Our Morning Offering – 6 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”
Prayer to the Sacred Heart When the Clock strikes the Hour By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
O most sweet Jesus, I commend to Your Sacred Heart, all that I have done in the hour that is gone, to be cleansed and purified and offered to God the Father, for His eternal praise. And whatsoever I shall do, in the hour that is beginning, I resolve to do simply and purely, for the glory of God and for the salvation of all mankind, in union with Your Passion. Amen
Saint of the Day – 6 June – Saint Bertrand of Aquileia (c 1260– 1350) Bishop of Aquileia, Martyr, Confessor, Lawyer, Teacher, Papal Chaplain and Legate, Reformer. Apostle of the poor, Social Reformer, Founder of Monasteries and Protector of the Monks. Born in c 1260 at Saint-Geniès, Quercy, Aquitaine, France and died on 6 June 1350 by being murdered at San Giogio Richionvelda, for his stand, in protecting his people and his Diocese, against feudal rebels. Patronage – Aquileia, Italy. Also known as – Bertrando, Bertrichramnus, Bertram.
Bertrand initially practised as a Lawyer and after further studies, he was Ordained as a Priest and in 1316 became the Dean of the Cathedral Chapter of Angouleme and in 1318, a Canon of Saint Felice in Toulouse and then the Archdeacon of Noyon, France and a Papal Chaplain. At the same time, Bertrand continued to teach Law at the University of Toulouse.
Whilst compiling information for the Canonisation of St Thomas Aquinas, he was appointed as a Papal Legate.
On 4 July 1334, he was Consecrated as the Bishop of Aquileia in Italy where he ministered until his death.
As Bishop, Bertrand was noted for his austere lifestyle and works of charity for the poor. He founded Monasteries to promote learning and encouraged the work of the Benedictines, Franciscans and He worked for the moral reform in his Diocese and supported the olive and wool trade in his region, as a way to improve the lives of his people. Bertrand convened a Council of Bishops in Udine, Italy in 1335 and again, in 1339, one in Aquileia.
These Councils were followed by four Synods, in which he processed reforms in the religious life of his Diocese and established norms against the heresies which had spread in its lands.
Bertrand was also a patron of the arts – in 1334, he established the University of Cividale and restored the Udine Cathedral.
Bertrand took a strong stand against the feudal noble rebels of the region. He devoted himself to suppressing the power and the autonomies gained by the Friulian feudal lords in opposition and against the Church. They, discontented by his policies, formed an alliance against him. Bertrand, as the Papal Legate, attempted to find a diplomatic solution to their problems but once any possibility of a military victory waned, the rebels set a plot against the aged Bishop, who was assassinated by Enrico da Spilimbergo at San Giorgio della Richinvelda on 6 June 1350.
Bertrand was murdered for defending the rights of the Church and is thus considered a Martyr.
The Martyrdom of St Bertrand
He was buried in Udine, Italy and later, his Relics were enshrined in the Undine Cathedral. Bertrand was Canonised by Pope Clement XIII in 1760 and appointed Patron of Aquileia where the Basilica is dedicated to him.
St Norbert (c 1080-1134) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of the Premonstratensian or the Norbertine Canons and Sisters, “Defender of the Eucharist” and “Apostle of the Eucharist,” Exorcist, Reformer, Preacher His amazing life: https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/06/saint-of-the-day-6-june-st-norbert/
St Agobard of Lyon St Alexander of Fiesole St Alexander of Noyon St Amantius of Noyon St Anoub of Skete St Artemius of Rome St Bazalota of Abyssinia St Bertrand of Aquileia (c 1260– 1350) Bishop Martyr Confessor St Candida of Rome St Ceratius of Grenoble St Claudius of Besançon St Cocca St Colmán of Orkney Bl Daniel of Bergamo St Euphemia of Abyssinia St Eustorgius II of Milan Bl Falco of La Cava Bl Gilbert of Neufontaines St Grazia of Germagno St Gudwall Bl Gundisalvus of Azebeyro St Hilarion the Younger
Marytrs of Tarsus: A group of 20 Martyrs who were Martyred together during the persecutions of Diocletian. They were martyred in Tarsus (in modern Turkey).
Mercedarian Fathers of Avignon: Several Mercedarians from the Santa Maria Convent of Avignon, France who worked with plague victims in that city and died of the disease themselves. They died in Avignon, France of plague and are remembered together today for their great charity and commitment to their people.
Thought for the Day – 5 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Feast of Pentecost
“What kind of men were the Apostles before the Miracle of Pentecost?” They were rough men of the people, generous and fond of Jesus perhaps but ignorant, timid and ambitious. They were hoping for personal glory in an earthly kingdom. Then came the catasrophe of Calvary. Their simple trust disappeared and left their hearts filled with regret. “Then all the disciples left Him and fled” (Mt 25:56). It seemed to them that Jesus had failed, so they deserted Him!
The Miracle of the Resurrection restored their faith. But, they were still lacking in courage and enterprise.
They gathered together in the Cenacle to pray and shut themselves up there, for fear of the Jews. But before He had ascended into Heaven, Jesus had promised that He would send the Holy Spirit, to enlighten them concerning His teaching and to give them the courage and ability to spread it, throughout the world. Now this promise was fulfilled. On the feast of Pentecost, which was fifty days after that of the Passover, there was a sudden sound from Heaven, “as of a violent wind blowing.” Then there appeared “tongues of fire, which settled upon each of them” (Acts 2:1).
From the moment when they received the Holy Spirit, the Apostles were utterly transformed! Their intellects were filled with a supernatural light, their hearts were overflowing with love and their wills received the Divine strength to withstand human opposition. They left the Cenacle and began to preach openly, the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Their words sounded in the ears of each listener as if they were spoken in his own language, so that the Light of the Gospel, was given to all. Nor did the men show the slightest fear when they had to face the anger of the Synagogue and of the Jewish people. Like peaceful conquerors, without any human weapons but backed by by the power of God, they divided the world amongst themselves, so that they might win it for Christ!
The Roman Empire was small to them. They travelled, moreover, to the distant shores of Ethiopia and India, where the Eagle of Rome had never found its way!
Surely, this is the most extraordinary Miracle of history?!
The Holy Spirit accomplished that which human armies had never been able to do, save in part or for a limited period of time. In this achievement, He used the weakest possible human means, namely, twelve poor fishermen!
The earthly Empire of Rome, passed away but the Spiritual domain of Christ still remains, with its centre at Rome, as the only true Light, the only unfailing hope and the only pledge of salvation for individuals and nations.
Quote/s of the Day – 5 June – Pentecost Sunday, Alleluia! – Acts 2:1-11, John 14:23-31.
“His action is preceded by the beaming rays of His light and knowledge. He comes with the truth of the real Protector; for He comes to save, to lead, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console, to illumine in the first place the mind of the person who receives Him and through that person‘s works, the minds of others.”
St Cyril of Jerusalem (c 313-386) Father and Doctor of theChurch
“He pours light into our minds, arouses our desire and gives us strength… As the soul is the life of the body, so the Holy Spirit is the life of our souls.”
St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Father and Doctor of the Church
“A soul, that possesses the Holy Spirit, tastes such sweetness, in prayer, that it finds the time, always too short, it never loses, the holy presence of God.”
“The Holy Spirit forms thoughts and suggests words, in the hearts of the just.”
“The Holy Spirit is like a gardener, cultivating our souls.”
St John Vianney (1786-1859)
Nunc, Sancte, nobis Spiritus Come, Holy Ghost, Who ever One By St Ambrose (340-397) Trans John Henry Newman (1801-1890) Trans 1836
Come, Holy Ghost, Who ever One Art with the Father and the Son. Come, Holy Ghost, our souls possess With Thy full flood of holiness.
In will and deed, by heart and tongue, With all our powers, Thy praise be sung. And love light up our mortal frame, Till others catch the living flame.
Almighty Father, hear our cry Through Jesus Christ our Lord most high, Who with the Holy Ghost and Thee Doth live and reign eternally.
One Minute Reflection – 5 June – Pentecost Sunday, Alleluia! – Acts 2:1-11, John 14:23-31.
“But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things … ” – John 14:26
REFLECTION – “Whoever has the Spirit as their teacher has no need of human knowledge but, enlightened by this Spirit’s Light, beholds the Son, sees the Father and worships the Trinity of Persons, the One God, Who is inexpressibly One by nature.
Stand still, O man! Tremble, you who are mortal by nature, and consider how you have been taken from nothing and how, in coming from your mother’s womb, you saw the world that was made before you were. And if you could have understood the height of Heaven, or show the nature of the sun, the moon and the stars, where they are fixed and how they move… or even the nature of the earth, from which you were taken, its limits and bounds, its size and greatness…, if you had uncovered the end of all things and counted the sand of the sea and if, too, you could have known your own nature… then would you be able to consider your Creator, how, in the Trinity, Unity dwells without confusion and how, in the Unity, there is Trinity without division.
Seek the Spirit!… Perhaps God will comfort you and grant you, as He has already granted you to see the world, the sun and the light of day, yes, He will deign to enlighten you now, in the same way…, to enlighten you with the Light of the Threefold Sun… Then you will learn the Spirit’s grace – that, even when absent, he is present by his power and, when present, He is unseen because of His Divine nature and is everywhere and nowhere.
If you try to see Him with the senses where will you find Him? You will simply say: -Nowhere. But if you have the strength to contemplate Him spiritually, it is He, rather, Who will enlighten your soul and open the eyes of your heart.” – St Simeon the New Theologian (949-1022) Monk, Father (Hymn 21).
PRAYER – O God, Thou, Who on this day have taught the hearts of the faithful by the Light of the Holy Spirit, grant us, by that Holy Spirit Himself, to know what is right and ever to rejoice in His help. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 5 June – Pentecost Sunday, Alleluia!
Veni Sancte Spiritus The Golden Sequence
Come, Holy Spirit and bring from above The splendour of Thy light. Come, Father of the poor, come, Giver of graces, Come, Light of our hearts. Best of Consolers, sweet Guest of the soul, And Comfort of the weary. Thou rest in labour, relief in burning toil, Consoling us in sorrow. O blessed Light, fill the innermost hearts Of those who trust in Thee. Without Thy indwelling, there is nothing in man, And nothing free of sin. Cleanse what is sordid, give water in dryness, And heal the bleeding wounds. Bend what is proud, make warm what is cold, Bring back the wayward soul. Give to the faithful, who trustingly beg Thee Thy seven Holy Gifts. Grant virtue’s reward, salvation in death, And everlasting joy. Amen. Alleluia!
“Veni Sancte Spiritus,” the “Golden Sequence”, is a sequence prescribed in the Roman Liturgy for the Masses of Pentecost and its octave, exclusive of the following Trinity Sunday. It is usually attributed to either the thirteenth-century Pope Innocent III (c 1160 – 1216) or to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Stephen Langton (c 1150 – 1228).
By Servant of God Abbot Prosper Guéranger OSB (1805-1875) – Excerpt Abbot of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, France.
Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle within them, the fire of Thy Love.
The great day, which consummates the work that God had undertaken for the human race, has, at last, shone upon the world. The days of Pentecost, as St Luke says, are accomplished (Acts. ii. 1). We have had seven weeks since the Pasch and now, comes the day, which opens the mysterious number of Fifty. This day is the Sunday, already made holy by the Creation of the Light and by the Resurrection of Jesus – it is about to receive its final consecration and bring us the fullness of God (Eph. iii. 19).
In the Old and figurative Law, God foreshadowed the glory that was to belong, at a future period, to the Fiftieth Day. Israel had passed the waters of the Red Sea, thanks to the protecting power of His Paschal Lamb! Seven weeks were spent in the Desert, which was to lead to the Promised Land and the very morrow of those seven weeks, was the day, whereon was made the alliance between God and His people. The Pentecost (the Fiftieth Day) was honoured by the promulgation of the Ten Commandments of the Divine Law and every following year, the Israelites celebrated the great event by a solemn Festival. But their Pentecost was figurative, like their Pasch, there was to be a second Pentecost for all people, as there was to be a second Pasch for the Redemption of the whole world. The Pasch, with all its triumphant joys, belongs to the Son of God, the Conqueror of death: Pentecost belongs to the Holy Ghost, for it is the day whereon He began His mission into this world, which, henceforward, was to be under His Law.
But, how different are the two Pentecosts! The one, on the rugged rocks of Arabia, amidst thunder and lightning, promulgates a Law that is written on Tablets of Stone; the second is in Jerusalem, on which God’s anger has not as yet been manifested because it still contains, within its walls, the first-fruits of that new people, over whom the Spirit of love is to reign.
In this second Pentecost, the heavens are not overcast, nor is the roar of thunder heard; the hearts of men are not stricken with fear, as when God spake on Sinai; repentance and gratitude, these are the sentiments which are now uppermost. A Divine Fire burns within their souls and will spread throughout the whole world. Our Lord Jesus had said: ‘I am come to cast fire on the earth and what will I, but that it be kindled’ (St. Luke, xii. 49). The hour for the fulfillment of this Word is come: the Spirit of Love, the Holy Ghost, the eternal uncreated Flame, is about to descend from Heaven and realise the merciful design of our Redeemer.
Jerusalem is filled with pilgrims, who have flocked there from every country of the Gentile world: they feel a strange mysterious expectation working in their souls. They are Jews and are come from every foreign land where Israel has founded a Synagogue; they are come to keep the feasts of Pasch and Pentecost. Asia, Africa, and even Rome, have here their representatives. Amidst these Jews, properly so called, are to be seen many Gentiles, who, from a desire to serve God more faithfully, have embraced the Mosaic law and observances; they are called Proselytes. This influx of strangers, who have come to Jerusalem out of a desire to observe the Law, gives the City a Babel-like appearance, for each nation has its own language. They are not, however, under the influence of pride and prejudice, as are the inhabitants of Judea; neither have they, like these latter, known and rejected the Messias, nor blasphemed His Works, whereby He gave testimony of His Divine Character. It may be that they took part with the other Jews in clamouring for Jesus’ death but they were led to it by the Chief Priests and Magistrates of the Jerusalem, which they reverenced as the holy City of God and to which nothing but religious motives have brought them.
It is the hour of Tierce, the third hour of the day (Our nine o’clock. Acts, ii. 15), fixed from all eternity, for the accomplishment of a Divine Decree. It was at the hour of midnight, that the Father sent into this world, that He might take flesh in Mary’s womb, the Son, eternally begotten of Himself: so now, at this hour of Tierce, the Father and Son, send upon the earth the Holy Spirit, Who proceeds from them both. He is sent to form the Church, the Spouse and Kingdom of Christ; He is to assist and maintain her; He is to save and sanctify the souls of men and this, His Mission, is to continue unto the end of time. Suddenly is heard, coming from heaven, the sound of a violent wind: it startles the people in the City, it fills the Cenacle with its mighty breath. A crowd is soon round the house that stands on Mount Sion; the hundred and twenty Disciples that are within the building, feel that mysterious emotion within them, of which their Master once said: The Spirit breatheth where He will, and thou hearest His voice (St. John, iii. 8). Like that strange invisible creature, which probes the very depth of the sea and makes the waves heave mountains high, this Breath from heaven will traverse the world from end to end, breaking down every barrier that would stay its course.
The holy assembly have been days in fervent expectation; the Divine Spirit gives them this warning of His coming, and they, in the passiveness of extatic longing, await his will. As to them that are outside the Cenacle, and have responded to the appeal thus given, let us, for the moment, forget them. A silent shower falls in the House; it is a shower of Fire, which, as holy Church says, “burns not, but enlightens, consumes not, but shines (Responsory for the Thursday within the Octave).” Flakes of fire, in the shape of tongues, rest on the heads of the hundred and twenty Disciples: it is the Holy Ghost taking possession of all and each. The Church is now, not only in Mary but also in these hundred and twenty Disciples. All belong now to the Spirit that has descended upon them; His Kingdom is begun, it is manifested, its conquests will be speedy and glorious.
But let us consider the symbol chosen to designate this Divine change. He Who showed Himself under the endearing form of a Dove, on the occasion of Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan, now appears under that of Fire. He is the Spirit of Love and love is not only gentle and tender, it is, also, ardent as fire. Now, therefore, that the world is under the influence of the Holy Ghost, it must needs be on fire and the fire shall not be checked. And why this form of Tongues? To show that the Heavenly Fire is to be spread by the word, by speech. These hundred and twenty Disciples need but to speak of the Son of God, made Man and our Redeemer; of the Holy Ghost, Who renews our souls; of the Heavenly Father, Who loves and adopts us as His children; their word will find thousands to believe and welcome it. Those that receive it, shall all be united in one faith; they shall be called the Catholic Church, that is, universal, existing in all places and times. Jesus had said – ‘Go, teach all nations ‘ (St. Matth xxviii. 19)!–the Holy Ghost brings from Heaven, both the tongue that is to teach and the fire, (the love of God and mankind,) which is to give warmth and efficacy to the teaching. This Tongue and Fire are now given to these first Disciples, who, by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, will transmit them to others: so will it be to the end of time!
But, in the crowd, there are some who are shocked at witnessing this heavenly enthusiasm of the Apostles. These men, say they, are full of new wine! It is the language of rationalism, explaining away mystery by reason. These Galileans, these drunken men, are, however, to conquer the whole world to Christ, and give the Holy Ghost, with His inebriating unction, to all mankind. The holy Apostles feel that it is time to proclaim the new Pentecost; yes, this anniversary of the Old is a fitting day for the New to be declared. But, in this proclamation of the law of mercy and love, which is to supersede the law of justice and fear, who is to be the Moses? Our Emmanuel, before ascending into heaven, had selected one of the Twelve for the glorious office: it is Peter, the Rock on whom is built the Church. It is time for the Shepherd to show himself, and speak, for the Flock is now to be formed. Let us hearken to the Holy Ghost, Who is about to speak, by his chief organ, to this wondering and attentive multitude. The Apostle, though he speaks in one tongue, is understood by each of his audience, no matter what his country and language may be. The discourse is, of its own-self, a guarantee of the truth and divine origin of the new law.
St Adalar of Erfurt Bl Adalbert Radiouski Bl Adam Arakawa St Austrebertus of Vienne St Claudius of Egypt and Companions St Ðaminh Huyen St Ðaminh Toai St Dorotheus of Tyre St Elleher St Eoban of Utrecht St Eutichius of Como St Evasius of Africa St Felix of Fritzlar
Blessed Ferdinand of Portugal (1402-1443) “The Holy Prince.” Blessed Ferdinand spent as much time as he could in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament especially during the Easter Triduum when his habit was to be constantly in adoration, from Holy Thursday to Easter. He was the youngest of the “Illustrious Generation” of 15th-century Portuguese Princes of the House of Aviz and lay Master of the Knightly Order of Aviz. About Blessed Ferdinand: https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/05/saint-of-the-day-5-june-blessed-ferdinand-of-portugal-1402-1443-the-holy-prince/
St Franco of Assergi St Genesius, Count of Clermont St Gregory of Lilybaeum St Gundekar St Hadulph St Luke Loan Bl Meinwerk of Paderborn St Privatus of Africa St Sanctius of Córdoba St Tudno of Caernarvon St Waccar
Martyrs of Caesarea: A group of Christians who converted together, were imprisoned together, tortured together, and martyred together. We know nothing more about them but their names – Cyria, Marcia, Valeria and Zenaides. Died Caesarea, Palestine, date unknown.
Martyrs of Egypt: A group of Christians martyred together in the persecutions of Galerius Maximian. The only other information was have is three of their names – Apollonius, Marcian and Nicanor. Died in Egypt, date unknown.
Martyrs of Perugia: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius. We know little more than their names – Cyriacus, Faustinus, Florentius, Julian and Marcellinus. Died beheaded in 250 in Perugia, Italy
Martyrs of Rome: 26 Christians Martyred together. We have no details about them but their names – Candida, Castula, Fappa, Felician, Felicitas (2 of), Felicula, Fortunatus, Gagus, Gregor, Hilarius, Ingenuus, Juliana, Martialis, Maurus, Mustilus, Nicander, Prima, Rogata, Rutianus, Sacrinus, Saturnin, Secundian, Secundus, Urbicus, Victurus. Died • Rome, Italy, date unknown • relics transferred to Antwerp, Belgium, date unknown.
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
NINTH DAY
Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee adore In Thy sevenfold Gifts, descend. Give them comfort when they die, Give them life with Thee on high, Give them joys which never end.
THE FRUITS of the HOLY SPIRIT
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues, by enabling us to practiSe them with greater docility to Divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue becomes more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits, in turn, render the practise of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts, in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Your heavenly fruits, Your charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness and temperance, that I may never weary of the service of God but by continued faithful submission, to Your inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with You, in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena
On my knees, I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, listen to Your Voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, t o keep me in Your grace, that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears.” Amen
One Minute Reflection – 4 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – The Vigil of Pentecost – Acts 19:1-8, John 14:15-21.
“But you shall know Him because He shall abide with you and shall be in you.” – John 14:17
REFLECTION – “The Holy Spirit is the wheat that comforts us along the road to the Fatherland, the wine that gives us joy in tribulation, the oil that sweetens life’s sorrows. This threefold support was needed by the Apostles, who had to go out to preach through the whole world. This is why Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to them. They are filled with Him – filled, so that no impure spirits might gain entrance into them for when a container is completely full nothing else can be put into it.
The Holy Spirit “will teach you” (Jn 16,13) so that you can know; he will prompt you so that you can will. He gives both knowledge and will add to this our “ability” according to the measure of our strength and we shall be temples of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 6,19).” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and the Feasts of the Saints).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the brightness of Thy glory may shine upon us and may the light of Thy Light may, through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, strengthen the minds of those who are reborn through Thy grace. 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).
Breathe in Me, O Holy Spirit By St Augustine (354-420)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen
Our Morning Offering – 4 June – The Vigil of Pentecost
Come O Holy Spirit! By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
You made Mary full of grace and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles with a holy zeal, enflame our hearts with Your love. You are the Spirit of goodness, give us the courage to confront evil. You are Fire, set us ablaze with Your Love. You are Light, enlighten our minds, that we may see what is truly igood and true. You are the Dove, give us gentleness. You are a Soothing Breeze, bring calm to the storms which rage within us. You are the Tongue, may our lips ever sing God’s praises You are the Cloud, shelter us under the shadow of Your protection. O Holy Spirit, melt the frozen, warm the chilled and enkindle in us, an earnest desire to please You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day – 4 June – Saint Petroc of Cornwall (Died c 594) Confessor, Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Prince. Petroc also had a great affinity with all animals and had a permanet wolf companion. Born in Wales mid to late Wales and died at Treravel, Padstow, Cornwall (in modern England) of natural causes whilst travelling. Patronages – • Bodmin, Cornwall • Caernarfonshire, Wales • Cornwall, England • Devon, England • Exeter, Devonshire, England • Hollacombe, Devonshire, England • Little Petherick, Cornwall • Nansfenten, Cornwall • Llanbedrog, Wales • Lydford, Devonshire, England • Newton Saint Petrock, Devonshire, England • Padstow, Cornwall • Saint-Méen, France • South Brent, Devonshire, England • Trevalga, Cornwall • West Anstey, Devonshire, England. Also known as – Petrock, Pedrog, Perreuse, Perreux, Petrocus, Petrox.
The most venerated Saint in Cornwall, who is considered to be one of the main Apostles of the region, is St Petroc, who together with the Archangel St Michael and St.Piran, has, for many centuries been the Patron Saint of Cornwall.
An early manuscript describes Petroc as “handsome, courteous in speech, prudent, modest, burning with unceasing love, always ready for all good works for the Church.”
A great deal is known about St Petroc, there having been two ‘Lives of Petroc‘ written in the middle ages and discovered in comparatively recent times in a library in Paris. A translation of the text of ‘The Vita Petroci,‘ written in the 12th century, was published in 1930, called ‘St Petroc, Abbot and Confessor.‘
He was the younger son of King Glywys in Wales. On his father’s death, he was offered the Crown of part of the Kingdom but Petroc wanted to study for a religious life and went to Ireland with a small band of followers.
Having been educated in an Irish Monastery, the major seats of learning in those days ‘Vita Petroci’ describes their stay in Ireland. They then set pit to spread the good news of the Gospel. The winds and tides brought them to the Padstow estuary. Almost immediately, Petroc began to build at the top of the creek, first a Church, and then other buildings, in imitation of the Irish Monasteries, to make a complete Monastery with a school, infirmary, library, farm and cells for the Monks. Having established the Monastery and Church here, Petroc travelled widely, founding many Churches, first in Little Petherick and Bodmin and then in many parts of England, Wales and Brittany.
The Celtic King Constantine, ruled this area at that time and was converted to Christianity by Petroc, when the Saint rescued the deer that the King was hunting. There are many legends and tales about him of miracles, healings, wonderful miracles involving animals and the banishing of demons.
After about 30 years evangelising the region, Petroc travelled to Rome and Brittany. He returned to Britain and as he reached Newton Saint Petroc (in Devon), it began to rain. Petroc predicted it would soon stop but it rained unceasingly, for three days. As a self-imposed penance for presuming to predict God’s weather, Petroc made a penitent pilgrimage on bare feet, returning initially to Rome, then to Jerusalem, then to India where he lived seven years on an island in the Indian Ocean.
When he finally returned to Cornwall, Petroc moved still deeper into the Cornish countryside, where he discovered St Guron living in a humble cell. Guron gave up his hermitage and moved south, allowing Petroc, with the backing of King Constantine, to establish a second large Monastery called Bothmena (Bodmin – the Abode of Monks).
Bodmin Abbey Church
Petroc eventually died at Treravel, while travelling between Little Petherick and Padstow and was buried at Padstow. The Monks there later removed themselves, along with Petroc’s relics, to Bodmin, where his beautiful Norman casket Reliquary can still be seen today.
St Petroc gave his name to Padstow (Petroc’s – stow) and to Little Petherick [between Padstow and Wadebridge]. He was the Founder of Bodmin, which, for some time was an Abbey-Bishopric and remained the religious capital of Cornwall up to the end of the Middle Ages.
St Francis Caracciolo CRM (1563-1608) Priest, Co-Founder of the Congregation of the Clerics Regular Minor with Venerable John Augustine (1551-1587) the “Adorno Fathers,” Confessor, Apostle of the Eucharistic Adoration. His body was given enough preparation for a long journey to Naples. Truly, God has left His own sign on him. When the body was lanced, the blood spouted a red and scented fluid and his vital organs were incorrupt. Around his heart were printed the words of the Psalm: “The zeal of your house consumes me” (Ps 69:10). Wow!: https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-saint-francis-caracciolo-crm-1563-1608/
St Aldegrin of Baume St Alexander of Verona St Alonio St Aretius of Rome Bl Boniface of Villers St Breaca of Cornwall St Buriana of Cornwall St Christa of Sicily St Clateus of Brescia St Cornelius McConchailleach St Croidan St Cyrinus of Aquileia St Dacian of Rome St Degan St Edfrith of Lindisfarne St Elsiar of Lavedan St Ernin of Cluain Bl Francis Ronci Bl Margaret of Vau-le-Duc St Medan Bl Menda Isategui St Metrophanes of Byzantium St Nennoc St Nicolo of Sardinia St Optatus of Milevis
St Petroc of Cornwall (Died c 594) Abbot St Quirinus of Croatia St Quirinus of Tivoli St Rutilus of Sabaria Saturnina of Arras St Trano of Sardinia St St Walter of Fontenelle Walter of Serviliano
Martyrs of Cilicia – 13 Saints: A group of 13 Christians who were Martyred together. The only details about them that have survived are their names – • Cama• Christa• Crescentia• Eiagonus• Expergentus• Fortunus• Italius • Jucundian• Julia• Momna• Philip• Rustulus• Saturnin They were martyred in in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey), date unknown
Martyrs of Nyon – 41 Saints: A group of 41 Christians Martyred together for refusing to sacrifice to imperial Roman idols. We know the names of some but no other details. • Amatus• Attalus• Camasus• Cirinus• Dinocus• Ebustus• Euticus• Eutychius • Fortunius• Galdunus• Julia• Quirinus• Rusticus• Saturnina• Saturninus • Silvius• Uinnita• Zoticus Martyred by being beheaded in Noviodunum (modern Nyon, Switzerland).
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
EIGHTH DAY
Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps that go astray!
THE GIFT OF WISDOM
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written “all good things come to me with her and innumerable riches through her hands.” It is the gift of Wisdom which strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine, in the appreciation of which, earthly joys lose their savour, whilst the Cross of Christ, yields a Divine sweetness, according to the words of the Saviour: “Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom and reveal to my soul, the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena
On my knees, I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, listen to Your Voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, t o keep me in Your grace, that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears.” Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – Friday after the Octave of Ascension
“I speak out in order to lead Him into your hearts but He does not choose to come where I lead Him, unless you prepare the way for Him.”
“Everyone without God, has a dead soul. You, who bewail the dead, rather, should bewail sin. Bewail ungodliness. Bewail disbelief.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“But He still follows behind us and counsels us, that we have despised Him but He still does not cease to call us. We turn our backs on His face, so to speak, when we reject His words, when we trample His commandments underfoot but He who sees that we reject Him, still calls out to us by His commandments and waits for us by His patience, stands behind us and calls us back when we have turned away.”
St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Death is approaching. How many years have we left? How many months? How many hours? We do not know. Perhaps this could be the last day or the last hour of our lives and, if that were true, in what state would we appear before the majesty of God? How terrible if we were in mortal sin – we would be damned for all eternity! But, even if we find ourselves i n the state of grace, what merits have we to present to the eternal Judge? What sacrifices have we made to prove our love for Him? What mortifications and penances have we voluntarily undertake to purify ourselves of our sins? What good works have we done, what alms have we given, what prayers have we said? We may have to admit, that we have wasted most of the time which God has given us in useless or even sinful occupations. Let us treasure, at least, the years, days, or hours which God still wills to grant us, for our full conversion and for our spiritual perfection.”
One Minute Reflection – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart” – Friday after the Octave of Ascension – 1 Pet 4:7-11, John 15:26-27; 16:1-4.
“But when the Paraclete comes, Whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth, Who proceeds from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me. ” – John 15:26
REFLECTION – “The Spirit is simple in being. His powers are many. They are entirely present everywhere and in everything. He is distributed but does not change. He is shared, yet remains whole. Consider the analogy of the sunbeam – each person on whom its kindly light falls, rejoices as if the sun existed for him alone, yet, it illumines land and sea and is master of the atmosphere. In the same way, the Spirit is given to each one who receives Him, as if he were the possession of that person alone, yet, He sends forth sufficient grace to fill the entire universe. Everything that partakes of His grace, is filled with joy according to his capacity—the capacity of his nature, not of His power.
The Spirit does not take up His abode in someone’s life, through a physical approach. How could a corporeal being approach the bodiless One? Instead, the Spirit comes to us when we withdraw ourselves from evil passions which have crept into the soul through its friendship with the flesh, alienating us from a close relationship with God. Only when a person has been cleansed from the shame of his evil and has returned to his natural beauty and [only when] the original form of the royal image has been restored in him, is it possible for him to approach the Paraclete. Then, like the sun, He will show you. in Himself, the image of the invisible and with purified eyes, you will see in this blessed image, the unspeakable beauty of its prototype.
Through Him, hearts are lifted up, the infirm are held by the hand and those who progress, are brought to perfection. He shines on those who are cleansed from every spot and makes them spiritual people, through fellowship with Himself. When a sunbeam falls on a transparent substance, the substance itself becomes brilliant and radiates light from itself. So too, the Spirit-bearing souls, illumined by Him, finally become spiritual themselves and their grace is sent forth to others. From this comes knowledge of the future, understanding of mysteries, apprehension of hidden things, distribution of wonderful gifts, heavenly citizenship, a place in the choir of Angels, endless joy in the presence of God, becoming like God and the highest of all desires – becoming God.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Holy Spirit, 9).
PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, give us a will ever dedicated to Thee and a true heart to serve Thy majesty. 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). SACRED Heart of JESUS, Thy Kingdom come! Indulgence 300 Days. Everytime Raccolta 178 St Pius X, 4 May 1906.
Our Morning Offering – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”
Heart of Jesus! Unknown author (Published 1929)
Heart of Jesus! I entreat Fill my soul with graces sweet! Heart of Jesus! Help me win Freedom from all mortal sin!
Heart of Jesus! Keep my soul Ever under Thy control! Heart of Jesus! Kindle mine With the fire of faith divine!
Heart of Jesus! Give me a light To see, to think, to act aright! Heart of Jesus! Sorrow-rent Make me truly penitent!
Heart of Jesus! Soften mine Out of gratitude to Thine! Heart of Jesus! Full of love Lead my thoughts to Heaven above!
Heart of Jesus! Give me grace My purgatory here to face! Heart of Jesus! Let me be Ever filled with love of Thee! Heart of Jesus! Holy shrine, Be It ever home of mine!
Saint of the Day – 3 June – Saint Adam of Guglionesi OSB (c 990-1072) Confessor, Benedictine Monk, Abbot, Social Reformer, Peace-maker and may have been a Priest. Hermit. Born in c 990 in Petazio (modern Petacciato), Italy and,died in 1072 in the Saint Paul Monastery in Petacciato, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – Guglionesi, Italy, Also known as – Adam the Abbot, Adamo Abate, Adamo… Adão…
Unfortunately, despite the fact that St Adam is the Patron Saint of the industrious Town of Guglionesi in the Province of Campobasso in Molise, the texts in hagiography say almost nothing about him.
The only certain information that we have of this Saint, defined as a ‘Confessor,’ is the date of the translation of his relics which took place in Guglionesi, on 3 June 1102.
The Bollandists (Society of Belgian Jesuits that in 1600, co-ordinated by Jean Bolland, from whom they took their name, compiled the ‘Acta Sanctorum’) report this event of the translation of the relics. But they give no further information regarding the time in which our Saint lived, the holiness of his life, the activity carried out by the holy ‘confessor.’ Confessor, a term that initially also included Martyrs, then was reserved for Saints and Blessed who, although not Martyrs, have testified (confessed) by their lives, in word and deed, their faith in Christ the Saviour.
Elsewhere it is recorded that Adam was the Abbot of the Monastery of Santa Maria in the Italian Tremiti Islands. He attended the Council of Melfi on 21 August 1059
Adam worked zealously to unify the people of southern Italy in order to reduce inter-city warring. In 1071, after many years of toil, he retired to spend his remaining months as a prayerful Hermit, at the Monastery of Saint Paul in Petacciato, Italy,.where he died.
The Bollandists do record the story of his relics. They say, that, for a long time, his tomb was kept about a mile from the Town and that the Archpriest Benedict of Guglionesi, had a vision, wherein an Angel instructed him to arrange for the translation of the relics to the City of Guglionesi.
This transfer of the relics took place on the night of 2 June 1102, with the participation of Bishops, Priests and armed men. Legend says, that the oxen pulling the transport cart became thirsty, pawed the road with one hoof and springs erupted from the ground. The next day they were enshrined and in 1153 they were re-enshrined re-enshrined in a gilded bronze bust Reliquary.
In 1456, on the night of the Feast of Corpus Christi, St Adam’s relics were stolen by French supporters of King Charles VIII and taken to Campobasso, Italy where they planned to melt the Reliquary for the precious metal but, the presence of the relics made them hesitate. The City was miraculously besieged by storms until they returned the Reliquary to Guglionesi! An additional Memorial is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in October to mark this return of the stolen relics.
St Adam of Guglionesi OSB (c 990-1072) Abbot St Albert of Como St Athanasius of Traiannos St Auditus of Braga Bl Beatrice Bicchieri St Caecilius of Carthage
Bl Charles-René Collas du Bignon St Clotilde of France St Conus of Lucania St Cronan the Tanner St Davinus of Lucca Bl Diego Oddi Bl Francis Ingleby St Gausmarus of Savigny St Genesius of Clermont St Glunshallaich St Hilary of Carcassone St Isaac of Córdoba
St Laurentinus of Arezzo St Liphardus of Orléans St Morand of Cluny St Moses of Arabia St Oliva of Anagni St Paula of Nicomedia St Pergentinus of Arezzo St Phaolô Vu Van Duong St Urbicius
Dominicans Martyred in China
Martyrs of Africa – 156 Saints: 156 Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown; the only other information to survive are some of their names – • Abidianus• Demetria• Donatus• Gagus• Januaria• Juliana• Nepor• Papocinicus• Quirinus• Quirus Martyrs of Byzantium – 5 saints: A group of Christians, possibly related by marriage, who were martyred together. They were – • Claudius• Dionysius• Hypatius• Lucillian• Paul They were Martyred in 273 in Byzantium.
Martyrs of Rome – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names – • Amasius• Emerita• Erasmus• Lucianus• Orasus• Satuaucnus• Septiminus• Servulus They were Martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.
Martyrs of Rome – 86 Saints: 85+ Christians Martyred together in Rome, Italy, date unknown. The only details that have survived are some of their names – • Apinus • Apronus • Aurelius • Avidus • Cassianus • Criscens • Cyprus • Domitius • Donata • Donatus • Emeritus • Extricatus • Exuperia • Faustina • Felicitas • Felix • Flavia • Florus • Fortunata • Fortunatus • Fructus • Gagia • Gagus • Gallicia • Gorgonia • Honorata • Januaria • Januarius • Justa • Justus • Libosus • Luca • Lucia • Matrona • Matura • Mesomus • Metuana • Nabor • Neptunalis • Obercus • Paula • Peter • Pompanus • Possemus • Prisca • Procula • Publius • Quintus • Rogatian • Romanus • Rufina • Saturnin • Saturnus • Secundus • Severa • Severus • Sextus • Silvana • Silvanus • Sinereus • Tertula • Titonia • Toga • Urban • Valeria • Veneria • Veranus • Victor • Victoria • Victorinus • Victuria • Victurina • Virianus • Weneria • Zetula. They were Martyred in Rome date unknown.
Martyrs of Uganda (Memorial) – 22 Saints: Twenty-two (22) young Ugandan converts Martyred in the persecutions of King Mwanga. They are – • Achileo Kiwanuka • Adolofu Mukasa Ludigo • Ambrosio Kibuuka • Anatoli Kiriggwajjo • Anderea Kaggwa • Antanansio Bazzekuketta • Bruno Sserunkuuma • Charles Lwanga • Denis Ssebuggwawo • Gonzaga Gonza • Gyavire • James Buzabaliao • John Maria Muzeyi • Joseph Mukasa • Kizito • Lukka Baanabakintu • Matiya Mulumba • Mbaga Tuzinde • Mugagga • Mukasa Kiriwawanvu • Nowa Mawaggali • Ponsiano Ngondwe The Lives and Martyrdom of the Ugandan Martyrs: https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/03/saints-of-the-day-3-june-uganda-martyrs-or-st-charles-lwanga-companions/
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
SEVENTH DAY
Heal our wounds our strength renew; On our dryness pour Thy dew; Wash the stains of guilt away!
THE GIFT OF COUNSEL
The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies, the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding, to the innumerable concrete cases which confront us, in the course of our daily duty, as parents, teachers, public servants and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural commonsense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. “Above all things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always fulfil Your Holy Will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil and direct me, by the straight path of Your commandments, to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena
On my knees, I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, listen to Your Voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, t o keep me in Your grace, that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears.” Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – The Octave Day of the Ascension
“He who believes and is baptised, shall be saved …”
Mark 16:16
“See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!”
Luke 21:8
“[Christ speaks:] I became useless to those who knew Me not, because I shall hide Myself, from those who possessed Me not. And I will be with those who love Me. … I arose and am with them and will speak by their mouths. For they have rejected those who persecute them and I threw over them, the yoke of My love. … Then I heard their voice and placed their faith in My Heart. And I placed My Name upon their forehead (Rv 14,1) because they are free and they are Mine!”
Odes of Solomon (Hebrew Christian text f rom the beginning of the 2nd Century) N° 42
“Faith gives rise to prayer and this prayer obtains an increase of faith.”
“Wherever you are on earth, however long you remain on earth, the Lord is near, do not be anxious about anything!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“Let Your Name, not mine, be praised. Let Your Work, not mine, be magnified. Let Your Holy Name be blessed but let no human praise be given to me. You are my glory. You are the joy of my heart. In You I will glory and rejoice all the day and for myself I will glory in nothing but my infirmities. … ”
One Minute Reflection – 2 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart” – The Octave Day of the Ascension – Acts 1:1-11, Mark 16:14-20 and the Memorial of Sts Marcellinus, Peter the Exorcist and St Erasmus (Died c 303) Martyrs
“He who believes and is baptised, shall be saved ...” – Mark 16:16
REFLECTION – “When He says, “All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me,” He touches on their unbelief, showing, that whoever does not believe in Him transgresses the Will of the Father. He covertly shows, that unbelievers are not only at variance with Him but also, with the Father. For if this is [the Son’s] Will and if this is the reason He came, that is, that He might save the entire world, then those who do not believe transgress His Will.
When, therefore, He says, the Father guides someone, there is nothing that hinders that person from coming to [Jesus]. And Paul says, that [the Son] delivers them up to the Father. Now, just as the Father, when He gives, does not take from Himself, so neither does the Son take from Himself when He gives up. The Son is said to give up to the Father because we are brought to the Father by Him. And at the same time, we read that it was the Father “by whom you were called to the fellowship of His Son,” that is, by the Will of the Father.
Faith in Me, He intimates here, is no ordinary thing or one that comes from human reason but [it] needs a revelation from above. And this He establishes throughout His discourses, showing, that this faith requires a noble sort of soul and one drawn on by God. The expression “that the Father gives Me” shows, that it is no accident whether a person believes or not. It shows, that belief is not the work of human reasoning but requires a revelation from on high and a mind devout enough to receive the revelation. “Whoever then,” our Lord says, “comes to Me, shall be saved,” meaning they shall be greatly cared for. For to save such as these, I took up flesh and the form of a servant.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel of John 45)
PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us each year by the feast of Your holy Martyrs, Marcellinus, Peter and Erasmus, graciously grant, that as we rejoice in their merits, we may be inspired by their example. 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). SWEET HEART of my JESUS, Make me love Thee ever more and more! – Indulgence 300 Days Everytime – Plenary Once a Month – Raccolta 162 – Bl Pius IX 26 November 1876.
Our Morning Offering – 2 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”
May the Heart of Jesus be the King of My Heart! By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity
May Your Heart dwell always, in our hearts! May Your Blood ever flow, in the veins of our souls! O Sun of our hearts, You give life to all things, by the rays of Your goodness! I will not go, until Your Heart has strengthened me, O Lord Jesus! May the Heart of Jesus be the King of my heart! Blessed be God. Amen
Saint of the Day – 2 June – Saint Guido of Acqui (c 1004-1070) Bishop of Acqu in north-west Italy from 1034 until his death, zealous Reformer both in the lives of his clergy and his people. He built the Cathedral of Acqui amongst other religious buildings, including a Convent for Nuns. He donated his personal inheritance to the upkeep of the Diocese, the poor and for his building projects. Born in c 1004 in Acqui, Italy and died on 2 June 1070 of natural causes after 36 years as the Bishop of his home town, of which he is the Patron. Patronages – against famine, Diocese of Acqui, Italy, Acqui Terme, Italy. Also known as – Guy, Guisto, Guy, Vido, Wido.
Guido was born around 1004 to a noble family of the area of Acqui, the Counts of Acquesana, in Melazzo where the family’s wealth was concentrated.
He completed his education, by now an orphan, in Bologna. Guido was elected as the Bishop of Acqui in March 1034, aged just 30 years. His career was marked by reform in the areas of the Liturgy, the teaching of his flock and increasing their devotion and morality.
He was generous in donating his own money and possessions to the Diocese, in part to remove the economic pressures which had led to widespread corruption and, in part, to support new projects . The latter included the promotion of the education of young women and the foundation of the Convent of Santa Maria De Campis.
Under his government, too, Acqui Cathedral was erected, dedicated to the Madonna Assunta and consecrated on 13 November 1067.
Guido died on 2 June 1070. His remains are preserved in the Cathedral which he founded. His feast day is recorded in the Martyrologium Romanum as 2 June, the anniversary of his death . In Acqui, however, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of July. He was Canonised in 1853 by Pope Blessed Pius IX .
St Photinus of Lyons St Rogate Bl Sadoc of Sandomierz St Stephen of Sweden
Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne: A group of 48 Christians from the areas of Vienne and Lyon, France, who were attacked by a pagan mob, arrested and tried for their faith, and murdered in the persecutions of Marcus Aurelius. A letter describing their fate, possibly written by Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, was sent to the churches in the Middle East. Only a few names and details of their lives have survived; some of them have separate entries on this date – • Alexander of Vienne • Attalus of Pergamos • Biblis of Lyons • Blandina the Slave • Cominus of Lugdunum • Epagathus of Lugdunum • Maturus the Novice • Photinus of Lyons • Ponticus of Lugdunum • Sanctius of Vienne • Vettius of Lugdunum They were martyred in assorted ways on on various during 177.
Martyrs of Sandomierz: A group of 49 Dominicans, some of whom received the habit from Saint Dominic de Guzman himself. They worked separately and together to bring the faith and establish the Dominican Order in Poland, basing their operations in and around Sandomierz. In 1260 they were all Martyred by the Tartars as they were singing the Salve Regina at Compline; the custom of singing the Salve Regina at the deathbed of Dominicans, stems from this incident. We know a few details about a few of the martyrs, but most survive only as names – • Zadok• Andrea, chaplain• James, novice master• Malachi, convent preacher • Paul, vicar• Peter, guardian of the garden• Simone, penitentiaryfriars • Abel, Barnabas, Bartholomew, Clemente, Elia, John, Luke, Matthew, Philip deacons• Giuseppe, Joachim, Stefanosub-deacons• Abraham, Basil, Moses, Taddeoclerics• Aaron, Benedict, David, Dominico, Mattia, Mauro, Michele, Onofrio, Timothyprofessed students• Christopher, Donato, Feliciano, Gervasio, Gordian, John, Mark, Medardo, Valentinonovices• Daniele, Isaiah, Macario, Raffaele, Tobialay brothers• Cyril, tailor• Jeremiah, shoemaker • Thomas, organist They were martyred in 1260 at Sandomierz, Poland and Beatified on 18 October 1807 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation).
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