Posted in BAPTISM, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 September – ‘ … But how to bring this plan to fruition? …’

One Minute Reflection – 8 September – The Feast of theN ativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God – Pentecost XVI – Proverbs 8:22-35 – Matthew 1:1-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary and of her was born Jesus , Who is called Christ.” – Matthew 1:16

REFLECTION – “In the beginning man had been formed out of pure and stainless earth (Gn 2:7) but his nature had been deprived of its innate dignity, when it was stripped of grace by the fall of disobedience and, was cast out of the land of life. In place of a Paradise of delight, it had nothing but a corruptible life, to hand on as its hereditary patrimony, a life from which death would follow, together with its consequence – the corruption of the race. We had,all of us, preferred the world here below to that on high. No hope of salvation remained; the state of our nature cried to Heaven for aid. There was no law which could cure our infirmity… In the end, according to His good pleasure, the Divine shaper of the universe decided to bring a new world, another world into being – a world of harmony and youth – from which the overwhelming contagion of sin and of its companion, death, would be cast out. A wholly new life, free and unencumbered, would be held out to us, who would find in Baptism a new and wholly Divine birth…

But how to bring this plan to fruition? Was it not fitting that a most pure and stainless virgin should first of all place herself at the service of this mysterious plan and should bear within her womb, the Infinite Being in a manner transcending the natural law?… Therefore, just as in Paradise, He had drawn from the virgin stainless earth, a little clay with which to fashion the first Adam, so He made use of another kind of earth, so to speak, when He brought about His Own Incarnation, namely that pure and immaculate Virgin, chosen from among all creatures. In her He remade us anew, using our own substance and He, Adam’s Creator, became a new Adam, so that the old might be saved by the New and Eternal.”St Andrew of Crete (650-740) Bishop, Father of the Church (Sermon 1 for the Nativity of the Mother of God).

PRAYER – Bestow upon Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace, that, as the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin stood for the beginning of our salvation, so may the solemn Feast of her Nativity, bring about an increase of peace. Through Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 8 September – The Angels’ Birthday Hymn to Mary

Our Morning Offering – 8 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary

The Angels’ Birthday Hymn to Mary
Unknown Author

Hail to the Flower of grace divine!
Heiress, hail of David’s line!
Hail Redemption’s heroine!
Hail to the Virgin pre-elect!
Hail to the work without defect
Of the supernal Architect!

Hail to her ordained of old
Deep in enmities untold,
Ere the blue waves of ocean rolled,
Ere the primordial founts had sprung,
Ere in ether the globe was hung,
Ere the morning stars had sung!

Welcome the beatific morn
When the mother of life was born,
Whom all lovely gifts adorn!
What a thrill of ecstatic mirth
Danced along through heaven and earth.
At the tidings of Mary’s birth!

How was hell to its centre stirred!
How sang Hades when it heard
Of her coming, so long deferred!
Happy, happy, the Angel band
Chosen by Mary’s side to stand
As her defence on either hand!

Safe beneath their viewless wings
Mother-elect of the King of kings,
Fear no harm from hurtful things!
What though Eden vanished be,
More than Eden we find in thee!
Thou our joy and jubilee!

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MARIAN QUOTES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Saint of the Day – 8 September – BlessedAlanus de Rupe OP (c1428-1475) Priest, “Apostle of the Holy Rosary” T

Saint of the Day – 8 September – BlessedAlanus de Rupe OP (c1428-1475) Priest and friar of the Order of Preachers, “Apostle of the Holy Rosary” Theologian, Professor, renowned Preacher, Missionary and Mystic. Born in c1428 in Sizun, Brittany, France and died on 8 September in 1475, in Zwolle, Netherlands. Patronage – of Zwolle, Netherlands. Also known as – Alain de la Roche, Alan de Rupe, Alan de la Roche, Alan the Breton, Alano de la Roca, Alanus Rupe

Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, others of Belgium but his disciple, Fr Cornelius Sneek OP (1455–1534), says he was born in Brittany. He is especially notable for his contributions to devotion to the Holy Rosary. According to tradition, the devotion to the Holy Rosary had been neglected and forgotten in most of Europe in the centuries after Saint Dominic established it and Alan is credited with re-establishing, increasing and spreading this most loved of all our devotions.

Alanus entered the Dominican Order in 1459 at age thirty-one. While pursuing his studies at Saint Jacques, in Paris, he distinguished himself in philosophy and theology.

From 1459 to 1475 he taught almost uninterruptedly at Paris, Lille, Douay, Ghent and Rostock in Germany, where, in 1473, he was made Master of Sacred Theology. During his sixteen years of teaching, he became a most renowned preacher.

He was indefatigable in what he regarded as his special mission, the preaching, spreading and re-establishment of the Holy Rosary which he did with tremendous success throughout northern France, Flanders and the Netherlands. In around 1470, A;amus established a Confraternity of the Psalter of the Glorious Virgin Mary which was instrumental in disseminating the Holy Rosary throughout Europe.

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Alanus published nothing during his lifetime,but immediately after his death, the brethren of his Province were commanded to collect his writings for publication. In 1859, a list of his writings was compiled.

It was Blessed Alanus de Rupr, one of the first disciples of Saint Dominic, who co-ordinated the Rosary and enriched it by adding meditations, as well as the life of Jesus and Mary. He called it the Holy Rosary because it resembled a bouquet of roses placed at the feet of the Virgin.” (website of the Diocese of Meaux).

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

The Nativity of the Most Blessed and Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Marian Feast Days around the world, St Adrian, Martyr and the Saints for 8 September

The Nativity of the Most Blessed and Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God – 8 September:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/08/feast-of-the-nativity-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-8-september/

St Adrian (Died 306) Confessor, Lay Martyr, Royal Court Guard in Roman Imperial Court at Nicomedia in Asia-Minor during the time of Emperor Maximian in the early 4th Century. Patronages – against the plague/epidemics, against epilepsy, arms dealers, butchers, guards, soldiers.
The Roman Martyrology reads this day: “At Nicomedia, St Adrian, with twenty three other Martyrs, who ended their Martyrdom on the 4th day of March by having their limbs crushed, after enduring many torments, under the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Their remains were carried to Byzantium by the Christians and buried with due honours. Afterwards, the body of St Adrian was taken to Rome on this day, on which his festival is celebrated.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/08/saint-of-the-day-8-september-st-adrian-died-306-confessor-martyr/

BlessedAlanus de Rupe OP (c1428-1475) Priest, “Apostle of the Holy Rosary”

St Corbinian (c670–c 730) First Bishop of Freising and Founder of the Diocese, Hermit, Missionary, Confessor.
His Zealous Life

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/08/saint-of-the-day-8-september-saint-corbinian-c-670-c-730/

St Disibod of Disenberg
St Isaac the Great
St Kingsmark
St Peter of Chavanon

Blessed Seraphina Sforza OSC (c1424-1478) Abbess of the Order of St Clare, Widow. Her body is Incorrupt.
Her Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/08/saint-of-the-day-8-september-blessed-seraphina-sforza-osc-c1424-1478-abbess-widow/

St Pope Sergius I (c650–701) Papal Ascension 15 December 687. B
About St Sergius:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/08/saint-of-the-day-8-september-saint-pope-sergius-i-c%e2%80%89650-701/

St Timothy of Antioch

Martyrs of Alexandria – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Ammon, Dio, Faustus, Neoterius and Theophilus. Martyred in Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Japan – (21 Beati: A group of 21 Missionaries and Converts, who were executed together for their faith. They were: Antonio of Saint Bonaventure, Antonio of Saint Dominic, Dominicus Nihachi, Dominicus of Saint Francis, Dominicus Tomach, Francisco Castellet Vinale, Franciscus Nihachi, Ioannes Imamura, Ioannes Tomachi, Laurentius Yamada, Leo Aibara, Lucia Ludovica, Ludovicus Nihachi, Matthaeus Alvarez Anji, Michaël Tomachi, Michaël Yamada Kasahashi, Paulus Aibara Sandayu, Paulus Tomachi, Romanus Aibar, Thomas of Saint Hyacinth, Thomas Tomachi
Died on 8 September 1628 in Nagasaki, Japan
Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius XI.

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The GOOD SHEPHERD

Thought for the Day – 7 September – The Mercy of God

Thought for the Day – 7 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Mercy of God

Let us meditate, in particular, on certain passages in the Gospel in which God’s Mercy stands out most vividly and appealingly.
There is the incident of the adulteress who is brought before Our Lord by the hypocritical Pharisees.

According to the law, she should have been stoned to death.
Jesus looks at her accusers, who harbour, in the secrecy of their own hearts, God knows how many abominations but strut about in public with the mien of stern and impeccable judges.
Then He rivets His gaze upon the shamefaced woman, who is looking like a soiled rag thrown away on a dust-heap.
When Jesus addresses her relentless judges, His voice is steady: “Let him who is without sin among you, be the first to cast a stone at her.
When they all drift away with lowered heads, Jesus says pityingly to the woman: “Has no-one condemned thee? … Neither do I condemn thee. Go thy way and from now on, sin no more” (Cf Jn 8:3-11).

Elsewhere, Jesus is called “the Good Shepherd” Who knows His sheep and calls them to Himself one by one.
If a poor sheep is lost, He leaves the other ninety-nine of His flock and searches for it, nor does He rest until it has been found.
When He sees that it has been injured, He carries it back to the fold upon His shoulders.

Who could forget the touching parable of the prodigal son?
He had left the home of his aging father and had gone to a distant country where he had squandered his inheritance in the course of a low and worldly life of pleasure.
When all his money had been spent, he was very much alone and was reduced to such circumstances, that he took a job looking after unclean animals.
One day, when he was weeping over his fare, he made a sudden resolution, “I will get up and go to my father and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee. I am no longer worthy to be called thy son.
His father had been waiting for him for many years.
He met and embraced him and gave him the kiss of pardon.
Then he held a great feast because his son had repented and come home.
He “was dead and has come to life, he was lost and is found” (Cf Lk 15:11-32).

No matter how great our faults may be, let us trust in the Infinite Mercy of God and when we go to Him repenting and sorrowful, He will grant us forgiveness and peace.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, INGRATITUDE, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on the POOR, St Francis de Sales, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – Just one returned to show his gratitude …

Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Pentecost XIII – Galatians 3:16-22; – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/–

Were not ten made clean?
And where are the other nine?

Luke 17:17

While He is judged, Wisdom remains silent
and the Word says nothing.
His enemies despise and Crucify Him …
Those, to whom yesterday,
He gave His Body as food, watch from a distance
as He dies. Peter, the first of the Apostles,
is the first to flee. Andrew also took flight
and John, who rested at His side,
did not prevent the soldier from piercing that side
with a lance. The Twelve fled –
they did not say one word in His favour, they,
for whom He is giving His Life.
Lazarus is not there, he, whom He called back to life.
The blind man did not weep for Him
Who opened his eyes to the light
and the crippled man, who could walk
thanks to Him, did not run to Him.
Only a bandit who was crucified next to Him
confessed Him and called Him his King!
O thief, precocious blossom from the tree of the Cross, first fruit of the wood from Golgotha!

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“ For man’s lowliness,
is his gratitude
and, God’s greatness,
is His Mercy.

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

What we need most,
in order to make progress,
is to be silent before this great God
with our appetite and with our tongue,
for the language He best hears
is silent love.

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Mystical Doctor of the Church

Do much for God
and do nothing without love:
refer everything to this love;
eat and drink with it in mind
!”

(Letter to Madame de Chantal)

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

Daily Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Prayers to the Sacred Heart
1936 – 15th Edition, Dublin

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
filled with infinite love,
broken by our ingratitude
and pierced by our sins,
yet loving us still,
accept the Consecration
we make to Thee,
of all that we are
and all that we have.
Take every faculty
of our souls and bodies,
only day by day
draw us, nearer and nearer
to Thy Sacred Heart,
and there, as we shall hear the lesson,
teach us Thy Holy Way.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 September – ‘ … And, it was not enough for Him to restore those to life, who lay in death. … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 7 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Pentecost XIII – Galatians 3:16-22 – Luke 17:11-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Were not ten made clean? And where are the other nine?” – Luke 17:17

REFLECTION – “After having offended our Benefactor by our indifference to His signs of Goodwill, we have, nevertheless, not been forsaken by the Lord’s Goodness nor cut off from His Love but, we have been rescued from death and restored to life by our Lord Jesus Christ. And the way in which we have been saved is even more worthy of wonder. “Although He was in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God something to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave” (Phil 2:6-7).

He carried our weakness and bore our sufferings, He was put to death for our sake that we might be saved by His Wounds, He redeemed us from the curse, by becoming accursed for us (cf Is 53:-5; Gal 3:13). He endured the most degrading of deaths to lead us to life and glory. And, it was not enough for Him to restore those to life, who lay in death. He clothed them again in the Divine dignity and prepared for them,, in everlasting rest, a happiness which exceeds all human imagining!” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father & Doctor of the Church (Great monastic Rules 2)

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of thine eternal gladness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 7 September – Morning Prayer To Be Conformed to the Divine Will

Our Morning Offering – 7 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Pentecost XIII

Morning Prayer
To Be Conformed to the Divine Will
Unknown Author
Breviary Prayer

Most Holy Trinity, Godhead IndIvisible,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
our first beginning and our last end,
Thou hast made us in accord
with Thine Own Image and likeness.

Grant that all the thoughts of our minds,
all the words of our tongues,
all the affections of our hearts
and all the actions of our being
may always be conformed to Thine Holy Will.

So may we, having seen Thee veiled
in appearance here below,
by means of faith,
come at last to contemplate
Thee face-to-face,
in the perfect possession of Thee,
forever in Heaven.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 September – St Euvertius (Died c340) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 7 September – St Euvertius (Died c340) Bishop of Orleans . Also known as – Eu

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Orleans, in France, the departure from this life of the holy Bishop, Euvortius, who was first a Sub-Deacon of the Roman Church and afterwards through the Divine favour, was designated as the Bishop of that City, by a dove.

Euvertius was the 4th Bishop of Orléans, predecessor to Saint Anianus (died 388), according to the Episcopal records in the collection of Saint Albinus of Angers.

Long ignored except in the Episcopal lists, Euvertius suddenly rose to prominence in the 9th Century when, to enhance the prestige of the Church of the Holy Cross in Orléans, his Vita was composed, according to which, he was the builder of this Church under the reign of Constantine.

In Orleans, his Feast Day is celebrated today on 7 September, the date on which he is remembered in the Roman Martyrology.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost XIII, St Cloud and the Saints for 7 September

PENTECOST XIII

St Cloud (522-c 560) Priest, Hermit, Confessor and Abbot, apostle of the poor and ill.   
Holy St Cloud:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/07/saint-of-the-day-7-september-st-cloud/

St Alcmund of Hexham
Bl Alexander of Milan
St Augustalus
St Balin
St Carissima of Albi
St Chiaffredo of Saluzzo
Bl Claude-Barnabé Laurent de Mascloux
St Desiderio of Benevento
St Dinooth
Bl Eugenia Picco
St Eupsychius of Caesarea
St Eustace of Beauvais
St Euvertius (Died c340) Bishop of Orleans
St Faciolus
St Festo of Benevento
Bl François d’Oudinot de la Boissière
St Giovanni of Lodi
St Goscelinus of Toul
St Gratus of Aosta
St Grimonia of Picardy
St Hiduard
Bl John Duckett
Bl John Maki
Bl John of Nicomedia
Bl Ludovicus Maki Soetsu

St Madalberta of Mauberge (Died c706) Abbess. Born into the Merovingian Dynasty in Franc/Belgium in the 7th Century she died in c706 at Mauberge Abbey in Hainaut, in northern France. Madalberta was the daughter of Saint Vincent of Soignies and Saint Waltrude. She had the happiness of being educated in the Monastery of Mauberge by their Aunt, Saint Aldegonde, with her sister Aldetrudis.
Her Loving Life of Devotion:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/07/saint-of-the-day-7-september-saint-madalberta-of-mauberge-died-c706-abbess/

Bl Maria of Bourbon

Blessed Marko Križevcanin (c1588-1619) Priest Martyr, Missionary, Professor of Theology. At the time of his Martyrdom he was 31 years old.
Shortly after the Martyrdom, Cardinal Pázmány began the canonical process in view of Beatification, which would take place on 15 January 1905 in Rome by St Pius X.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/07/saint-of-the-day-7-september-blessed-marko-krizevcanin-c1588-1619-priest-martyr/

St Melichar Grodecký
St Memorius of Troyes
St Pamphilus of Capua
Bl Ralph Corby

St Regina (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/07/saint-of-the-day-7-september-saint-regina-3rd-century-virgin-martyr/

St Sozonte

Blessed Thomas Tsuji SJ (1570-1627) Priest of the Society of Jesus, Martyr.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/07/saint-of-the-day-7-september-blessed-thomas-tsuji-sj-1570-1627-martyr/

St Tilbert of Hexham

Martyrs of Noli: Four Saints: Christians who became soldiers and were martyred together for their faith. A late legend makes them member of the Theban Legend who escaped their mass martyrdom but that’s doubtful – Paragorius, Partenopeus, Parteus and Severinus. They were born in Noli, Italy and martyred in Corsica, France. Attribute – soldiers with a banner of NoliM

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOOD FRIDAY, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN Saturdays, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The FIVE FIRST Saturdays, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 6 September – A Holocaust for our Redemption

Thought for the Day – 6 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Holocaust for our Redemption

“Scourged, crowned with thorns and derided, Jesus is finally condemned to death.
Burdened with the Cross, He sets out for the place of execution in the midst of a crowd of enemies, blasphemers and idle speculators.
Among them , there is only a tiny group which sympathises with Jesus, namely, Mary His Mother, the devout women and the beloved Apostle, St John.

The divine Redeemer goes forward labouriously beneath the heavy weight of the Cross.
He has already lost a large quantity of blood in Gethsemane and during the scourging and crowning with thorns.
His strength seems to be failing but love sustains Him.
Looking feebly around Him, He sees the mocking Jews, the indifferent and disrespectful Roman soldiers and a throng of curious spectators looking for something to amuse them.
Is there nobody else?
Where are those whom He cured miraculously and those whom He comforted and forgave?
Has nobody any pity for Him?
Suddenly the crowd falls silent.
A woman, pale and tearful, is approaching Him, supported by her friends.
She defies the commands of soldiers and the scowls of the executions and comes close to Him.

Here and there, a murmur is heard – It must be His Mother, poor woman!
Jesus and Mary gaze at one another.
It would be impossible for us to guess at the immense depths of love contained in that loving exchange of glances.
Neither utters a word, for no words could express their anguish, nor manifest their love.
They look and understand one another, offering themselves as a holocaust for the redemption of wayward humanity.

Nevertheless, in this silent meeting, there was great consolation for the Heart of Jesus, for He had found someone who loved and understood Him, amongst those malicious throngs.
Why do we not sympathise with Him too and love Him with all our hearts?

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GOOD FRIDAY, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN Saturdays, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St Francis de Sales, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 September – Mater Dolorosa and the Sacred Passion

Quote/s of the Day – 6 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” –

The heart of Mary became,
as it were, a mirror of the
Passion of the Son,
in which might be seen,
faithfully reflected,
the spitting, the blows and wounds
and all which Jesus suffered.”

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455)

Now it is that we are to show
an invincible courage towards our Saviour,
serving Him purely for the love of His Will,
not only without pleasure
but amid this deluge of sorrows,
horrors, distresses and assaults,
as did his glorious Mother and St John,
upon the day of His Passion.
Amongst so many blasphemies,
sorrows and deadly distresses,
they remained constant in love …

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in BAPTISM, CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN Aspirations and Ejaculations, MARIAN Saturdays, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The LAMB of GOD, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 September– “Blessed is the womb that bore you ’” – Luke 11:27

One Minute Reflection – 6 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Our Lady’s Saturday – Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here:

Blessed is the womb that bore you ’” – Luke 11:27

REFLECTION – “By the Spirit, from the womb of the Virgin, was born our Head, the Son of Man and, by the same Spirit, in the waters of Baptism, we are reborn as His Body and as sons of God. And just as He was born without any sin, so we are reborn in the forgiveness of all our sins. As on the Cross, He bore the sum total of the whole Body’s sins in His own physical Body, so He gave His members the grace of rebirth, in order that no sin might be imputed to His Mystical Body. It is written: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputes no sin. The blessed man of this text is undoubtedly Christ, Who forgives sins, insofar as God, is His Head. Insofar as this Man is the Head of the Body, no sin is forgiven Him. But, insofar as the Body that belongs to this Head, consists of many members, sin is not imputed to it.

Just as in Himself, it is He Who justifies Himself. He alone is both Saviour and saved. In His own Body on the Cross, He bore what He had washed from His Body by the waters of Baptism. Bringing salvation through wood and through water, He is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world which He took upon Himself. Himself a Priest, He offers Himself as Sacrifice to God and He Himself, is God. Thus, through His own Self, the Son is reconciled to Himself as God, as well as to the Father and to the Holy Ghost.” – Blessed Isaac of Stella O.Cist. (c 1100 – c 1170) Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher (An excerpt from his Sermon 42),

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of thine eternal gladness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 6 September – O Afflicted Virgin! By St Alphonsus

Our Morning Offering – 6 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and Our Lady’s Saturday

O Afflicted Virgin!
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

O afflicted Virgin!
O soul, great in virtues
and great also in sorrows!
for both arise from that great fire of love
thou hast for God;
thou “whose heart can love nothing but God.”
O Mother, have pity on me,
for I have not loved God
and I have so much offended Him.
Thy sorrows give me great confidence
to hope for pardon.
But this is not enough;
I wish to love my Lord
and who can better obtain this for me
than thou,
thou who art the Mother of fair love?
O Mary, thou dost console all,
comfort me also.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 September – St Gondulphus (Died 823) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 6 September – St Gondulphus (Died 823) Bishop of Metz from 816 until his death. Also known as – Gundulfus, Gondulf, Gondon.

As the Bishop, Gondulphus succeeded Angilram, who caused Paul the Deacon to write the ‘Liber de piscopis Mettensibus’ and who probably died in 791.

At the death of Angilram, our Saint, Gondulphus (ow whom we know little more than this) was chosen as his replacement in the See of Metz. The date of the Consecration of Bishop Gondulphus must be set down as probably 28 December 816. The old Episcopal catalogue of the Metz’ Church informs us that Gondulphus occupied the See for six years, eight months and seven days and that he died on the 6th of September in the year 823.

He was buried in the Monastery of Gorze, where his Relics are still honoured on 6 September.

Posted in Uncategorized

First Saturday of September, Notre-Dame de la Fontaine / Our Lady of the Fountain, France (1008) and the Saints for 6 September

FIRST SATURDAY

Notre-Dame de la Fontaine / Our Lady of the Fountain, Valenciennes, France (1008) – 6 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/06/notre-dame-de-la-cordon-our-lady-of-the-cord-valenciennes-france-1008-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-september/

St Arator of Verdun
St Augebert of Champagne
St Augustine of Sens
St Beata of Sens

St Bega (Died c660) Virgin, Irish Princess, Recluse, Abbess FounderMiracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “On the Cumberland coast in England, in a Town which later took its name from her, Saint Bega, consecrated virgin.
Her Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/06/saint-of-the-day-6-september-st-bega-died-c660-virgin/

Blessed Bertrand de Garrigues OP (c 1195-1230) “The Second Dominic,” Priest, Preacher, Evangeliser, Confessor.
His zealous life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/06/saint-of-the-day-6-september-blessed-bertrand-de-garrigues-op-c-1195-1230/

St Cagnoald
St Consolata of Reggio Emilia Martyr. No further information has survived.
St Cottidus of Cappadocia

St Eleutherius the Abbot (Died c 585) Abbot. A wonderful simplicity and spirit of compunction were the distinguishing virtues of this holy sixth century Abbot.
His Virtuous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/06/saint-of-the-day-saint-eleutherius-the-abbot-at-spoleto-died-c-585/


St Eugene of Cappadocia
St Eve of Dreux, France, Martyr. No other information has survived.
St Faustus of Alexandria

St Faustus (Died c607) Abbot. We know nothing about St Faustus except that he was the Abbot of the Monastery of Santa Lucia in Syracuse in Sicily during the late 6th and early 7th Centuries and that he wonderfully taught the child Zosimus, who would later become the Abbot and also the Bishop of the City of Syracuse and even more, a Saint!
St Faustus:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/06/saint-of-the-day-6-september-saint-faustus-of-syracuse-died-c607-abbot/

St Felix of Champagne

St Frontiniano (Died 311) Deacon Martyr of Alba (
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/06/saint-of-the-day-6-september-saint-frontiniano-of-alba-died-311-martyr/

St Gondulphus (Died 823) Bishop of Metz
St Imperia
St Liberato of Loro Piceno
St Macarius of Alexandria
St Maccallin of Lusk

St Magnus (Died c 666) Religious Priest, Monk, Abbot, Missionary, Spiritual student of Saint Columban and Saint Gall.
Devout St Magnus:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/06/saint-of-the-day-6-september-st-magnus-of-fussen/

St Mansuetus of Toul
St Onesiphorus
St Petronius of Verona Bishop and Confessor
St Sanctian of Sens
St Zacharius the Prophet

Martyrs of Africa – 6 Saints: There were thousands of Christians exiled, tortured and Martyred in the late 5th Century by the Arian King Hunneric. Six of them, all Bishops, are remembered today; however, we really know nothing about them except their names and their deaths for the Christ and the Faith – Donatian, Fusculus, Germanus, Laetus, Mansuetus and Praesidius.

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD is LOVE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on JUSTICE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The REDEMPTION, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 5 September – The Sacred Heart of Jesus Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

Thought for the Day – 5 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

“St Margaret Mary saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus, surmounted by flames in the midst of which, a Cross was raised on high.
These flames and this Cross, were the symbol of the Infinite Love of Jesus.
Let us reflect a little.
God, immeasurably happy in Himself, wished to communicate a share in His happiness to men, whom He created in a state of earthly happiness.
He was offended by men and, when He saw that they were heading for destruction, He sent His Eternal Word to them.
The Word took a human nature and became our Brother;  He preached the way to Heaven and gave us the means to achieve it.
More than this, He offered Himself as a Divine victim of expiation for our sins.
Having been condemned by those whom He had come to show the way, He died on the Cross and shed all His Blood, for our salvation.

Pagans of all times have called this “the folly of the Cross.”
In fact, it is the miracle of the Infinite Love of God for humanity.
Let us remember, however, that, although His Love and Goodness are Infinite, so also is His Justice!
It is an overwhelming miracle of love on the part of God, that He became man and died for us.
It will be our own downfall if we fail to co-operate with this miracle of love!

The same Jesus, Who died on the Cross for us and revealed His Heart, pierced and flaming with love, will one day appear with the same glorious Sign of the Cross, as our Supreme Judge.
Then, He will say to the wicked: “Depart from me, accursed ones, into everlasting fire!

God’s Justice is, as Infinite as His charity!
We must choose either the way of the Cross, the way of love and goodness to which the Sacred Heart of Jesus invites us, or the way of sin which leads to the gulf of ruin and the final condemnation of the Supreme Judge.

This is the tremendous choice we have to make!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Quote/s of the Day – 5 September – St Lawrence Justinian

Quote/s of the Day – 5 September – St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Bishop and Patriarch of Venice, Confessor

By the practice of prayer,
we can construct an impregnable citadel,
in which we shall be securely protected
against all the snares of the enemy.

He cannot help sorrowing
for other’s sins, who truly sorrows
for his own.

The name of Mary istruly a tower of strength
which saves sinners from punishment
and defends the just
from the assaults of hell.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-september-st-lawrence-justinian-3/

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SPIRITUAL WORKS of MERCY, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:21

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Bishop and Patriarch of Venice, Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

His Lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant because thou has been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many thing. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “I have no idea what to write you from these parts [India and Sri Lanka] except this – the consolations bestowed by our Lord God, to those who go among the pagans, to convert them to the Faith of Christ, are so great that, if there is any joy to be had in this life, it is surely this! I have often heard it said, to someone going about amongst these Christians: “Lord, do not give me so many consolations in this life! Yet since, in Thy infinite goodness and pity, Thou are giving them me, take me into Thine holy glory! For indeed, there is such great suffering in living without seeing Thee, after Thou has shown Thyself to Thy creature, in this way!” Ah! If only those who look for knowledge in study, took as much trouble in looking for the consolations of the apostolate, as they give day and night to the pursuit of knowledge! If only those joys, which the scholar seeks in what he is learning, he were to seek in making his neighbour feel, what he is in need of – to know and serve God, how much more consoled he would find himself to be and better prepared, to give an account of himself, when Christ returns and asks him: “Give me an account of your stewardship” 

I will end, asking our Lord God … to bring us together in His holy glory. And to obtain this blessing, let us take as our intercessors and advocates, all the holy souls of the region, where I now am. … I beg all these holy souls to obtain for us from our Lord God, for as long as we remain separated, the grace of feeling His holy will in the depth of our souls and of fulfilling it perfectly.” – St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) Jesuit missionary (Letter of 15/01/1544).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the venerable feast of Thy blessed Confessor and Bishop, may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ACT of ADORATION, EUCHARISTIC ADORATION and Nocturnal, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The ADORABLE HEART of JESUS, The NINE FIRST FRIDAYS

Our Morning Offering – 5 September – Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart for the First Friday today

Our Morning Offering – 5 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – First Friday

Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary and Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God,
Whom I believe to be really present
in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar,
receive this most profound Act of Adoration
to supply for the desire I have,
to adore Thee unceasingly
and in thanksgiving,
for the sentiments of love
which Thy Sacred Heart
has for me in this Sacrament.
I cannot better acknowledge them,
than by offering Thee,
all the Acts of Adoration,
resignation, patience and love
which this same Heart has made
during its mortal life
and which it makes still
and which it shall make eternally in Heaven,
in order that through it,
I may love Thee, praise Thee
and adore Thee worthily,
as much as it is possible for me.
I unite myself to this Divine Offering
which Thou dost make to Thy Divine Father
and I consecrate to Thee,
my whole being,
praying Thee, to destroy in me,
all sin and not to permit
that I should be separated from Thee,
in time and eternally.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 September – Blessed William Browne (Died 1605) Martyr,

Saint of the Day – 5 September – Blessed William Browne (Died 1605) Martyr, Layman. Born in the 16th Century in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England and died by the butcherous method of being hanged, drawn and quartered on 5 September 1605 at Ripon, North Yorkshire, then under the rule of James I.

The history of anti-Catholic persecution in England, Scotland and Wales, begins in 1535 and ends in 1681; the first to unleash it was, as is well known, King Henry VIII, who began the English schism by seceding the Church from Rome, in order to declare himself as the Supreme Head of the Church, thus creating a new protestant church.

Its more or less bloody perpetrators were, beyond Henry VIII, his successors Edward VI (1547-1553), the terrible Elizabeth I, the ‘Virgin Queen’ but also called the Whore Queen (Died 1603), James I (Died 1625) Charles I, Oliver Cromwell and Charles II.

The first to die as glorious Martyrs, on 4 May and J15 une 1535, were 19 Carthusian Monks, hanged at the infamous Tyburn Tree in London. The last victim was the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, Oliver Plunkett, executed in London on 11 July 1681.

William Browne was born in Northamptonshire. Little is known about his life, except that he was one of the many Catholics who chose to die a Martyr, rather than betray their Holy Faith.

He was a servant in the household of the nobleman Thomas Darcy and was known for his zeal in refusing and causing others to refuse, the oath of the King’s spiritual supremacy, for not attending Protestant rites and for inciting fidelity to the Catholic Church.

For these reas ons, Wiilliam Browne was arrested and tried during the reign of James I (1566-1625) and sentenced to capital punishment for high treason.

On 5 September 1605, he was hanged, drawn and quartered in Ripon. The Martyr was Beatified on 5 December 1929, by Pope Pius XI, along with 106 other victims of those ferocious persecutions of the Enlish. Today, it begins again in these end times.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

First Friday, Notre-Dame, Folgoët / Our Lady of Folgoët, Brittany, France (1650), St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) and all the Saints for 5 September

FIRST FRIDAY

Notre-Dame, Folgoët / Our Lady of Folgoët Finistère, Brittany, France (1650) – First Sunday or the First Week of September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/05/notre-dame-folgoet-our-lady-of-folgoet-finistere-brittany-france-1650-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-september/

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Bishop of Venice, Confessor, Reformer, Spiritual writer.
The Roman Martyrology states of him today: 
The Feast of St Lawrence Justinian, first Patriarch of Venice, who, by glorious miracles and virtues, illustrated the Episcopal dignity which he received against his will on this day. His birthday into Heaven is 8 January.
A Saint for Our Times:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/05/saint-of-the-day-5-september-saint-lawrence-justinian-1381-1455/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/05/saint-of-the-day-5-september-saint-lawrence-justinian-1381-1455-bishop-confessor-patriarch-of-venice/

St Albert of Butrio

St Alvito de León (Died 1063) Bishop. Alvito was the Confessor to King Fernando I of León, a Monk and the Benedictine Abbot of the Sahagún Monastery.
His Life of Devotion:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/05/saint-of-the-day-5-september-saint-alvito-de-leon-osb-died-1063/

Bl Anselm of Anchin
St Anseric of Soissons

St Bertin the Great (c615709) Benedictine Monk and Abbot, Missionary.
His Life of Union with God:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/05/saint-of-the-day-5-september-saint-bertin-the-great-c-615-c-709/

St Charbel
Bl Florent Dumontet de Cardaillac
St Genebald of Laon
Bl Gendtilis

Blessed Gerbrand OPraem (Died 1267) Priest Abbot, a supporter of the Crusades. He encouraged the Frisians to join the Crusade and, in 1268, as a result of his zeal, was awarded, by Pope Clement IV, the Title of ‘Sacrae Militiae Dux‘ (Leader of the Crusade). Gerbrand was a close friend of Saint Louis IX of France (1226-1270).
A Life of Zeal:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/05/saint-of-the-day-5-september-blessed-gerbrand-of-dokkum-opraem-died-1267-abbot/

St Guise Hoang Luong Canh
Blessed John the Good OSA (c 1168-1249) Bishop
Blessed Jordan of Pulsano Abbot

St Obdulia Virgin – A Spanish virgin who was venerated at Toledo, Spain. Her remains are enshrined in Toledo but details of her life are lost.
Bl Phêrô Nguyen Van Tu
St Romulus of Rome
St Victorinus of Amiterme
St Victorinus o(Died c644) Bishop f Como Italy. He was a noted opponent of the Arians in his time.
Blessed William Browne (Died 1605) Martyr

Martyrs of Armenia – 1,000 Saints: A group of up to 1,000 Christian soldiers in the 2nd Century Imperial Roman Army of Trajan, stationed in Gaul. Ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods, they refused and were transferred to Armenia. Ordered again to sacrifice to pagan gods, they refused again. Martyrs. We know the names of three of them but nothing else – Eudoxius, Macarius and Zeno.

Martyrs of Capua – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred together. Long venerated in Capua, Italy. We know their names, but little else – Arcontius, Donatus and Quintius. They were martyred in Capua, Italy.

Martyrs of Nicomedia – 80 Saints: A group of 80 Christians, Lay and Clergy, Martyred together in the persecutions of Valens. We know little more than the names of three of them – Menedemo, Teodoro and Urbano. They were locked on a boat which was then set on fire on the shore of Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey) c370.

Martyrs of Porto Romano – 4+ Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Marcus Aurelius. We know little more than their names – Aconto, Herculanus, Nonno and Taurino. c180 at Porto Romano, Italy.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 4 September – Progress in the Love of God

Thought for the Day – 4 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Progress in the Love of God

They are in the first grade of perfection in the love of God, who desire to love Him but still feel an attachment to sin.
How is it possible to love God and, at the same time, to offend Him by yielding to unlawful desires and to the attraction of the world?
This is a mystery of the human heart which can experience, simultaneously, the desire to love God and the disturbance of the flesh.

People like this, must humbly persevere in praying for the grace which they need.
They must eradicate their major vices, one by one, so that they may be free to love God.
Since their course will be difficult and full of obstacles, they will need the courage of mountaineers but, far above the white and sun-kissed summit, God awaits them.

Only toil and sacrifice can bring them there but when they arrive, they will know real happiness, for they will see God.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:81).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 September – Being a Good Samaritan

Quote/s of the Day – 4 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Ferial Day – 2 Corinthians 3:4-9 – Luke 10:23-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

But a certain Samaritan, … seeing him,
was moved with compassion.

Luke 10:33

As long as anyone has the means
of doing good to his neighbour
and does not do so,
he shall be reckoned a stranger
to the Love of the Lord.

St Irenaeus (c130-202
Father of the Church

No-one has ever been accused,
for not providing ornaments
but, for those, who neglect their neighbour,
a hell awaits with an inextinguishable fire
and torment, in the company of the demons.
Do not, therefore, adorn the Church
and ignore your afflicted brother,
for he is the most precious temple of all.

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

We should strive to keep our hearts open
to the sufferings and wretchedness of others
and pray, continually, that God may grant us,
that spirit of compassion
which is truly the Spirit of God.

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

All our religion is but a false religion
and all our virtues are mere illusions
and we ourselves are only hypocrites
in the sight of God,
if we have not that universal charity for everyone –
for the good and for the bad,
for the poor and for the rich
and for all those who do us harm,
as much as those who do us good.

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 September – ‘ … Nothing gives as much honour to God, as mercy, for nothing is more like Him. …’

One Minute Reflection – 4 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Rose of Viterbo (c1233 – 1251) Virgin – Ferial Day – 2 Corinthians 3:4-9 – Luke 10:23-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came upon him and seeing him, was moved with compassion.” – Luke 10:33

REFLECTION – “The first and the greatest of the commandments,that on which the Law and the Prophets are based, (Mt 22:40) is love which, it seems to me, brings its greatest proof, in love of the poor, in tenderness and compassion for one’s neighbour. Nothing gives as much honour to God, as mercy, for nothing is more like Him. Mercy and Truth go before Him,” (Ps 88:15) and He prefers mercy to judgement (Hos 6:6). Nothing attracts the kindness of the Friend of humankind, as much as kindness towards humankind, (Wis 1:6) His reward is just, He weighs and measures mercy.

We must open our hearts to all who are poor and unhappy, whatever their suffering might be. That is the meaning of the commandment which requires us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15) Since we are also human, is it not right and proper for us to be kind towards those who are like us?” – St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church (On Love of the Poor, 4-6).

PRAYER – Protect Thy Church by Thine abiding mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord and since all mortals fall without Thee, may Thy help keep them from danger and guide them to salvation. May the prayers of Thy virgin the blessed Rose, assist us on our journey to Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 4 September – To Our Lady of Sorrows By St Bonaventure

Our Morning Offering – 4 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

To Our Lady of Sorrows
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O most holy Virgin,
Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
by the overwhelming grief thou experienced
when thou witnessed the Martyrdom,
the Crucifixion and the Death,
of Thy Divine Son,
look upon me, with eyes of compassion
and awaken in my heart,
a tender commiseration for those sufferings
and a sincere detestation of my sins,
in order that,
being disengaged from all undue affection
for the passing joys of this earth,
I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem
and that, henceforward, all my thoughts
and all my actions may be directed
towards this one most desirable object,
the honour, glory and love
of our divine Lord Jesus,
and to thee,
the Holy and Immaculate
Mother of God.
Amen.

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, Of BACHELORS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 September – Saint Marinus (c279-c366) Deacon

Saint of the Day – 4 September – Saint Marinus (c279-c366) Deacon of Rimini, Hermit, Stonemason, Founder of the State of San Marino. Born in the c275 island of Rab in Croatia and died on 3 September c366 on Mount Titano im San Marino. Patronages – bachelors, Deacons, falsely accused people, stone masons, of the independent City State of San Marino (officially the Republic of San Marino, is a landlocked country in Southern Europe, completely surrounded by Italy). Also known as – Marino in Italian, Marinao… the name means ‘man from the sea'(Latin).

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rimini, St Marinus, Deacon.

Portrait by Pompeo Batoni, 1740

According to tradition, Marinus, along with Leus of Montefeltro, was forced to perform forced labour in Rimini around 305 during the Diocletianic persecutions. There, they were tasked with building the City walls with stones brought from Mount Titano in what is now the little Sate of San Marino, named after Marinus.

Afterward, the two separated and Marinus lived as a Hermit in a cave on Mount Titano. Bishop Gaudentius of Rimini Ordained him a Deacon in 311—after the persecutions ended.

Rock with entrance to Marinus’ Cave

After some time, Marinus was discovered in his cave by herdsmen who spread the news about him. He then acted as a messenger of the Faith, converting and Baptising a woman whose brother gave Marinus land at the top of the mountain. Marinus left his cave and built the Church of San Pietro there.

Marinus died with the words, “I leave you free from both men” these are considered the founding myth of the State of San Marino which, was founded after Marinus’ death and is therefore the oldest State in the world with a republican constitution and emphasise its independence from the Emperor and the Pope.

Adamo Tadolini: Statue, around 1850, in the 
Basilica of San Marino in San Marino

San Marino remains the oldest State in the world with a Republican constitution.

Location of San Marino (green)
in Europe (dark grey)

Marinus and Leus of Montefeltro were buried in two niches carved into the rock which can still be seen today in the crypt of the Church of San Pietro. Since the 4th Century, a Parish Church dedicated to Marinus stood nearby on the site of the Basilica of San Marino built at the beginning of the 19th Century. Under the High Altar, some of Marinus’ Relics discovered on 3 March 1586, lie; others have been on the island of Rab since 1595 .

Stained glass window in today’s Parish Church in Voghenza

In around 500, there was a Monastery on Mount Titas and around 754, a Castle named after Marinus was documented there. Marinus’ Vita was written in 900 and another in the 11th Century. Marinus is considered the founder of San Marino, therefore, Guercino’s image was used on the State’s 20 cent coin.

Painting of Saint Marinus descending from Heaven surrounded by the people of San Marino, painting located within the Palazzo Pubblico
Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Consolazione / Our Lady of Consolation (1436), St Rose of Viterbo and all the Saints for 4 September

Madonna della Consolazione / Our Lady of Consolation, or Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted, (from the Latin Consolatrix Afflictorum): (1436) – 4 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/04/madonna-della-consolazione-our-lady-of-consolation-or-mary-consoler-of-the-afflicted-1436-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-september/

More about Our Lady of Consolation here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/04/4-september-feast-of-our-lady-of-consolation/

And about The Augustinians, Our Lady of Consolation and The “Augustinian Rosary”
The “Corona (or Crown) of Our Mother of Consolation.”
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/04/second-thought-for-the-day-4-september-the-augustinians-our-lady-of-consolation-and-the-augustinian-rosary/

St Rose of Viterbo TOSF (c 1233 – 1251) Virgin, Preacher – Member of the Franciscan Third Order, Recluse, Miracle-Worker. Rose was quickly acclaimed a Saint by the people of Viterbo who brought her incorrupt body to the Poor Clare Monastery which had refused her entry in life. Pope Innocent IV immediately began the process for her Canonisation but, for various reasons, her cause did not proceed 1457 when she was Canonised.
Her Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-st-rose-of-viterbo-c-1233-1251/

St Ammianus the Martyr
St Caletricus of Chartres

St Candida (Died c78) Virgin of Naples, Co-Patronage – of Naples. She was Baptised by St Peter.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Naples, In Campagna, the Birthday of St Candida, who was the first to meet St Peter when he came to that City and being Baptised by him, afterwards ended her holy life in peace.”
Blessed St Candida:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-saint-candida-of-naples-died-c78/

The Patron Saints of Naples [Saints Baculus, Euphebius, Francis Borgia, Aspren, and Candida the Elder (kneeling)] adoring the Crucifix, 17th Century. Palazzo Reale, Naples by Luca Giordano. Since the time of this Painting there are many more Co-Patrons of Naples.

St Candida the Younger
St Castus of Ancyra

Blessed Catherine of Racconigi OP (1486-1547) Third Order Dominican, Mystic, Stigmatist. Pope Pius VII confirmed her holiness and cult in 1810 by naming her Blessed.
Her Life of Love:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-blessed-catherine-of-racconigi-op-1486-1547/

St Fredaldo of Mende
St Hermione

St Ida (c 770-825) Laywoman of Herzfeld, Widow, Apostle of the poor.
Holy St Ida:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-saint-ida-of-herzfeld-c-770-c-825/

St Irmgard (c1000-c1065 or c1082-1089) Countess, Recluse of Cologne, PilgrimFounder of many Churches and Apostle of the poor.
Her Devoted Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-st-irmgard-of-cologne-c1000-c1065-or-c1082-1089-virgin/

St Julian the Martyr
St Magnus of Ancyra
St Marcellus of Chalon-sur-Saône
St Marcellus of Treves
St Marinus (c279-c366) Deacon of Rimini
St Maximus of Ancyra
St Monessa
St Moses the Prophet
St Oceanus the Martyr
Bl Peter of Saint James
St Rebecca of Alexandria
St Rhuddlad

St Rosalia (c1130-c1160) Sicilean Virgin, Recluse, known as “La Santuzza” – “The Little Saint” On 4 September, a tradition of Pilgrimage of walking barefoot from Palermo up to Mount Pellegrino is observed in honour of Rosalia.
Her Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-saint-rosalia-c-1130-c-1160/

St Rufinus of Ancyra
St Salvinus of Verdun
St Silvanus of Ancyra
St Sulpicius of Bayeux
St Thamel
St Theodore the Martyr
St Ultan of Ardbraccan
St Victalicus

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day –3 Seotember – The Royal Road of the Cross

Thought for the Day –3 Seotember – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Royal Road of the Cross

We all have our own cross.
When we reject it, we fashion one for ourselves by our defects and sins which leave us discontented and restless and draws God’s punishment upon us.

It is useless to flee from the Cross, for it follows us everywhere.
If we refuse to accept the cross which God has given us, we take upon ourselves, one which is heavier than the first.
Worldlings can bask for a moment in their pleasures but, it soon passes and is replaced by bitterness and sorrow.
Their suffering is deeper than that of a good Christian, who places his trust in God.
There is only one way of making our cross easier to bear and that is to embrace it as Jesus did.
We should love the Cross because it is suffering which shows us how to become like Jesus, to make reparation for our sins and to co-operate by our own passion with the Passion of Christ (Cf Col 1:24).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on the ANTI-christ, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)

Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor

The greatest obstacle in the apostolate
of the Church, is the timidity,
or rather, the cowardice of the faithful.

“…The great movement of apostasy
being organised in every country
for the establishment of a One-World Church
which shall have neither dogmas,
nor hierarchy, neither discipline for the mind,
nor curb for the passions and which,
under the pretext of freedom and human dignity,
would bring back to the world,
(if such a Church could overcome)
the reign of legalised cunning and force
and the oppression of the weak
and of all those who toil and suffer.
… Indeed, the true friends of the people
are neither revolutionaries, nor innovators –
they are traditionalists.

Let the storm rage and the sky darken –
not for that shall we be dismayed.
If we trust, in Mary, as we should,
we shall recognise in her,
the Virgin Most Powerful
“who with virginal foot
did crush the head of the serpent.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/03/quote-s-of-the-day-3-september-st-pius-x-2/

St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)