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

Feast of St Andrew the Apostle, Virgen de la Concepción, San Juan de los Lagos / Mary Immaculate of Saint John of the Lakes, Mexico) (1524) and Memorials of the Saints – 30 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Andrew the Apostle
St Andrew!
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-st-andrew-apostle-of-christ-martyr/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/30/feast-of-st-andrew-apostle-of-christ-martyr-30-november/

Virgen de la Concepción, San Juan de los Lagos / Mary Immaculate of Saint John of the Lakes, Mexico) (1524) – 30 November, 2 February, 24 June, 15 August, 8 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/feast-of-st-andrew-the-apostle/

St Abraham of Persia
St Anders of Slagelse
Bl Andrew of Antioch
Bl Arnold of Gemblours
St Castulus of Rome
St Constantius of Rome
St Crider of Cornwall
Blessed Cuthbert Mayne (1544-1577) Priest Martyr
St Domninus of Antioch
St Euprepis of Rome
Bl Everard of Stahleck

Blessed Frederick of Regensburg OSA (Died 1329) Lay Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, devotee of the Blessed Sacrament. St Pius X Beatified him on 12 May 1909.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-blessed-frederick-of-regensburg-osa-died-1329/

St Galganus
St Isaac of Beth Seleucia

Blessed John of Vercelli OP (1205-1283) Priest and Friar, Sixth Master General of the Order of Preachers, Founder of the The Society of the Holy Name, Canon lawyer, Professor.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/01/saint-of-the-day-1-december-blessed-john-of-vercelli-op-c-1205-1283/

Bl Joscius Roseus
St Justina of Constantinople
St Mahanes the Persian
St Maura of Constantinople
St Merola of Antioch
St Mirocles of Milan
St Sapor
St Simeon of Persia
St Trojan
St Tudwal of Tréguier
Bl William de Paulo
Zosimus the Wonder Worker

Martyrs of Saxony – 6 Saints: Missionaries who worked with Saint Willehad of Bremen. Martyrs. – Attroban, Benjamin, Emmingen, Folkard, Gerwald and Grisold. They were martyred on 30 November 782 at River Weser, Lawer Saxony, Germany.

Posted in DOCTRINE, DOGMA, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, INDULGENCES, LITANIES, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – DAY ONE – 29 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary

THE FIRST DAY – 29 November
Predestination of the Blessed Virgin Mary

To All the Faithful who, by themselves or with others, in Church or at home, with at least contrite hearts and devotion, shall make this novena:
(1) 300 days Indulgence for each of the nine days;
(2) a Plenary Indulgence on one day of the novena or of the eight days following it. (Pius IX, 5 January 1849.) Conditions – Confession, Communion and prayer, according to the intentions of the Holy Father.
Whenever, in the following pages, an Indulgence is said to be granted “under the usual conditions,” these conditions are the same as above.
*Note – The above Indulgences may also be gained by making the novena at any other time of the year and are not attached to any prescribed formula of prayer. The same applies to all other Novenas in honour of the Blessed Virgin.

[A simple short Novena here AND REMEMBER * ABOVE APPLIES:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/29/immaculate-conception-novena-day-one-29-november/ ]

PREPARATORY PRAYER:
In thy conception, O Virgin Mary,
thou wast immaculate;
pray for us to the Father, Whose Son Jesus,
conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost,
thou didst bring forth.

Indulgence. 200 days, every time. (Pius VI, 21 November 1793).

MEDITATION:
Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the Season of Advent, everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary Feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born, of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also, Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born, before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

PRACTICE:
In Mary appeared the woman who was to crush the serpent’s head, who was to repair, by her willing co-operation with God’s designs, the damage wrought by the disobedience of our first parents and who was to become our Mother and mighty Advocate with God.

The designs of God concerning Mary were fully accomplished. God also has designs concerning us. Our life was planned by Him from all eternity and we were destined to co-operate with Him harmoniously and conscientiously, in working out our salvation. Have we corresponded with God’s designs? Did we not oppose them by yielding to our evil inclinations and passions? What a disparity between God’s intentions concerning us and our own co-operation, between His merciful designs and our cowardly resistance to them!

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH:
O God, Who through the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place
for Thy Divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son,
Thou didst preserve her from all taint,
so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us
that cleansed from all sin by her intercession,
we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER:
Behold, Virgin Immaculate,
at thy sacred feet I bow,
while my heart overflows with joy
in union with thine own
because, from eternity,
thou wast the Mother-elect
of the eternal Word
and was preserved stainless
from the taint of Adam’s sin.
Forever praised, forever blessed
by the Most Holy Trinity,
Who, in thy conception,
poured out upon thy soul,
the riches of that matchless privilege.
I humbly pray thee, most gracious Mother,
obtain for me the grace,
to overcome the bitter results of original sin.
Make me victorious over them
that I may never cease to love my God.
Amen

Hail Mary, Glory Be …

LITANY of LORETO:

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.*
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Saviour, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Vessel of honour, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the Covenant, pray for us.
Gate of Heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God,
unto us Thy servants
that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body
and, by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin,
may be delivered from present sadness
and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Aspiration: O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee!
Indulgence. 100 days, once a day. (Leo XIII, 25 March 1884).

Posted in "Follow Me", 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY GHOST, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 29 November – The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution

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Thought for the Day – 29 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution

“Why did God will to grant us happiness, only on this condition – that we deny ourselves and carry the cross with resignation?
The reason is that we should no longer be ourselves but, should belong entirely to God and, should no longer live our own lives, as St Paul expresses it but, should live the life of Jesus Christ.
We ought to become like Him, the Man of Sorrows, Who redeemed us at the price of His Precious Blood and forgave His executioners from the Cross.
We must suffer, moreover, so that, by our suffering, we may expiate our sins, purify our souls, detach ourselves from the world and begin to lead a heavenly life, even on this earth.

We should not imagine that this will make our lives sad and dreary.
On the contrary, it will fill them with the lasting joy which God sends from on high.
Let us acquire the peace which is founded on complete control of the passions, on absolute dedication to God and on the power of charity which can overcome all obstacles.
Before we can acquire it, of course, we must be enlightened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
It was not until after Pentecost that the Apostles achieved this happiness, so that, “they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace, for the Name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/06/thought-for-the-day-6-december-the-blessedness-of-those-who-suffer-persecution/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUTH, St PAUL!, The HOLY NAME, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – Putting on our Lord Jesus Christ

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew – Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Let us walk becomingly, as in the day,
not in revelry and drunkenness,
not in debauchery and wantonness,
not in strife and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 13:13-14

“And Jesus, seeing their faith,
said to the paralytic,
Take courage, son,
your sins are forgiven you.”

Matthew 9:2

“Perhaps, your own faith is feeble.
Nevertheless, the Lord, who is love
will stoop down to you,
provided only that you are penitent
and can say sincerely,
from the depths of your soul:
“Lord, I believe.
Help thou mine unbelief,”
(Mark 9:23)……”

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

“He who is immortal, voluntarily shed His Blood.
He who created the Host of Angels,
was bound at the hands of soldiers
and He who is to judge the living and the dead,
was dragged to justice (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tm 4:1).
Truth was exposed to false witnesses,
was slandered, struck, covered with spittle,
hung on the Wood of the Cross –
the Lord of Glory (cf. 1 Cor 2:8)
endured every outrage and suffering
without Himself needing these trials. …

So there is nothing surprising about it,
if we submit to even one of these trials,
since such is our condition …
Therefore, we too have to be offended and tempted,
afflicted by the cutting off of our wills.”

St Theodore the Studite (759- 826)
Monk at Constantinople, Father

(Catecheses 1)

“Nothing so curbs the onset of anger,
so allays the upsurge of pride.
It cures the wound of envy,
controls unbridled extravagance
and quenches the flame of lust.
It cools the thirst of covetousness
and banishes the itch of unclean desire…
For when I Name Jesus,
I set before myself,
a Man Who is meek and humble of heart,
kind, prudent, chaste, merciful,
flawlessly upright and holy
in the eyes of all
and this same Man, is the all-powerful God
Whose way of life heals me,
Whose support is my strength.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Lord Jesus, Bind Me to Yourself

Lord Jesus, Bind Me to Yourself
Lord Jesus, bind me to Yourself
and to my neighbour, with love.
May my heart not be turned away from You.
May my soul not be deceived,
nor my talent or mind,
enticed by allurements of error,
so that I may never
distance myself from Your love.
Thus may I love my neighbour as myself,
with strength, wisdom and gentleness,
with Your help,
You who are blessed
throughout all ages.
Amen.

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

“… How can anyone put on Jesus Christ
and imitate His example,
if he does not study this Jesus,
who must inspire and perfect our faith?
He must run the race to which he is challenged,
the glorious race in which,
he overcomes the enemy of the human family
and follows the Way of the Cross.
Under the lordly banner of that Cross,
he will attain eternal life.”

St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824)

(From his first Pastoral Letter as Bishop)

Hear Me, O Lord
By St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

Hear me, O Lord,
my soul’s delight,
joy of my heart,
not because of my merits
but because of Thy boundless goodness.
Teach me, enlighten me, direct me,
help me in all things
that I may never say
or do anything
but that which I know
to be pleasing in Thou sight.
Guide me, O God,
my Love, my Light and my Life!
Amen.

St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, BAPTISM, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, SACRAMENTS, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 November – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:14

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 November – Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew – Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:14

REFLECTION – “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh and its desires, so that you may be clothed with the Life of Him, Whom you have put on in this Sacrament. You have all been clothed with Christ by your Baptism in Him. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Such is the power of this Sacrament: it is a Sacrament of new lifewhich begins here and now, with the forgiveness of all past sins and will be brought to completion, in the resurrection of the dead. You have been buried with Christ by Baptism into death, in order that, as Christ has risen from the dead, you also may walk in newness of life.

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.

This is the octave day of your new birth. Today is fulfilled in you, the sign of faith that was prefigured in the Old Testament by the circumcision of the flesh, on the eighth day after birth. When the Lord rose from the dead, He put off the mortality of the flesh; His Risen Body was still the same Body but it was no longer subject to death. By His Resurrection, He consecrated Sunday, or the Lord’s day. Though the third after His Passion, this day is the eighth after the Sabbath and thus also, the first day of the week.

And so, your own hope of resurrection, though not yet realised, is sure and certain because you have received the Sacrament or sign of this reality and have been given the pledge of the Spirit. If, then, you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 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 (An excerpt from: Sermon 8 – On the Paschal Octave).

PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and come, that with Thee as our protector, we may be rescued from the impending danger of our sins and with Thee as our deliverer, may we obtain our salvation .Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PURGATORY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, The HOLY SOULS

Our Morning Offering –29 November – Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory By St Ignatius of Antioch

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Our Morning Offering –29 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
By St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35-c 108)
Apostolic Father of the Church

Receive in tranquility and peace,
O Lord, the souls of Thy servants,
who have departed this present life
to come to Thee.
Grant them rest and place them
in the habitations of Light,
the abodes of blessed spirits.
Give them the life that will not age,
good things that will not pass away,
delights that have no end,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Posted in CARMELITES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 November – Blessed Redemptorus of the Cross OCD (1598-1638) Martyr,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 29 November – Blessed Redemptorus of the Cross OCD (1598-1638) Martyr, Portuguese Lay Brother of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Missionary, ex-soldier. Born as Tomás Rodrigues da Cunha in Paredes de Coura, Portugal on 15 March 1598 and died by torture in 1638, aged 40, on the Malay Archipelago. Also known as Redemptus. Redemptorus was Beatified on 10 June 1900 by Pope Leo XIII together with Blessed Denis of the Nativity, who was Martyred with Redemptorus.

Tomás first served as a soldier in the Portuguese army in India, where, in 1615, he joined the Carmelites in Goa as a lay brother, taking the name Redemptorus of the Cross.

Redemptorus was sent by the superiors of the Order to accompany Father Denis of the Nativity as part of an ambassadorial mission from the Portuguese Empire to the Sultan of Aceh in modern day Indonesia. The mission was led by Dom Francisco Sousa de Castro as Ambassador.

Once in Aceh, all the members of the mission were seized and arrested, at the instigation of the Dutch authorities based in Jakarta. They were then subjected to torture and those members of the mission who refused to deny their faith, were executed one by one. The two friars were led to a desolate spot on the seashore, where Redemptorus was shot with arrows, after which his throat was slit. Father Denis, a Crucifix in his hands, was the last to die, his skull shattered by a blow of a scimitar.

Dom Castro, the Ambassador, was the only survivor. He was held in captivity for three years, until his family paid a large ransom for his release.

O God, Who in Thy wondrous providence, led the blesseds Denis and Redemptorus through the perils of the sea, to the Palm of Martyrdom, grant, through their intercession that in the midst of earthly vicissitudes and worldly desires, we may remain steadfast even unto death in the confession of Thy name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Collect)

Bl Denis of the Nativity left and Bl Redemptorus of the Cross
Posted in CARMELITES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew, Notre Dame au Coeur d’Or / Our Lady of the Golden Heart of Beauraing, Belgium (1932) and Memorials of the Saints – 29 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew

Notre Dame au Coeur d’Or / Our Lady of the Golden Heart of Beauraing, Belgium (1932) – 29 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/29/notre-dame-au-coeur-dor-our-lady-of-the-golden-heart-of-beauraing-belgium-1932-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-november/

All Saints of the Seraphic Order (Franciscan): the Church celebrates the many Franciscan Saints who followed in the footsteps of St Francis. It is a special day for all Franciscans to celebrate theFfeast of ‘All the Saints of the Seraphic Order.’
Also on this day in 1223, the final Rule of life for Franciscan Friars was approved. To commemorate this and all the saintly examples produced in the Franciscan Order, on this day all the Saints of the Seraphic order are remembered at Franciscan Churches throughout the world.

Blessed Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos Seña SJ (1711-1735) Priest of the Society of Jesus, Mystic, Apostle of the Sacred Heart.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/29/saint-of-the-day-29-november-blessed-bernardo-francisco-de-hoyos-sj-1711-1735/

St Blaise of Veroli

St Brendan of Birr (Died c573) Abbot, known as “Prophet of Ireland,” Founder of the Monastery at Birr in Central Ireland. Brendan is one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and a friend and disciple of Saint Columba.
About St Brendan:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/29/saint-of-the-day-29-november-saint-brendan-of-birr-died-c-573/

St Demetrius of Veroli
Blessed Denis of the Nativity OCD (1600-1638) Priest Martyr

St Francesco Antonio Fasani OFM Conv (1681 – 1742) Priest and Friar of the Order of Conventual Friars Minor, Teacher, Confessor, Preacher, Mystic.
His story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/29/saint-of-the-day-29-november-st-francesco-antonio-fasani-1681-1742-29-november/

Bl Frederick of Ratisbon
St Hardoin of Brittany
St Illuminata of Todi
St James of Saroug
Bl Jutta of Heiligenthal
St Paphnutius of Heracleopolis
St Paramon
St Philomenus of Ancyra
St Radbod of Utrecht
Blessed Redemptorus of the Cross OCD (1598-1638) Martyr,, Portugeuse Lay Brother of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
St Sadwen of Wales
St Saturninus of Rome
St Saturninus of Toulouse
St Sisinius of Rome
St Walderic of Murrhardt

Posted in ADVENT, CHRISTMASTIDE!, NOVENAS

St Andrew’s Christmas Novena – Begins on St Andrew’s Feast Day – 30 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Just a reminder of this beautiful Catholic tradition

Prepare for the arrival of our King!

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 28 November – The Blessedness of the Peacemakers

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 28 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of the Peacemakers

“We should not imagine, however, that the peace which Jesus brought to us, is a lifeless peace, like that of a cemetery.
On the contrary, it is the peace of conquest, a living peace.
It cannot be attained by the sluggard, who is aiming at an easy and comfortable existence but, by the generous warrior who is always prepared to throw himself into the fight for virtue, for the glory of God and for the salvation of souls.

The peace of Jesus Christ is a victory over the evil which is rampant within us and around us.
It demands vigilance, strifc and perseverance in fidelity to Our Lord.
It requires the spirit of sacrifice, the love of God and dedication to the welfare of our fellowmen.
It is the fruit of internal and external combat.
It excludes all rancour, envy, detraction and malice, which is why it costs so much hardship and conflict.
When a man has gained the victory, however, he experiences that wonderful spiritual tranquility which God alone can give.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/thought-for-the-day-5-december-the-blessedness-of-the-peracemakers/

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 November – St Catherine Labouré and Our Lady

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 28 November – The Memorial of St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian visionary of the Miraculous Medal.

THE PROMISES OF THE MEDAL
When Our Lady appeared to
Saint Catherine Labouré
on 27 November 1830,
rays of light flowed from
the rings (made of precious stones)
on her fingers.
However, some of the stones on the rings did not shine.

Our Lady explained:

“These rays symbolise the graces
I shed upon those who ask for them.
The gems from which rays do not fall
are the graces for which souls omit to ask.”

“Graces will be poured out
on all those, small, or great,
who ask for them
with confidence and fervour. … ”

The Blessed Virgin Mary
to Saint Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876)
November 1830

“If you listen to Him,
He will speak to you also
because with the good God,
it is necessary to speak
and to listen.”

St Catherine Labouré (1806-1876)

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 November – “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

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One Minute Reflection – 28 November – The First Week of Advent – Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“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

REFLECTION – “We Christians are the light, at least by comparison with unbelievers. Thus the Apostle says: For once you were darkness but now you are Light in the Lord; walk then as sons of the Light. And elsewhere he says: The night is far spent, the day is drawing near. Let us, therefore, lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of Light; let us walk uprightly as in the day.

Nevertheless, since the days in which we are now living are still dark, compared to the Light which we shall see, hear what the Apostle Peter says. He speaks of a Voice that came from the Supreme Glory and said to the Lord Christ: You are My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased. This Voice, he says, we heard coming from Heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain. Because we, ourselves, were not present there and did not hear the Voice from Heaven, Peter says to us: And we possess a more certain prophetic word to which you do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts.

When, therefore, our Lord Jesus Christ shall come and, as the Apostle says, bring to Light things hidden in darkness and make plain the secrets of the heart, so that everyone may receive his commendation from God, then lamps will no longer be needed. When that day is at hand, the prophet will not be read to us, the book of the Apostle will not be opened, we shall not require the testimony of John, we shall have no need of the Gospel itself. Therefore, all Scriptures will be taken away from us, those Scriptures which, in the night of this world, burned like lamps, so that we might not remain in darkness.

When all these things are removed, as no longer necessary for our illumination and when the men of God by whom they were ministered to us, shall themselves, together with us, behold the true and dear Light, without such aids, what shall we see? With what shall our minds be nourished? What will give joy to our gaze? Where will that gladness come from which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, which has not even been conceived by the heart of man? What shall we see?

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. Dearly beloved, John himself says, we are the sons of God and it has not yet been disclosed what we shall be but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is.

I feel that your spirits are being raised up with mine to the heavens above but the body which is corruptible, weighs down the soul and this earthly tent, burdens the thoughtful mind. I am about to lay aside this book and you are soon going away, each to his own business. 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 (An excerpt from his Treatise on John, 35).

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, maybe assisted by her intercession with Thee. 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).

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 28 November – Let Thy goodness, Lord, Appear to Us

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Our Morning Offering – 28 November – The First Week of Advent

Let Thy goodness, Lord, Appear to Us
An Advent Prayer
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Let Thy goodness, Lord,
appear to us,
that we, made in Thy image,
conform ourselves to it.
In our own strength, we cannot imitate
Thy majesty, power and wonder,
nor is it fitting for us to try.
But Thy mercy reaches from the heavens
through the clouds, to the earth below.
Thou hast come to us as a small child
but Thou hast brought us the greatest of all gifts,
the gift of eternal love.
Caress us with Thy tiny hands,
embrace us with Thy tiny arms
and pierce our hearts
with Thy soft, sweet cries.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 November – Blessed James Thompson (Died 1582) Priest Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 28 November – Blessed James Thompson (Died 1582) Priest Martyr , also known as James Hudson (an alias used to deflect the enemies of the Church). Born in the 16th century in York, North Yorkshire, England and was schooled and brought up there. He died by being hanged on 28 November 1582 in his hometown, York. He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII. Additional Memorial – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai.

This depiction of two of the Douai Martyrs with the Douai College beneath them is in Ushaw College, Durham. Picture by Dominican Lawrence OP.

James arrived at Dr Allen’s College at Rheims on 19 September 1580 and in May of the next year, 1581, by virtue of a special dispensation, was admitted at Soissons, with one Nicholas Fox, firstly as a Deacon and then within 12 days, to the Sacred Orders of the Priesthood, although at the time he was so ill that he could hardly stand.

He was sent on the mission to England, the following 10 August and was arrested at York on 11 August, 1582. On being taken before the Council of the North, he frankly confessed his Priesthood, to the astonishment of his fellow citizens, who knew that he had not been away more than a year.

James was then loaded with double irons and was imprisoned, first in a private prison. When he could no longer pay for his private cell, he was sent to the castle.

On 25 November he was brought to the bar and condemned to the penalties of high treason. Three days later he suffered with great joy and tranquillity at the Knavesmire, York, cintinually protesting that he had never plotted against the Queen and that he died in and for the Catholic Faith. He refused to dispute with the Protestant minister in attendance.

While he was hanging, he first raised his hands to Heaven, then beat his breast with his right hand and finally made a great Sign of the Cross. In spite of his sentence, he was neither disembowelled nor quartered but was buried under the gallows.

Blessed James was Beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 29 December 1886.

NOTE: Between 1577 – the date of the Martyrdom of St Cuthbert Mayne, the Protomartyr of the English Seminary at Douai – and 1680, the date of the execution of Thomas Thwing, the College’s last Martyr, 158 College members (Priests and Laymen, secular and religious) were Martyred by the State, for their Catholic Faith. Usually under the charge of Treason or for refusing to take the Oath of Allegianceand Supremacy to Elizabeth I, as Supreme Governor of the Church. Each time the news of another execution reached the College, a solemn Mass of thanksgiving was sung.

Illustration for Memoirs of Missionary Priests by Bishop Challoner (Jack, 1878)
Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Memorials of the Saints – 28 November

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St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian visionary of the Miraculous Medal. St Catherine was Canonised on 27 July 1947 by Pope Pius XII. Her body is Incorrupt
St Catherine’s Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-st-catherine-laboure-dc-1806-1876/

Bl Calimerius of Montechiaro
St Fionnchu of Bangor

St Pope Gregory III (Died 741) Bishop of Rome 11 February 731 until his death on 28 November 741. (His Feast was moved to 10 December in 1969), The Roman Martyrology states: “St Rome, the blessed Pope Gregory III, who departed for Heaven with a reputation for great sanctity and miracles.“
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-pope-gregory-iii-died-741/

St Hilary of Dijon
St Hippolytus of Saint Claude
St Honestus of Nimes
St Irenarcus

St James of the Marches OFM Conv. (1391-1476) Priest of the Friars Minor Conventional, Confessor, brilliant Preacher, Penitent, Reformer, Writer, Papal legate, Inquisitor, founder of several monasteries in Bohemia, Hungary and Austria. St James was Canonised on 10 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. His body is Incorrupt.
About St James:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-james-of-the-marches-ofm-1391-1476/

Blessed James Thompson (Died 1582) Priest Martyr
St Papius
St Quieta of Dijon
St Rufus
St Simeon the Logothete
St Sosthenes of Colophon (1st Century) Bishop, Martyr.
St Stephen the Younger
Bl Theodora of Rossano

Martyrs of Constantinople – 8 Saints: A group of over 300 Christians Martyred during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Emperors. We have a lot of information on Saint Stephen the Younger, but for the others we have nothing but seven of their names – Andrew, Auxentius, Basil, Gregor, John, Peter and Stefan. They were
scourged, stoned and/or dragged to death through the streets of Constantinople in 764.

Martyrs of North Africa – 13 Saints: A group of thirteen clerics killed or exiled in the persecutions of Arian Vandals in North Africa – Crescens, Crescentian, Cresconius, Eustace, Felix, Florentian, Habetdeum, Hortulanus, Mansuetus, Papinianus, Quodvultdeus, Urban and Valerian.

Martyrs of Tiberiopolis – 14 Saints: A group of fourteen Christian Laymen, Deacons, Priests and Bishops who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate – Basil, Chariton, Comasios, Daniel, Etymasius, Hierotheos, John, Nicephorus, Peter, Sergius, Socrates, Theodore, Thomas and Timothy.
361 at Tiberiopolis, Phyrgia (in modern Turkey)

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PURITY, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 27 November – The Blessedness of the Pure of Heart

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Thought for the Day – 27 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of the Pure of Heart

“The pure of heart will see God.
St Thomas Aquinas observed that the heart may and should be purified in two ways, even as God may be seen in two ways (Summa Theologiae II-II q 8, a 7).
The first essential, is to purify the disturbed passions, which blind the soul to heavenly things.
The second, is to cleanse the mind and to make it immune to error and to evil fancies, so that it maybe permanently enlightened by God.

Similarly, the vision of God is twofold.
When we see God perfectly, we see His Divine Essence and, such happiness is possible only in the Beatific Vision.
There is also an imperfect vision of God, by which we see Him, not in Himself but in created things.
We can and should, have this vision in this life.
All the wonders of creation are rays of the eternal beauty of God.
Creatures, therefore, should form, for us, a material ladder which leads us to God.
We should never become entangled with transient worldly goods but, should see and love God in them all.
The Saints were pure of heart and could see God more clearly than the most learned scholar.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/04/thought-for-the-day-4-december-the-blessedness-of-the-pure-of-heart/

Posted in I BELIEVE!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Our Prayers to the Saints – 27 November – Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

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Our Prayers to the Saints – 27 November – Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Patronages – Special graces, miracles of healing, for conversions, for believers.

Our Blessed Lady and her Miraculous Medal are the solution to the difficulties we are facing. Now, more than ever, we need our Blessed Mother’s comfort and protection. Now, more than ever, we need to discover her peace. Now, more than ever, we need to know that our Mother is with us.

Prayer to Our Lady
of the Miraculous Medal

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,
we unite ourselves to thee
under thy title of Blessed Mother,
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
May this medal be, for each one of us,
a sure sign of thy motherly affection for us
and a constant reminder
of our filial duties towards thee.
While wearing it, may we be blessed
by thy loving protection
and preserved in the grace of thy Son.
Most powerful Virgin,
Mother of our Saviour,
keep us close to thee,
every moment of our lives
so that like thee, we may live and act
according to the teaching
and example of thy Son.
Obtain for us, thy children,
the grace of a happy death,
so that in union with thee
we may enjoy
the happiness of heaven forever.
Amen
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT, ADVENT QUOTES, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 November – The Kingdom of God is near. Luke 21:31

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 November – The First Sunday of Advent –– Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees,
when they produce their fruit
you know that summer is near.
So too, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.”

Luke 21:29-31

“The Kingdom of Heaven
is like a treasure
hidden in a field;
he who finds it, hides it
and in his joy.
goes and sells all that he has
and buys that field.”

Matthew 13:44

“The only true riches are those
that make us rich in virtue.
Therefore, if you want to be rich, beloved,
love true riches.
If you aspire to the heights of real honour,
strive to reach the Kingdom of Heaven.
If you value rank and renown,
hasten to be enrolled
in the heavenly court of the Angels.”

St Pope Gregory III (Died 741)

“How long are we going to put off
obeying Christ, Who calls us
into His Heavenly Kingdom?
Are WE NOT going to purify ourselves?
WILL we NOT resolve to forsake
our customary way of life
to follow the Gospel radically?…
We claim to want the Kingdom of God
yet, without bothering,
to concern ourselves,
with the means of obtaining it?!
What is more, in the conceitedness
of our souls, without taking the least trouble
to obey the Lord’s Commandments,
we think ourselves worthy
to receive the same reward,
as those who have resisted sin,
to the death!”

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

“The soul must grow and expand
so as to be capable of God.
And its largeness is its love,
as the Apostle says,
“widen yourselves in love”
(2 Cor 6:13).
It grows and extends spiritually,
not in substance but in virtue.
The greatness of each soul is judged
by the measure of love that it has-
he who has great love, is great-
he who has little love is little,
while he who has no love at all –
is nothing!”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

“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)

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 November – When you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. – Luke 21:31

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One Minute Reflection – 27 November – The First Sunday of Advent and the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees, when they produce their fruit you know that summer is near. So too, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.” – Luke 21:29-31

REFLECTION – “Look at the fig tree and all the trees, when they produce their fruit you know that summer is near. So too, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.” He means that just as the coming of summer is recognised by the fruit on the trees, so is the nearness of the Kingdom of God recognised by the destruction of the world. These words show that the fruit of the world is destruction – it increases only to fall, it produces, only to destroy by its disasters whatever it produces. The Kingdom of God is aptly compared to summer, because it is then that the clouds of our sorrow pass away and the days of life shine with the brightness of the Eternal Sun. …

“Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will not pass away.” Nothing among material realities is more lasting than the heavens and the earth and nothing among realities, passes away, as quickly as an utterance. … Therefore, the Lord declares: “Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will not pass away.” He means: “Nothing that is lasting in your world lasts for eternity without change and everything that in Me, is perceived as passing away, is kept firm, without passing away. My utterance, which passes away, expresses thoughts that endure without change.” …

Therefore, my friends, do not love what you see cannot long exist. Keep in mind the Apostle John’s precept, in which he counsels us not “to love the world or the things in the world because, if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15). – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospels no.1 (trans. © Cistercian Publications).

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with You.. 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 ADVENT PRAYERS, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, Our MORNING Offering, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Our Morning Offering – 27 November – Come, Sun and Saviour

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Our Morning Offering – 27 November – The First Sunday of Advent

Come, Sun and Saviour
8th Century Catholic Advent Prayer/Hymn

Come, Sun and Saviour,
to embrace our gloomy world,
its weary race.
As Groom to Bride, as Bride to Groom,
The wedding chamber, Mary’s womb.
At Thy great Name, O Jesus, now
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow,
All things on earth with one accord,
Like those in Heaven, shall call Thee Lord.
Come in Thou Holy Might, we pray,
Redeem us for eternal day.
Defend us, while we dwell below,
From all assaults of our dread foe.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 November – St Secundinus of Ireland (c 373-448) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 27 November – St Secundinus of Ireland (c 373-448) Bishop, Missionary, Founder, first Bishop and Patron Saint of Domhnach Sechnaill, Co. Meath, who is traditionally believed to have been as a disciple of St Patrick and one of the first Bishops of Armagh, Poet and Hymnist. Born in c 375 in Gaul (modern France, possibly the area of Auxerre) and died on 27 November 448 of natural causes. Also known as – Secundinus of Dunsaghlin• Secundinus of Dunseachlin• Secundinus of Dunshaughlin• Seachnal, Seachnall, Sechnall, Secundin. Additional Memorial – 6 December (joint celebration of the missionary work of Secundinus and Saint Auxilius).

St Secundinus Church in Dunsaghlin

Secundinus is a well known Late Latin name, a derivative of Secundus … Several known fifth-century Bishops bore the name and in Gaul it continued to be used into the 7th Century when we find bishops of Lyon and Sisteron called Secundinus.

The Irish annals report that in 439, Bishops Secundinus, Auxilius (who was the brother of Secundinus and thus, also a nephew of St Patrick) and Iserninus arrived in Ireland to the aid of St Patrick in his mission. Secundinus preached in the north and east. There are many conflicting documents about him – whether he was a Priest or Bishop when he arrived, if he had been there before, etc. Later tradition, appears to suggest that Secundinus and Auxilius were of Italian origin. Details to this effect are first given in the Irish preface to the Hymn of Secundinus, as found in some manuscript versions of the Liber Hymnorum. It states that Secundinus was a son of Restitutus and St Patrick’s sister, thus making him the nephew of St Patrick.

Secundinus wrote two important Hymns found in the Irish Liber Hymnorum and the Bangor Antiphonary. the earliest poems of the Irish Church, one of which was an alphabetical Hymn in honour of Saint Patrick, that is the Hymn of Secundinus spoken of above.

St Patrick, according to his Tripartite Life, entrusted his See of Armagh, to Secundinus when he went to Rome to obtain Relics of Sts Peter and Paul, while the preface to the Hymn of Secundinus, tells that Patrick had sent Secundinus off to obtain them in person.

The beautiful but long Hymn in honour of St Patrick by our Saint is available here: http://triasthaumaturga.blogspot.com/2012/03/saint-sechnalls-hymn-to-saint-patrick.html

An account of Saint Secundinus (Seachnall) from Father Cogan’s 1862 Diocesan history of Meath, includes:

“The first notice of Dunshaughlin which occurs in our annals, a very remarkable one indeed, is its connection with St Secundinus In fact it owes its origin to this Saint and derives its name from him. …
St Secundinus was a native of Gall and son of Restitutus, a Lombard, by, it is said, Liemania, otherwise named Darerca, who is usually said to have been the sister to St Patrick.
According to Tirechan’s list, Secundinus and Auxilius, his brother, were disciples of St Patrick and seem to have accompanied him from the commencement of his mission to Ireland. After a few years they were sent to Britain or Gaul to be Consecrated, as, according to the established usage of the Church, three Bishops are required for the consecration of another.
The Annals of Ulster and Innisfallen remark, at 439, that the Bishops Secundinus, Auxilius and Isserninus, were sent this year (439) to aid St Patrick.
Seachnall fixed his See at Dunshaughlin and was reputed a very wise, prudent and holy man. In the Four Masters he is called “St Patrick’s Bishop without fault.”. So high was the opinion St Patrick had of him that when he went to preach the Gospel in Leinster and Munster, he appointed Secundinus to preside over the converts of Meath and the North. Hence he is called “St Patrick’s Vicar or Suffragan.”
It is recorded that on one occasion, he expressed disapprobation at St Patrick’s extreme disinterest in refusing presents from the wealthy, by means of which he could support the religious Converts who might be in distress. On St Patrick explaining his reasons, St Secundinus asked forgiveness and composed a Hymn in his honour which, most probably, was the first Christian Latin Hymn composed in Ireland. It has been published by Father Colgan and republished by Ware, who calls it an alphabetical Hymn because the strophes, consisting each of four lines, begin with the letters of the alphabet, following in order. It appears too in the ancient Antiphonarium Benchorense, a work certainly beyond one thousand years old, which has been republished by Muratori. There are different readings in the various editions but substantially the same. Secundinus’s Hymn is frequently referred to in our ancient writers and many favours are promised to those who reverently recite it.

After a holy and edifying life, … Secundinus died on the 27th of November, 448, in the seventy-fifth year of his age,and was interred in his own Church of Dunshaughlin. He was the first Bishop who died in Ireland and has been held in special reverence throughout the Diocese of Meath. As an instance of this, the name Maol-Seachlan (servant of St Seachnall) was common amongst the ancient Irish (but particularly in the royal race of Meath. The O’Maolseachlains, or O’Melaghlins, who belonged to the great branch of the Southern Hy-Nialls or Clan Colman, took their name from their ancestor Maolseachlain (Latinised Malachias and Anglicised Maiachy), who again took his name from the first Bishop of Dunshaughlin. This name O’Maelseachlain, has been Anglicised MacLoughlin since the reign of Queen Anne.”

Posted in Uncategorized

The First Sunday of Advent, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal / The Medal of the Immaculate Conception (1830) and Memorials of the Saints – 27 November

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The First Sunday of Advent +2022

Memorial of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal / The Medal of the Immaculate Conception (1830) (the correct title is the latter):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/27/memorial-of-our-lady-of-the-miraculous-medal-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-november/

St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-st-catherine-laboure-dc-1806-1876/
AND:
The Miraculous Medal:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/28/thought-for-the-day-28-november-the-memorial-of-st-catherine-laboure-dc-1806-1876/

Two of the most famous conversions due to the Miraculous medal was that of Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne NDS (1814-1884), an anti-Catholic Jewish banker and Claude Newman (1923-1944).
Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne received a vision of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. After his conversion, he became a Priest and worked for the conversion of the Jewish people.

St Acacius of Sebaste
St Acharius of Noyon
St Apollinaris of Monte Cassino
St Barlaam

Blessed Bernardine of Fossa OFM (1420-1503) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Missionary in Italy and a renowned Preacher, noted Historian, Lawyer, Ascetical Writer, rising within the Order to important positions. His cult was later confirmed by the Beatification of Pope Leo XII on 26 March 1828.
The Roman Martyrology states: “At L’Aquila, blessed Bernardino da Fossa (Giovanni) Amici, Priest of the Order of Minors, who preached the Catholic Faith in many Provinces of Italy.“
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-blessed-bernardine-of-fossa-ofm-1420-1503/

St Bilhild of Altmünster
St Eusician
St Facundus
St Fergus the Pict
St Gallgo of Wales
St Gregory of Sinai
St Gulstan
St Hirenarchus of Sebaste
St James Intercisus
St John Angeloptes
St John of Pavia
St Laverius

St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Confessor, Preacher – in particular Parish Mission Preacher, Ascetic Writer, Spiritual Director.
His Feast Day should be 26 November – it was moved to 27 November in 1969.
About St Leonard:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-st-leonard-of-port-maurice-ofm-1676-1751/

St Maximus of Reiz
St Primitivus of Sahagun
St Secundinus of Ireland (c 373-448) Bishop, Missionary
St Severinus the Hermit
St Siffred of Carpentras
St Valerian of Aquileia

St Virgilius of Salzburg (c 700-784) Bishop, Abbot, early Astronomer, Architect, Writer, Poet, Patron of the Arts – he was called “the Apostle of Carinthia” and “the Geometer.”
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-saint-virgilius-of-salzburg-c-700-784/

Martyrs of Antioch – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. Little information has survived except for their names – Auxilius, Basileus and Saturninus.

Martyrs of Nagasaki – 11 Beati: A group of eleven Christians Martyred together for their faith during a period of official persecution in Japan. They are:

  • Blessed Alexius Nakamura
  • Blessed Antonius Kimura
  • Blessed Bartholomaeus Seki
  • Blessed Ioannes Iwanaga
  • Blessed Ioannes Motoyama
  • Blessed Leo Nakanishi
  • Blessed Matthias Kozasa
  • Blessed Matthias Nakano
  • Blessed Michaël Takeshita
  • Blessed Romanus Motoyama Myotaro
  • Blessed Thomas Koteda Kyumi
    They were Martyred on 27 November 1619 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
Posted in DOGMA, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena

Reminder: The Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception begins on 29 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena in honour of the Immaculate Conception
Begins 29 November
Feast 8 December

The Dogma was promulgated by Blessed Pius IX in 1854 in the Bull Ineffabilis Deus.
This Dogma is rejected by all Protestants including the Orthodox – another reason why we cannot interact with these the way some do and the Vatican II church endorses.

Let us Pray to our Mother, the Immaculate and Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin.

Posted in "Follow Me", DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MERCY, The BEATITUDES, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 26 November – The Blessedness of the Merciful

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 26 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of the Merciful

“Since God is so merciful to us, however, He requires us to be good and merciful to our neighbour.
“Blessed are the merciful,” Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, “for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7).
St James adds a stern warning.
“Judgement” he says, “is without mercy to him who has not shown mercy but mercy triumphs over judgement” (Js 2:12).

If we hope to receive God’s mercy, we must show compassion to those who are poor or unfortunate in any way, even to the greatest sinner.
In the presence of so much need and misfortune in the world – avarice, miserliness, selfishness or indifference – cry out to God for retribution.

If we are not prepared to give, nothing will be given to us.
If we refuse to forgive, neither shall we be forgiven.
If we do not love, neither shall we be loved!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/03/thought-for-the-day-2-december-the-blessedness-of-the-merciful/

Posted in Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Quotes on SALVATION

Quote/s of the Day – 26 November – St Leonard of Port Maurice

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 26 November – The Memorial of St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest

“The Little Number of Those
Who Are Saved”
By St Leonard of Port Maurice

“Alas! The greater number of Catholics,
the greater number of those who live here,
perhaps even those who are in this assembly,
will be damned!
What subject could be more deserving of your tears?!”

“If you practice the holy exercise
of Spiritual Communion,
a good many times each day,
within a month,
you will see yourself completely changed.”

St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

A Short Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church

My Jesus,
I believe that Thou art present
in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love Thee above all things
and I desire Thee in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally,
come at least, spiritually, into my heart.
As though Thou were already there,
I embrace Thee
and unite myself wholly to Thee,
permit not, that I should ever,
be separated from Thee.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-november-st-leonard-of-port-maurice/

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The BEATITUDES, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 November – ‘ … For love of Jesus …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 November – St Sylvester Gozzolini OSB Silv. (1177– 1267) Priest, Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “Seek for nothing, desiring to enter for love of Jesus, with detachment, emptiness and poverty in everything in this world. You will never have to do with necessities greater than those to which you made your heart yield itself – for the poor in spirit are most happy and joyful in a state of privation and he who has set his heart on nothing, finds satisfaction everywhere.

The poor in spirit (Mt 5:3) give generously all they have and their pleasure consists in being thus deprived of everything for God’s sake and out of love for their neighbour … Not only do temporal goods – the delights and tastes of the senses – hinder and thwart the way of God but spiritual delights and consolations also, if sought for or clung to eagerly, disturb the way of virtue.” – St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Spiritual maxims, nos. 352, 355,356, 364; 1693 edition).

PRAYER – Most merciful God, Who when the holy Abbot Sylvester was devoutly meditating upon the vanity of this world beside an open grave, graciously willed to call him into the desert and enrich him with unusual merits, we humbly pray that, following his example, despising the things of earth, we may thoroughly enjoy Thy everlasting presence.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).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 26 November – O Blessed Lady, Mediatrix and Advocate By St Bernard

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 26 November – Mary’s Day

O Blessed Lady,
Mediatrix and Advocate
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and Doctor of Light

Our Mediatrix and Advocate
O blessed Lady,
you found grace, brought forth the Life,
and became the Mother of Salvation.
May you obtain the grace for us to go to the Son.
By your mediation, may we be received by the One
who through you, gave Himself to us.
May your integrity compensate with Him
for the fault of our corruption
and may your humility,
which is pleasing to God,
implore pardon for our vanity.
May your great charity
cover the multitude of our sins
and may your glorious fecundity
confer on us, a fecundity of merits.
Dear Lady, our Mediatrix and Advocate,
reconcile us to your Son,
recommend us to Him
and present us to your Son.
By the grace you found,
by the privilege you merited,
by the Mercy you brought forth,
obtain for us the favour we ask of you,
O blessed Lady.
Amen

Posted in PATRONAGE - OF DOGS and against DOG BITES and/or RABIES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 November – Saint Bellinus of Padua (Died 1151) Bishop of Padua and Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 26 November – Saint Bellinus of Padua (Died 1151) Bishop of Padua and Martyr, Reformer (he led a reform of the spiritual lives of the Clergy in his Diocese) he rebuilt the Cathedral and opened schools, Miracle-worker. Born in the late 11th Century in Padua, Italy and died by being stabbed by assassins in 1151 on a forest road while on a trip to Rome. Patronages – the City and Diocese of Adria, Italy, against dog bites, against rabies. Also known as – Bellino. He was Canonised by Pope Eugene IV.

Artwork by Taddeo Crivelli – St Bellinus dyring Mass

Bellinus, according to some sources from Germany, was born in the region on the Baltic Sea but, according to others, he was the son of the noble Bertaldo family in Padua and became the Bishop of Padua in 1128 .

Even as a Priest, he was loyal to the legitimate Popes Callistus II and Honorius II, while his predecessor in office, supported the anti-popes. In 1144 Bellinus made a pilgrimage to Rome to meet Pope Celestine II.

In Padua as the Bishop, he introduced reforms in the clergy, appointed canons, had the Cathedral rebuilt after it was destroyed in 1117 by an earthquake and saw to it that schools were built.

Mattia Bortoloni – The Saints Bellinus, Anthony of Padua and Thomas of Villanova

Bellinus worked zealously to rebuild the status and dignity of the Church and defended Church rights against the secular powers. He, therefore, entered into conflicts with the influential Capodivacca family, who organised hired assassins to attack him. They met him during a journey to Rome in a forest in Fratta Polesinelet and murdered him.

Bellinus’ corpse was taken to the Church of San Giacomo di Fratta, After a flood, his bones were taken to the new Church dedicated to him in San Bellino near Rovigo. In 1647, his Relics were moved to a Chapel in the same Church.

Marble statue, 1672, in the Cathedral of Chioggia. 
The Altarpiece behind shows Bishop 
St Liborius of le Mans
Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 November – Saint Peter of Alexandria (Died 311) Bishop Martyr, the “Seal of the Martyrs”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 26 November – Saint Peter of Alexandria (Died 311) Bishop Martyr, known as the “Seal of the Martyrs” Born at Alexandria, Egypt and died by Martyrdom in 311 at Alexandria, Egypt. Tradition attests that the Egyptian Bishop was the last believer to suffer death at the hands of Roman imperial authorities for his faith in Christ. For this reason, St Peter of Alexandria is known as the “Seal of the Martyrs.”

He is said to have undertaken severe penances for the sake of the suffering Church during his lifetime and written letters of encouragement to those in prison, before going to his own death at the close of the “era of the Martyrs.”

Peter was born and raised in Alexandria but both the date of Peter’s birth and of his Ordination as a Priest, are unknown. It is clear, however, that he was chosen to lead Egypt’s main Catholic community in the year 300, after the death of Saint Theonas of Alexandria. He may have previously been in charge of Alexandria’s well-known Catechetical School, an important centre of religious instruction in the early Church. Peter’s own theological writings were cited in a later fifth-century dispute over Christ’s divinity and humanity.

In 302, the Emperor Diocletian and his subordinate Maximian, attempted to wipe out the Church in the territories of the Roman Empire. They used their authority to destroy Church properties, imprison and torture believers and eventually kill those who refused to take part in pagan ceremonies. As the Bishop of Alexandria, Peter offered spiritual support to those who faced these penalties, encouraging them to hold to their faith without compromise.

One acute problem for the Church during this period, was the situation of the “lapsed.” These were Catholics who had violated their faith by participating in pagan rites under coercion but who later, repented and sought to be reconciled to the Church. Peter issued canonical directions for addressing their various situations and these guidelines became an important part of the Eastern Christian tradition for centuries afterward.

Around the year 306, Peter led a Council which deposed Bishop Meletius of Lycopolis, a member of the Catholic hierarchy who had allegedly offered sacrifice to a pagan idol. Peter left his Diocese for reasons of safety during some portions of the persecution , travelling through many lands, encouraging his flock by letter, before returning to his City to guide the Alexandrian Church personally during this period. He secretly visited those imprisoned, assisted widows and orphans, and conducted clandestine services. His absence from Alexandria, however, gave Meletius an opening to set himself up as his rival and lead a schismatic church in the area.

The “Meletian schism” would continue to trouble the Church for years after the death of Alexandria’s legitimate Bishop. Saint Athanasius, who led the Alexandrian Church during a later period, in the fourth century, claimed that Meletius personally betrayed Peter of Alexandria to the state authorities during the Diocletian persecution.

Although Diocletian himself chose to resign his rule in 305, persecution continued under Maximinus Daia, who assumed leadership of the Roman Empire’s eastern half in 310. The early Church historian, Eusebius, attests that, in 311, Maximinus, during an imperial visit to Alexandria, unexpectedly ordered its Bishop to be seized and killed without imprisonment or trial. Three Priests – Faustus, Dio and Ammonius – were reportedly beheaded along with him.

St Peter of Alexandria’s entry in the “History of the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church of Alexandria” (a volume first compiled by a Coptic Bishop in the 10th century) concludes with a description of the aftermath of his death.

“And the City was in confusion and was greatly disturbed, when the people beheld this Martyr of the Lord Christ. Then, the chief men of the City came, and wrapped his body in the leathern mat, on which he used to sleep and they took him to the Church … And, when the liturgy had been performed, they buried him with the fathers. May his prayers be with us and all those who are Baptised!”

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, Uncategorized

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Westrozebeke / Our Lady of Westrozebeke,Belgium (1482) and Memorials of the Saints – 26 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Westrozebeke / Our Lady of Westrozebeke, Staden, West Flanders, Belgium (1482) – 26 November, Third Sunday of June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/26/onze-lieve-vrouw-van-westrozebeke-our-lady-of-westrozebeke-staden-west-flanders-belgium-1482-and-memorials-of-the-saints-26-november/

St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, reacher – in particular Parish Mission Preacher, Ascetic Writer, Spiritual Director. St Leonard founded many pious societies and confraternities and exerted himself to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ. He was among the few to insist that the concept of the Immaculate Conception of Mary be defined as a Dogma of the Faith. He was Beatified on 19 June 1796 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 29 June 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
About St Leonard:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-st-leonard-of-port-maurice-ofm-1676-1751/

St Sylvester Gozzolini OSB Silv. (1177– 1267) Priest, Abbot, Founder of the Silvestrini Congration, Mystic, gifted with the charism of prophecy and miracles, but also subject to violent attacks by the devil.
St Sylvester’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-saint-sylvester-gozzolini-osb-silv-1177-1267/

St Peter of Alexandria (Died 311) Martyr, “The Seal of the Martyrs” Bishop of Alexandria. Tradition attests that the Egyptian Bishop, St Peter, was the last believer to suffer death at the hands of Roman imperial authorities for his faith in Christ. Hence the title “The Seal of the Martyrs.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-st-peter-of-alexandria-died-311-martyr-the-seal-of-the-martyrs/
AND (I posted St Peter on the 25th in error):
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/25/saint-of-the-day-25-november-saint-peter-of-alexandria-died-311-bishop-martyr-the-seal-of-the-martyrs/

Bl Albert of Haigerloch
St Alypius Stylites
St Amator of Autun
St Basolus of Verzy
St Bellinus of Padua (Died 1151) Bishop and Martyr
St Bertger of Herzfeld
St Conrad of Constance
Bl Delphine of Glandèves
St Egelwine of Athelney
St Ida of Cologne
St James the Hermit
St Magnance of Ste-Magnance
St Marcellus of Nicomedia
St Martin of Arades
St Nicon of Sparta
Bl Pontius of Faucigny
St Sabaudus of Trier
St Siricius, Pope
St Stylianus
St Vacz

Martyrs of Alexandria – 650+- Saints: A group of approximately 650 Christian Priests, Bishops and Laity Martyred together in the persecution of Maximian Galerius. We have the names and a few details only seven of them – Ammonius, Didius, Faustus, Hesychius, Pachomius, Phileas and Theodore. The were born in Egypt and were martyred there in c 311 in Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Capua – 7 Saints: A group of seven Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are the names – Ammonius, Cassianus, Felicissimus, Nicander, Romana, Saturnin and Serenus. They were martyred in Capua, Campania, Italy, date unknown.

Martyrs of Nicomedia – 6 Saints: A group of six Christians Martyred by Arians. Few details have survived except their names – Marcellus, Melisus, Numerius, Peter, Serenusa and Victorinus. Martyred in 349 in Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey).