Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Ransom, Spain (1218), Our Lady of Walsingham / Virgin of the Sea (1061) and the Saints for 24 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom, Barcelona, Spain (1218) – 1 August, 10 August – The Founding of the Mercedarian Order and 24 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/24/our-lady-of-mercy-our-lady-of-ransom-our-lady-of-walsingham-virgin-of-the-sea-24-september-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Our Lady of Walsingham / Virgin of the Sea (1061) – 24 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/24/our-lady-of-walsingham-virgin-of-the-sea-1061-marian-feasts-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-september/


St Andochius of Autun
St Chuniald
Bl Colomba Matylda Gabriel
St Coprio
St Erinhard
St Felix of Autun

St Gerard Sagredo OSB (980-1046) Bishop and Martyr, “The Apostle of Hungary,” Venetian nobleman, Benedictine monk, Prior of San Giorgio, Missionary to Hungary, Adviser to King Saint Stephen, Tutor to Prince Saint Emeric, Hermit, Bishop of Csanád, Writer, Reformer
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-gerard-sagredo-osb-980-1046-bishop-and-martyr-the-apostle-of-hungary/

St Geremarus (c608-658) French Priest, Abbot, Founder of Monasteries.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-st-geremarus-c608-658-priest-abbot/

Statue of St Geremarus in the Chapel of Saint-Germer-de-Fly Abbey

St Gislar

St Isarn (Died 1043) Abbot of of Saint-Victor near Toulouse, Reformer, Apostle of the destitute and deprived.
St Isarus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-isarnus-died-1043-abbot/

Saint-Victor Abbey

St Lupus (6th Century) Bishop of Lyon

St Pacificus of Severino OFM (1653-1721) Priest, Franciscan Friar, Mystic, Miracle-worker, Missionary, Superior of the Friary of San Severino and joyful sufferer for Christ. He was Beatified on 4 August 1786 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 26 May 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Mystical St Pacificus:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-pacificus-of-severino-ofm-1653-1721/

St Paphnutius of Egypt

St Rusticus (Died 446) The 7th Bishop and Confessor of Clermont in Auvergne, concerning whose election Saint Gregory of Tours relates that it was brought about by a special intervention of Divine Providence.
Touched by Grace St Rusticus:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-rusticus-of-clermont-died-446-bishop-and-confessor/

St Terence of Persaro (c 210-c 247) Martyr Layman, Soldier.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-terence-of-persaro-c-210-c-247-martyr/

St Thyrsus of Autun

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Thought for the Day – 23 September – The Commandments and the Desires of Jesus Christ

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Part One here:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/17/thought-for-the-day-17-september-the-commandments-and-the-desires-of-jesus-christ/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 23 September – ‘Day by day follow God’s path, keeping Him closely attached to you … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 23 September – St Pope Linus (c10 – c76) Successor to St Peter – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God!”

Matthew 16:16

“Truly blessed is he who cleaves,
with his thought, to the Prayer of Jesus,
constantly calling to Him in his heart,
just as air cleaves to our bodies,
or the flame to the candle.”

St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450)
Priest, Exegete, Father

“Day by day follow God’s path,
keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise.
In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His Apostles,
to all those who seek His Will and His testimonies
that He would be with them
until the end of the world (Mt 28:20)
where paths and footsteps
will be unknown (cf Ps 76:20),
as the divine David said in his songs.
Yet, in an invisible way,
He is present to the eyes of the mind,
making Himself seen by those
who have a pure heart
and conversing with them.
So pursue your path …. ”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Abbot, Confessor, Father of the Church

“Let us go to Jesus when we are worn out by conflict
and have no strength left.
Let us go to Him when we feel
that we can walk no further
along the stony path to perfection.
He will help us and restore our courage;
He will grant us an increase of grace which is the source of the spiritual life.
It is essential, however, that we should have
a spirit of recollection.
If we are dissipated, we shall be
unable to hear the Voice of God.
We must speak with God
and open our hearts to Him;
we must tell Him that we love Him
and wish to learn to love Him more
and to conform more completely
to His designs for us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PAPAL APOSTOLIC LETTERS, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, Quotes on SALVATION, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 September – ‘ … So let us be done with these barren and empty fancies … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 23 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Pope Linus (c10 – c76) Successor to St Peter – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “Let us leave the instances from the past and come to some of the heroes of more recent times. Take the noble figures of out own generation. Even the greatest and most virtuous Pillars of our Church, were assailed by envy and jealousy and had to keep up the struggle until death ended their days. Look at the holy Apostles. It was by sinful jealousy that Peter was subjected to tribulation, not once or twice but many times; it was in that way, he bore his witness before leaving us for his well-earned place in glory. And Paul because of jealousy and contention, has become the very type of endurance rewarded! He was in bonds seven times, he was exiled, he was stoned. He preached in the East and in the West, winning a noble reputation for his faith. He taught righteousness to all the world and, after reaching the furthest limits of the West and bearing his testimony before kings and rulers, he passed out of this world and was received into the holy places. In him, we have one of the greatest of all examples, of endurance. Besides these men of saintly life, there are many more of the elect, who have undergone hardships and torments instigated by jealousy and provide admirable object lessons, for ourselves …

Now, all this is not being written as a warning to you alone, my dear friends but, for a reminder to ourselves too because, we also, are in the same arena and have the same conflict before ourselves. So let us be done with these barren and empty fancies and turn instead, to the honourable, holy rule of our tradition, so that we may find out what is good and pleasing and acceptable, in the Sight of Him Who made us. Let us fix our thoughts on the Blood of Christ and reflect how precious that Blood is in God’s Eyes, inasmuch as Its outpouring for our salvation, has opened the grace of repentance to all mankind.” – St Pope Clement I (c35-c101) – Pope from c88 to 101, Father (Letter to the Corinthians 5-7).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Linus Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. 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 GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 23 September – Suscipe

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 23 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

Suscipe
“Receive”
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Receive, O Lord,
all my liberty.
Take my memory, understanding
and entire will.
Whatsoever I have or hold,
Thou hast given it – I give all back to Thee
and commit it wholly to be governed by Thy Will.
Thy Love and Thy Grace give unto me
and I am rich enough
and ask for nothing more!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 23 September – St Constantius (5th Century) Sacristan of Ancona,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 23 September – St Constantius (5th Century) Sacristan of Ancona, in the Marches, Italy, Miracle-worker. A gentle and humble man filled with supernatural gifts and graces and by his prayers, rendering grat miracles for those who beseeched his aid and for his Church when in need.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ancona, St Constantius, Sacristan of the Church, renowned for the gift of miracles.”

St Gregory the Great provides some information regarding our Saint Constantius in his Dialogues, highlighting his profound humility, a faith which “could move mountains” and miraculous power.

Unknown Spanish Sacristan

According to the illustrious Pontiff’s account, based on the testimony of his own Bishop (likely the City’s Bishop himself) and other locals, Constantius, dressed in monastic attire, served as a Sacristan in the Church of St Stephen, Ancona’s first Cathedral and a famous sanctuary, where, according to St Augustine, a Relic of the 1st Martyr was venerated.

St Gregory emphasises in particular, how the humble and almost threadbare appearance of the simple Sacristan corresponded to a great spirit of perfection which shone through the gift of miracles.

Among the prodigious events, it is recorded that, due to the miraculous power of the lowly Sacristan, the Church’s lamps burned, even though they were filled with water instead of oil. As the fame of the young Sacritan’s sanctity and extraordinary works spread, many flocked to see him and beg for spiritual favours. One day, a rough peasant came to the Church and, seeing the frail Sacristan on a ladder busy triming the lamps, refused to believe in his sanctity and began to mock him with insulting words, calling him a liar and presumptuous. Constantius, who had heard the insults, ran to embrace and kiss him, thanking him for his treatment and thus proving, as St Gregory concludes, that if he was great in miracles, he was even greater in humility of heart.

Nothing else is known of this gentle and holy Saint.
His body was later translated to Venice and placed first in the Church of St.Basil, then in that of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, where he is currently venerated celebrated today 23 September as it is in the Diocese of Ancona. The reasons and exact date of this translation of St Constantius’ Relics is unknown, although some local sources believe the body was stolen in the 12th Century during a siege and following a robbery by Venetian merchants.

Today, the Cathedral in Ancona, possesses the only memento of St Costantius, a bone fragment donated in 1760, with authentication by the Patriarch of Venice.

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

 Nuestra Senora de Valvanera / Our Lady of Valvanera, Spain (9th Century), St Pope Linus, St Thecla and the rest of the Saints for 23 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Nuestra Senora de Valvanera / Our Lady of Valvanera, La Rioja, Spain (9th Century) – 23 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/23/nuestra-senora-de-valvanera-our-lady-of-valvanera-la-rioja-spain-9th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-september/

St Pope Linus (c 10 – c 76) Successor to St Peter. Papacy lasted from c 67 to his death as a Martyr. Among those to have held the position of Pope, Peter, Linus and Clement are specifically mentioned in the New Testament. Linus is mentioned in the closing greeting of the Second Epistle to Timothy as being with Paul in Rome near the end of Paul’s life.
The Life and Death of St Linus:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-st-pope-linus-c-10-c-76-successor-to-st-peter/

St Thecla (1st century) Virgin Martyr, Disciple of St Paul.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-st-thecla-1st-century-virgin-and-martyr/

St Adamnan of Iona/Eunan of Iona (c 628-704) Relative of Saint Columban. Monk at Drunhome, Donegal, Ireland. Abbot of Iona in 679. President-general of all the Columban houses in Ireland. Hagiographer and Spiritual Writer, Poet, Statesman, Canon Lawyer. Canonised on 11 July 1898 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed).
His Virtyous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-saint-adamnan-of-iona-or-st-eunan-of-iona-c-628-704/

St Cissa of Northumbria
St Constantius (5th Century) Sacristan of Ancona


Blessed Elena Duglioli (1472-1520) Widow. Beatified on 26 March 1828 by Pope Leo XII. Her body is Incorrupt.
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-blessed-elena-duglioli-1472-1520-widow/

Blessed Guy of Durnes O.Cist. (Died c1157) Abbot

Blessed Peter Acotanto (1108-1187) Hermit, Apostle of the poor, the most deprived and desparate peoples of Venice. Born in 1108 in Venice, Italy and died there in on 23 September1187 of natural causes. Patronage – of Venice, Italy. His Body is Incorrupt.
What an Inspiring Saint!:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-blessed-peter-acotanto-1108-1187-hermit/

St Polyxena

St Sosius (275-305) Confessor, Deacon and Martyr. His holiness and wisdom drew many Prelates to his feet, seeking spiritual assistance. St Sosius was a Deacon of Misenum, an important naval base of the Roman Empire in the Bay of Naples.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Capo Miseno in Campania, St Sosius, Deacon and Martyr, who, as Pope St Symmachus reports, wishing to save his Bishop from death, instead found death together with him, obtaining equal glory at the same price.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-saint-sosius-275-305-confessor-deacon-and-martyr/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the POOR

Thought for the Day – 22 September – ALMSGIVING

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 22 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

ALMSGIVING

“We must be detached from the goods of this world because they are corruptible and cause us to forget God.
Even if we have been placed in easy circumstances, let us be poor in spirit.
We can be poor in spirit by giving alms from motives of Christian charity.
We need the mercy of God and Our Lord has told us that He will be merciful only to those who show mercy to others.

We need God’s forgiveness for all our sins and the Holy Spirit assures us that our iniquities are redeemed by almsgiving.
“Redeem thou thy sins with alms and thy iniquities, with works of mercy to the poor” (Dan 4:24).
Almsgiving is a means of our personal sanctification!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGER, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY

Quote/s of the Day – 22 September – St Thomas of Villanova

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 22 September – St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555) Archbishop, Confessor.

“Dismiss all anger and look into yourself a little.
Remember, he of whom you are speaking,
is your brother and, as he is in the way of salvation,
God can make him a Saint,
in spite of his present weakness!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/22/quote-s-of-the-day-22-september-st-thomas-of-villanova-osa-1488-1555-archbishop-confessor/

St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 September – ‘ … If we are faithful in labouring at this work …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555) Archbishop, Confessor – Ecclesiasticu Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” – Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “Let us keep our eyes unceasingly fixed upon the Divine Ideal; let us work to realise, within ourselves, the perfection to which God wishes us to reach, in order to imitate His Divine Son. He is the form of our eternal predestination and for each one, there exists “given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.” (cf Eph 4:7). Here below we do not know what this measure is, by what amount the measure of our predestination is fixed by God. But, without question, it is going to form Christ in us, to reproduce the characteristics of the unique Ideal which the Father Himself indicates …

If we are faithful in labouring at this work, despite temptations and difficulties, the day of reward promised by God will sound for us. … If we have had that constant application which love brings to the perfect fulfilment of our Heavenly Father’s wishes, if we have done “ always the things which please Him” (Jn 8:29), we shall receive the magnificent reward promised by Him Who is Faithfulness Itself: “Well done, good and faithful servant because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (cf Mt 25:21). All the Saints, on entering Heaven, hear these blessed words; this is the welcome they receive from Christ Jesus!

And what are the good things in which Our Lord gives a share? – God Himself, in His Trinity and His perfections and, with God, all spiritual good. The soul will be like God for it will “See Him as He really is” (1 Jn 3:2). Through this ineffable vision which succeeds to faith, the Soul will be fixed in God and will find in Him the Divine stability. It will be forever knit in a perfect embrace to the supreme and immutable Good, without the fear of ever losing Him.” – Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot (“The Instruments of Good Works” – Christ the Ideal of the Monk)

PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Bishop Thomas with the virtue of special pity for the poor, we beseech Thee, through his intercession, generously to pour forth the riches of Thy mercy upon all those who pray to Thee.ThroughJesus 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 AUGUSTINIANS OSA, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 22 September – I Will Love Thee, Lord By St Thomas of Villanova

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 22 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555) Archbishop, Confessor

I Will Love Thee, Lord
By St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

I will love Thee, Lord,
in every way
and without setting limits
to my love.
Thou set no limits to what Thou
hast done for me;
Thou hast not measured Thy gifts.
I will not measure my love.
I will love Thee, Lord,
with all my strength,
with all my powers,
as much as I am able.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 September – St Sanctinus (c270-356) Bishop Martyr(?)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 22 September – St Sanctinus (c270-356) the 1st Bishop of Verdun and Meaux, Missionary, evangelised the region, some sources consider him a Martyr. Sanctinus was a disciple of St Dionysius, the Bishop of Paris. Also known as – Xantin, Santin, Saintin or Sanctin; Name means: the holy one (Latin). Additional Feasts – 12 October in Verdun, 25 September (translation of Relics).

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Meaux, the blessed Sanctinus, Bishop, Disciple of St Dennis (Dionysius), the Areopagite, who, being Consecrated by St Denn is, as the Bishop of Meaux, was the first to preach the Gospel there.”

Sanctinus was a disciple of St Dionysius, the Bishop of Paris .. He worked as a Missionary in the area around Verdun and became the cCty’s first Bishop.

He is also said to have worked in Picardy and Champagne and is, therefore, considered the 1st Bishop of Meaux. In 332. in Verdun, he built the 1st Church, dedicated to Sts Peter and Paul , on the walls of a pagan temple on the site of the later Abbey of St Vanne —now ruins, within the City’s fortified citadel. According to tradition, he died in prison in Meaux and is, therefore, considered a martyr.

Statue of St Sanctinus in the Cloister of Verdun Cathedral

Sanctinus was buried in Meaux . Possibly, because of the Norman invasion, his remains were placed in the consecrated Church of the then Priory at Malemort-sur-Corrèze near Tulle for their protection, as it is dedicated to him as the Church of Saint-Xantin. In 1044, however, his remains were sold from Meaux to Verdun during a severe famine in Meaux; they now lie in the Cathedral in Verdun.

The Abbey of St Vanne in Verdun was closed in 1792 during the French Revolution and demolished in 1838. Today only the remains of a Church tower remain.

St Santinus’ Reliquary in the Verdun Cathedral
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna di Porto Salvo / Our Lady of Porto Salvo, Italy (1843), St Thomas of Villanova, St Maurice and Companions and all the Saints for 22 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Madonna di Porto Salvo / Our Lady of Porto Salvo, Lampedusa, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy (1843) – 22 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/22/madonna-di-porto-salvo-our-lady-of-porto-salvo-lampedusa-agrigento-sicily-italy-1843-and-memorials-of-the-saints-22-september/

St Thomas of Villanueva/Villanova OSA (1488-1555) Archbishop, Confessor, Religious Priest of the Order of St Augustine,Writer, Preacher, Teacher, Apostle of Charity, Mystic, Miracle-Worker often called “the Almsgiver” and “the Father of the Poor“, Reformer. Canonised on 1 November 1658 by Pope Alexander VII.
Beloved St Thomas here:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/22/saint-of-the-day-22-september-st-thomas-of-villanova-o-s-a/

St Thomas Villanova Dividing His Clothes
by Mas a child, urillo

St Maurice & Companions:
Martyrs of the Theban Legion: + Martyrs (c 287)
A Roman imperial legion of 6,600 soldiers, all of whom were Christians; they had been recruited from the area around Thebes in Upper Egypt, were led by Saint Maurice and served under Emperor Maximian Herculeus. Around the year 287, Maximian led the army across the Alps to Agaunum, an area in modern Switzerland, in order to suppress a revolt by the Bagandre in Gaul. In connection with battle, the army offered public sacrifices to the Roman gods; the Theban Legion refused to participate. For refusing orders, the Legion was decimated – one tenth of them were executed. When the remainder refused to sacrifice to the gods, they were decimated again. When the survivors still refused to sacrifice, Maximinian ordered them all killed. Martyrs.
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/22/saints-of-the-day-22-september-st-maurice-and-the-martyrs-of-the-theban-legion-martyrs-c-287/

Bl Alfonso da Cusco
St Basilia
St Digna of Rome
St Emerita of Rome

St Emmeramus(Died c690) Bishop of Regensburg, Martyr , Missionary Born in Poitiers, France and died on 22 September c652 in Feldkirchen near Munich in Bavaria by being murdered. Patronages – of Poitiers in France and of the City and Diocese of Regensburg in Germany.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ratisbon, in Bavaria, St Emmeramus, Bishop and Martyr, who, to deliver others, endured patiently a most cruel death, for the sake of Our Lord.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/22/saint-of-the-day-22-september-st-emmeramus-of-regensburg-bishop-martyr/

St Florentius the Venerable

St Gunthildis (Died c 1057) Laywoman of Suffersheim,  Apostle of the poor, the sick and the needy.
Her Holy Life
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/22/saint-of-the-day-22-september-saint-gunthildis-of-suffersheim-died-c-1057/

St Irais
St Jonas
St Lauto of Coutances
St Lindru of Partois

Blessed Otto O.Cist. (c1111-1158) Bishop of Freising, Cistercian Priest and Abbot Historian, Reformer, Diplomatic Peace-maker, Defender of the Church, Crusader. Born between 1111 and 1114 in Klosterneuburg near Vienna, Austria and died at Morimond, Champagne, France, on 22 September, 1158 at the young age of 47 at the most.
Holy Man of Many Talents St Otto:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/22/saint-of-the-day-22-september-blessed-otto-of-freising-o-cist-c1111-1158-bishop/

St Sadalberga
St Sanctinus (c270-356) Bishop of Verdun and Meaux, Martyr?

St Septimius of Jesi (Died c 307) the first Bishop of Jesi in Italy, Confessor, Martyr., Miracle-worker .
His Lif and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/22/saint-of-the-day-22-september-saint-septimius-of-jesi-died-c-307-bishop-confessor-martyr/

St Sigfrid of Wearmouth
St Silvanus of Levroux
St Symphorian

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Posted in "Follow Me", Lady POVERTY, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 21 September – Gospel Reading

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 21 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Gospel Reading

“We should practice what we learn in the Gospel.
If this were not the result of our reading, our efforts would be worth very little.
When reading, we should apply to our lives the spirit and the precepts of Jesus.
This was the practice of the Saints, whose lives were a continual implementation of the Gospel message.
So, St Aloysius and others, understood and applied to their own lives, the maxim: “Blessed are pure of heart.”
St Francis and his followers, applied another maxim: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
St Francis de Sales applied to himself, in a special way, the words: “Blessed are the meek.”
As a result, he was noted for his gentleness of character, this man, known as “The Gentleman Saint” and “The Gentle Christ of Geneva!”

We should read the Gospel everyday.
It should be for us, a school of practical spirituality, esspecially adapted to the needs of our own soul, which will finally lead us to sanctity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 September – st Matthew

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 21 September –The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Martyr – Ezekiel 1:10-14; Matthew 9:9-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed him.”

Matthew 9:9

“It is not the healthy
who need a physician
but they who are sick.”

Matthew 9:12-

“By their fruits
you will know them.
Do men gather grapes
from thorns,
or figs from thistles?“

Matthew 7:16

“So it will be at the end of the world.
The Angels will go out
and separate the wicked
from among the just.”

Matthew 13:40

“But the things which proceed
out of the mouth,
come from the heart
and it is they which defile a man.”

Matthew 15:18

“His Lord said to him:
Well done, good and faithful servant
because thou has been faithful over a few things,
I will place thee over many thing.
Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Matthew 25:23

“Amen I say to you,
as long as you did
NOT do it
for one of these
least ones,
you did NOT do it
for Me.”

Matthew 25:45

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – For I have come to call sinners, not the just.- Matthew 9:13

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One Minute Reflection – 21 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Martyr – Pentecost XV – Ezekiel 1:10- 14 – Matthew 9:9-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“It is not the healthy who need a physician but they who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call sinners, not the just.”- Matthew 9:12-13

REFLECTION – “The Apostles, those who all as one and each in particular, possessed the Good News of God, went to the ends of the earth proclaiming the news of all the blessings God sends us and announcing Heaven’s peace towards men (Lk 2:14). Specifically, Matthew produced a written form of the gospel for the Hebrews in their own language, while Peter and Paul evangelised Rome and founded the Church there. After their deaths, Mark, who was Peter’s disciple and interpreter (1 Pt 5:13), also handed down Peter’s preaching to us in writing. Likewise, Luke, Paul’s companion, set down in a book, the Gospel preached by the latter. And then John, the disciple of the Lord, the one who leaned back on his breast (Jn 13:25), also published the Gospel during his stay at Ephesus.

In his Gospel,Matthew relates the genealogy of Christ as man: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: now this is how the birth of Christ came about” (Mt 1:1, 18). Thus, this Gospel, presents Christ in human form, which is why it always represents Christ as being moved by sentiments of humility and remaining a man of gentleness … The Apostle Matthew knows none but One and the same God, Who promised Abraham that He would multiply his descendants like the stars in the sky (Gen 15:5) and, Who, through His Son, Jesus Christ, has called us from the worship of stones to knowledge of Him, (Mt 3:9) in such a way, that “those who were no people have become His people and she who was unloved has become beloved” (cf Hos 2:25; Rom 9:25).” – St Irenaeus (130-202) Father of the Church, Bishop of Lyons, Theologian, Martyr (Against the heresies, III, 11,8 ; 9,1 – One of the first historical testimonies to the Evangelists).

PRAYER – We thank You, heavenly Father,
for the witness of Your Apostle
and Evangelist, Matthew,
to the Gospel of Your Son, our Saviour
and we pray, that, after his example,
we may with ready wills and hearts,
obey the calling of our Lord, to follow Him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 21 September – O Matthew, Martyr ever blest,Apostle, great Evangelist!

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Our Morning Offering – 21 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

O Matthew, Martyr ever blest,
Apostle, great Evangelist!
By Dom Anselmo Lentini,OSB (1901-1989)
Tune: DEO GRACIAS

O Levi, blest with great renown,
the glory which surrounds thee now
is praise of God’s most faithful Love
and Mercy, leading us to hope.

For as thou sat with anxious care
and counted money at thy post,
Christ called: O Matthew, follow me.
What riches he prepared for thee!

Thy heart is seized with burning love,
thou greets the Master as thy guest;
by making known His gracious Words,
thou rise a prince in heaven’s realm.

Thou gather all the Words of Life
and Deeds of David’s glorious Son;
and leave the world, rich heav’nly food
of writings framed in words of gold.

Proclaiming Christ through all the earth,
thou seal thy witness with thy blood,
and so thou honour Him and give,
the highest pledge of zealous love.

O Matthew, Martyr ever blest,
Apostle, great Evangelist!
may we with thee through ev’ry age
sing glory to the Name of Christ.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 September – St Eusebius Martyr of Phoenicia.

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Saint of the Day – 21 September – St Eusebius Martyr of Phoenicia. We have no dates for this Saint and little information of any kind, except that which we obtain from the Martyrology and a little from the Bollandists.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Phoenicia, St Eusebius, Martyr, who of his own accord went to the Prefect and declared himself a Christian, was subjected by said Prefect to many torments and finally beheaded.”

According to the Roman Martyrology, in which he is commemorated as above and an Eastern Calendar cited by the Bollandist Stilting, which discusses the same date, Eusebius voluntarily presented himself to the Governor of Phoenicia, who questioned him to ascertain whether he was a following of Christ and a member of His Flock.

Upon his confirmation he was whipped until he bled, salt was placed on his bleeding wounds and numerous torments were inflicted upon him to break his faith but, to no avail.

The Martyr exulted as if it were someone else’s body which was suffering.

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

St Matthew – Apostle, Evangelist and Martyr, PENTECOST XV, Beata Vergine del Tresto / The Blessed Virgin of Tresto, Italy (1468) and Memorials of the Saints for 21 September

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St Matthew – Apostle and Evangelist and Martyr
St Matthew!:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-the-feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist-martyr-and-a-prayer-to-st-matthew-as-your-patron-saint/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/21/feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-the-feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist-2/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-the-feast-of-st-matthew-

Beata Vergine del Tresto / The Blessed Virgin of Tresto, Ospedaletto Euganeo, Italy (1468) – 21September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/21/feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist-beata-vergine-del-tresto-the-blessed-virgin-of-tresto-ospedaletto-euganeo-italy-1468-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-september/

St Eusebius Martyr of Phoenicia

St Iphigenia1st Century) Virgin converted in Ethiopia by St Matthew, the Apostle and Evangelist and sharing his Feast day today.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Ethiopia, St Iphigenia, virgin, who being Baptised and Consecrated to God by the blessed Apostle, St Matthew, ended her holy life in peace.”
Her Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-saint-iphigenia-of-ethiopia-1st-century-virgin-converted-baptised-and-consecrated-to-god-by-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist/

St Isaac – Bishop and Martyr in Cyprus. Martyr. No further information has survived.
St Jonas the Prophet
St Landelino of Ettenheim

Blessed Mark Scalabrini of Modena OP (c1420-1498) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Prior, Miracle-worker. Blessed Mark was Beatified on 10 September 1857 by Pope Pius IX.
Blessed Mark’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-blessed-mark-scalabrini-of-modena-op-c-1420-1498/

St Maura (c827-850) French Virgin, Apostle of prayer and of the poor and needy, devoted carer of the needs of the Church, acting in the role of a Sacristan, Miracle-worker.
Her Life of Piety and Devotion:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-st-maura-c827-850-virgin/

St Meletius of Cyprus – Bishop and Confessor in Cyprus. Martyr. No further information has survived.

Martyrs of Gaza – 3 Saints: Three brothers, Eusebius, Nestulus and Zeno, who were seized, dragged through the street, beaten and murdered by a pagan mob celebrating the renunciation of Christianity by Julian the Apostate. They were burned to death in 362 on a village garbage heap in Gaza, Palestine.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY

Thought for the Day – 20 September – Charitable Works

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Thought for the Day – 20 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Charitable Works

“When Jesus was asked, what was the first commandment, He replied: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind and with thy whole strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than this” (Mk 12:30-31).
As St Augustine says, the love of God and the love of neighbour are two branches of the same tree, the tree of charity.
“If anyone says, ‘I love God’ and hates his brother,” St John warns us, “he is a liar” (1 Jn 4:20).

We must prove our love for God by showing charity towards our neighbour.
All men are our brothers in Jesus Christ, Who has redeemed us by His Precious Blood.
Our Lord has said that He will regard as done for Himself, anything which we do for the least of our brethren (Mt 25:10).

Like the Saints, we should see Jesus Himself living in the poor and the suffering.
The Saints gave Him everything they had, not only their possessions but also their toil and their love.

Think how much those missionaries do who leave everything in order to go to foreign lands and win souls for Christ.
Think of the charitable work of the sisters and nurses in the hospitals, asylums and orphanages.
What are we doing?”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – Blessed are you who are poor

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:20

“Let him who is greatest among you,
become as the youngest
and he who is the leader,
as the servant.”

Luke 22:25

“No Christian should think of himself
as his own master
but each should rather so think and act,
as though given by God,
to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters.”

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

“Humility is the mother of many virtues
because, from it are born:
obedience, fear, reverence, patience,
modesty, meekness and peace.
He who is humble easily obeys everyone,
fears to offend anyone,
is at peace with everyone,
is kind to all!”

St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)

“Be generous to the poor orphans
and those in need.
The man to whom our Lord
has been liberal
ought not to be stingy.
We shall one day find in Heaven,
as much rest and joy
as we ourselves have dispensed in this life.”

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

“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.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BEATITUDES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 September – ‘ … What could be more wretched for God, than to take the form of a slave? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Ember Saturday – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.” –

REFLECTION – “As almost all men have a natural tendency to pride, the Lord begins the Beatitudes by casting aside the original sin of self-sufficiency and by counseling our imitation of Himself, Who is truly blessed, the genuinely voluntary Poor Man … so, we might become like Him, in a voluntary poverty which is according to our means, so as to share His blessedness, His happiness. “Have among you the same attitude which is also yours in Christ Jesus. Who, although He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave,” (Phil 2:5-7).

What could be more wretched for God, than to take the form of a slave? What lowlier for the King of the Universe, than to share our human nature? The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Judge of the world, pays taxes to Caesar (1 Tim 6:17; Heb 12:23; Mk 12:17)! Creation’s Lord embraces this world, enters a cave, finds no place in an inn and takes refuge in a stable, in the company of irrational beasts. He, Who is pure and spotless, takes upon Himself, the stains of human nature and, after sharing all our poverty, goes as far as to experience our death. Consider the excessiveness of His voluntary poverty! Life tastes death; the Judge is dragged before the court; the Master of the lives of us all submits to a magistrate; the King of the Heavenly Powers does not escape the hands of torturers! This is the pattern, says the Apostle Paul, against which His humility is measured.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great (The Beatitudes 1).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the worshipful Feast of Thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist, St Matthew, on the eve whereof we now stand, may avail us, to the increase, both of godliness toward Thee and of health to our own souls. 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 CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 20 September – Exsultet Orbis! on the Vigil of St Matthew!

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Our Morning Offering – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Exsultet Orbis!
Let the World Rejoice!
Unknown Author

Now let the earth with joy resound,
And Heaven the chant re-echo round;
Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise
The great Apostles’ glorious praise.

O ye who, throned in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
Lights of the world forever more!
To you the suppliant prayer we pour.

Ye close the Sacred Gates on high.
At your command apart they fly.
O loose for us the guilty chain
We strive to break and strive in vain.

Sickness and health your voice obey,
At your command they go or stay.
From sin’s disease our souls restore;
In good confirm us more and more.

So when the world is at its end.
And Christ to Judgment shall descend,
May we be called, those joys to see
Prepared from all eternity.

Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One;
As ever was in ages past
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen

(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles)
An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the 10th Century in a Hymnal of Moissac Abbey.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 20 September – Blessed Thomas Johnson O.Cart. (Died 1537) Priest Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 20 September – Blessed Thomas Johnson O.Cart. (Died 1537) Priest Martyr, English Carthusian Monk of the Charterhouse in London. Unknown birthdate but died by being starved to death at Newgate Prison, London. Blessed Thomas holds the dubious title of being “the last of the Charterhouse Martyrs to die.”

The Carthusian Priest Thomas Johnson, like his fellow Monks at the London Charterhouse, was a victim of Henry VIII’s persecution after the schism from Rome.

In London, Thomas Johnson was involved in the terrible events as we know from the lives of the other Charterhouse Martyrs which saw the Carthusian Monks first arrested on 20 May 1537 and then slowly left to die in freezing conditions, in hunger, in immense suffering and abuse in the infamous, fearsome and horrible Newgate Prison.

Of the ten of his incarcerated brothers, Thomas Johnson was the one who survived the longest; in fact, all the the others, exhausted by privations, died between June and August 1537 i.e. lasting for between weeks to 2 months.

It is speculated that, in addition to probably having a stronger constitution, capable of longer enduring the oppression imposed by the jailers, Thomas Johnson was kept alive longer in the hope of obtaining his acceptance of the Act of Supremacy. However, all was in vain, as the ‘final victim’ ascended to Heaven on 20 September 1537, cexactly 4 months after his arrest, onsumed by hunger and thirst, remaining faithful to the principles of his faith, despite having been severely tested by having outlived his beloved brothers.

All the Carthusian Martyrs were Beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 9 December 1886. Their memory is commemorated in London, each on the day of their death and also together on 4 May as the Carthusian Martyrs of London.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

EMBER Saturday – Fast and Abstinence, Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Notre-Dame-au-Pied-d’Argent / Our Lady with the Silver Foot) (1284), St Eustachius, Wife and Sons – Martyrs (Died c 188) and the Saints for 20 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

EMBER Saturday – Fast and Abstinence
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Notre-Dame-au-Pied-d’Argent / Our Lady with the Silver Foot), Toul, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lorraine, France (1284) – 20 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/20/notre-dame-au-pied-dargent-our-lady-with-the-silver-foot-toul-meurthe-et-moselle-lorraine-france-1284-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-september/

St Eustachius, Wife and Sons – Martyrs (Died c 188) St Eustachius is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers – Patronages – against fire, difficult situations, fire prevention, firefighters, hunters, hunting, huntsmen, Madrid, torture victims, trappers.
The Biography of this family of Martyrs:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/20/saint-of-the-day-20-september-st-eustachius-wife-and-sons-martyrs-died-c-188/

St Pope Agapetus I (c489-536) Bishop of Rome Papal Reign from 13 May 535 – 22 April 536. He might have been related to St Gregory the Great who Reigned from 590 until his death in 604.
This Holy Pope:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/20/saint-of-the-day-20-september-st-pope-agapetus-i-c489-536/


St Candida of Carthage

St Clicerius (Died c438) Bishop and Confessor of Milan.
About this Holy Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/20/saint-of-the-day-20-september-saint-clicerius-of-milan-died-c438-bishop-and-confessor/

St Dionysius
St Dorimedonte of Synnada
St Eusebia of Marseilles
St Evilasius of Cyzicum
St Fausta of Cyzicum
St Priscus

St Susanna (Died 362) Virgin, Martyr, Deaconess and Abbess. Susanna spent many years as a ‘Monk and then ‘Abbot’ when she disguised herself as a man called John. After detection, she was rescued by the local Bishop, Ordained as a Deaconess and settled as Abbess in a Convent for women.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/20/saint-of-the-day-20-september-saint-susanna-of-eleutheropolis-died-362-virgin-martyr/

Blessed Thomas Johnson O.Cart. (Died 1537) Priest Martyr

Martyrs of Constantinople – 3 Saints: A Priest and two Bishops who were imprisoned, tortured and Martyred for the defence of icons in the iconoclast persecutions of Emperor Leo the Isaurian. – Andrea, Asiano and Hypatius. They were Martyred in 735 in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) and their bodies were thrown to the dogs.

Martyrs of Pergen – 6 Saints: A group of lay people Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Elagabalus. The names that have come down to us are Dionysius, Dioscorus, Philippa, Privatus, Socrates and Theodore. They were crucified c 220 at Pergen, Pamphylia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).

Posted in MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 19 September – The Crucifixion

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Thought for the Day – 19 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Crucifixion

“At last, Jesus reaches Calvary, breathless and reduced to utter exhaustion.
The instrument of torture is taken from Him and laid upon the ground.
Our divine Redeemer suffers acute pain, as He is again stripped of His garments, which have stuck to His wounds.
Now, He is stretched, an innocent victim, on the altar of sacrifice, the Cross.
One of the executioners grasps His hand, pierces it with a large nail and attaches it to the wood.
Then, he does the same with the other hand and with the two feet.
His Mother is close at hand.
She feels in her heart the blows of the hammer which lacerate the living flesh of Jesus.
Jesus remains silent “as a meek lamb that is carried to be a victim” (Jer 11:19).

Now, the executioners raise the Cross and fixes it in the hole already prepared.
The shock of this impact sends a shudder of terrible pain throughout the Victim’s members and entire frame.
Behold Him now, suspended between Heaven and earth, the Mediator between God and humanity, the Victim of Expiation for the innumerable sins of men.

Come near to the Cross and kiss the bloodstained feet.
While the Jews are insulting Him and most of the Apostles have abandoned Him, let us tell Him how much we love Him.
Let us tell Him of our sorrow for our sins and of our determination to make amends for our faults and for our ingratitude, by living in accordance with His teachings and example.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 September – But he who shall persevere to the end,he shall be saved. Matthew 24:13

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Matthew 24:3-13 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Tell us when shall these things be?
and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming
and of the consummation of the world? ”

Matthew 24:3

“But he who shall persevere
to the end,
he shall be saved.”

Matthew 24:13

“It is written, ‘God is not mocked.’ (Gal 6: 7)
Indeed, God cannot be mocked,
nor circumvented, nor deluded
by any man’s astute deceit. …
Let each of you, then, I beg you, brethren,
confess his fault while the sinner is yet in this world,
while Confession is still possible,
while the satisfaction and remission
granted by the Priests,
is still acceptable to God!”

St Cyprian of Carthage (c200-258)
Martyr, Bishop of Carthage,
Father of the Church

“Let us then, my brethren, endure in hope.
Let us devote ourselves, side-by-side with our hoping,
so that the God of all the universe,
as He beholds our intention,
may cleanse us from all sins,
fill us with high hopes from what we have in hand
and grant us the change of heart which saves.
God has called you and you have your calling!”

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

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “The world is crucified to me and I to the world”

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One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Matthew 24:3-13 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming and of the consummation of the world? ” – Matthew 24:3

REFLECTION – “Not one stone will remain upon another: all shall be destroyed.” These words were true of the Temple built by Solomon … for everything built by human hands either wears away or disintegrates or is overthrown by violence or destroyed by fire … But there is also a temple within everyone of us which crumbles whenever faith is lacking and, most especially, if in Christ’s Name, one falsely tries to gain possession of interior convictions. Perhaps this is the most helpful interpretation, where we are concerned. Indeed, what is the point of my knowing the day of judgement? Being aware of so many sins, what is the point of knowing the Saviour will one day come, if He has not come into my soul, if He is not recalled to my mind, if Christ does not live in me, if Christ does not speak in me? So it is to me Christ must come and it is for my sake, His coming must take place.

The Lord’s Second Coming takes place, as the world draws to a close, when we are able to say: “The world is crucified to me and I to the world” (Gal 6:14)… To the one to whom the world is dead, Christ is everlasting; to such a one, the temple is spiritual, the Law spiritual, even the Passover is spiritual … And so, for that person, Wisdom’s Presence has come to pass, along with virtue and justice and the presence of the Resurrection, for Christ indeed Died once for the sins of the people, in order daily, to redeem the sins of the people.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop, Father & Dpctpr of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel 10:6-8)

PRAYER – O God, Who gladdens us by the annual festival of Thy Martyrs Januarius and Companions, grant that we, may be inspired by the example of those, in whose merits we rejoice.Through tJesus 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, GOOD FRIDAY, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 19 September – In Thine Hour of Holy Sadness

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

In Thine Hour of Holy Sadness
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Doctor of the Church

In Thine hour of holy sadness
could I share with Thee, what gladness
should Thine Cross to me be showing.
Gladness past all thought of knowing,
bowed beneath Thine Cross to die!
Blessed Jesus, thanks I render
that in bitter death, so tender,
Thou now hear Thy supplicant calling,
Save me Lord!
and keep from falling, from Thee,
when my hour is nigh.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 19 September – St Eustochius (Died c461) Bishop of Tours

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 19 September – St Eustochius (Died c461) Bishop of Tours, a zealous shepherd and defender of the Church and his flock against secular interference, a Reformer of the discipling amongst the Clerics. He formed new Parishes and built new Churches. Born in Auvergne, France and died in c461 in Tours, France. Also known as – Eustachius.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tours, St Eustochius, Bishop, a man of great virtue.”

A wooden Statue of an unknown French or Flemish Bishop

Eustochius was descended from an illustrious family of Auvergne and, according to St Gregory of Tours, was a man of eminent virtue.

Being raised to the See of Tours after the death of St Brice in 444, Eustochius, at the Council of Angers, strenuously defended the privileges of the Church which were threatened by a law imposed by Emperor Valentinian III.

Eustochius, thereafter, had a principal share in composing the Decrees reached at that Council concerning discipline.

Eustochius also increased the number of Parishes in his Diocess and built in the City of Tours, a Church, wherein he translated the Relics of Saints Gervasius and Protasius which St Martin had received from Rome.

He died in c461 and was buried in the Church built by St Brice over the Tomb of St Martin.