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.
One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr – Ephesians 3:13-21 – Luke 14:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For everyone who exalts himself, shall be humbled and he who humbles himself, shall be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
REFLECTION – “Humility is not just about self-mistrust but about the entrusting of ourselves to God. Distrusting ourselves and our own strength, produces trust in God and, from that trust, generosity of soul is born.The most holy Virgin, Our Lady, gave us an outstanding example of this, when she spoke these words: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to thy word” (Lk 1:38). When she said she was the handmaid of the Lord, she was performing, the greatest act of humility, it is possible to do and, all the more so, in that, she was contradicting the praise given her by the Angel – that she would be mother of God, that the child to be born from her womb would be called Son of the Most High, a greater dignity than any we might imagine – I say, she opposed her lowliness and unworthines,to all these praises and greatness, by saying that she was the handmaid of the Lord. Yet, note how, no sooner had she rendered her duty to humility, than she practised outstanding generosity, by saying: “May it be to me according to thy word.”
What she wanted to say was – “It is true, I am in no way capable of this grace of myself if one is to consider what I am ut, insofar as what is good in me, comes from God and what thou say to me, is His own most holy will, I believe it can happen and will ha,ppen.” And so, without the least hesitation, she said: “Let it be done to me according to thou word.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva, Doctor Caritatis (Conversations 5).
PRAYER – O God, Who through the Palm of Martyrdom transported blessed Wenceslaus from an earthly dominion unto heavenly glory, keep us, by his prayers, from all harm and grant us to rejoice in his fellowship. 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 – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Pentecost XVI
Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to make amends for the outrages He suffers in the Blessed Sacrament By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Grant me, O Sacred Heart, by Thine own sweetness and boundless mercy, the pardon which I ask for, and give me grace to keep the resolution, which I now make, to do all I can in the future , to pay Thee, in the Sacrament of Thy Love, the profound adoration which I owe Thee and to show Thee that gratitude and love which are justly due to Thee. I resolve to repair my past faults by the modesty of my deportment in Thy Churches, by my constancy in visiting Thee, my devotion and fervour in receiving Thee and, in fulfilment of Thy desire, I impose upon myself the duty of often repeating Acts of Reparation in Thy Presence, as Thou hast deigned to direct, in order, as far as I can, to atone for the injuries done Thee by others and of which Thy very love makes Thee the Victim in this Divine Sacrament.
Bless, I beseech Thee, this resolve and give me grace to keep it faithfully. Amen
Saint of the Day – 28 September – Saint Salonius (c400-c475) Bishop and Confessor of Geneva in Switzerland, Scholar and Author, a zealous shepherd. A saintly Bishop much admired by many holy contemporise including St Pope Leo the Great.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Geneva, St Salonius, Bishop and Confessor.”
When he was widowed, Eucherius retired to the Monastery founded by Saint Honoratus on one of the Lérins Islands and took his two sons with him, who received an excellent education. Among their teachers, it is enough to mention the Saints Hilary of Arles, Salvian and Vincent of Lérins. Veranus later became the Bishop of Venice and Salonius the Bishop of Geneva, by 439 at the latest.
Salonius succeeded Saint Isaac, the 1st Bishop of that City. He participated actively in the life of the Church, particularly attending the Councils of Orange in 441, Vaison in 442 and Arles in 451.
A highly cultured man, he wrote an important work, the “Expositio mystica in Parabolas Salomonis et in Ecclesiaste” (a commentary on the Scriptural books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in the form of questions and answers.
A letter he wrote to Pope Saint Leo I (the Great) also survives. It is interesting to note that other Authors dedicated their works to him. His father, St Eucherius also dedicated his “Instructionum libri” to Salonius, in which he proposed answers to certain questions in the Scriptures and explained words and expressions in Hebrew and Greek. Furthermore, St Salvian, the Bishop of Marseille, dedicated his “De Gubernatione Dei – On the government of God” and several other letters to our St Salonius..
Salonius died on 28 September of an unspecified year, probably at the beginning of the last quarter of the 5th century. On this very anniversary, the holy Bishop is still remembered today.
Salonius successors on the Episcopal sSe of Geneva include Saint Domitian at the time of Saint Clodild, Saint Maximus, friend of King Saint Sigismund and the very famous Saint Francis de Sales.
Bl Aaron of Auxerre St Alodius of Auxerre St Annemond of Lyons St Bardomianus
Blessed Bernardine of Feltre OFM (1439-1494) Franciscan Priest and Friar, Missionary Preacher, Poet, peace-maker, Civil protestor against the practice of usury, defender of the poor. He was a true ‘child prodigy’ – by the time he was 12 he was fluent in Latin and at the age of 15 he composed a poem and read it in the Town Square to celebrate a local peace treaty. He is remembered most especially, in connection with the “Monti di Pietà” “Mount of Piety” of which he was the reorganiser and, in a certain sense, the Founder, together with the Blessed Michele Carcano. On 13 April 1654, Pope Innocent X confirmed the cultus of Blessed Bernardine and he was formally Beatified in 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII. Holy Bernardine: https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-bernardine-of-feltre-ofm-1439-1494/
St Chariton of Palestine Bl Christian Franco St Conval of Strathclyde St Eucarpus St Eustochium
St Exuperius (Died c411) Bishop and Confessorof Toulouse, Apostle of the destitute, the poor, the deprived and needy including aid to the poor in Egypt and Palestine. , The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Toulouse, St Exuperius, Bishop and Confessor. St Jerome bears witness to this blessed man, a memorable testimony, relating how severed he was towards himself and how gentle and liberal towards others.” Below we see our Saint’s Mitre more than 1500 years old! It is kept at the Basilica which he had completed dedicated to St Sernin A Most Acclaimed Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-saint-exuperius-of-toulouse-died-c411-bishop-and-confessor/
St Faustus of Riez
Blessed Francesco Piani OFM (1424-1507) Francisan Friar, renowned Preacher and Peacemaker, a collaborator in the fight against usury by the institution of the “Mount of Piety,” (a type of pawn shop), social activist and protector of the struggling rural communities. He was Beatified by Pope Urban VII in 1634 – his cult was reaffirmed on 1 September 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI. His Amazing Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-francesco-piani-of-caldarola-ofm-1424-1507/
St John of Dukla St Laurence of North Africa St Lioba of Bischofsheim St Machan St Martial of North Africa St Martin of Moyenmoutier St Paternus of Auch St Privatus of Rome St Salonius (c400-c475) Bishop and Confessor of Geneva St Silvinus (Died c444) Bishop of Brescia
St Stacteus St Tetta of Wimborne Bl Thiemo St Willigod of Moyenmoutier St Zama of Bologna
Augustinian Martyrs of Japan: The first Augustinian Missionaries arrived in Japan in 1602 and met with immediate success; many were brought to the faith; many of them became Augustinians and many of them were Martyred in the periodic persecutions of Christians. This memorial commemorates all of them, whether they have a sanctioned Cause for Canonisation or not. They include: • Blessed Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez • Blessed Ferdinand Ayala • Blessed Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez • Blessed Ioannes Mukuno Chozaburo • Blessed Laurentius Kaida Hachizo • Blessed Mancius Yukimoto Ichizaemon • Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta • Blessed Melchor Sánchez Pérez • Blessed Michaël Ichinose Sukezaemon • Blessed Pedro de Zúñiga • Blessed Petrus Sawaguchi Kuhyoe • Blessed Thomas Jihyoe of Saint Augustine • Blessed Thomas Terai Kahyoe • Blessed Vicente Simões de Carvalho • Saint Magdalena of Nagasaki
Martyrs of Antioch – 37 Saints: A group of 30 soldiers and 7 civilians who were murdered together for their faith. The names that have come down to us are – Alexander, Alphinus, Heliodorus, Mark, Neon, Nicon and Zosumus. c 303 at Antioch, Pisidia (in modern Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 27 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
HELL!
“In whatever you do, remember your last days and you will never sin.” (Eccl 7:36)
“The meditation considered, by the masters of the spiritual life, to be the most useful for rousing the soul from sin, or from a state of torpor, is that on the last things, in other words, on what will happen to us at the end of life. Amongst these last things, hell is the most terrifying. Yet, if the mercy of God did not sustain us, we could fall into hell at any moment. St John Chrysostom meditated on hell everyday. All the Saints have found in this meditation, the first steps on the way to perfection. Remember, that a single mortal sin, would merit hell for us! In that moment, the sinner could have been already hurled into the abyss of torments. Let us imagine, that we are there …. and, that the goodness and mercy of God has released us from those everlasting, all-devouring flames. If this should happen, all the sacrifices, which virtue demands, would seem so easy and pleasant. How ready we should be to do anything, sooner than return to that chasm of eternal sorrow!”
Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”
Luke 6:23
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:12
“The one who walks in the love of God seeks neither gain nor reward but seeks only, with the will, to lose self and all things, for God and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! ”
St John of the Cross (1442-1591) Doctor of the Church
“It is true that we require great confidence to abandon ourselves, without any reserve, to Divine Providence but, when we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all and disposes of all. But, if we reserve anything which we are unwilling to confide to Him, He leaves us, as if He would say: “You think yourselves sufficiently wise to manage that affair without Me – you can do so and see what will come of it!”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“The patience of the Saints was more severely tried than is ours. Not only were they stoned, racked, torn asunder, not only did they suffer want, distress, afflictions (Hebrews 11 : 37) but, they had to endure what was still more difficult – ingratitude, failure, unkindness, false accusations, desolation, darkness. Yet they willingly endured all for Jesus’ sake, never ceasing to love Him through it all. I have my trials, yet none so dreadful as theirs, yet I complain even under my lighter cross!”
One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdpm 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,” – Luke 6:23
REFLECTION – “Only Christians have a true sense of values; their joys and sorrows are not the same as other people’s. The sight of a wounded combatant wearing a victory crown would make someone, ignorant of the games, think only of the fighter’s wounds and how painful they must be. Such a person would know nothing of the happiness the crown gives. And, it is the same when people see the things we suffer, without knowing why we do so. It naturally seems to them to be suffering pure and simple. They see us struggling and facing danger but, beyond their vision, are the rewards, the crowns of victory — all we hope to gain, through the contest! As Paul said: “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!” (2 Cor 6:10)…
We too, then, when we suffer anything for Christ’s sake, should do so not simply with courage but even with joy. If we have to go hungry, let us be glad, as if we were at a banquet. If we are insulted, let us be elated, as though we had been showered with praises. If we lose all we possess, let us consider ourselves the gainers of all. If we provide for the poor, let us regard ourselves as the recipients! … Above all, remember that your struggles, are for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Then, you will easily rise above them and live out your lifetime in happiness; for nothing brings more happiness than a good conscience.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Second Corinthians, 12: 4).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thou, almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of Thy holy Martyrs, Cosmas and Damian, may by their intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through 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 – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”
God Of Mercy! Let Us Run! Summæ Deus Clementiæ (Most High God of Mercy) Transl. By Fr Frederik William Faber CO (1814-1863)
God of Mercy! let us run Where Thon fount of sorrows flows; Pondering sweetly, one by one, Jesu’s Wounds and Mary’s woes.
Ah! those tears Our Lady shed, Enough to drown a world of sin; Tears which Jesu’s sorrows fed, Peace and pardon well may win!
His five Wounds a very home For our prayers and praises prove; And Our Lady’s Woes become Endless joys’in Heaven above.
Jesu, Who for us didst die, All on Thee, our love we pour; And in the Holy Trinity Worship Thee forever more.
This Hymn is used for Lauds on the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Breviary. This is the full, original text from an 1852 edition of Fr. Faber’s Hymnal Jesus and Mary. It is listed for The Dolours of Our Lady.
Words: Ascribed to Bishop Callisto Palumbella OSM (1687-1759) (1720) Translated by Fr Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863) (1849) Note: Fr Faber died on 26 September 1814 Tune: “Nun Lasst Uns Geh’n” Dresden, 1694. Words: 7.7.7.7
Saint of the Day – 27 September – St Gaius (1st Century) the 1st Bishop of Milan, disciple of St Barnabas, Apostle and possibly Consecrated as Bishop by him and sent to Milan. Also know as – Gaio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, the holy Bishop Gaius, a disciple of the blessed Apostle, Barnabas, who passed calmly to rest after suffering severely in the persecution of Nero.”
Almost nothing is known regarding the life and the Episcopate of Caius, except that he was the Bishop of Milan in the 1st Century and that he died towards the end of September.
He was buried in a cemetery in the area of the Basilica Naboriana, now demolished. His Relics were later translated to the near Basilica of St Ambrose.
Some sources place our Saint in the 3rd Century and Medieval texts, such as the Historia Dataria dated 11th-Century, add some biographic details such as his presence in Rome at the Martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul and the his conversion of Saints Vitalis, Valeris and Gervasius and Protasius. None of this can be considered more than legendary.
Announcing a Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary Begins 28 or 29 September. The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary is celebrated on 7 October.
NOTE on Novenas: As we are well aware, the First Novena is that which the Apostles and disciples prayed in the Upper Room in preparation for and anticipation of, the arrival of the Holy Ghost. Tradition says that after the Ascention the Apostles gathered and prayed for 9 days and on the 10the day, being the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost descended upon them. This is the way I grew up, praying for 9 days before the relevant Feast and celebrating the actual Feast concerned on the 10th day. BUT there is no problem in praying the Novena and finishing the 9th day on the actual Feast and indeed, Novenas may also be prayed at any time needed by the faithful.
We can even pray a Rosary Novena, where we pray the Rosary for 9 days, simply by stating a Special Intention for those 9 days BEFRE we pray our Daily Rosary … there is really no hard and fast rule, i.e. no Correct or Incorrect way. The important thing is that we are praying with faith and fervent devotion for 9 consecutive days. https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/announcing-a-novena-to-our-lady-of-the-rosary-begins-28-september-2/
St Elzear TOSF (1285-1323) Layman, Member of the Third Order of St Francis, Mystic, miracle-worker, Baron of Ansouis, Count of Ariano, France, Ruler, Diplomat, Military Leader. Patron of Tertiaries. A Saintly and Talented Ruler: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/27/saint-of-the-day-st-elzear-tosf-1285-1323/
St Epicharis St Fidentius of Todi St Florentinus the Hermit St Gaius (1st Century) Bishop of Milan St Hilary the Hermit
Martyrs of Aegea – (3 Saints): Three Christians Martyred with Saints Cosmas and Damian in the persecutions of Diocletian – Anthimus, Euprepius and Leontius. They were tortured and beheaded c.303 in Aegea, Cilicia (modern Ayas, Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 26 September – 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.”
Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649) Priest, Martyr, and St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ”
Luke 12:4-5
“It is He Who is our peace.”
St Paul Ephesians 2:14
“The world … hates Me because I bear witness concerning it, that its works are evil.”
John 7:7
“… THE WORLD HATES Christians, so why give your love to it, instead of following Christ, Who loves you and has redeemed you? A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition. The world and its allurements will pass away but the man who has done the Will of God shall live forever. Our part, my dear brothers, is to be single-minded, firm in faith and steadfast in courage, ready for God’s will, whatever it may be. Banish the fear of death and think of the eternal life which follows it. That will show people that we really live our Faith.”
St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr Father of the Church
(An excerpt from On Man’s Mortality).
“You do not, in your enemies, love what they are but what you would have them become, by your prayers!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Father, forgive them.” With this prayer, He wanted to make us understand the love He bore us, undiminished by any suffering and to teach us how our heart should be toward our neighbour.”
One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
REFLECTION – “I appeal to you by the Mercy of God. This appeal is made by Paul, or rather, it is made by God through Paul because of God’s desire to be loved, rather than feared, to be a Father, rather than a Lord. God appeals to us in His Mercy to avoid having to punish us in His severity.
Listen to the Lord’s appeal: In Me, I want you to see your own body, your members, your heart, your bones, your blood. You may fear what is Divine but why not love what is human? You may run away from Me as the Lord but why not run to Me as your Father? Perhaps you are filled with shame for causing My bitter Passion. Do not be afraid. This Cross inflicts a mortal injury, not on Me but on death! These nails no longer pain Me but only deepen your love for Me. I do not cry out because of these Wounds but through them, I draw you into My Heart. My Body was stretched on the Cross as a symbol, not of how much I suffered but of My all-embracing Love. I count it no less, to shed My Blood, it is the price I have paid for your ransom. Come then, return to Me and learn to know Me as your Father, Who repays good for evil, love for injury and boundless charity for piercing wounds!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (An Excerpt from Sermon 108).
PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. 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 – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646), St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions
Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return? The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf SJ (1593-1649)
Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, what can I give Thee in return for all the favours Thou hast first conferred upon me? I will take from Thy Hand, the Cup of Thine Sufferings and call on Thy Name. I vow before Thee, eternal Father and the Holy Ghost, before Thy most holy Mother and her most chaste Spouse, before the Angels, Apostles and Martyrs, before my blessed fathers, Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier, in truth, I vow to Thee, Jesus my Saviour, that, as far as I have the strength, I will never fail to accept the grace of Martyrdom, if someday Thou, in Thine Infinite Mercy, should offer it to me, Thy most unworthy servant … My beloved Jesus, here and now, I offer my body and blood and life. May I die only for Thee, if Thou will grant me this grace, since Thou willingly died for me. Let me so live that Thou may grant me the gift of such a happy death. In this way, my God and Saviour, I will take from Thy Hand, the Cup of Thine Sufferings and call upon Thy Name, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Amen
Saint of the Day – 26 September – Saint Eusebius (Died c390) Bishop and Confessor of Bologna, a Defender of the True Faith against heresies, in particular, Arianism. A close friend and disciple of St Ambrose, the Doctor of the Church, influence and instrument of God in converting St Augustine.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bologna, St Eusebius, Bishop and Confessor.”
In the Episcopal records of the Bolognese Church, known as the Renano List (a document of undoubted historical value), Eusebius is listed 5th in line.
The few details of his life are gleaned from Saint Ambrose (340-397), with whom he had a close friendship. He participated, together with the Bishop of Milan, in the Council of Aquileia in 381, where he played a significant role in opposing Arianism and condemning the heretics Palladius and Secundinus.
St Ambrose by Claude Vignon c1623-25
The Acta of the this Council reveal that, after Saint Ambrose, Eusebius was the Bishop who spoke most frequently in the discussion and signed the Decree of condemnation after the local Bishop and the Prelate of Milan.
Eusebius’ Episcopate in Bologna is believed to have lasted between 370 and 390. Saint Ambrose also informs us that in Bologna, there existed a a substantial nucleus of virgins who, under the impetus and promotion of Bishop Eusebius, distinguished themselves by their zeal and piety.
Some authors maintain that Letters 54 and 55 of Saint Ambrose were addressed to the Bishop of Bologna, like his ‘De Institutione Virginis’ these opinions are difficult now to verify.
Regarding his cult, no ancient document from the Bolognese Church mentions him being venerated as a Saint. The first texts which mention St Eusebius date to the late 16th Century when he was entered in the Roman Martyrology on 26 September.
St Cyprian (Died 2nd Century) Bishop Martyr of Antioch AND St Justina of Antioch (Died 2nd Century) Virgin Martyr The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Cyprian and Justina, Virgin. Under the Emperor Diocletian and the Governor Eutholmius, Justina suffered much for the Faith of Christ and coverted Cyprian, who while a magician, endeavoured to bring her under the influence of his magical practices. She afterwards suffered Martyrdom with him. Their bodies being exposed to the beasts, were taken away in the night by some Christian sailors and carried to Rome. They were subsequently taken into the Constantian Basilica and deposited near the Baptistry.” Their Martyrdom: https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/26/saints-of-the-day-26-september-st-cyprian-of-antioch-bishop-martyr-and-st-justina-virgin-martyr-died-2nd-century/
St Amantius of Tiphernum St Callistratus of Constantinople St Colman of Elo St Pope Eusebius St Eusebius (Died c390) Bishop and Confessor of Bologna
Thought for the Day – 25 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Interior Silence
“God speaks readily when our souls are silent. He cannot be heard in the noise of the world. But we do not have to abandon our normal way of life in order to find a little interior recollection. It is enough to pause for a moment and remember God’s Presence. Once we have formed the habit of doing this, it becomes quite easy, at anytime and in any place. We may be walking along the street, or in the middle of our work. We may be in a room full of people chatting together. Wherever we are, we shall be able to pause and raise our minds to God. If we acquire this habit, we can lead peaceful lives, on a completely supernatural level.“
Quote/s of the Day – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast Day of Blessed Herman of Reichenau (1013–1054) Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Scholar, Scientist, Writer, Hymnist, Poet, Musical Composer, Teacher. ‘The Wonder of His Age’.
Alma Redemptoris Mater Loving Mother of the Redeemer By Blessed Herman Contractus of Reichenau OSB (1013–1054)
Loving Mother of the Redeemer! Hear thou thy people’s cry, Star of the deep and portal of the sky! Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made, Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid; Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee, Thou Virgin first and last, let we thy mercy see.
Alma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli Porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti, Súrgere qui curat pópulo: tu quæ genuísti, Natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.
Marian Antiphon Traditionally said from Advent to the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Blessed Herman is the Author of the Salve Regina, the Veni Sancte Spiritus and the Alma Redemptoris Mater amongst others.
Salve Regina Hail Holy Queen By Blessed Herman the Cripple of Reichenau(1013–1054) [An Indulgence of 300 days–1925]
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, Poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us; And after this our exile, Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
This line, below, by St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Doctor of the Church
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
℣ Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, ℟ that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Almighty, everlasting God, who by the co-operation of the Holy Spirit didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin-Mother Mary to become a dwelling-place fit for Thy Son, grant that as we rejoice in her commemoration, so by her fervent intercession, we may be delivered from present evils and from everlasting death. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Resumed Mass of Sunday – Ferial Day – Pentecost XV – St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824) Bishop, Priest of the Passionist Order of St Paul of the Cross – Galatians 5:25-26.6:1-10 – Luke 7:11-16. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
Young man, I say to thee, arise!” – Luke 7:14
REFLECTION – “Let no-one who is Christian doubt that even now, dead people rise. Certainly, every human being has eyes, by which he can see dead people rising, in the way this widow’s son, whom we just heard about in the Gospel, arose. But not everyone can see people who are spiritually dead rise. For that, it is necessary to have already risen interiorly. It is greater to raise someone, who is to live forever, than to raise someone, who will have to die again.
The young man’s mother, this widow, was transported with joy at seeing her son rise. Our Mother, the Church, also rejoices when she sees her children’s spiritual resurrection everyday. The widow’s son was dead with the death of the body but these latter, are dead with the death of the soul. People wept tears over the visible death of the former but people were not concerned by the invisible death of the latter – they did not even see it. The only One Who did not remain indifferent, is the One Who knew these deaths – only the One, Who could give life back to them, knew these deaths. For, if the Lord had not come to raise the dead, the Apostle Paul would not have said: “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead and Christ will give you Light.” (Eph 5:14).” –St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 98).
PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and gloriosus Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, the blessed Vincent Strambi, Thy Confessor and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. 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 – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824) Bishop
Prayer Before The Crucifix (The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) By St Vincent Strambi (1745-1824)
Jesus, by this Saving Sign, bless this listless soul of mine. Jesus, by Thine Feet nailed fast, mend the missteps of my past. Jesus, with Thine riven Hands, bend my will to Love’s demands. Jesus, in Thine Heart laid bare, warm my inner coldness there. Jesus, by Thine thorn-crowned Head, still my pride till it is dead. Jesus, by Thine muted Tongue, stay my words that hurt someone. Jesus, by Thine tired Eyes, open mine to faith’s surprise. Jesus, by Thine fading Breath, keep me faithful until death. Yes, Lord, by this Saving Sign, save this wayward soul of mine. Amen
Saint of the Day – 25 September – St Principius (6th Century) Bishop of Soissons. Of French origin and presumably died there too, in his See of Soissons. He was the brother of the renowned St Remigius of Rheims. As I cannot find any images of our Saint today I include below a stained glass image of his brother below.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The same day, St Principius, Bishop of Soissons, brother of the blessed Bishop Remigius.”
St Remigius of Rheims
This Bishop is virtually unknown. Only a comparison of certain data from the Catholic Historians including St Sidonius Apollinaris allows us to assert, with some plausibility which according to tradition, he was a brother of a great Bishop of Reims, Saint Remigius. His origins would, therefore, be dated to the late 5th and early 6th Centuries but still before 511, the date when Lupus, his successor and perhaps nephew, attended the Council of Orléans.
His cult is confirmed by several medieval liturgical books which list his Fast Day as 25 September. His Relics were burned by the Protestants in 1567.
Blessed Herman of Reichenau/the Cripple (1013–1054) Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Scholar, Scientist, Writer, Hymnist, Poet, Musical Composer, Teacher. In his own day, the heroic cripple who achieved learning and holiness was called ‘The Wonder of His Age.’ Composer of the “Salve Regina” Hail Holy Queen, “Veni Sancte Spiritus” Come Holy Spirit and “Alma Redemptoris Mater” amongst many others. His Amazing Life and Works: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/25/saint-of-the-day-blessed-herman-of-reichenau-the-cripple-osb-1013-1054-the-wonder-of-his-age/
St Mewrog St Neomisia of Mecerata St Paphnutius of Alexandria St Principius (6th Century) Bishop of Soissons St Solemnis of Chartres
Martyrs of Damascus: A Christian family of six who were tortured to death in a persecution by Roman authorities. They were: Eugenia, Maximus, Paul, Rufus, Sabinian and Tatta. They were tortured to death in Damascus, Syria, date unknown.
The Holy Bishops of Milan: Imagine being part of a Diocese in which 36 of your past Bishops are Saints and some are also Doctors of the Church and Popes (and others being considered for Sainthood)! Today, the Church in Milan commemorates these holy Bishops. They are: Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster Blessed Andrea Carlo Ferrari Pope Pius XI Saint Ambrose of Milan Saint Ampelius of Milan Saint Anathalon of Milan Saint Antoninus of Milan Saint Auxanus of Milan Saint Benedict Crispus of Milan Saint Benignus of Milan Saint Calimerius of Milan Saint Castritian of Milan Saint Charles Borromeo Saint Datius of Milan Saint Dionysius of Milan Saint Eugene of Milan Saint Eusebius of Milan Saint Eustorgius II of Milan Saint Eustorgius of Milan Saint Gaius of Milan Saint Galdinus of Milan Saint Geruntius of Milan Saint Glycerius of Milan Saint Honoratus of Milan Saint John Camillus the Good Saint Lazarus of Milan Saint Magnus of Milan Saint Mansuetus of Milan Saint Marolus of Milan Saint Martinian of Milan Saint Mirocles of Milan Saint Mona of Milan Saint Natalis of Milan Saint Protasius of Milan Saint Senator of Milan Saint Simplician of Milan Saint Venerius of Milan
Thought for the Day – 24 September – 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!”
Quote/s of the Day – 24 September – Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom
“Mary, Mother of Grace, it becomes you to be mindful of us, as you stand near Him who granted you all graces, for you are the Mother of God and our Queen. Help us for the sake of the King, the Lord God and Master, Who was born of you.”
St Athanasius (297-373) Father & Doctor of the Church
“She was called Mary that is, star of the sea, in the foreseeing purpose of God, that she might declare by her name, that which she manifests more clearly in reality.” … For those who sail upon the sea of the present age and call on her with complete faith, she rescues from the breath of the storm and the raging of the winds and brings them, rejoicing with her, to the shore of their happy country.”
St Amadeus of Lausanne (1110-1159)
“The name of Mary istruly a tower of strength which saves sinners from punishment and defends the just from the assaults of hell.”
St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455)
A Prayer to Our Lady of Mercy Our Lady of Czestochowa!
O Mary our dear Lady of Jasna Gora, look graciously upon thy children in this troubled and sinful world. Embrace us all in thy loving and Motherly protection.
Protect our youth from godless way; assist our dear ones, who have grown old, to prepare for their journey home; shield our defenceless unborn from the horrors of abortion and be our strength against all sin.
Spare our children from all hatred, discrimination and war. Fill our hearts, our homes and our world, with the peace and love which comes only from thy Son Whom thou embraces so tenderly.
O Queen and Mother, be our comfort and strength! Through thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen
One Minute Reflection – 24 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Our Lady of Ransom – Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28
REFLECTION – “Truly it is “a trustworthy word and deserving of every welcome” (1 Tm 1:15) your Almighty Word, Lord, which, in such deep Silence, made His way down from the Father’s royal throne (Wis 18:14f) into the mangers of animals and meanwhile, speaks to us better by His Silence. “Let him who has ears to hear, hear” what this loving and mysterious Silence of the eternal Word speaks to us …
For what recommends the discipline of silence with such weight and such authority, what checks the evil of restless tongues and the storms of words, as the Word of God, Silent in the midst of men. “There is no word on My tongue” (Ps 138:4), the Almighty Word seems to confess while He is subject to His Mother. What madness then will prompt us to say: “With our tongues we can do great things; our lips are good friends to us; we own no master” (Ps 11:5). If I were allowed, I would gladly be dumb and be brought low and be silent, even of good things that I might be able, the more attentively and diligently, to apply my ear to the secret utterances and sacred meaning of this Divine Silence, learning in silence, in the school of the Word, if only for as long as the Word Himself was Silent under the instruction of His Mother …
“The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” (Jn 1:14). With complete devotion, then, let us think of Christ in the swaddling clothes with which His Mother wrapped Him, so that, with eternal happiness, we may see the glory and beauty with which His Father has clothed Him.” – Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (The 5th sermon for Christmas).
PRAYER – O God, Who for the deliverance of Christians from the power of the pagans, graciously willed to enrich Thy Church by a new religious offspring through the most glorious Mother of Thy Son; grant, we beseech Thee, that by the merits and intercession of her, whom we piously venerate, as the founder of so great a work, we may be delivered from all our sins and from the captivity of the devil. 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 – 24 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Our Lady of Ransom
Supplication to Our Lady of Ransom To Obtain the Favour of her Patronage until Death. Unknown Author
Sweet Mother! turn those gentle eyes Of pity down upon me; Oh! hear thy suppliant’s tearful cries, My humble prayer, do not despise, Star of the pathless sea!
In dark temptation’s dreary hour, To thee, bright Queen, we flee; Oh! then exert a mother’s power, When storms are rough and tempests lower; Star of the raging sea!
Through all my joys and cares, sweet Maid, May I still look on thee, Who bore the Price our ransom paid, And ne’er the suppliant’s cry hath stayed; Star of the azure sea!
And when my last expiring sigh, My soul from earth shall free, Do thou, bright Queen of Saints, stand by And bear it up to God on high, Star of the boundless sea!
Say the Hail Mary three times followed by the Hail Holy Queen
Saint of the Day – 24 September – St Lupus (6th Century) Bishop of Lyon, Monk and Hermit. Also known as – Lupe, Lupo, Loup the Name means “Wolf.”
St Jerome’s Martyrology mentions Lupus on 24 September; the current Diocesan Order of Lyon lists him on 25 September.
Around 528, the Life of Saint Lubin, Bishop of Chartres, mentions him as an illustrious Monk who led a Hermit’s life on Ile-Barbe located just above Lyon.
Ile-Barbe located just above Lyon
On 7 May 538, he presided as the Archbishop of Lyon at the 3rd Council of Orleans.
He died well before 28 October 549, the date on which his second successor, Sacerdos, presided over the 5th Council of Orleans, while Lupus’ immediate successor, Leontius, had governed the Church of Lyon for only two years.
Leidrat, Archbishop of Lyon (798-816), writing to Charlemagne, mentions Lupus along with two more Lyonnais Archbishops, Saints Eucherius and Genesius, in connection with the Monastery of Ile-Barbe.
On 20 September 1620, Cardinal de Marquemont, Archbishop of Lyon, proceeded with the Consecration of the restored Church of Ile-Barbe which retained its ancient titular Saints, Saints Martin and our Lupus.
Thought for the Day – 23 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Commandments and the Desires of Jesus Christ
“One who loves is not content, merely, to do the will of the loved one, he tries to satisfy his every wish. If we really love Jesus, therefore, not only should we do His will perfectly but, we should also fulfil every desire of His heart. But what are the desires of Jesus? His first desire is the glory of His Father which we must promote by every means in collaboration with Divine Grace. His second is our sanctification, “For this is the Will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thess 4:3). “You, therefore, are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48).
In the third place, we should take part, as far as we can, in works of the Apostolate, for the triumph of the Church and of the Kingdom of God on earth. Are we doing all this? Perhaps, on the day of our death, we shall have to say: How much good I could have done and I neglected to do it! How much more I should have loved my God, yet I loved Him so little!”
AnaStpaul 
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