life is beginning …
in You, by Your grac and for You!
Amen”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, St JOHN the BAPTIST, The BAPTISM of the LORD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 January – ‘ … Make ready then the vessel of your soul that you may become a son of God … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 January – Octave Day of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, John 1:29-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And I knew Him not but he who sent me to Baptise with water said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, He it IS, Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit. And I saw and I gave testimony that this is the Son of God.” – John 1:33-34

REFLECTION – “Jesus Christ was the Son of God, yet He preached not the Gospel before His Baptism. If the Master Himself followed the right time in due order, ought we, His servants, to venture out of order? From that time Jesus began to preach (Matthew 4:17) , when the Holy Ghost had descended upon Him in a bodily shape, like a Dove, (Luke 3:22) not that Jesus might see Him first, for He knew Him even before He came in a bodily shape but that John, who was Baptising Him, might behold Him. For I, says he, knew Him not but He that sent me to Baptise with water, He said to me, Upon whomsoever you shall see the Spirit descending and abiding on Him that is He (John 1:33).

If you too have unfeigned piety, the Holy Ghost comes down on you also and a Father’s voice sounds over you from on high — not, ‘This is My Son’ alone because ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.’ To Him belongs the ‘IS’ since He is always the Son of God – but to you, has now been made, since you have not the sonship by nature but receive it by adoption. He eternally ‘IS’ but you receive the grace progressively.

Make ready then the vessel of your soul that you may become a son of God and an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17); if, indeed, you are preparing yourself that you may receive; if you are drawing near in faith that you may be made faithful; if of set purpose, you are putting off the old man!” – St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Father and Doctor of the Church (Catechetical Lecture 3: 14-15).

PRAYER – O God, Whose Only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our flesh, grant, we pray Thee that we, who acknowledge His outward likeness to us, may deserve to be inwardly refashioned in His Image. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, HYMNS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 13 January – Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee! By St Bernard

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 13 January – Octave Day of Epiphany– “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee!
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus’ Name,
The Saviour of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!
O joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find?
Ah! this nor tongue, nor pen, can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shall be;
In Thee be all our glory now
And through eternity.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 January – Saint Leontius of Caesarea (Died 337) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 13 January – Saint Leontius of Caesarea (Died 337) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. Leontius died in 337 of natural causes. He is sometimes called “the Angel of Peace.”

The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Caesarea, in Cappadocia, St Leontius, the Bishop, who strongly opposed the Gentiles under Licinius and the Arians, under Constantine.”

Leontius was childhood friends with St Gregory the Illuminator (c 257 – c 331) “Apostle to Armenia” and “Father of Armenia.” Later in life, Leontius would Consecrate Gregory as the First Patriarch of the Armenians.
St Gregory here: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-saint-gregory-the-illuminator-c-257-c-331/

Leontius attended the First Council of Nicaea in 325 and was highly praised in the writings of Saint Athanasius (297-373) the Archbishop of Alexandria, a Father and Doctor of the Church. He was known to the Greeks by the spiritual title “the Angel of Peace.”

St Leontius died in 337 of natural causes.

Posted in Uncategorized

The Octave Day of Epiphany, Panny Marie Vítězné / Our Lady of Victory, Prague (1620) and Memorials of the Saints – 13 January

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Octave Day of Epiphany

Panny Marie Vítězné / Our Lady of Victory, Prague, Czech Republic (1620), home of the Infant of Prague: 13 January:
Among shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, that at Prague has become world-famous because it is also the home of the Statue of the Infant of Prague.
This Wonderful Shrine:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/13/our-lady-of-victory-prague-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-january/

St Agrecius of Trier
St Andrew of Trier
St Berno of Cluny
St Designatus of Maastricht
St Elian of Brittany
St Enogatus of Aleth
St Erbin of Cornwall
St Glaphyra
St Gumesindus of Córdoba
St Hermylus
Bl Hildemar of Arrouaise
Bl Ida of Argensolles
Bl Ivetta of Huy Widow, Mother, Recluse, Mystic

St Kentigern “Mungo” of Glasgow (c 518-614) Founder and Archbishop of Glasgow, Missionary, Miracle-worker, known as “Saint Mungo.”
About St Mungo:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/13/saint-of-the-day-13-january-saint-kentigern-mungo-of-glasgow-518-614/

St Leontius of Caesarea (Died 337) Bishop
Bl Matteo de Lana
St Peter of Capitolíade

St Remigius of Rheims (c 438-533) Bishop “Apostle of the Franks,” Bishop of Rheims, Lord Chancellor of France, renowned Scholar and Rhetorician, Missionary and zealous Preacher of the Gospel for the glory of the Kingdom of God, miracle-worker.
An Amazing Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/13/saint-of-the-day-13-january-saint-remigius-of-rheims-c-438-533-apostle-of-the-franks/

St Servusdei of Córdoba
St Stephen of Liège
St Stratonicus

Blessed Veronica of Binasco OSA (c 1445-1497) Virgin Mystic
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/13/saint-of-the-day-13-january-blessed-veronica-of-binasco-osa-c-1445-1497/

St Viventius
St Vivenzio of Blera

Forty Martyred Soldiers at Rome: Forty soldiers Martyred in the persecutions of Gallienus. They were Martyred in 262 on the Via Lavicana, Rome, Italy.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HELL

Thought for the Day – 12 January – HELL 2

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

HELL 2

“In that place of never-ending suffering, there will be three punishments to torture us.
There will be the worm of conscience which does not die – “Their worm dies not” (Mk 9:43).
This is the awful realisation that we could have saved ourselves but are lost for all eternity; that God gave us so many graces and we damned ourselves by abusing them.
Now, there is no longer any remedy because the Mercy of God has been succeeded once and for all, by His Justice!

In the second place, there is fire.
This is a real fire but altogether different from the material fire we know in this world which was created by God for our benefit and service.
The fire of hell, on the other hand, was created by Divine Justice, purely to punish us.
It is a special kind of fire which tortures body and soul and the rebel angels, as well as damned human beings.
It could be called, discerning, insofar, as it torments more or less mercilessly, according to the gravity of the sin.
These flames embrace every evil and exclude every good.
They are flames which will never be extinguished, flames which burn but do not consume, flames without light, dark and accompanied by the shrieking of eternal despair.
The very thought of this horrible dungeon of torments should spur us onto begin immediately, a life of virtue and Christian perfection!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/12/thought-for-the-day-12-january-hell-1/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, MODESTY, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on ZEAL, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 12 January – The love of Jesus is noble and generous

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 12January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And seeing the star they rejoiced
with exceeding great joy.”

Matthew 2:10

“When it is dark,
we do not see how dusty and dirty
our house is.
Only when the place
is flooded with sunlight,
do we realise its awful condition.
So, we need the light of God’s grace
to show us the real state of our soul
and to induce us
to clean up our hearts!”

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

Grant me, O my God
By St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419)

Good Jesus,
let me be penetrated with love
to the very marrow of my bones,
with fear and respect toward You.
Let me burn with zeal for Your honour,
so that I may resent terribly,
all the outrages
committed against You,
especially those of which
I myself have been guilty.
Grant further, O my God,
that I may adore and acknowledge You humbly,
as my Creator and that,
penetrated with gratitude
for all Your benefits,
I may never cease to render You thanks.
Grant that I may bless You in all things,
praise and glorify You
with a heart full of joy and gladness
and that, obeying You with docility
in every respect, I may one day,
despite my ingratitude and unworthiness,
be seated at Your table
together with Your Holy Angels and Apostles
to enjoy ineffable delights.
Amen

“The love of Jesus is noble and generous,
it spurs us on to do great things
and excites us to desire always,
that which is most perfect.
Love will tend upwards
and is not to be detained by things beneath.
Love will be at liberty
and free from all worldly affections…
for love proceeds from God
and cannot rest but in God,
above all things created.
The lover flies, runs and rejoices,
he is free and not held.
He gives all for all and has all in all,
because he rests in One Sovereign Good above all,
from Whom all good flows and proceeds.”

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
(Book III, Chapter V, 3-4)

“Where is the heart that loves?
On the thing it loves.
Therefore, where our love is,
there our heart is held captive.
It cannot leave it;
it cannot be lifted higher,
it cannot go either to the right or the left;
see, it is fixed.
Where the miser’s treasure is,
there is his heart
and where our heart is,
there is our treasure.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“Do not live any longer in yourself
but let Jesus Christ live in you in such a way
that the virtue of this Divine Saviour may be resplendent
in all your actions, in order that all may see in you
a true portrait of the Crucified and sense,
the sweetest fragrance of the holy virtues of the Lord,
in interior and exterior modesty,
in patience,
in gentleness,
suffering,
charity,
humility
and in all others that follow.”

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 January – ‘ … Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King. …’ Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And seeing the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10

REFLECTION – “Jesus is born poor in a stable; the Angels of Heaven indeed acknowledge Him but men abandon and forsake Him on earth. Only a few shepherds come and pay Him homage. But our Redeemer was desirous of communicating to us the grace of His redemption and begins, therefore, to manifest Himself to the Gentiles, Who knew Him least. Therefore, He sends a Star to enlighten the holy Magi, in order that they may come and acknowledge and adore their Saviour. This was the first and sovereign grace bestowed upon us–our vocation to the Faith which was succeeded by our vocation to grace, of which men were deprived.

Behold the wise men, who immediately, without delay, set off upon their journey. The Star accompanies them as far as the cavern where the Holy Infant lies. On their arrival, they enter and what do they find? They found the Child with Mary. They find a poor maiden and a poor Infant wrapped in poor swaddling-clothes, without anyone to attend on Him or assist Him. But, lo! on entering into the little shed, these holy pilgrims feel a joy which they had never felt before; they feel their hearts chained to the dear little Infant Whom they behold. The straw, the poverty, the cries of their little Saviour–oh, what darts of love! Oh, what blessed flames are they to their enlightened hearts! The Infant looks upon them with a joyful countenance and this is the mark of affection, with which He accepts them amongst the first-fruits of His Redemption.

The holy kings then look at Mary, who does not speak –she remains silent but with her blessed countenance which breathes the sweetness of paradise, she welcomes them and thanks them for having been the first to come and acknowledge Her Son (as indeed He is) for their Sovereign Lord. See also how, out of reverence, they adore Him in silence and acknowledge Him for their God, kissing His Feet and offering Him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King Jesus and let us offer Him all our hearts.” – St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Founder of the Redemptorists, Most Zealous Doctor (The Adoration of the Magi),

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The DIVINE INFANT

Our Morning Offering – 12 January – O Dearest Infant

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 12 January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”

O Dearest Infant
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

O dearest Infant,
tell me what You came on earth to do.
Tell me whom You are seeking.
Ah, yes, I now understand…
You have come to die for me, a lost sheep,
in order that I may no more
hide from You but love You.
O Jesus, my treasure,
my life, my love, my all,
if I do not love You,
then whom shall I love?
Where can I find a mother or father,
a friend, or a spouse more loving than You?
And who has ever loved me more than You have?
I am sorry that I have lived so many years in this world
and yet still love You so little,
even having offended You
and sometimes forgotten You.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 January – Saint Tatiana of Rome (Died c 226) Virgin, Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 12 January – Saint Tatiana of Rome (Died c 226) Virgin, Martyr. Died by being beheaded in c 226 in Rome, Italy. Patronage – students, school children. Also known as – Martina, Tatienne.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome in the time of the Emperor Alexander, St Tatiana, Martyr who was torn with iron hooks and combs, thrown to the beasts and cast into the fire but, having received no injury, was beheaded and thus, went to Heaven.”

Tatiana was a Christian Martyr in the 3rd Century, in Rome during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus. According to legend, she was the daughter of a Roman civil servant who was secretly Christian. He raised his daughter in the Faith and she became prominent in helping the early Church. This was dangerous, bringing her to the attention of the persecutors and one day the jurists Ulpian, captured Tatiana and attempted to force her to make a sacrifice to Apollo. She prayed and miraculously an earthquake destroyed the Apollo statue and part of the temple.

Tatiana was then blinded and beaten for two days, before being brought to a Circus and thrown into the pit with a hungry lion. But the lion did not touch her,and instead, lay at her feet. This resulted in a death sentence being pronounced and after being tortured, Tatiana was beheaded with a sword.

Tatiana was venerated as a Saint from the early days of the Church. The miracles performed by Tatiana are said to have converted thousands upon thousands,and many converted to the Faith immediately. She is the Oatron Saint of students.

St Tatiana in the Church of St Augustine in Rome
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Seventh Day within the Octave of Epiphany, Nuestra Señora La Conquistadora / Our Lady the Conqueror, New Mexico and Memorials of the Saints – 12 January

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Seventh Day within the Octave of Epiphany

Nuestra Señora La Conquistadora / Our Lady the Conqueror, Santa Fe, New Mexico – 12 January:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/12/our-lady-of-conquest-santa-fe-new-mexico-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-january/

St Benedict Biscop OSB (c 628-690) – Confessor, Bishop and Abbot of Wearmouth, who introduced Stained Glass windows to England and raised the child, the Venerable Saint Bede.
This wonderful Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/12/saint-of-the-day-12-january-st-benedict-biscop-osb-c-628-690/

St Arcadius of Mauretania (Died c 302) Martyr, Hermit.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/12/saint-of-the-day-12-january-saint-arcadius-of-mauretania-died-c-302-martyr/

Bl Bartholomew Alvarez
Bl Bernardo de Plano
St Biccianus
St Bernard of Corleone
St Caesaria of Arles
St Caroticus
Bl Emmanuel d’Abreu
St Eutropius
St Ferreolus of Grenoble Bishop Martyr
Bl John Gaspard Cratz
St John of Ravenna
Bl Lucia of Valcaldara
St Martinian of Belozersk
St Peter of Abessala
St Probus of Verona
St Quinctus the Soldier
St Satyrus
St Tatiana of Rome (Died c 226) Virgin, Martyr
St Tigrius
St Victorian of Asana
Bl Vincent da Cunha

Martyrs of Africa – 44 Saints: A group of 44 Christian soldiers murdered together for their faith in Africa. The only details that survive are four of their names – Castulus, Modestus, Rogatus and Zoticus.

Martyrs of Ephesus – 42 Saints: Forty-two Monks Martyred at a Monastery in Ephesus (modern Turkey) during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Byzantine Emperor Constantine V. Their names have not come down to us. Martyred c 762.

Martyrs of Iona – 38 Saints: Thirty-eight Monks Martyred in Iona, Ireland. Their names have not come down to us. They were Martyred in 750 at Iona, Ireland.

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 11 January – The Particular and General Judgements

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Particular and General Judgements

“St Catherine of Siena believed that loyalty to the Church and devotion to the Blessed Virgin, were two pledges of salvation.
In one of her letters she wrote that “he will not die forever, who serves the Church faithfully.”
Elsewhere she said that “out of reverence for the Word, the Divine Goodness has granted Our Lady, the privilege that any man, good or sinful, who pays her due honour, will not be taken captive by the devil.”
Consequently, we need not be inordinately afraid of death, or of the final judgement, if we love the Church, obey her commandments and work generously for her triumph in the universe and, if we show a filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin, pray to her and imitate her in virtue, as far as possible,

It will be profitable for us to think about death and the last judgement (Cf Ecclus 7:36).
It will moderate our impatience in tribulations and our inordinate pleasure in consolations.
It will be a stimulus to perseverance in good actions.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/24/thought-for-the-day-24-july-the-particular-and-general-judgements/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/thought-for-the-day-11-january-the-particular-and-general-judgements/

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, IMMACULATE HEART Quotes, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS, To JESUS through MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – ‘ … For it is through her, that the true Light shines on the sea of this life.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – Within the Octave if Epiphany

“Go to Mary and sing her praises
and you will be enlightened.
For it is through her,
that the true Light
shines on the
sea of this life.”

St Ildephonsus (607-670)

“Do you not know,
that not only is Jesus,
resting and dwelling continually
in the Heart of Mary
but that He is, Himself the Heart of Mary …”

St John Eudes CO (1601-1680)
Apostle of the Two Holy Hearts

The Mater Christi
Unknown Author

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
What shall I ask of thee?
I do not sigh for the wealth of earth
For the joys that fade and flee,
But, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This do I long to see —
The bliss untold which thy arms enfold,
The Treasure upon thy knee.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
He was All-in-All to thee,
In the winter’s cave, in Nazareth’s home,
In the hamlets of Galilee,
So, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
He will not say nay to thee,
When He lifts His Face to thy sweet embrace,
Speak to Him, Mother, of me.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
The world will bid Him flee,
Too busy to heed His gentle voice,
Too blind His charms to see,
Then, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
Come with thy Babe to me,
Tho’ the world be cold, my heart shall hold
A shelter for Him and thee.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
What shall I do for thee?
I will love thy Son with the whole of my strength,
My only King shall He be.
Yes! Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This will I do for thee,
Of all that are dear or cherished here,
None shall be dear as He.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
I toss on a stormy sea,
O lift thy Child as a Beacon Light,
To the Port where I fain would be!
And, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This do I ask of thee —
When the voyage is o’er, oh! stand on the shore
And show Him at last to me.

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 January – Could such a One as this, be King?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary, His Mother and falling down, they adored Him …” – Matthew 2:11

REFLECTION – “God’s intention was not only to come down to earth but to become known there; not only to be born but to be recognised. In fact, it is with this recognition in mind that we hold this celebration of the Epiphany, the great day of His manifestation. For it was today that the Magi came from the East in search of the Sun of Justice at its rising (Mal 3,20), He of Whom we read: “Behold a Man whose name is the Orient,” (Zec 6,12 Vul.). Today they have adored the Virgin’s newborn Child, following the guidance of a New Star. What great cause for joy do we not find here, my brethren, as also in those words of the Apostle Paul: “The kindness and generous love of God our Saviour have appeared,” (Tit 3,4)…

What is this you are doing, you Magi? What is this you are doing? Are you adoring an Infant at the breast in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can a Child such as this really be God? Yet, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in Heaven.” (Ps 11:4) while you are looking for Him in a common stable, held in His Mother’s arms! Whatever are you doing? Why are you offering Him gold? Could such a One as this be King? Where, then, is His Royal Court, His Throne, His crowd of courtiers? Can a stable be a palace, a crib a throne, Mary and Joseph members of His Court? How on earth could wise men be so foolish as to adore a Baby, as contemptible by reason of His age, as for the poverty of His Family?

Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. The Holy Spirit has taught them already what the Apostle Paul would later proclaim: “Whoever would be wise, let him become a fool. For since the world, in all its wisdom, did not come to know God in His Wisdom, it has pleased God to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the Gospel we proclaim, (cf 1 Cor 1:21)… And so, they prostrate themselves before this poor Child; they do Him homage as to a King; they adore Him as a God. He Who outwardly guided them by a Star, has cast His Light into the interior of their hearts!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (1st Sermon for the Epiphany).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in franciscan OFM, Holy Name PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 11 January – Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”

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

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 11 January – Saint Anastasius of Suppentonia (Died c 570) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 11 January – Saint Anastasius of Suppentonia (Died c 570) Monk, Abbot of the Monastery at Suppendonia, Italy. Died in c 570 at Suppentonia, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – of Castel Saint’Elia, Italy. Also known as – Anastasius of Castel Sant’Elia, Anastasius X.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Suppentonia, near Mount Socrates, the holy Monk Anastasius and his companions, who were called by a voice from Heaven to enter the Kingdom of God.”

A source on Anastasius’ life is St Gregory the Great, who wrote that an Angel appeared to summon Anastasius and all of the Abbot’s Monks. Anastasius and all of his Monks all subsequently died one after the other within the next eight days.

St Nonnosus (Died c 570) Monk, was one of Anastasius’ Monks.

Posted in Uncategorized

Sixth Day within the Octave of Epiphany, Notre-Dame de Bessiere / Our Lady of Bessiere, France, Madonna della Vetrana / Our Lady of the Vetrana Italy (1691) and Memorials of the Saints – 11 January

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Sixth Day within the Octave of Epiphany

Notre-Dame de Bessiere / Our Lady of Bessiere, Limousin, France – 11 January:
Here
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/11/memorials-of-the-saints-11-january-4/

Madonna della Vetrana / Our Lady of the Vetrana (Castellana Grotte, Bari, Puglia, Italy (1691) – 11 January:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/notre-dame-de-bessiere-our-lady-of-bessiere-limousin-france-madonna-della-vetrana-our-lady-of-the-vetrana-castellana-grotte-bari-puglia-italy-1691-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-january/

St Pope Hyginus (Died 142) Papal Ascension c 138. It is believed he was a Martyr for Christ and suffered during the persecution of Antoninus, although our ancient sources do not confirm this. Tradition holds that during his Papacy he determined the various prerogatives of the clergy and defined the grades of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Hyginus also instituted Godparents at Baptism to assist the baptised during their Christian life. In addition, he decreed, that all Churches be Consecrated.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-saint-pope-hyginus-died-142/

St Alexander of Fermo
St Anastasius of Suppentonia (Died c 570) Monk, Abbot
St Boadin of Ireland
St Breandan of Ireland (the name is not an error)
St Eithne
St Fedelemia
St Honorata of Pavia
St Leucius of Alexandria
St Leucius of Brindisi
St Liberata of Pavia
St Lucius the Soldier
St Luminosa of Pavia
St Mark the Soldier
St Michael of Klopsk
St Palaemon
St Paldo
St Peter Balsam
St Peter of Alexandria
St Peter of Anea
St Peter the Soldier

St Salvius of Amiens (Died c 625) The 5th Bishop of Amiens, France, Monk, miracle-worker.
About St Salvius:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-saint-salvius-of-amiens-died-c-625/

St Salvius of North Africa (Died 6th Century) Martyr

St Severus of Alexandria
St Speciosa of Pavia
St Taso
St Theodosius the Soldier
St Theodosius of Antioch

St Theodosius the Cenobiarch (423-529) Hermit/ AbboT/Founder of the Cenobitical Communities.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-st-theodosius-the-cenobiarch/

St Tipasio of Tigava

St Vitalis of Gaza (Died c 625) Monk, Hermit. “At Gaza, Vitalis was a monk for many years and earned considerable controversy for his methods in reforming the local prostitutes and scandalous women.” (Roman Martyrology).
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-st-vitalis-of-gaza-died-c-625/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 10 January – The Death of the Just as Opposed to the Death of the Sinner

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Death of the Sinner as Opposed
to the Death of the Just

“Now that we have witnessed these contrasting scenes, let us examine ourselves in the presence of God.
Let each of us ask: What will be my fate?
If we can rank ourselves amongst the just, let us thank God.
We are not there on our own merits.
“By the grace of God, I am what I am” (1 Cor 15:10).

Perhaps we need only reproach ourselves with some deficiency or weakness but, have at the same times, a strong desire to serve God and a great love for Him.
In this case, we can take heart.
We can cast ourselves into the merciful arms of God.
But, if on the other hand, we are hardened and habitual sinners, then woe betide us!
Perhaps this meditation is the last grace which God will bestow on us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/11/thought-for-the-day-11-january-the-death-of-the-sinner/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/12/thought-for-the-day-12-january-the-death-of-the-just/

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – ‘The Armour of Light.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Behold, the star
which they had seen in the east,
went before them
until it came and stood
over where the Child was…”

Matthew 2:9

“The night is passed and the day is at hand.
Let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of Light.”

Romans 12:12

“I implore you to live with me and,
by believing, to run with me;
let us long for our Heavenly Country,
let us sigh for our Heavenly Home,
let us truly feel that here, we are strangers.
What shall we then see?
Let the gospel tell us:
In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
You will come to the fountain,
with whose dew you have already been sprinkled.
Instead of the ray of Light
which was sent through slanting
and winding ways, into the heart of your darkness,
you will see the Light Itself,
in all its purity and brightness.
It is to see and experience this Light
that you are now being cleansed. …
It has been good for us to share
the common Light,
good to have enjoyed ourselves,
good to have been glad together.
When we part from one another,
let us not depart from Him!”

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

Prayer of Blessed Severinus Boethius
(c 475-524) Martyr

“O Father, enable our minds,
to rise to Thy ineffable dwelling place.
Let us find the light
and direct the eyes of our soul to Thee.
Dispel the mists and the opaqueness
of the earthly mass
and shine out with Thy splendour.
Thou art the serene and tranquil abode
of those who persevere
in their goal of seeing Thee.
Thou art, at the same time,
the Beginning, the Vehicle,
the Guide, the Way and the Goal.
Amen.”

“Run with eager desire
to this Source of Life and Light,
all you who are vowed to God’s service.
Come, whoever you may be
and cry out to Him,
with all the strength of your heart.
O indescribable Beauty of the most high God
and purest Radiance of Eternal Light!
Life that gives all life,
Light that is the Source of every other light,
preserving, in everlasting splendour,
the myriad flames that have shone
before the throne of Thy Divinity
from the dawn of time!”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", BAPTISM, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 January – … Behold, the Star which they had seen in the east, went before them … Matthew 2:9

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” –Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … Behold, the Star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. ” – Matthew 2:9

REFLECTION – “Christ appeared in the world and, bringing beauty out of disarray, gave it lustre and joy. He bore the world’s sin and crushed the world’s enemy. He sanctified the fountains of waters and enlightened the minds of men. Into the fabric of miracles, He interwove ever greater miracles.

For on this day, land and sea share between them, the grace of the Saviour and the whole world is filled with joy. Today’s Feast of the Epiphany manifests even more wonders than the Feast of Christmas.

On the Feast of the Saviour’s birth, the earth rejoiced because it bore the Lord in a manger but on today’s Feast of the Epiphany, it is the sea that is glad and leaps for joy; the sea is glad because it receives the blessing of holiness in the river Jordan.

At Christmas we saw a weak Baby, giving proof of our weakness. In today’s Feast, we see a perfect Man, hinting at the perfect Son Who proceeds from the All-perfect Father. At Christmas the King puts on the Royal Robe of His Body; at Epiphany the very source enfolds and, as it were, clothes the river.

Come then and see new and astounding miracles – the Sun of Righteousness washing in the Jordan, fire immersed in water, God sanctified by the ministry of man.

Today every creature shouts in resounding song – Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is He who comes in every age, for this is not His first coming. And Who is He? Tell us more clearly, I beg you, blessed David – the Lord is God and has shone upon us. David is not alone in prophesying this; the Apostle Paul adds his own witness, saying: the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all men and instructing us. Not for some men but for all. To Jews and Greeks alike God bestows salvation through Baptism, offering Baptism as a common grace for all.

Come, consider this new and wonderful deluge, greater and more important than the flood of Noah’s day. Then, the water of the flood destroyed the human race but now, the water of Baptism has recalled the dead to life, by the power of the One Who was Baptised. In the days of the flood, the dove with an olive branch in its beak foreshadowed the fragrance of the good odour of Christ the Lord; now the Holy Spirit, coming in the likeness of a Dove, reveals the Lord of mercy.” – St Proclus of Constantinople (Died c 446) Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, Father (An excerpt from On the Holy God-showing, Sermon 7)

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 10 January – Beloved and Most Holy Word of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 10 January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”

Beloved and Most Holy Word of God
By St James of the Marches (1391-1476)

Beloved and most holy Word of God!
You enlighten the hearts of the faithful,
You satisfy the hungry,
console the afflicted.
You make the souls of all,
productive of good
and cause all virtues to blossom.
You snatch souls
from the devil’s jaw.
You make the wretched holy
and men of earth,
citizens of Heaven!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 10 January – St John the Good (Died c 669) Confessor, Archbishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 10 January – St John Camillus the Good (Died c 669) Confessor, Archbishop of Milan from c. 641 until his death. Known as “the Good” for his great charity and generosity, his holiness, devotion and his many miracles. Additional Memorials – 2 January on some calendars, 15 January in Milan and 25 September together with all the Saint Bishops of Milan. Also known as – John Bonus, John Camillus, John the Good of Milan, Giovanni Bonus.

The Bishop of Milan, Honoratus, escaped to Genoa and Honoratus’ successors remained in Genoa. Genoa was then a suffragan Diocese of Milan. There, John the Good, is particularly remembered for being the first Bishop to return the Seat to Milan after more than 70 years absence.

John the Good was born in the Diocese of Genoa in the village of Recco (also the nearby town of Camogli claims the birth of John). It is not exactly known when he became Bishop of Milan but it is believed that his election was in consequence of the 641 conquest of Genoa by the Lombard’s King Rothari. John was the Bishop who returned the Seat and See of the Diocese to Milan.

There are two main sources for John’s life – the Catalogue of the Bishops of Milan (dated about the 10th Century) and a poem in his honour which can be dated from the 11th to the 13th Century. According to this Poem/Vita, John was distinguished for his generosity and charity, from which he was given the sobriquet “the Good.”

The Alter erected by St Charles Borromeo in Milan Cathedral. The immense windows beside it depict the life of St John the Good

In 649, John was invited to participate to the Lateran Council but he arrived in Rome when the Council had already ended. He, however, subscribed to all the Decrees issued by the Council.

According to the Vita, he accomplished many miracles and moved some of the Relics of Saint Syrus of Genoa to Desio. He died in c 669 leaving all his properties, including estates in Genoa, to the Church of Milan.

John’s body was initially buried in the little Church of Saint Michael in Milan and the first survey on his Relics was made by Archbishop Aribert (1018–1045). On 24 May 1582, shortly before the demolition of the Church of St Michael, Cardinal Saint Charles Borromeo translated John’s body to the south transept of the Cathedral of Milan, where it is still venerated. Our Saint John the Good, was a tall man, his body measures 1.90 metres (6 ft 3 in) in height.

John died on 2 January according to the catalogue, or on 10 January according to the Poem Vita. The latter date became his Feast day. Today, his Feast is celebrated on 2 January, or on 10 January where he is still listed for this date in the Roman Martyrology (or 15 January in the Cathedral of Milan and together with all the Saint Bishops of Milan on 25 September).

Milan Cathedral, Vast and awe-inspiring
Posted in Uncategorized

The Fifth Day within the Octave of Epiphany, Madonna del Pianto / The Weeping Madonna, Rome, Italy (1546) and Memorials of the Saints – 10 January

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Fifth Day within the Octave of Epiphany

Madonna del Pianto / Madonna of the Lament or the Weeping Madonna, Rome, Italy (1546) – 10 January:

St Aldo of Carbonari
St Pope Agatho
St Arcontius of Viviers
Bl Benincasa of Cava
St Dermot of Inis Clothrann
St Domitian of Melitene

Blessed Pope Gregory X TOSF (1210-1276) Bishop of Rome 1272-1276. Beatified on 8 July 1713 by Pope Clement XI.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-blessed-pope-gregory-x-1210-1276/

Blessed Giles of Lorenzana OFM (1443-1518) Lay Brother of the Friars Minor.

St John Camillus the Good (Died c 669) Confessor, Bishop of Milan
St Maurilius of Cahors
St Nicanor of Cyprus

St Paul the Hermit (c 230-342) The First Desert Hermit
“In Thebais, the birthday of St Paul, the first Hermit, who lived alone in the desert from the sixteenth to the one hundred and thirteenth year of his age. His soul was seen by St Anthony Abbot, carried by Angels among the choirs of Apostles and Prophets. His Feast is celebrated on the 15th day of this Month.” (Roman Martyrology).

St Peter Orseolo OSB Cam. (928–987) Doge of Venice, Monk, Administrator, Governor. Apostle of Charity. Canonised recognised in 1027 by the Bishop of Elne, France and his Cultus was confirmed by Pope Clement XII in 1731.
About St Peter:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-st-peter-orseolo-o-s-b-cam-928-987/

St Petronius of Die
Bl Raymond de Fosso
St Saethryth of Faremoutier
St Thecla of Lentini
St Thomian of Armagh
St Valerius of Limoges

St William of Bourges O.Cist (c 1140-1209) Archbishop of Bourges from 1200 until his death, Confessor, Monk, renowned for miracles and virtue.
About St William:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-saint-william-of-bourges-o-cist-c-1140-1209/

Posted in EXTREME UNCTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 9 January – DEATH

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

DEATH

“The greatest lesson in life springs from reflection on death.
Whoever does not learn, how to live, from death, will never learn anything from anybody!

We MUST DIE and we DIE ONLY ONCE.
This is a test which we shall never have a chance to repeat!
This thought should inspire in us a healthy fear of sin and an ardent desire to be more closely united with God and more faithful in the observance of His law.

As a special fruit of this mediation, let us form the resolution of asking for the last Sacraments at the hour of death, instead of waiting until our relatives are obliged to exhort us to receive them.
It is not a sentence but a gift, for which we ask.
It is the greatest gift which God’s mercy could grant us in that final and decisive moment of our lives .

There is another resolution which we ought to make.
We should live everyday as if it were our last but, we should work as tirelessly as if we never had to die!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/08/thought-for-the-day-8-january-death/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/09/thought-for-the-day-9-january-death/

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HYMNS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – Like Mary, put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – The Holy Family – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:42-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 13:14

“You are walking now by faith,
still on pilgrimage in a mortal body
away from the Lord
but He, to Whom your steps are directed,
is Himself the sure and certain Way for you –
Jesus Christ, Who, for our sake became man.
For all who fear Him,
He has stored up abundant happiness
which He will reveal to those
who hope in Him, bringing it to completion,
when we have attained the reality
which, even now, we possess, in hope.
Set your hearts on heavenly things,
not the things that are on earth.
For you have died and your life
is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, your Life, appears,
then you too will appear with Him in glory.”

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

“And His Mother kept all
these words in her heart.”

Luke 2:51

“Consider the most prudent woman Mary,
Mother of true Wisdom,
as the pupil of her Son.
For she learned from Him,
not as from a child or man but as from God.
Yes, she dwelt in meditation
on His words and actions.
Nothing of what was said
or done by Him, fell idly on her mind.
… That which she now beholds in the present,
she waits to have revealed
with greater clarity, in the future.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“And as for that in the good ground
they are those who, hearing the word,
hold it fast in an honest and good heart
and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Luke 8:15

“The more you devote yourself,
to study of the Sacred utterances,
the richer will be your understanding of them,
just as the more the soil is tilled,,
the richer is the harvest.”

St Isidore of Seville (c 560-636)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Be Thou My Vision
By St Dallan Forgaill (c 530- 598)

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my Light.

Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Son,
Heart of my heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 January – ‘ … She, who carried Him, Who carries the universe … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 January – The Holy Family – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:42-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And His Mother kept all these words in her heart.” – Luke 2:51

REFLECTION – “Often, it seems to us, Mary forgot to eat and to drink, keeping vigil in order to think about Christ, to see Christ in His flesh. She burned with love of Him and passionately loved to serve Him. She often did what the Song of Songs sings about: “I was sleeping but my heart kept vigil.” (Song 5:2) Even when she was resting, she continued to dream of Him Who filled her thoughts throughout the day. Whether she was keeping vigil or resting in peace, she always lived in Him, was always occupied with Him.

Where her treasure was, there also was her heart (Mt 6:21); where her glory was, there also was her mind. She loved her Lord and her Son with all her heart, with all her mind, with all her strength (Mt 22:37). She saw with her eyes, touched with her hands, the Word of Life (1 Jn 1:1). How blessed was Mary, to whom it was given to embrace Him who embraces and nourishes everything! How happy was she, who carried Him, Who carries the universe (Heb 1:3), she, who nursed a Son, Who gives her life, a Son Who nourishes her and all beings on earth (Ps 145:15).

The One Who is the Wisdom of the Father, put His arms around her neck, the One Who is the strength, that gives movement to everything, sat in her arms. He Who is the rest of souls, (Mt 11:29) rested on her motherly breast. How gently He held her in His hands, peacefully looked at her, He Whom the angels wish to contemplate (1 Pet 1:12) and He gently called her, He Whom every being calls upon when in need. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she held Him close to her heart … She never had enough of seeing Him or of hearing Him, Whom “many prophets and kings wished to see … but did not see.” (Lk 10:24) Thus Mary grew evermore in love and her mind was unceasingly attached to Divine contemplation.” – St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) Bishop (Homily on the Motherhood of Mary, 4).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Who while subject to Mary and Joseph, hallowed family life with virtues beyond description, grant us by their combined intercession, that, having been taught by the example of the Holy Family, we may attain unto their everlasting companionship. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in Holy Family PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE, The HOLY GHOST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Our Morning Offering – 9 January – Adveniat Regnum Tuum! Thy Kingdom Come!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 9 January – The Holy Family – Within the Octave of Epiphany

Adveniat Regnum Tuum!
Thy Kingdom Come!
By Katharine Tynan (1861-1931)

Thy Kingdom come ! Yea, bid it come!
But when Thy Kingdom first began
On earth, Thy Kingdom was a home,
A Child, a woman and a man.

The Child was in the midst thereof,
O, Blessed Jesus, holiest One!
The Centre and the Fount of Love
Mary and Joseph’s little Son.

Wherever on the earth shall be
A child, a woman and a man,
Imaging that sweet trinity
Wherewith Thy Kingdom first began,

Establish there Thy kingdom! Yea,
And o’er that trinity of love
Send down, as in Thy appointed day,
The brooding Spirit of Thy Dove!

Katharine Tynan (1861-1931) was an Irish born Poet and Writer and a friend of the Jesuit Poet, Fr Gerard Manley Hopkins. She contributed to many periodicals and magazines such as the Jesuit published Studies, the Dominican published Irish Rosary, Irish Monthly, Hibernia and Dublin University Review, besides her own private publications.
After her marriage, the addition of her husband’s name, “Hinkson” is often appended to her publications.

Posted in Uncategorized

Saint of the Day – 9 January – Saint Waningus of Fécamp (Died c 688) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 9 January – Saint Waningus of Fécamp (Died c 688) Monk, Abbot, Count and Royal Official , husband and father of Saint Desiderius of Fontenelle.  widower. Born in Rouen, France and died in c 688 of natural causes. Also known as – Waningus of Ham, Vaneng, Waneng, Wanging, Waning, Wanning. Additional Memorials – 31 January (Normandy, France), 15 February (Rouen, France), 23 September (translation of relics).

Born in Rouen, Waningus was Governor of the Pays de Caux in Neustria., N ormandy, at which time he took great pleasure in hunting. Nevertheless, he was very pious and particularly devout to Saint Eulalia of Barcelona.

One night he dreamt that she reminded him of the difficulties the rich had in entering Heaven. He heard that holy Virgin and Martyr repeat to him those words of our blessed “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to be saved.”

Soon after, around 648, Waningus withdrew from Court to assist St Wandrille in founding Fontenelle Abbey and in building the Churches of Saints Peter and Paul.

About ten years later, after recovering from a serious illness, Waningus founded the Church of the Holy Trinity and the adjoining Abbey of the Holy Trinity at Fécamp for nuns. under the direction of Saint Owen and Saint Waningus as Abbot. He sheltered Saint Leodegarius when he was being pursued by his enemies.

This Saint is titular Patron of several Churches in Aquitain and Normandy and has given his name to the village of Saint Vaneng. His body is possessed in a rich Shrine, in the abbatial Church of our Lady at Ham, in Picardy, belonging to the regular canons of Saint Augustine.

The Abbey of the Holy Trinity in Fécamp (see below) was honoured by the Dukes of Normandy above all their other Monasteries and is the richest and most magnificent Abbey in Normandy.

Waningus entrusted his son, St Desiderius (died c 700) to be educated by the Abbot of Fontenelle. Desiderius later became a Monk at the Abbey. His Feast Day is kept on 18 December; his Relics are at Ghent, Belgium.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of Epiphany, Feast of the Black Nazarene, Our Lady of Clemency (Austria) (1797), Our Lady of the Letter (Italy) (1693) and Memorials of the Saints

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Resumed Mass of Sunday

Fourth Day Within the Octave of Epiphany

Feast of the Black Nazarene, 9 January:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/09/feast-of-the-black-nazarene-our-lady-of-mercy-of-absam-our-lady-of-clemency-austria-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-january/

Our Lady of Mercy of Absam/Our Lady of Clemency (Austria) (1797) – 9 January:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/09/feast-of-the-black-nazarene-our-lady-of-mercy-of-absam-our-lady-of-clemency-austria-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-january/

Madonna della Lettera / Our Lady of the Letter (Messina, Sicily, Italy) (1693) – 9 January and 3 June:
This wonderful Marian Title:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/03/the-solemnity-of-corpus-christi-madonna-della-lettera-our-lady-of-the-letter-messina-sicily-italy-1693-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-june/

St Adrian of Canterbury (c 635-710) He was a Monk, Abbot, a brilliant Scholastic and Thelogian, Teacher, Administrator and Adviser.
About St Adrian:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/09/saint-of-the-day-9-january-st-adrian-of-canterbury-c-635-710/

Blessed Alix le Clerc/Teresa of Jesus CND (1576-1622) Founder of the Canonesses of St Augustine of the Congregation of Our Lady, a religious Order founded to provide education to girls, especially those living in poverty. The Beatification of Mother Teresa of Jesus was celebrated by Pope Pius XII on 4 May 1947.
Her Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/09/saint-of-the-day-9-january-blessed-alix-le-clerc-teresa-of-jesus-cnd-1576-1622/

Bl Antony Fatati
St Brithwald of Canterbury
St Eustratius of Olympus
Bl Franciscus Yi Bo-Hyeon
St Honorius of Buzancais

Blessed Julia of Certaldo OSA (1319-1367) Laywoman, Third Order Augustinian, Recluse, Ascetic, Mystic living a life of prayer and penance. Beatified in 1819 by Pope Pius VII.
Her Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/09/saint-of-the-day-9-january-blessed-julia-of-certaldo-1319-1367/

Sts Julian and Basilissa (died c 304) Martyrs. Julian and Basilissa were husband and wife.
Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/09/saints-of-the-day-sts-julian-and-basilissa-died-c-304-martyrs/

St Marcellinus of Ancona
St Marciana
Bl Martinus In Eon-min
St Maurontius
St Nearchus
St Paschasia of Dijon

St Peter of Sebaste (c 340-c 391) Bishop of Sebaste in Lesser Armenia. Member of the glorious family of Saints – He was the younger brother of Basil of the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, the famous Christian Hermit Naucratius and Macrina the Younger and a close friend of Gregory of Nazianzen, all Saints. Of course, Basil and Gregory of Nazianzen are both Doctors too.
About St Peter:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/09/saint-of-the-day-9-january-st-peter-of-sebaste-c-340-c-391-bishop/

St Philip Berruyer
St Polyeucte
St Waningus of Fécamp (Died c 688) Monk, Abbot

Martyrs of Africa – 21 Saints: A group of 21 Christians murdered together for their faith in the persecutions of Decius. The only details to survive are 14 of their names – Artaxes, Epictetus, Felicitas, Felix, Fortunatus, Jucundus, Pictus, Quietus, Quinctus, Rusticus, Secundus, Sillus, Vincent and Vitalis. They were Martyred in c 250.

Martyrs of Antioch – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together during the persecutions of Diocletian – Anastasius, Anthony, Basilissa, Celsus, Julian and Marcionilla.