One Minute Reflection –7 February – The Memorial of St Romuald, Abbot (c 951-1027) – Ecclus 45:1-6, Matthew 19:27-29.
“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29
REFLECTION – “Seek for nothing, desiring to enter for love of Jesus, with detachment, emptiness and poverty in everything in this world. You will never have to do with necessities greater than those to which you made your heart yield itself – for the poor in spirit are most happy and joyful in a state of privation and he who has set his heart on nothing, finds satisfaction everywhere.
The poor in spirit (Mt 5:3) give generously all they have and their pleasure consists in being thus deprived of everything for God’s sake and out of love to their neighbour … Not only do temporal goods – the delights and tastes of the senses – hinder and thwart the way of God but spiritual delights and consolations also, if sought for or clung to eagerly, disturb the way of virtue.” – St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Spiritual maxims, nos. 352, 355,356, 364; 1693 edition)
PRAYER – Father of might and power, every good and perfect gift comes to us from You. Implant in our hearts the love of Your Name and Your creatures. Increase our zeal for Your service by following behind Your Son with determination and joy. Nourish in us what good and tend it with watchful care. Grant that the prayers and caring love of the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, may help us to follow Jesus our Saviour unreservedly and thus attain eternal life. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.
Jesus, My Saviour, Help Me! By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Jesus, my Saviour, help me! I am resolved truly to love Thee and to leave all, to please Thee. Help me to free myself from everything which hinders me from belonging wholly to Thee, Who has loved me so much. By thy prayers, O Mother Mary, which are so powerful with God, obtain for me this grace, to belong wholly to God. Amen
Saint of the Day – 7 February – Saint Richard the King Pilgrim (Died c 722) Layman Prince, Married and was the Father of the West Saxon Saints Willibald (Bishop of Eichstadt), Winnibald (Abbot of Heidesheim) and Walburga. (Virgin, Nun). Died in722 at Lucca, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Richard of Lucca, Richard the Pilgrim, Richard the Saxon, Ricanus, Ricarius, Richard of Wessex.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Lucca, deposition of St Riccard, Father of the Saints Willibald, Winnibald and Walburga, who died on the way with his children from England to Rome.”
Richard, Prince of the Western Saxons, husband of a relative of Saint Boniface, St Wuna.
This noble and devout family came from Wessex, an English region and according to an account of the Nun Hugebure of Heidenheim, in 720, he entrusted his eleven-year-old daughter Walburga to the Abbess of Wimborne in Dorset, renounced his estates, and left with his two sons on a pilgrimage to Rome. Willibald was just twenty and Wunibald was nineteen.
Left to right – St Willibald, St Wuna, St Richard, St Walburga, St Winnibald
Sailing on the River Hamble, near Southampton, they crossed the English Channel and then up the Seine, finally arriving at Rouen in France. Not before having visited and prayed at numerous French Shrines and Sanctuaries, the three pilgrims then made their way to Italy.
Riccard died unexpectedly after developing a fever, near Lucca in c 722, before reaching Rome. In this Tuscan City, the pilgrim Saint still rests today and his relics are the object of veneration in the Basilica of St Fredian.
St Willibald then joined the famous St Boniface in the evangelisation of Germany, founding the double Monastery of Heidenheim and becoming the first Bishop of the City of Eichstatt. Wunibald was also a Missionary with them and ran the Heidenheim Monastery with his sister Walburga., when she joined them. When Willibald died and was buried in Eichstadt, it was desired that Riccard’s remains, which were still deposited in Lucca, would be transferred there so that they could rest next to those of his son. The faithful of Lucca, however, firmly opposed this suggestion and the inhabitants of Eichstadt had to be content with a little dust from his tomb.
However, in consideration of the sublime holiness of his offspring and the numerous miracles that occurred at his tomb in St Fredian, a life of “Saint Richard, King of England” was then written, a title thus also bestowed upon him by the Catholic Martyrology until 1956.
Richard is depicted with the Blessed Mother and his three children at Eichstädt Cathedral. In religious artworks, Richard is portrayed as a royal pilgrim in an ermine-lined cloak with two sons, one a Bishop and one an Abbot.
Notre-Dame d’Avesniéres, Laval / Our Lady of Avesnières, Laval, France (11th Century) – 7 February:
The Basilica of Notre-Dame Avesnières is located in Laval, in the region of Pays de la Loire. It is located in the district of Avesnières, on the right bank of the Mayenne river and south of the City centre. The Church has existed at least since the 11th Century but it got its present appearance in the 12th Century, when the Benedictines set up a Priory here. The nuns left Avesnières during the Hundred Years’ War and the Church then became a simple Parish Church. It was raised to the rank of minor Basilica in 1898, by Pope Leo XIII.
The Church was founded by Guy, Lord of Laval, who, falling into the river wanting to cross it, was miraculously saved from drowning, by the Blessed Virgin and transported safely to the river bank. The spot was chosen, in remembrance of this miraculous rescue, to host a Sanctuary dedicated to the Notre-Dame. In 1871, Monsignor Casimir Wicart, first Bishop of Laval, in the face of the anxiety provoked by the advance of the Prussian troops, decided to organise a large prayer vigil in Avesnières. At this ceremony, the faithful assembled and took an oath to rebuild the Church if the Blessed Mother saved the City from foreign occupation. The next day, the Prussians were stopped in their tracks in Saint-Melaine, at the gates of Laval, when the Virgin appeared before them. Where is our faith today?!
St Romuald (c 951-1027) Monk, Abbot, Ascetic, Founder of the Camaldolese Order and a major figure in the Eleventh-Century “Renaissance of eremitical asceticism.” His Feast Day is today and was thus from 1595. It was changed to 19 June in 1969. St Romuald’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/19/saint-of-the-day-19-june-st-romuald-c-951-1027/
St Adaucus of Phrygia St Amulwinus of Lobbes St Anatolius of Cahors Bl Anna Maria Adorni Botti Bl Anselmo Polanco Bl Anthony of Stroncone St Augulus St Chrysolius of Armenia St Fidelis of Merida Bl Felipe Ripoll Morata
St Giles Mary of Saint Joseph OFM (1729-1812) known as the “Consoler of Naples” and the “Saint of the Little Way.” Although his desire was to become a priest, his lack of education meant that he was unable to fulfil this desire and served instead as a professed religious Friar in the Order of Friars Minor in Naples. St Giles Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-st-giles-mary-of-st-joseph-ofm-1729-1812/
Bl Jacques Sales St John of Triora St Juliana of Bologna Bl Klara Szczesna St Lorenzo Maiorano St Luke the Younger
Blessed Mary of Providence/Eugénie Smet HHS (1825-1871) Nun and Founder of the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls. Her apostolate has spread throughout the world – now in 24 countries and continues to minister to the Souls in the Body of Christ — both those on earth and those who have departed this world. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-blessed-mary-of-providence-hhs-1825-1871/
St Maximus of Nola St Meldon of Péronne St Moses the Hermit St Parthenius of Lampsacus Bl Peter Verhun
Blessed Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) Bishop of Rome from 16 June 1846 to the day of his death. He is the longest-reigning Pope in the history of the Church, serving for over 31 years. During his Pontificate, Pius IX convened the First Vatican Council (1869–70), which decreed Papal Infallibility and promulgated the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Pius IX named three new Doctors of the Church: St Hilary of Poitiers (1851), St Alphonsus Liguori (1871) St Francis de Sales (19 July 1877). His body is incorrupt. All about Blessed Pope Pius IX: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/saint-of-the-day-blessed-pope-pius-ix-1792-1878/
St Richard the King Pilgrim (Died c 722) Layman Bl Rizziero of Muccia Bl Rosalie Rendu (1786-1856) St Theodore Stratelates
Thought for the Day – 6 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Religion and Devotion
“Religion, should not be a cold, mehcanical practice of obedience to the commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Deep spiritual devotion and supernatural charity are necessary, as well as religion. In other words, religion should not be merely external but, should spring from the mind and heart, this is devotion, which is the spirit of religion. “Devotion,” wites Aquinas, “seems to be the determination to give one’s self readily to the service of God” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q 82, a 2, ad 1). But this determination should be loving and effective because, as St Thomas also observes, “charity generates devotion” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q 82, a 2, ad 2).
St Francis de Sales analysed and expanded these ideas. “True and living devotion,” he writes, “presupposes the love of God – indeed, it really is a true love of God… but a love… which has reached that height of perfection at which it not only causes us to act but, to act zealously, frequently and promptly…” (Introduction to the Devout Life, Bk I, C 1). He continues: “Since devotion consists in an unique degree of charity, it not only makes us prompt, active and zealous in the observance of all the divine commands but, incites us, furthermore, to perform readily and lovingly, as many good works as we can… even if they are only recommended or suggested” (Ibid). From this solid and sincere devotion flows, that taste for divine things, that inner gentleness and peace of spirit which the Saints enjoyed, even in the midst of sorrow and disillusionment. It is the spontaneous homage of the mind and heart, that God wants most of all.”
Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany – Readings: Colossians 3:12-17, Matthew 13:24-30
“A sower went out to sow”
Matthew 13:30
“Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?”
Matthew 13:27
“It is better to be cured within the Church’s community than to be cut off from its Body as incurable members. As long as a member still forms part of the Body, there is no reason to despair of its cure; once it has been cut off, it can be neither cured nor healed.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“Brethren, the just man shall scarcely be saved. What, then, will become of the sinner?”
St Arsenius s the Great (c 354-c 449)
“… [The Kingdom of God] … is within you. That is, it depends on your own wills and is in your own power, whether or not you receive it. Everyone, that has attained to justification, by means of faith in Christ and decorated by every virtue, is counted worthy, of the Kingdom of Heaven.”
St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father and Doctor of the Church
“And like the little grain of mustard seed … we should set it in the garden of our soul, all weeds being pulled out for the better feeding of our faith. Then shall it grow and … through the true belief of God’s word … we shall be well able to command a great mountain of tribulation to void from the place where it stood in our hearts, whereas with a very feeble faith and faint, we shall scarcely be able to remove a little hillock.”
St Thomas More (1478-1535)
“My child, it is indeed the Voice of God you have heard. He has given you a great grace in thus calling you into His one true Church. While you live, never cease to thank Him and bless Him for it.”
One Minute Reflection – 6 February – The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany – Readings: Colossians 3:12-17, Matthew 13:24-30
“Suffer both to grow until the harvest” – Matthew 13:30
REFLECTION – “Nor must one imagine that the Body of the Church, just because it bears the name of Christ, is made up during the days of its earthly pilgrimage, only of members conspicuous for their holiness, or, that it consists only of those whom God has predestined to eternal happiness. It is owing to the Saviour’s infinite mercy, that place is allowed in His Mystical Body here below, for those whom, of old, He did not exclude from the banquet (cf. Mt 9:11). For not every sin, however grave it may be, is such as of its own nature to sever a man from the Body of the Church, as does schism or heresy or apostasy. Men may lose charity and divine grace through sin, thus becoming incapable of supernatural merit and yet, not be deprived of all life, if they hold fast to faith and Christian hope and if, illumined from above, they are spurred on, by the interior promptings of the Holy Spirit to salutary fear and are moved to prayer and penance for their sins.
Let everyone then abhor sin, which defiles the mystical members of our Redeemer but,, if anyone unhappily falls and his obstinacy has not made him unworthy of communion with the faithful, let him be received with great love and let eager charity see in him a weak member of Jesus Christ. For, as the Bishop of Hippo remarks – “it is better to be cured within the Church’s community than to be cut off from its Body as incurable members. As long as a member still forms part of the Body, there is no reason to despair of its cure; once it has been cut off, it can be neither cured nor healed.’”- Venerable Pius XII (1876-1958) – Pope from 1939 to 1958 – Encyclical – Mystici Corporis Christi, 1943.
PRAYER – All-powerful and ever-living God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, chase away the night of sin and fill our minds with the glory of Your coming. Take away our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh, help us in our battle with sin and the devil. By our prayers, Your holy sacraments and the strength of the Holy Spirit, may we be ever vigilant of the evil one. Hear the prayers of our Queen and Mother, the Blessed Virgin of Mercy on our behalf dear Lord. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.
Our Morning Offering – 6 February – The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit By St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church
Father, keep us from vain strife of words. Grant to us constant profession of the Truth! Preserve us in a true and undefiled faith so that we may hold fast to that which we professed when we were Baptised in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that we may have You for our Father, that we may abide in Your Son and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day – 6 February – Saint Vaast of Arras (c 453-539 or 540) The First Bishop of Arras, France, Hermit, Ascetic, Miracle-worker, Advisor to King Clovis. Born in c 453 at Limoges, France and died on 6 February in 539–540 at Arras, France of natural causes. Patronages – against eye diseases, of the Diocese of Arras, Boulogne and Saint-Omer, France, of children, of children who late learning to walk. Also known as – Foster, Gaston, Gastone, Vaat, Vedast, Vedasto, Vedastus. Additional Memorials – 2 January (discovery of relics), 7 February (enshrinement of relics), 15 July (translation of relics in Cambrai), 1 October (translation of relics).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Arras in Belgian Gaul, today in France, Saint Vedastus, Bishop, who, sent by Saint Remigius Bishop of Rheims to the devastated City, catechised King Clovis, re-established the Church and held it for about forty years and brought to an end, the need of work for evangelisation among the previously still pagan peoples of the region.”
Vaast was a native of the Limoges region, born in the second half of the 5th century. He left his parents as a young man and embarked on a secluded ascetic life as a Hermit, hidden from the world in the Diocese of Toul, France. It was there, near Toul, that he accidentally met King Clovis I who, after defeating the Germans, was returning to his country.
The traditional account of the conversion of King Clovis by St Vaast, says while on the road to Rheims, they encountered a blind beggar at the bridge over the river Aisne. The man besought Vaast’s assistance. Vaast, in this account had already been Ordained a Priest, was inspired to pray and blessed the beggar, at which point the man immediately recovered his sight. The miracle convinced the King to adopt his wife’s religion. Vaast became and remained an advisor to King Clovis. until the King’s death.
They continued their journey to Rheims, where Bishop St Remigius administered Baptism to the King. On his departure, Clovis recommended his instructor to the Bishop, who, knowing of the Hermit’s moral, devotional and theological qualities, first Ordained him as a Priest and then Consecrated him as the Bishop of Arras. (in the year 500).
The Consecration of St Vaast
This City of Arras was initially sacked by the Huns and the population, already Christian since the Fourth Century, had dispersed during the invasion. Arras was slowly repopulated but its inhabitants had practically returned to paganism. The new Bishop courageously embarked on his missionary work, reorganising his Diocese, converting numerous inhabitants in his many apostolic journeys in the vast territory entrusted to him.
He remained a friend of King Clovis and Queen Clotilde throughout his life and at the same time, he always remained a disciple, as it were, of St Remigius, who became his adviser, guide and trusted example.
After having ruled the Diocese for 40 years, he died on 6 February 539 or 540. The news concerning the efficacious nature of prayer to Vaast and the many and diverse miracles and prodigies worked by God through his intercession, continued over the centuries. This resulted in three ‘Vitae,’ being written. One of the Vita’s by St Alcuin, recounts that on one occasion, having spent the day in instructing a nobleman, his host would see him on his way with a glass of wine to sustain him but found the cask empty. Vaast bid the servant to bring whatever he should find in the vessel. The servant then found the barrel overflowing with excellent wine, just like at Cana! The image below relates to another miracle for which I cannot find the legend.
St Vaast’s miracle of the beast
His body had many translations, due to the Norman invasion of the City of Arras in the Ninth Century. In December 880, the City was set on fire and its inhabitants massacred but the relics were rescued and hidden at Beauvais which was fortified.
In 667, St Aubert, the Seventh Bishop of Arras, began to build an Abbey for Benedictine Monks on the site of a little Chapel which Saint Vaast had erected in honour of Saint Peter. Vaast’s relics were transferred to the new Abbey, which was completed by Auburt’s uccessor and generously endowed by King Theuderic III, who together with his wife, was afterwards buried there. The relics, in the following centuries, remained in possession of the Abbey of St Vaast until the French Revolution, when the Abbey was sacked, however, the relics miraculously remained intact! They were later transferred to the Cathedral of Arras, where they still are today.
Cathedral of Arras
St Vaast’s cult, since ancient times, is widespread throughout France . It is reported in the litanies of the Saints and he is considered the Founder of the Episcopal See of Arras, for which he is the main Patron. In France he is more widely known as St Gastone.
St Vaast’s Statue at another Church in his honour at Wambrechies, France
St Amand of Moissac St Amand of Nantes St Andrew of Elnone Bl Angelus of Furci St Antholian of Auvergne St Brinolfo Algotsson Cassius of Auvergne Bl Diego de Azevedo
St Gerald of Ostia St Gonsalo Garcia OFM St Guarinus St Guethenoc St Hildegund St Ina of Wessex St Jacut St Liminius of Auvergne Bl Mary Teresa Bonzel St Mateo Correa-Magallanes St Maximus of Aurvergne St Mel of Ardagh St Melchu of Armagh St Mun of Lough Ree St Relindis of Eyck St Revocata St Saturninus St Tanco of Werden St Theophilus St Theophilus the Lawyer St Vaast of Arras (c 453-539 or 540) Bishop St Victorinus of Auvergne
Martyrs of Emesa: St Luke the Deacon St Mucius the Lector
Thought for the Day – 5 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
IDLENESS
“Idleness is forbidden by God because work is His commandment. He had already told Adam and his successors: “In the sweat of your brow, you shall eat bread” (Gen 3:19).
St Paul warns us: “If any man will not work, neither let him eat” (2 Thess 3L10). This is a universal law which embraces people of all classes and circumstances. God commands everyone to work. Therefore, anybody who disobeys this law without reason, sins against God. Those who lead leisurely inactive lives should meditate seriously on this law of God. The fact that they possess large fortunes does not excuse them from this divine law. They must engage in some work, either menial or manual. It may be for themselves or it may be for their needy brothers who live in want or in illness and cannot fend for themselves. We are all brothers in Jesus. It is not right that one brother should live in poverty and wretchedness, while another idly enjoys a life of plenty and of pleasure.
Anyone who loves God is never idle, says St Jerome. The love of God works wonderful things, if it does not, it cannot be called love.”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – St Agatha (c 231- c 251) Virgin and Martyr – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Matthew 19:3-12
“Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself!”
St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo Father and Doctor of Grace
“If the poison of pride is swelling up in you, turn to the Eucharist and that Bread, Which is your God humbling and disguising Himself, will teach you humility.
If the fever of selfish greed rages in you, feed on this Bread and you will learn generosity.
If the cold wind of coveting withers you, hasten to the Bread of Angels and charity will come to blossom in your heart.
If you feel the itch of intemperance, nourish yourself with the Flesh and Blood of Christ, Who practiced heroic self-control during His earthly life and you will become temperate.
If you are lazy and sluggish about spiritual things, strengthen yourself with this heavenly Food and you will grow fervent.
Lastly, if you feel scorched by the fever of impurity, go to the banquet of the Angels and the spotless Flesh of Christ, will make you pure and chaste.”
St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father and Doctor
“Be HUMBLE in this life, that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly MODERATE and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be GENTLE, so that you may never oppose justice. Be HONOURABLE, so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be CHASTE, so that you may avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death.”
St Stephen of Hungary (c 975- 1038)
(King of Hungary, to his son, St Emeric. Sadly St Emeric died aged 24 but had taken a private vow of Celibacy.)
“Chastity depends on the heart, as its source but, it is concerned with the body, as its matter and, therefore, it maybe lost, by all the external senses of the body and by the thoughts and desires of the heart. It is immodesty to behold, to hear, to speak, to smell, to touch, impure things, when the heart occupies itself with them and takes pleasure in them.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
(Introduction to the Devout Life Part Three Chap 13).
“To defend his purity, Saint Francis of Assisi rolled in the snow, Saint Benedict threw himself into a thorn bush and Saint Bernard plunged into an icy pond… You – what have you done?”
One Minute Reflection – 5 February – St Agatha (c 231- c 251) Virgin and Martyr – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Matthew 19:3-12
“For there are eunuchs who were born so, from their mother’s womb and there are eunuchs who were made so, by men and there are eunuchs who have made themselves so, for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him accept it who can..” – Matthew 19:12.
REFLECTION – “There are three kinds of eunuchs, two carnal and the third spiritual. One group are those who are born this way. Another are those who are made into eunuchs by captivity or for pleasuring older women. The third are those who “have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven” and who become eunuchs for Christ, although they could be whole men. The last group are promised the reward. The other two, for whom chastity is not a matter of willing but necessity, are due nothing at all. We can put it another way. There are eunuchs from birth, who are of a rather frigid nature and not inclined to lust. There are others, who are made eunuchs by men, those who are made so by philosophers, others who are made weak toward sex from their worship of idols and still others, who by heretical persuasion feign chastity, so as to falsely claim the truth of religion. None of the above is receptive to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Only the person, who for Christ, seeks chastity wholeheartedly and cuts off sexual impurity altogether, [is the genuine eunuch]. So he adds, “He who is able to receive this, let him receive it,” so that each of us should look to his own strength, as to whether he can carry out the commands of virginity and chastity. Chastity in itself is agreeable and alluring but one must look to one’s strength, so that “he who is able to receive this may receive it.” It is as if the Lord with His words, were urging on His soldiers to the reward of chastity, with these words – He who is able to receive this, let him receive it; he who is able to fight, let him fight and conquer.” – St Jerome (343-420) Translator of Sacred Scripture (the Vulgate), Father and one of the original four Doctors of the Latin Church (Commentary on Matthew 3).
PRAYER – O God, Who among other wonders of Your power have given the victory of martyrdom even to the gentler sex, graciously grant that we, who commemorate the anniversary of the death of blessed Agatha, Your Virgin and Martyr, may come to You by following her 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).
Our Morning Offering – 5 February – Mary’s Saturday
Ave Regina Caelorum Queen of Heaven Enthroned
Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned. Hail, by Angels mistress owned. Root of Jesse, Gate of Morn Whence the world’s true Light was born, Glorious Virgin, Joy to thee, Loveliest whom in Heaven they see; Fairest thou, where all are fair, Plead with Christ, our souls to spare.
V. Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, O sacred Virgin. R. Give me strength against thine enemies.
Let us pray: We beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to assist our infirmity, that like, as we do now commemorate the Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, Mother of God; so by the help of her intercession we may die to our former sins and rise again to newness of life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen
“Ave Regina caelorum” is one of the Marian antiphons said or sung in the Liturgy of the Hours at the close of compline. In the Roman Breviary as revised by Pope Pius V in 1569 it was assigned for this use from compline of 2 February until compline of Wednesday of Holy Week. The original author is unknown – it has been found in a manuscript from the twelfth-century. It has been set to music by various composers including Hyden and many others.
Saint of the Day – 5 February – Saint Albinus of Brixen (Died 1005) Bishop of Brixen, Advisor to both Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, Otto II and Henry II. Born in the 10th century Carinthia, Austria and died on 5 February 1005 in Brixen, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – against drought, the City of Brixen, Italy and the Diocese of Brixen, Italy. Also known as – Albinus of Sabion, Albinus of Bressanone, .lbuin, Alboino, Albuino, Albuinus
The Roman Martyrology: states: “In Bressanone (Brixen) in South Tyrol, commemoration of St Albuino, Bishop, who transferred the Episcopal Chair from Sabion to this seat.”
Albinus was born in the first half the 10th Century. He was the son of Blessed Agatha Hildegardis of Carinthia and Count Paul, Margrave of Carinthia, of the noble and powerful Ariboni family,
As a young man he attended the schools of the Cathedral of Brixen, then entered the clergy and became the Bishop of the City of Sabion, South Tyrol (in modern Italy) around 975.
During his Episcopal term he brought many gifts, lands and properties, endowed both by his family and by the Emperors Otto II and Henry II, in gratitude for his counsel, the latter to whom, Albinus was related, as well as being his close friend. Some of these endowments, for example, were: a property in Regensburg and another in Villach in his native Carinthia, which included a Castle and which was transformed by him, into a Church. This beautiful Church still stands today. Land was also awarded to him in Krain.
In 991 , he moved his Bishopric from Brixen (now Bressanone), closer to the Diocese that the See should govern. Thus he became the last Bishop of Sabion and the First of Bressanone (previously Brixen). He also arranged for the translation of the relics of St Ingenuinus (Died 605) a predecessor Bishop of Sabion.
He died on 5 February 1005, after over 30 years of ruling his See.
At the end of the 11th century he was already venerated as a saint and associated with Ingenuinus. Blessed Artmann (a successor) gathered the relics of both under the same Altar and from that time, their names were inserted together on 5 February in calendars, while their cult extended to the Dioceses of Trent, Freising and Eichstaett.
St Ingenuinu left and St Albinus on the right
The relics of the two Saints are kept on the Altar of St Cassian in the Basilica of Bressanone, which also contains a Chasuble which is believed to have belonged to St Albinus, while their heads are kept in two silver reliquaries.
St Bertulph St Buo of Ireland St Calamanda of Calaf St Dominica of Shapwick St Fingen of Metz Bl Françoise Mézière St Gabriel de Duisco St Genuinus of Sabion St Indract St Isidore of Alexandria St Jesús Méndez-Montoya Bl John Morosini St Kichi Franciscus St Luca di Demenna St Modestus of Carinthia
Bl Primo Andrés Lanas St Saba the Younger St Vodoaldus of Soissons
Martyrs of Pontus: An unknown number of Christians who were tortured and martyred in assorted painful ways in the region of Pontus (in modern Turkey) during the persecutions of Maximian.
The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan: 26 Saints – the First Martyrs of Japan. Martyred on 5 February 1597 by Crucifixion, also known as Pedro Bautista Blasquez y Blasquez and 22 companions, along with Paulus Miki and 2 companions, were Beatified on 14 September 1627 by Pope Urban VIII, and Canonised on 8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX.
Thought for the Day – 4 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Ora et labora” – Work and Sanctity
“Everything we do, whether we are working with our hands or with our minds, can and should be made holy by offering it to God. The peasant who toils in the heart of the sun or in the hardship of winter, to wring a living from the hard soil, the workman who strikes the anvil with his hammer, or who extracts coal from the bowels of the earth, or who controls some complicate piece of machinery in order to produce the press, electricity or other services for men – all these can and should raise their minds frequently in adoration and thanksgiving to God, the Creator and Giver of every good.
In the same way, those who are engaged in intellectual work, dedicated to the study of the different branches of knowledge, human and divine, should remember that light comes from Heaven, not from the earth. They should, therefore, ask in their prayers for God’s help. Science without God is cold and soulless. It can do more harm than good. It fills the soul with pride and dries up the heart. It can lead, as experience has shown us, to the destruction, instead of the wellbeing, of the human race. Students and scientists must be investigators of the mysteries of God, as well as those, of the universe. Only in God will they find an answer to the problems of the spirit.
There are some who work with both their minds and hearts. These include priests, teachers, doctors, good sisters sacrificing their lives in the hospitals, the mothers of families and many others. Their work will be especially fruitful, if it is united in a spirit of faith and charity with their prayers. Doing all for love of God, becomes love!”
Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – The Memorial of St Andrew Corsini O.Carm (1302-1373) Bishop, Confessor r – Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20, Matthew 25:14-23
“And he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more.”
Matthew 25:16
“I have chosen you and have appointed you, that you should go and should bring forth fruit and your fruit should remain, says the Lord.”
John 15:16
“This is the glory of man – to persevere and remain in the service of God. For this reason, the Lord told His disciples: ‘You did not choose Me but I chose you.’ He meant that His disciples did not glorify Him by following Him but, in following the Son of God, they were glorified by Him. As He said: ‘I wish that where I am they also may be, that they may see My glory.’”
St Irenaeus (c 130 – c 202) Bishop & Martyr, Father of the Church
“If we follow Christ closely we shall be allowed, even on this earth, to stand, as it were, on the threshold of the heavenly Jerusalem and enjoy the contemplation, of that everlasting feast, like the blessed Apostles, who, in following the Saviour as their leader, showed and still show, the way to obtain the same gift from God. They said – See, we have left all things and followed You. We too follow the Lord and we keep His feast by deeds rather than by words.”
St Athanasius (297-373) Father & Doctor of the Church
“May Christ be heard in our language, may Christ be seen in our life, may He be perceived in our hearts”
St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Father and Doctor of the Church
“There are two ways of keeping God’s word, namely, one, whereby we store in our memory what we hear and the other, whereby we put into practice, what we have heard (and none will deny that the latter is more commendable, inasmuch, as it is better to sow grain, than to store it in the barn).”
One Minute Reflection – 4 February – The Memorial of St Andrew Corsini O.Carm (1302-1373) Bishop, Confessor and St Gilbert of Sempringham (c 1083-1189) Priest, Founder – Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20, Matthew 25:14-23
“A man going abroad, called his servants and handed over his goods to them.” – Matthew 25:14
REFLECTION – “There is no question but that this Householder is Christ. After His Resurrection, when He was about to return triumphantly to the Father, He called His Apostles and entrusted them with the Gospel teaching, giving more to one, less to the other, never too much or too little but according to the abilities of those who received it. In the same way, the Apostle Paul said that he had fed with milk those unable to take solid food (1Co 3,2)…
Five, two, one talent: let us take these to be the different graces granted to each, whether the five senses for the first; understanding of faith and works for the second; the reasons for distinguishing us from other creatures for the third. “The one who received five talents went away and traded with them and made another five.” That is to say, besides the physical and material senses he had received, he added knowledge of heavenly things. His knowledge was raised from the creatures to the Creator, from the corporal to the incorporeal, from the visible to the invisible, from the transient to the eternal. “The one who received two made another two.” This one likewise, according to his ability, doubled in the school of the Gospel what he had learned in the school of the Law. Or perhaps we could say, that he understood that knowledge of faith and the works of this present life, lead to future happiness. “But the man who received one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” In the grip of works here below and of worldly pleasures, the wicked servant neglected God’s commands. However, let us note that, according to another evangelist, he wrapped it in a linen cloth – by this we could understand that he took away the force of his Master’s teaching, by a life of softness and pleasure…
The Master welcomed the first two servants… with the same words of praise. “Come,” He said, “share in your master’s joy and receive what eye has not seen and ear has not heard and what has not entered the human heart” (1Cor 2,9). What greater reward could be bestowed on a faithful servant?” – St Jerome (343-420) Translator of Sacred Scripture (the Vulgate), Father and One of the Original Four Doctors of the Latin Church .
PRAYER – O God, Who establish ever new examples of virtue in Your Church, grant that Your people may follow the footsteps of blessed Andrew, Your Confessor and Bishop, so that they may also obtain his reward. 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).
Take, Lord and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours, do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, that is enough for me. Amen
Saint of the Day – 4 February – St Gilbert of Sempringham (c 1083-1189) Priest, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, Founder of 13 Monasteries and Churches, schools, homes and hostels for the sick and orphanages, Miracle-worker. Born in c. 1083 at Sempringham, Lincolnshire, England and died on 4 February 1189 at Sempringham, Lincolnshire. The Gilbertines came to an end in the 16th century at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
A narrow track from the main road in the Lincolnshire Village of Sempringham leads eventually to the tiny Church dedicated to St Andrew. Standing on a hilltop and noticeably isolated are the visible remains where St. Gilbert of Sempringham began his work, which resulted in the only English monastic Order for nuns, canons,lay brothers and sisters being founded. Little may be known about him but his influence, even after some 900 years, has not been forgotten.
Gilbert was the eldest son of Jocelyn, a Norman Knight and his low born Anglo-saxon wife. He was born around 1083 (in most biographies it is 1083), his mother had a vision that he would be special before his birth. It was a time within memory of the Norman invasion of England and he was half Norman half Saxon.
He is said to have been born with some form of disability and a variety of suggestions have been made as to the form that this was manifest – curvature of the spine being one. Whatever it was, he was unfit for military service and in his very early childhood seemed to have no enthusiasm of learning and is said to have been cared for by his mother and this is maybe why he had such an affinity and kindness for women – in an age when women were not generally allowed an education. At some point, however, his education led him to France . He returned having acquire the title of Master, by which he was known for posterity.
When he returned we see him educating the local children, of both sexes, which was unusual for the time in his district of Lincolnshire. His father was impressed with his education and abilities and his religious manner and presented him with the Churches of Sempringham and West Torrington. At that time, he was a Deacon and for a time, joined the household of the Bishop of Lincoln, firstly with Robert Bloet (died 1123) and with Alexander (1123-1148.
He was not Ordained to the Priesthood until his 40th year, due to his reservations of being unworth and for similar reasons, he refused the position of Archdeacon in the Diocese, which stretched from the Humber to the Thames and was the largest Diocese in Europe .
In 1131 he founded a home for girls whose residence was attached to his Church at Sempringham and hired a Priest named Geoffrey and they shared rooms above the Church entrance. In 1139 he moved his small community to a new site, a field’s distance from his Church and in due course, this became the Motherhouse for the Gilbertine Order of Sempringham. He was later to add lay sisters, Priests and lay brothers. In 1147, Gilbert travelled to France hoping to persuade the Cistercian Order to adopt his community of Nuns. This was refused but with the encouragement of Pope St Eugene III, who himself had been a Cistercian Monk and St Bernard of Clairvaux, he drew up the Institutes of the Gilbertine Order.
Back in England Gilbert became “Master” of the Order by the Popes decree. He was not attached to any particular house and was not the Prior of Sempringham. It was his responsibility to visit all the houses.
At the point when in old age he became blind he transferred, with the consent of the Order, his responsibility to Roger, the Prior of Malton. Gilbert did not take the vows of the Gilbertine Order until he was close to death. He felt that doing so would be a sign of arrogance, as he had written the Gilbertine Rule.
Miracles were attributed to him during his lifetime as well as after his death. When he reached his centennial year he felt compelled to “pass from this life in which he was so greatly broken for penance which he had endured in God’s service but yet all his members were whole,… save his sight.”
On Christmas night in 1188, whilst at his island house of Cadney, he was taken ill. He was given Extreme Unction and carried by his companion Roger and chaplain to Sempringham, a distance of forty miles. On 3 February of 1189, the Priors of all his Convents went to Sempringham to receive his blessing. On the last day, he lay unconscious with Roger (Prior of Malton), his successor, at his bedside. He died the following morning about the hour of Matins. He was buried three days later. His tomb was placed between the Altars of St Mary and St Andrew, on either side of the wall which divided the Priests from the Nuns, so that all alike might see him. During his lifetime Gilbert had built 13 Monasteries, nine for men and women together, four for men only. Besides these he had also built hostels for the poor, the sick, the lepers, the widows and the orphans
Eleven years after his death, Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury sent the Priors of the Lincolnshire Gilbertine houses of Swineshead, Bourn and Croxton to make inquisition to write an account of his life and his miracles. On 9 January 1201, King John and some of his nobles, visited Gilbert’s tomb. The Abbots arrived the same day and were satisfied as to the truth of the miracles . The King, Archbishop, Bishops and the three Priors sent letters to Pope Innocent III, asking for the Canonisation of Gilbert of Sempringham. The Pope decreed a three day’s fast on the whole Order and a further investigation into the life and miracles of Gilbert; the fast took place, on24 September 1202 with the inquisition on the third day.
Sempringham Abbey
Five canons and six men cured of infirmities by Gilbert, set out for Rome arriving on 31 December 1202 . The Pope gave the decree on 11 January and the feast of St Gilbert was commanded to be on h February, The Papal Bull was issued on 30 January 1202 and sent to the two Archbishops (Canterbury & York) and the Gilbertine Order.
The occasion of the translation of St Gilbert’s relics is detailed in depth “marked by the manifestations of bright lights, sweet odours and incorrupt clothing.” Additionally the Archbishop of Canterbury was privileged with a cure from illness which threatened to prevent him continuing with the lengthy ceremonies. The Archbishop issued an indulgence of 40 days and an additional one of 169 days from Bishops assisting at the translation, to all those visiting the Shrine or making grants to the priory.
In the centuries which have followed the life and death of St Gilbert of Sempringham, little is now visible of the Convents and Monasteries that he founded. The Priory Church of Malton in Yorkshire is still in use, Chicksands, however, has the most substantial remains of a cloister of the twenty five that were built in England . In 1984 a group of parishioners met at the Cistercian Abbey of Mount St Bernard , Leicestershire. As a result, an apostolate was formed, “The Oblates of St. Gilbert,” who meet regularly to recite the Gilbertine liturgy and exercise charity for the needy.
Bl Dionisio de Vilaregut St Donatus of Fossombrone St Eutychius of Rome St Filoromus of Alexandria St Firmus of Genoa Bl Frederick of Hallum St Gelasius of Fossombrone St Geminus of Fossombrone St Gilbert of Limerick (c 1070–1145) Bishop St Gilbert of Sempringham (c 1083-1189) Priest, Founder of the Gilbertine order, St Isidore of Pelusium
St Jane de Valois O.Ann.M and TOSF (1464-1505) Princess, Queen, Founder, Religious Sister, Mystic, Teacher. Founded the monastic Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary. From this Order later sprang the religious congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation, founded in 1787 to teach the children of the poor. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-jane-of-valois-o-ann-m-1464-1505/
St Rembert St Themoius St Theophilus the Penitent St Vincent of Troyes St Vulgis of Lobbes
Jesuit Martyrs of Japan: A collective memorial of all members of the Jesuits who have died as Martyrs for the faith in Japan.
Martyrs of Perga – 4 Saints: A group of shepherds martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only details we have about them are the names – Claudian, Conon, Diodorus and Papias. They were martyred in c 250 in Perga, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 3 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
WORK
“God created man master of the world. He commanded him to populate it and to rule it (Cf Gen 1:28). He placed him in an earthly paradise, “to till it and to keep it” (Gen 2:15).
As long as man remained in the state of innocence, however, work was a pleasure. It gave him the joy of collaborating with God in the work of creation. Today, work is still a pleasure. By working, we co-operate with God because, it was His intention, tbat the resources of the earth should be explored by human industry and intelligence and should benefit both the individual and society. Work is a noble occupation because it involves co-operation with God’s work of creation and conservation. If anyone tries to deprive it of its lofty human character and to reduce it to the level of mere toil, regarding it as nothing more than an instrument of production or a handy system of exchange, he is debasing the worker and robbing him of all spiritual incentive.”
Quote of the Day – 3 February – The Memorial of St Blaise Bishop Martyr (Died c 316)
The Blessing of the Throats is a Sacramental of the Church, ordinarily celebrated today, the Feast day of Saint Blaise.
THE BLESSING of ST BLAISE Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 3 February – St Blaise Martyr (Died c 316) – Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 8:23-27
“And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was covered by the waves but He was asleep.”- Matthew 8:24
REFLECTION – “The sea offered its heaving back for Christ to walk upon. Now, it leveled its crests to a plain, checked its swelling and bound up its billows. It provided rocklike firmness, so He could walk across the waterway.
Why did the seas heave so and toss and pitch, even as if threatening its Creator? And why did Christ Himself, Who knows all the future, seem so unaware of the present, that He gave no thought to the onrushing storm, the moment of its height and the time of its peril? While all the rest were awake, He alone was fast asleep, even with utter doom threatening both Himself and His dear ones. Why? It is not a calm sky, beloved but the storm, which tests a pilot’s skill. When the breeze is mild, even the poorest sailor can manage the ship. But in the crosswinds of a tempest, we want the best Pilot with all His skil!.” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church “Doctor of Homilies” (Sermon 20).
PRAYER – O God, You Who know that our human frailty cannot stand fast against the great dangers that beset us, grant us health of mind and body, that with Your help we may overcome what we suffer on account of our sins. 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).
Grant Us This Day, O Lord By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor Angelicus Doctor Communis
Grant us this day, O Lord a vigilant heart, that no alien thought can lure away from Thee, a pure heart. that no unworthy love can soil, an upright heart, that no crooked intentions can lead astray. And give us Lord, understanding to know Thee, zeal to seek Thee, wisdom to find Thee and a hope, that will one day take hold of Thee. Amen
Saint of the Day – 3 February – Blessed Stephen Bellesini OSA (1774-1840) Priest and Friar of the Augustinian Hermits, Teacher and mentor of the youth, Apostle of the poor, Parish Priest. Born as Luigi Giuseppe in 1774 in Trento, Italy and died on 2 February 1840 in Genazzano, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Stefano and Luigi Belleni.
Stephen was born of the aristocracy in Trento on 25 November 1774. In 1790, aged just 16, despite his father’s opposition, he entered the Order of Saint Augustine at the Convent of Saint Mark of Trento. He completed his novitiate in Bologna, where he took his religious vows and the name of Stefano. He was then sent to Rome for his studies of philosophy and theology whereafter he returned to Bologna.
Fidelity in challenging circumstances was something Stephen had learned early on as an Augustinian. Just three years after his religious profession, and still only twenty-two years of age, he experienced the effects of a rising revolutionary campaign that forced him to leave the Monastery in Bologna where he was studying for the priesthood and return to his native City to continue his education under the guidance of tutors
In 1797 he was Ordained Priest in Trento. His years as a young priest were spent in the trying circumstances of a Church under siege by a government desirous of limiting the Church’s influence and eventually, putting an end to the religious way of life which Stephen had professed. Finally, after several years of tension and uncertainty, Stephen and his community were expelled from their Monastery for good, forbidden to wear any longer, the habit of their religious profession. They would never return. The Monastery would never re-open.
Stephen went to live with his brother and opened a school where he devotes himself to the education of poor children, providing free education and food and clothing where needed. Seven years later, the Priest Stephen, by now a successful and respected teacher who had championed the rights of poor and underprivileged children, won the admiration and love of the people. Even the materialistic local authorities came to respect his work. Eventually he was named Inspector of Schools in Trent.
However,, he missed religious life and in 1814,when he had the chance to return to community life, Stephen resigned his important post in Trent and went to join the Augustinian community in Bologna. Political leaders in Trent begged Stephen to return to his work in the schools there, offering to increase his pay. But Stephen refused, writing to them, “You would surely not ask me (to return to Trent) if you realised the unbreakable bond between a Friar and his God, who is the King of Kings. Before his altar, I have solemnly promised to be faithful to those vows.“
Stephen spent several years as Director of Novices, mentoring and teaching young Augustinians the principles of community life in the Order.
In his later years, Stephen served as Parish priest in Genazzano. There his ministry included a special emphasis on the needs of the poor and of children. In January, 1840, while answering a call to care for a sick parishioner, he tripped and fell. A cut on his leg became infected and he developed a high fever.
He tried to remain active for the next two days but the fever never went away., it is believed he might have contracted the Typhus after attending at many of the sick in his Parish. He died ON 2 February1840 in Genazzano. His remains are at the Shrine of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano.
Stephen’s sanctity was well-known and highly respect. Champion of youth, advocate for justice, comforter of the sick, guardian of the poor, his message is timely, his life is exemplary and his love for and commitment to religious life, are signposts to all religious and to the faithful. Pope Pius X Beatified Stephen on 27 December 1904. His cause continues, seeking a second miracle at his intercession – “how will they call on him, if they have not heard of him?” Blessed Stephen pray for us!
At the entrance to the Chapel of the General Curia in Rome there is a familiar painting of the Augustinian Blessed, Stephen Bellesini. It is a copy of an original work done by G Toeschi in 1905, depicting a crowning moment and possibly one of the last, of Stephen’s life. He stands close to the bedside of an infirm man, administering perhaps Extreme Unction or simply offering him some comfort, while the man’s wife presses her head to the bed, seemingly overcome with grief or exhaustion. Two young children look on anxiously. The artist touchingly captured here an important aspect of the ministry which occupied the latter part of Stephen’s life, as he visited the homes of the townspeople, bringing them the comfort of the Sacraments and oftentimes ,material assistance as well, during the typhus epidemic which struck Genazzano in the Spring of 1839. As we know, less than a year later, Stephen, himself, would fall victim to the pestilence and would succumb – a martyr of charity – faithful to the end.
St Anna the Prophetess St Berlinda of Meerbeke St Blasius of Armentarius St Blasius of Oreto St Caellainn St Celerinus of Carthage St Claudine Thevenet St Clerina of Carthage St Deodatus of Lagny St Eutichio St Evantius of Vienne St Felix of Africa St Felix of Lyons St Hadelin of Chelles Bl Helena Stollenwerk Bl Helinand of Pronleroy St Hippolytus of Africa St Ia of Cornwall St Ignatius of Africa Bl Iustus Takayama Ukon
Bl John Zakoly St Laurentinus of Carthage St Laurentius of Carthage St Lawrence the Illuminator St Liafdag St Lupicinus of Lyon St Margaret of England Bl Marie Rivier St Oliver of Ancona St Philip of Vienne St Remedius of Gap St Sempronius of Africa Blessed Stephen Bellesini OSA (1774-1840) Priest of the Hermits of St Augustine St Tigrides St Werburga of Bardney St Werburga of Chester
Benedictine Martyrs: A collective memorial of all members of the Benedictine Order who have died as Martyrs for the Faith.
Thought for the Day – 2 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Purification of Our Lady
“In the Gospel narrative of St Luke (Cf 2:22-31), another character also appears. He intrudes upon the scene without any apparent right to be there but, he had been inspired by God. This is the old and saintly Simeon. He was not a priest. He was an upright man, careful in the observance of the law, who was waiting longingly for the coming of the promises Redeemer. The Holy Spirit dwelt in him and had revealed, that he would not die until he had seen the Saviour. He was inspired to go to the Temple, where he saw Jesus. He took Him in his arms and was overcome with joy. Then he blessed God and declared that he was now prepared to accept death, as he had been able to see and embrace the Saviour, as God had promised. “Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace” (Lk 2:29). It was a beautiful way to meet death, to be able to hold Jesus close to his heart and see his long life of hope and expectation rewarded by the loving embrace of his Lord.
Let us try and live like Simeon, with our minds and hearts turned towards Jesus. Let us think chiefly of Him, love Him, above everything else and work only for Him. Then our death will be as beautiful as his. In fact, we shall be even more fortunate, for we can go further than receiving Jesus into our arms. We shall be able to receive Him into out hearts. He will be at hand to give us the supernatural strength which we shall need on our great journey into eternity.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin
“The day will come when this Child will no longer be offered in the Temple, nor in Simeon’s arms but outside the City in the arms of the Cross. The day will come when He will not be redeemed by the blood of a sacrifice but redeem others , with His own Blood. …” That will be the evening sacrifice; this is the morning sacrifice; this one is the happiest but that one is the most complete; for this one was offered at the time of birth and that one will be offered in the fullness of time,..”
“But what shall we offer, brothers, what shall we give Him for all the benefits He has given us? He offered the most precious Victim He possessed for our sake; in truth, He could not have had anything more precious. So let up, too, do what we can, let us offer Him the best we have, that is to say, ourselves! He offered Himself, so who are you, to hesitate to offer yourself?”
St Bernard (1091-1153) Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
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