One Minute Reflection – 2 February – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Candlemas – Mal 3:1-4, Luke 2:22-32
“And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God …” – Luke 2:27-28
REFLECTION – “Your lamps must be burning in your hands” (Lk 12:35). By this outward sign let us remind ourselves of the joy of Simeon, carrying the Light in his hands … We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds and so, take up Christ in our hands with Simeon … Let us discuss this charming custom of the Church of bearing lights aloft on this feast day … Could anyone hold up a lighted candle in his hands on this day, without at once remembering that old man, who on this same day, took up in his arms, Jesus, God’s Word, clothed in flesh like a candle-flame clothed in wax and affirmed Him to be “the Light which would be a beacon for the Gentiles.” Surely he was that “burning and radiant lamp” (Jn 5:35; 1,7) which bore witness to the Light. For this purpose he came in the Spirit, who had filled him, into the temple, that he might “receive, O God, your loving-kindness in the midst of your temple” (Ps 48[47]:10) and declare him to be loving-kindness indeed and the light of your own people.
Truly, O holy Simeon, in the quiet contentment of old age, you carried this Light not simply in your hands but in the very dispositions of your heart. You were like a lamp-standard, seeing so clearly how much the Gentiles would one day be lit up, while reflecting … the bright rays of our faith. Old, yet still sincere, you can now be happy, in that, you really see what once you but foresaw. Gone is the world’s gloom, “the Gentiles bask in this light of yours,” “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is 60:3; 6:3).” … Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c 1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot
PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, we humbly beseech Your majesty that, as Your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the nature of our flesh, so may You grant us to be presented to You, with purified minds. 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 – 2 February – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. Candlemas
O Gloriosa Virginum By St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)
O Glorious Virgin, ever blest, Sublime above the starry sky, Who nurture from thy spotless breast To thy Creator didst supply.
What we had lost through hapless Eve, The Blossom sprung from these restores, And, granting bliss to souls that grieve, Unbars the everlasting doors.
O Gate, through which hath passed the King. O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom; The ransomed nations, praise and sing Life given from the Virgin womb.
All honour, laud and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen
O Gloriosa Domina is the second half of the hymn: Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera. It was composed by St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609) the Bishop of Poitiers. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to O Gloriósa Vírginum. It is sung in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Roman Breviary. It is said that St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) was always singing this hymn. His mother sang it to him as a baby,and even on his death bed after receiving Extreme Unction, he intoned the hymn.
Saint of the Day – 2 February – Saint Lawrence of Canterbury (Died 619) the Second Archbishop of Canterbury the successor of St Augustine of Canterbury from 604 until his death in 619, but he was Consecrated as Archbishop by his predecessor, St Augustine, during Augustine’s lifetime, to ensure continuity in the office, Benedictine Monk, Missionary. He was a member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy to England to Christianise the Anglo-Saxons. Born in the 6th Century and died on 2 February 619 in Canterbury, England of natural causes. Also known as – Lorenzo.
The Roman Martyrology states: “In Canterbury in England, St Lawrence, Bishop, who after St Augustine ruled this Church and greatly increased it by converting King Edbald to the Faith.”
Lawrence, a Monk of the Monastery of St Andrea al Clelio in Rome, arrived in England with St Augustine of Canterbury, to accompany him on his new mission in a land that was still pagan. The expedition had been strongly desired by Pope St Gregory the Great, informed by the Christian Queen of Kent, of the need for shepherds to convert the Anglo Saxons. The missionaries, after a long and dangerous journey, landed in 597 on the island of Thanet, in the kingdom of Kent. Everything that is known about Lawrence’s life is due to the first two books of “Ecclesiastical history” written by St Bede the Venerable.
In 601, following the Baptism of King St Ethelbert, Lawrence was sent to Rome to announce the success of the mission to the Pontiff and receive further instructions on how to proceed.
On the death of Augustine, in 604, he was succeeded by ,Lawrence, whom he himself had designated as his successor. The new Bishop consecrated “the Church dedicated to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, so that the bodies of Augustine, all the bishops of Canterbury and the Kings of the Cantia could be buried.”
Lawrence also attempted to continue the consolidation policy already pursued by Augustine among the Anglo-Saxons of south-east England but was unable, like his predecessor, to intensify collaboration with the Irish and British Bishops of the western part of the country, still linked to the island traditions. To the Irish shepherds he address a letter that would find lasting echo in England in the following centuries: “Before understanding the actual situation, we held in high esteem the religious practice of the British and the Irish […]. Having known the British, we thought that the Irish would have been better. But now we have understood […] that the Irish do not surpass the Britons in ecclesiastical observance.” In the same tone he also wrote to the British Bishops but, as Bede pointed out, he made absolutely no profit with this attitude and, therefore, had to face the worsening of the situation even in Kent itself. The latter phenomenon culminated in 616 with the accession to the throne of Edbald, son of Ethelbert, who refused to embrace the Christian faith accepted by his father.
StLawrence’s vision of St Peter
Two Monks, followers of ,Lawrence, St Mellitus (24 April) and St Justus (10 November), preferred to return to Gaul, in order to avoid getting involved in any bloody persecutions against Christians. Lawrence, after having meditated on this for a long time, in the end preferred to remain in his chair and face the new King. According to an ancient local tradition, also reported by St Bede, Lawrence changed his mind about his departure ,following a very concrete apparition of St Peter, who actually whipped Lawrence for his cowardice. “The servant of Christ, Lawrence, went immediately to the King and, opening his robe, showed him how many wounds he had received.” Edbaldo was greatly impressed by this extraordinary display of supernatural power and decided to convert to Christianity immediately. Granted the resumption of the development of the Church in Kent, Mellitus and justus also soon returned to their positions.
St Lawrence shows King Edbald his wounds
Lawrence died on 2 February 619 and was buried next to St Augustine in Canterbury Abbey. The tomb was opened in 1091 by Abbot Guido, to transfer the relics to a more eminent place and an intense perfume came out that invaded the entire Monastery. Another inspection of his tomb again took place in 1915.
Gravestone marking the site of St Laurence’s burial in St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury
The antiquity of the worship paid to the holy Bishop is attested by the Irish Missal of Stowe, which set the date of his feast at 3 February, a commemoration that remained unchanged until the last edition of the Martyrology moved it to 2 February, the actual anniversary of his birth into Heaven.
The iconography relating to St Lawrence usually depicts him in the act of showing King Edbald his wounds.
Our Lady of the Candles – (formally known as Nuestra Señora de la Purificación y la Candelaria) is a Marian title and image venerated by Filipino Catholics. The image, which is enshrined on the balcony of Jaro Cathedral, is known as the patroness of Jaro District of Iloilo City and the whole of the Western Visayas. The feast day of Our Lady of the Candles is on Candlemas (2 February) and is celebrated in Iloilo City with a Solemn Pontifical Mass presided by the Archbishop of Jaro.
St Adalbald of Ostrevant St Adeloga of Kitzingen St Agathodoros of Tyana St Andrea Carlo Ferrari St Apronian the Executioner St Bruno of Ebsdorf St Burchard of Wurzburg St St Candidus the Martyr St Columbanus of Ghent St Cornelius the Centurion St Felician the Martyr St Feock St Firmus of Rome St Flosculus of Orléans St Fortunatus the Martyr St Hilarus the Martyr St Jeanne de Lestonnac St Lawrence of Canterbury (Died 2 February 619) The Second Archbishop of Canterbury Bl Louis Alexander Alphonse Brisson
St Rogatus the Martyr St Saturninus the Martyr St Sicharia of Orleans St Simon of Cassia Fidati St Theodoric of Ninden St Victoria the Martyr
Martyrs of Ebsdorf: Members of the army of King Louis III of France under the leadership of Duke Saint Bruno of Ebsdorf. The Martyrs died fighting invading pagan Norsemen, and defending the local Christian population. Four bishops, including Saint Marquard of Hildesheim and Saint Theodoric of Ninden, eleven nobles, and countless unnamed foot soldiers died repelling the invaders. They were martyred in the winter of 880 in battle at Luneberg Heath and Ebsdorf, Saxony (modern Germany).
February is traditionally the Month of the Blessed Trinity, with the Holy Family being celebrated together with the Holy Name of Jesus in January.
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
(50 Days. 100 Days if made with Holy Water Blessed Pope Pius IX, 1865.)
WHENE’ER across this sinful flesh of mine I draw the Holy Sign, All good thoughts stir within me and renew Their slumbering strength divine, Till there springs up a courage high and true To suffer and to do.
And who shall say but hateful spirits around, For their brief hour unbound, Shudder to see and wail their overthrow? While on far heathen ground Some lonely Saint hails the fresh odour, though Its source he cannot know.
John Henry Newman (1801-1890) Oxford – 25 November 1832
A pious practice among Catholics, is to write “✝ J M J ✝” often flanked by two Crosses at the top of letters, cards, documents and personal notes as a reference to Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the Holy Family. Where it is written, “✝ J M J ✝” the writer appeals for the blessing and protection of the Holy Family.
O Gente Felix O House of Nazareth The Blest By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
O house of Nazareth the blest, Fair hostess of the Lord, The Church was nurtured at thy breast And shared thy scanty hoard.
In all the spreading lands of earth. The wandering sun may see No dearer spot, no ampler worth Than erst was found in thee!
We know thy humble tenement Was heaven’s hermitage: Celestial heralds came and went In endless embassage.
There, whatsoever Joseph asks Christ hastens to fulfil; While Mary loves the household tasks That wait her joyous will.
There, Joseph toileth at her side Her joys and griefs to share, With thousand ties knit to his bride, Of love and work and prayer.
Yet how their bosoms constant burn And deeper ardours prove In love of Christ, whose eyes return Tokens of mutual love.
O then, in all the homes of earth, Be Love the bond of life: May it enthrone at every hearth The peace that husheth strife.
All praise to thee, O Jesus, Who parents dost obey; Praise to the sovereign Father And Paraclete for aye. Amen.
Thought for the Day – 1 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Unless You Turn and Become Like Little Children, You Will Not Enter into the Kingdom of Heaven”
“At the beginning of their ministry, before they had been strengthened and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, the Apostles were as ambitious as most other men. One day, the mother of John and James, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and asked Him, if her two sons could have precedence over the other Apostles and sit on the highest thrones in His Kingdom, one at His right hand and the other at His left. Jesus disapproved of this desire to predominate. “Whoever wishes to become great among you,” He said, “shall be your servant and, whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; even as the Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:26-28).
On another occasion, the Apostles came to Jesus and asked Him, which of them would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus’ only answer was to call a little child and to place him in the centre of the group. “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whoever, therefore, humbles himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:3-4).
This is the lofty teaching of the Gospel. If we wish to be great and pleasing in the eyes of God, we must be unimportant in our own regard and in our relations with men. The Gospel involves an overthrow of human values. Anyone who makes himself insignificant, will become great. Anyone who tries to make himself out to be a great man, becomes of little account in the eyes of God. “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Cf Js 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). If we wish to please the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the first thing we must do, is become as little children. In other words, we shall have to suppress our ambition and vanity and destroy our self-love, so that, the Sacred Heart may fill our hearts with the love of God alone!”
Quote/s of the Day – 1 February – The Memorial of St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35– c 107) Bishop and Martyr
“We recognise a tree by its fruit and we ought to be able to recognise a Christian by his action. The fruit of faith should be evident in our lives, for being a Christian, is more than making sound professions of faith. It should reveal itself in practical and visible ways. Indeed, it is better to keep quiet about our beliefs and live them out, than to talk eloquently about what we believe but fail, to live by it.”
“Wherever the Bishop shall appear, there let the multitude also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”
(St Ignatius is also responsible for the first known use of the Greek word ‘katholikos’ or Catholic, meaning “universal”, “complete” and “whole” to describe the Church.)
“He who died in place of us, is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes, is my one desire.”
“My dear Jesus, my Saviour, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece.”
One Minute Reflection – 1 February – “Month of the Most Blessed Trinity” – St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Bishop and Martyr – Romans 8:35-39, John 12:24-26
“If it dies, it produces much fruit” – John 12:24
REFLECTION – “Through the glorious achievements of the holy Martyrs with which the Church blossoms everywhere, we are ourselves, proving to our own eyes, how true are the words we have been singing that: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Ps 116[115]:15). For it is precious both in our sight and in the sight of Him, in Whose Name, the death took place.
But the price of those deaths is the death of One Man. How many deaths did that One Man purchase by His death, for, if He had not died, the grain of wheat would not be multiplied? You heard His words when He drew near His passion, that is, when He was drawing near to our Redemption: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” On the Cross He carried out a vast transaction; there the purse of our price was unfastened and, when His side was opened by the lance of the soldier, there streamed the price for the Redemption of the whole earth (cf. Jn 19:34).
Now the faithful ones and Martyrs have been purchased but the faithfulness of the Martyrs, has been proved – their blood is the proof … “As Christ laid down his life for us, so we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1Jn 3:16). In another place it is stated: “At a grand table you have sat; now carefully consider what has been put before you, since it is your duty to prepare for such things” (cf. Prv 23:1). That table is great where the Lord of the table is Himself the Meal. No-one feeds guests with Himself as food but this is exactly what the Lord Christ does, He, Himself is the host who invites; He, Himself is the food and the drink. Therefore, the Martyrs have recognised what they were eating and drinking, so as to be able to repay such gifts. But whence can they make such return, unless He Who first paid the cost, supplies the source from which restitution may be made? That is the reason for the Psalm, where we sing what is written: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” ... St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor – (Sermon 329, for the Feast of the Martyrs, 1-2 ; PL 38, 1454).
PRAYER – Be mindful of our weakness, O almighty God and since the burden of our deeds is grievous to us, grant that the glorious intercession of blessed Ignatius Thy Martyr and Bishop, may protect us. 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).
Saint of the Day – 1 February – Blessed Reginald of Orléans OP (c 1180 – 1220) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Canon Lawyer, renowned Preacher, Born in c 1180 in Orléans, France and died in early February 1220 in Paris, France of natural causes. Also known as – Réginald de Saint-Gilles, Reginaldo… Additional Memorial – 12 February (Dominicans).
The Miraculous cure of Blessed Reginald by the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reginald of Orleans was known, even during his lifetime, for his brilliance, his prayer, his austerity and his kindness toward others, especially the poor. Originally a powerful Preacher and esteemed Canonist associated with the University of Paris, Reginald encountered St Dominic in Rome. Reginald was captivated by the apostolic way of life championed by Dominic and decided to join the newly-founded Order. Blessed Reginald is one of the great early Dominicans who were acquainted with Dominic himself and seemed to be given a share of the Founder’s spirit.
Blessed Reginald’s life story can be divided into two parts: one before he met St Dominic,and the other, after he had met the Founder. He was born in Orleans, France in c 1180 and having been Ordained a Priest, he had become a Doctor of Canon Law and a well-known figure in the Church in Paris. Many must have looked at him and thought that he had everything he wanted. But, in reality, he was feeling dissatisfied with his life: as was commonplace in the Church in those times he had a very comfortable and well-off lifestyle, yet he knew that his calling from Jesus Christ was to something greater than mere comfort and prestige. And so he was in a dilemma.
Blessed Reginald receives the Habit from the hands of St Dominic
In the year 1218 Reginald was in Rome, when he fell seriously ill. As it happened, Dominic was also in Rome and a mutual acquaintance told him about the condition of Reginald, so that he went to visit him. The biographers tell us, that there was immediately, a perfect understanding between the two men – Reginald saw, that the new Dominican Friars were living the sort of ideal he had been longing for and there and then, he made his religious profession into the Order of Preachers. There was a great sign given to mark this moment of decision: as Reginald lay sick, his life in danger, he was favoured with a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary who anointed him with oil and held out to him the Dominican habit. Blessed Reginald found himself completely cured and began with great energy to live the Dominican life.
It was quickly apparent to everyone, that he was a changed man. In the City of Bologna where he was assigned and became the Prior of the Dominican Convent there, he became known to the whole City, as a great Preacher of the Gospel, preaching with overflowing faith and conviction. An early biographer wrote, that his preaching ‘like a burning torch, inflamed the hearts of all his hearers.Very few people were so stony-hearted that they could resist the effects of this fire.’.
And, if it is a mark of a true apostle, that he will gather followers to his side, then Reginald, more than passed the test: he attracted a great number in Bologna to join him in the Order of Preachers. Many of them were like him, educated university men and like him, they found the Gospel way of life they had been looking for.
Blessed Reginald was not to enjoy a long life as a Dominican. Early in 1220 he again became ill and this time he died peacefully. . But his place in the history of the Dominican family was assured by the memories of those who had known him in Bologna and had seen a saintly apostle on fire with the love of God and of souls. His meeting with St Dominic gave the final meaning to his life – the beautiful calling, which is given to all those who follow the Lord, to preach the Gospel of Jesus in word and in deed.
“I have no fears for the struggle, nay, I rather look forward to it with impatience, for ever since the Mother of God anointed me with her virginal hands in Rome, I have never ceased to put my whole trust in her and now joyfully await the hour of my deliverance, that I may hasten to see her once more. However, that I may not seem to make little of the Church’s anointing, I profess myself willing to receive it and I humbly ask for it at your hands.”– the final words of Blessed Reginald.
St Cecilius of Granada St Cinnia of Ulster St Clarus of Seligenstadt Bl Conor O’Devany St Crewenna St Darlaugdach of Kildare St Henry Morse St Ioannes Yi Mun-u St Jarlath Bl John of the Grating St Kinnia
Bl Patrick O’Lougham St Paul of Trois-Châteaux St Paulus Hong Yong-ju St Raymond of Fitero Blessed Reginald of Orléans OP (c 1180 – 1220) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers St Sabinus St Severus of Avranches St Severus of Ravenna St Sigebert III of Austrasia St Tryphon of Lampsacus St Ursus of Aosta St Veridiana
Martyrs of Avrillé – 47 Beati: Forty-seven Christians executed together for their faith in the anti-Catholic persecution of the French Revolution. • Anne-François de Villeneuve• Anne Hamard• Catherine Cottenceau• Charlotte Davy• François Bellanger• François Bonneau• François Michau• François Pagis epouse Railleau• Gabrielle Androuin• Jacquine Monnier• Jeanne Bourigault • Jeanne Fouchard épouse Chalonneau• Jeanne Gruget veuve Doly• Jeanne-Marie Sailland d’Epinatz• Louise-Aimée Dean de Luigné• Louise-Olympe Rallier de la Tertinière veuve Déan de Luigné• Madeleine Blond• Madeleine Perrotin veuve Rousseau• Madeleine Sailland d’Epinatz• Marguerite Rivière epouse Huau• Marie Anne Pichery épouse Delahaye• Marie-Anne Vaillot• Marie Cassin épouse Moreau• Marie Fausseuse épouse Banchereau• Marie Gallard épouse Quesson• Marie Gasnier épouse Mercier• Marie Grillard• Marie-Jeanne Chauvigné épouse Rorteau• Marie Lenée épouse Lepage de Varancé• Marie Leroy• Marie Leroy épouse Brevet• Marie Roualt épouse Bouju• Odilia Baumgarten• Perrine Androuin• Perrine Besson• Perrine-Charlotte Phelippeaux épouse Sailland d’Epinatz• Perrine Grille• Perrine Ledoyen• Perrine Sailland d’Epinatz• Renée Cailleau épouse Girault• Renée Grillard• Renée Martin épouse Martin• Renée Valin• Rose Quenion• Simone Chauvigné veuve Charbonneau • Suzanne Androuin• Victoire Bauduceau epouse Réveillère. They were martyred on 1 February 1794 in Avrillé, Maine-et-Loire, France and Beatified on 19 February 1984 by St Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Korea: Thousands of people were murdered in the anti-Catholic persecutions in Korea. Today we celebrate and honour: • Saint Barbara Ch’oe Yong-i • Saint Ioannes Yi Mun-u • Saint Paulus Hong Yong-ju
Thought for the Day – 31 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Humility
“Humility is, in fact, truth. Many think that it is a menial fiction, or a pious congregation and that only a few can really achieve it.
In other words, we must disregard ourselves. We must be content to be unknown and unesteemed. This might seem to be contrary to, or at least, superior to human nature but it is based on the simple naked truth. What have we that is not a gift of God? All that we have in the natural and supernatural order, we have received from God: “What hast thou that thou hast not received? And if thou hast receive it, why dost thou boast as if thou hast not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7).
Our defects and sins are the only things which are really our own! So we have a double motive for humility. Everything good about us is a gift from God. Only our sins belong to us!”
Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)
“Do not try to excuse your faults; try to correct them.”
“Ask your Angel to console and assist you in your last moments.”
“Be ever more convinced that your Guardian Angel is really present, that he is ever at your side. St Frances of Rome always saw him standing before her, his arms clasped at his breast, his eyes uplifted to Heaven but, at the slightest failing, he would cover his face, as if in shame and at times, turn his back to her!”
“Entrust everything to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary, Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are!”
One Minute Reflection – 31 January – St John Bosco, Confessor (1815-1888 – Philippians 4:4-9, Matthew 18:1-5
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”… Matthew 18:3
REFLECTION – “We must seek for reasons for individual sayings and actions of the Lord. After the coin was found, after the tribute paid, what do the Apostles’ sudden questions mean? Why precisely “at that time” did the disciples come to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Because they had seen that the same tax had been paid for both Peter and the Lord. From the equal price they inferred, that Peter may have been set over all the other Apostles, since Peter had been compared with the Lord in the paying of the tax. So they ask, who is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, seeing their thoughts and understanding the causes of their error, wants to heal their desire for glory, with a struggle for humility.”
He called a child to Him, to ask its age or to show the image of innocence. Or perhaps He actually set a child in their midst — He Himself, Who had not come to be served but to serve — to show them an example of humility.
Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as this child, whose example I show you, does not persist in anger, does not long remember injury suffered, is not enamoured inordinately by the sight of a beautiful woman, does not think one thing and say another, so you too, unless you have similar innocence and purity of mind, will not be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven! Or, it might be taken in another way: “Whosoever, therefore, humiliates himself like this child, is greater in the kingdom of heaven,” so as to imply that anyone, who imitates Me and humiliates himself following My example, so that he abases himself as much as I abased Myself in accepting the form of a servant, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” – St Jerome (343-420) Translator of Sacred Scripture into Latin (The Vulgate) One of the original four Doctors of the Latin Church, Father (Commentary on Matthew 3).
PRAYER – O God, Who in Your Confessor, blessed John, raised up a father and teacher of youth and willed that through him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, new religious families should bloom in the Church, grant, we beseech You, that, inflamed by the same fire of love, we may seek to win souls and to serve You alone. 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 – 31 January – “Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”
May We Confess Your Name to the End By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop and Martyr Father of the Church
Good God, may we confess Your Name to the end. May we emerge unmarked and glorious from the traps and darkness of this world. As You have bound us together by charity and peace and as together we have persevered under persecution, so may we also rejoice together in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen
Saint of the Day – 31 January – Saint Aedan of Ferns (c 550-632) the First Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns, Ireland, Founded 30 Churches and several Monasteries, miracle-worker. Born in c 550 as Aedat Inisbrefny, Templeport, County Cavan, Ireland and died on 31 January 632 at Ferns, Ireland of natural causes. Patronages – Ferns, Ireland, Diocese of, Wexford, Ireland. Also known as – Aeddan Foeddog, Mo-Aedh-og (= my dear Aedh), Aedh-og, Aidan, Aidus, Edan, Hugh, Maedoc, Maidoc, Maodhóg, Moedhog, Mogue.
The father of the boy who was to become the first Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns, was named Sétna (modern Irish Séanna); he was married to Eithne who was descended from the King of Connacht. The couple were childless for some time and prayed earnestly for a son. For this intention they were generous in almsgiving and also frequented a Monastery at Drumlane in the present County of Cavan.
Their prayers were answered and Eithne gave birth to a boy. The place of his birth was a small island called Inis Bréachmhaí (Breaghwy) in a lake in the present parish of Templeport in County Cavan. The year of his birth has not been accurately determined but it was some time in the middle of the sixth century.
Irish legend says that the “Bell of St Mogue” was given to the infant on his birth by Saint Caillín. When a boat could not be found to take the infant Aedan across the lake to where Caillín waited to Baptise him, Aedan was floated to shore on a slab of stone. The font at St Mogue’s in Bawnboy is said to be made from part of the stone.
We are told that, while still a small boy, he was surrendered by his father as a hostage to the Ard-Rí, Ainmire, the High King of Ireland. Ainmire was so impressed with Aedan that he told him he could stay or go. Aedan said he would go but only if the other hostages were also released, whereupon Ainmire let them all return home
He studied at the great school of Saint Finnian at Clonard Abbey. While at Clonard, Aedan made friends with St Molaise, who would later found the Monastery of Devenish Island on the River Erne.
As he grew to manhood, his fame for sanctity spread and many young men approached him, desiring to embrace the religious life under his direction. Through a spirit of humility and wishing to avoid distinction, Aedan left his native district and eventually crossed to Wales where he placed himself under the direction of St David, David, Bishop of Menevia. Welsh legends, meanwhile, simply place his upbringing with David and go into great detail concerning attempts on his life by David’s steward. Along with Saint Cadoc, he was said to have exterminated an army of Saxons or Irishmen by rolling stones upon their camp in a narrow valley. He was listed in the Welsh triads as one of David’s three most faithful disciples.
Aedan returned to Ireland in 570, landing on the coast of Wexford with hives of honey bees, which he had been told were scarce on the island. He landed as some locals were plundering another group of strangers and his quick response so impressed the local chieftain, who granted him lands for religious communities. He then settled at Brentrocht in Leinster. Aedan is said to have fasted for seven years, during this period he ate only barley bread with water
Aedan built his first Church and established his first Monastery at Ferns in 598 and it is accepted that he was Consecrated Bishop that same year, so he was both Abbot of the Monastery and Bishop. He founded thirty Churches and many Monastic settlements in the area; becoming. in time, the Head Bishop of the area. Besides his first establishment at Fern, he is especially associated with Templeshanbo. As well as in the Diocese which he founded, he is also venerated in the Diocese of Kilmore, particularly at Droim Leathan and at his birthplace,Templeport and at Rossinver, County Leitrim.
Aedan was renowned for his generosity and kindness – on one occasion, seeing them exhausted by their journey, he permitted beef to be given to a visiting delegation of British Bishops during Lent and permitted them to excuse themselves with the claim that the slaughtered cow was merely “milk and vegetables in condensed form” whereas the whey and biscuits, the other Monks consumed, had so many weevils as to occasion “conscientious scruples.” On another, he was pushed into a lake to see whether he would lose his temper; upon his meekly restoring himself, his tormenter confessed their purpose to him.
Aedan died on 31 January 632 on Lough Melvin’s shore in County Leitrim. His relics are claimed by St Edan’s in Ferns. His stone tomb is inside the Cathedral, although his remains are in the original Cathedral crypt below. The Breac Maodhóg (his Shrine) dates from the 9th century and is an example of an early medieval reliquary. It was often used as a sacred object upon which to swear binding oaths. It was acquired by the National Museum of Ireland in the 1890s.
Aedan’s life was replete with miracles. During his sojourn in Wales, he broke a jug while fetching ale for his fellow Monks; making the sign of the cross over the shards, however, it was repaired and he continued on his errand. A yoke given to him by David’s steward purposefully too small to fit the necks of his oxen ,miraculously accommodated them and permitted him to bring the necessary materials for the needs of the Monsastery.
St Aedan’s Cathedral in Ferns
After his return to Ireland, a local begged him for some meal as he was grinding flour and, after receiving some, disguised himself as a blind man to come back and beg for more. Annoyed, the Saint recognising him, cursed him that the generations of his descendants would never lack for a blind member. Another time, wolves devoured a calf at one of his Monasteries; its mother being inconsolable, Aedan blessed the head of his cook and told him to offer it to the heifer, which licked him and thenceforth “loved him like a calf.” When asked by St Fintan to heal the Monks suffering under an epidemic, Aedan was said to have indulged him: first by curing the Monks and then by permitting the sickness to resume when Saint Fintan changed his mind, considering the sickness to be good for their souls. Miraculous blessings from Aidan were credited with various military victories.
In the year 2000 the Anniversary of 1400 years of the Diocese of Ferns was celebrated the 1400, delayed by a couple of years because of the desire not to clash with the Insurrection of 1798 commemorations.
St Abraham of Abela Bl Adamnan of Coldingham St Aedan of Ferns (c 550-632) Bishop St Aiden St Athanasius of Modon St Bobinus of Troyes St Eusebius of Saint Gall
St Geminian of Modena Bl John Angelus St Julius of Novara Bl Louise degli Albertoni Bl Luigi Talamoni St Madoes St Marcella Bl Maria Cristina di Savoia St Martin Manuel St Nicetas of Novgorod St Tryphaena of Cyzicus St Tysul St Ulphia of Amiens St Waldo of Evreux St Wilgils
Martyrs of Corinth – 14 Saints: A group of Christians tortured and martyred together in Corinth, Greece in the persecutions of Decius. We know nothing about them except some names – Anectus, Claudius, Codratus, Crescens, Cyprian, Diodorus, Dionysius, Nicephorus, Papias, Paul, Serapion, Theodora, Victor and Victorinus.
Martyrs of Canope: Athanasia Cyrus the Physician Eudoxia John the Physician Theoctista Theodotia
Martyred in Alexandria, Egypt: Cyriacus Metranus Saturninus Tarskius Thyrsus Victor Zoticus
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: José Acosta Alemán Juan José Martínez Romero Pedro José Rodríguez Cabrera
Martyrs of Korea: Thousands of people were murdered in the anti-Catholic persecutions in Korea. • Saint Agatha Kwon Chin-i • Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-I • Saint Augustinus Park Chong-Won • Saint Magdalena Son So-Byok • Saint Maria Yi In-Dok • Saint Petrus Hong Pyong-Ju
Thought for the Day – 30 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
True Peace
“When He came into the world, Jesus proclaimed peace. The Angels hovering over His humble manger, sang songs of glory to God on high and of peace to men of goodwill on earth. During His earthly pilgrimage, He often spoke of peace. When He forgave sinners their faults, He said to each of them, “Go in peace” and “sin no more” (Lk 7:50; 8:48; Jn 8:11). When He was leaving this earth, He bequeathed His peace to His Apostles, as if it were a sacred heirloom: “Peace I leave with you, My peace, I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27). We can see, from these words, that the peace of Jesus, is not the same as worldly peace.
The Church, in its liturgy, implores from God, that peace which the world cannot give. When the world speaks of peace, it means, normally, the external public peace which flows from respect for the law and for the established regime. This is peace, there is no doubt about that. It is necessary and is a gift from God. But, it is not enough. We need the inner peace of soul of which we have already spoken, for it is the only true and solid foundation for external peace. Without this peace of soul, external peace is uncertain and fleeting.
We have said, that true peace is based on three things: Right order, harmony and liberty. But, in order to obtain full and perfect peace, still one more thing is necessary – complete and loving abandonment to the will of God. The beginning of real peace and holiness, lies in doing the will of God in every detail. The perfection of peace and holiness, is to do the will of God in everything, purely from love for Him.
Dante expresses this profound idea when he decries the peace of the blessed in Heaven, now unshakeable in their joyful compliance with the divine will.”
“E la sua volontate e nostra pace: Ella E quel mare, al qual tutto si move cio ch’ella crea E che natura face.”
“His Will is our repose: He is the ocean, into which everything flows, which He has created in the universe.”
Quote/s of the Day – 30 January – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 8:23-27
“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the sea and there came a great calm.”
Matthew 8:26
“Whoever has become a servant of the Lord, fears only his Master. But whoever is without the fear of God, is often afraid of his own shadow. Fearfulness is the daughter of unbelief. A proud soul is the slave of fear, hoping in itself, it comes to such a state, that it is startled by a small noise and is afraid of the dark.”
St John Climacus (579-649) Father of the Church
“God’s love calls us to move beyond fear. We ask God for the courage to abandon ourselves unreservedly, so that we might be moulded by God’s grace, even as we cannot see where that path may lead us.”
St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)
“Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear – rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Do you but hold fast to His dear hand and He will lead you safely through all things and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it.”
“ … Let the fine point of your spirit always turn towards God, its north. Your are about to take to the high seas of the world, do not, on this account, alter dial or mast, sail or anchor or wind. Keep Jesus Christ as your dial, at all times, His Cross for mast, on which to hoist your resolutions, as a sail. Let your anchor be, profound trust in Him and set out early!”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
“…Therefore, never allow yourself to start brooding again but always be brave and trust. Serve your good Master with an open heart full of joy. The right way is to see all events and all obstacles in the spirit of faith as being in the hands of Our Lord and to hear Him say to you, on every occasion, as He did to the disciples, ‘It is I. Do not fear. Have faith.’”
One Minute Reflection – 30 January – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 8:23-27
“There came a great calm” – Matthew 8:26
REFLECTION – “Christ’s sleep is the symbol of a mystery. The ship’s passengers represent souls traversing the life of this world, on the wood of the cross. In addition, the ship is the symbol of the Church. Indeed, truly… the heart of each member of the faithful, is a ship sailing across the sea: – it cannot sink, provided the spirit engages in good thoughts.
Has someone insulted you? It is the wind beating against you. Have you become angry? It is the swell mounting. Does temptation arise? It is the wind blowing. Is your soul troubled? It is the waves rising up… Awaken Christ and let Him speak to you.“Who, then, is this that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Who is He? “His is the sea for he has made it;“ all things were made by him” (Ps 95[94],5; Jn 1,3). So imitate the winds and the sea, obey your Creator. The sea shows itself to be docile to Christ’s Voice and do you remain deaf? The sea obeys, the winds drop and do you continue to blow? What are we trying to say by this? Speaking, getting upset, plotting revenge – isn’t this continuing to blow and not wanting to give way before Christ’s Word? When your heart is stirred up do not allow yourself to be swamped by the waves!
If, nevertheless, the wind blows us over – for we are only human – and if it stirs up the bad feelings in our hearts, let us not despair. Let us awaken Christ, so as to continue our journey on a peaceful sea.” – St Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo, Great Western Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (Sermon 63).
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).
Our Morning Offering – 30 January – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
May Your Heart Dwell Always in our Hearts! By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity
May Your Heart dwell always in our hearts! May Your Blood ever flow in the veins of our souls! O Sun of our hearts, You give life to all things by the rays of Your goodness! I will not go, until Your Heart has strengthened me, O Lord Jesus! May the Heart of Jesus be the King of my heart! Blessed be God. Amen
Saint of the Day – 30 January – Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti TOR (1585-1646) Virgin, Sister of the Tertiary or Third Order Regular of St Francis (also TOSF), Penitent, Apostle of the poor, the sick, the elderly. She established apostolates to aid the latter as well as another devoted to the Adoration of the Holy Eucharist. Born in 1585 near Viterbo, Italy and died on 30 January 1640, aged 54, at Viterbo, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Giacinta Marescotti, Clarice Marescotti.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Viterbo, Saint Giacinta Marescotti, Virgin of the regular Third Order of Saint Francis, who, after fifteen years spent among vain pleasures, embraced a very hard life and established a brotherhoods for the assistance of the elderly and for the Adoration of the Holy Eucharist.”
Hyacintha was born of a noble family, her parents being Count Marcantonio Marescotti and Countess Ottavia Orsini, whose father had built the noted Gardens of Bomarzo. They had their new baby daughter Baptised as Clarice. At an early ages she and her sisters, Ginevra and Ortensia, were sent to the Monastery of St Bernardine to be educated by the community of Sisters of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. When their studies were completed, her older sister, Ginevra, chose to enter the Monastic community as a nun, becoming known as Sister Immacolata.
In her early youth, Clarice had been noted for her piety but, as she grew older, she became frivolous. At the age of 20 Clarice set her heart upon marriage with the Marchese Capizucchi, but was passed over by him in favour of her younger sister, Ortensia. Disappointed, she entered the Monastery in Viterbo where she had been educated, receiving the name Hyacintha. She admitted later, that she did this only to hide her chagrin and not to give up the luxuries of the world. She kept a private stock of extra food, wore a habit of the finest material and received and paid visits at will.
For ten years, Hyacintha kept up this life, contrary to the spirit of her vows but at the same time, she retained a strong religious faith and was regular in her following of the daily routine of the Monastery life, with a tender devotion to the Virgin Mary. At that point, due to a severe illness, the Priest who served as the Confessor to the Monastery went to her cell to bring her Holy Communion. Shocked by the display of luxuries he saw there, he admonished her to a closer observance of the way of life to which she had committed herself.
Hyacintha experienced a profound inner transformation, after her serious illness and some deaths in the family. Twenty-four extraordinary and very hard years began for Sister Hyacintha in total poverty. And of continuous penances, with harshness that are difficult to understand today.
She gave away her costly garments, wore an old tunic, went barefoot, frequently fasted on bread and water and chastised her body by vigils. During the outbreak of a plague in the City, she became noted for her devotion in nursing the sick.
Hyacintha went on to establish two apostolates whose members were called Oblates of Mary or “Sacconi.” One of these, similar to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, gathered alms for the convalescent, for the poor who were ashamed to beg and for the care of prisoners; the other procured homes for the aged.
By the time of her death, Hyacintha’s reputation for holiness was so great, that, at her wake, her religious habit had to be replaced three times. This was due to pieces of it being snipped off by the people to keep as a relic.
Hyacintha was Beatified by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726 and Canonised on 14 May 1807 by Pope Pius VII. Today her remains are preserved for veneration in the Church of her Monastery, which now bears her name.
St Felix IV, Pope Bl Francis Taylor Bl Haberilla Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti TOR (1585-1646) Virgin, Sister of the Tertiary or Third Order Regular of St Francis (also TOSF). St Hippolytus of Antioch Bl Margaret Ball Bl Maria Bolognesi St Martina of Rome St Matthias of Jerusalem St Mutien Marie Wiaux St Paul Ho Hyob St Philippian of Africa St Savina of Milan
Thought for the Day – 29 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Blessed are Those who Love Peace
“How can one achieve this calmness of approach and manner of behaviour? We can consult St Augustine again (Cf De Serm Domini, lib 1, Cap 2). It is particularly necessary, that the faculties and movements of our lower nature should be under control and subjects to right reason. It is reason which should govern us. It should guide us constantly and exercise complete control over all those parts of our nature which are common to men and animals. It is disastrous if the desires of the flesh rebel against the spirit and worse still, if they gain the upper hand. Then there can be no more peace of heart. There is no longer that reflection of the divine harmony which the grace of God has bestowed on us. There is only slavery, the slavery which takes away liberty and peace. It is very necessary, therefore, that “that part of man which is the highest and most perfect, should rule without opposition, the remaining parts, which are common to mean and animals but in its turn, this supreme faculty that is the intellect or reason, should be subject to God Almighty” (Ibid).
It is clear from these words, that peace in us is the result of two kinds of necessary obedience, the obedience to right reason of the lower faculties and the obedience of right reason to God, our Creator.
“This is the peace which God gives on earth to men of goodwill; this is the most perfect wisdom,” St Augustine (Ibid).”
One Minute Reflection – 29 January – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop, Confessor and Doctor – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matt hew 5:13-19
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” – Matthew 5:13
REFLECTION – “It is as a matter of absolute necessity that He commands all this. Why must you be salt? Jesus says in effect: “You are accountable, not only for your own life but also, for that of the entire world. I am sending you not to one or two cities, nor to ten or twenty, nor even to one nation, as I sent the Prophets. Rather, I am sending you to the entire earth, across the seas, to the whole world, to a world fallen into an evil state.” For by saying, “You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus signifies, that all human nature itself has “lost its taste,” having become rotten through sin. For this reason, you see, He requires from His disciples, those character traits that are most necessary and useful for the benefit of all.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor (The Gospel of Matthew: Homily,15).
PRAYER – O God, Who for the salvation of souls willed that blessed Francis, Your Confessor and Bishop, should become all things to all men, mercifully grant that we, inspired by the sweetness of Your love, guided by his teachings and aided by his merits, may attain the joys of everlasting life. 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 – 29 January – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop, Confessor and Doctor and Mary’s Day and Mary’s Day
Say Not, Merciful Virgin By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622 Doctor Caritatis
Say not, Merciful Virgin, that you cannot help me, for your Beloved Son holds all power in Heaven and on earth. Say not, that you ought not to assist me, for you are the Mother of all poor children of Adam and my Mother in particular. Since, then, Merciful Virgin, you are my Mother and you are all-powerful, what excuse can you offer if you do not lend your assistance? See, my Mother, see, you are obliged to grant me what I ask and to yield to my entreaties. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 29 January – Saint Constantius of Perugia (Died c 170) Martyr, the First Bishop of Perugia. Died by being beheaded in c 170. Patronages – Perugia-Città della Pieve, Italy, Archdiocese of and the City of Perugia, Italy. Also known as – Costanzo of Perugia, Costantius, Constance.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Perugia, St. Costanzo, Bishop and Martyr, who, together with his Companions, under the Emperor Marcus Aurélio, received the Crown of Martyrdom for the defense of the faith.”
Constantius lived in the second century. He was a young Christian who immediately distinguished himself in the Perugian Church, for his zeal and generosity towards the poor combined with great severity towards himself.
He was, therefore, elected Bishop at the very young age, of just thirty years old. However, he was already prudent, wise in the apostolate, mature in charity, steadfast in authority and he proved to be a providential Bishop, especially in the difficult years of Marcus Aurelius’ persecution.
In fact, it was not long before the Emperor arrested and tried him with the accusation of having embraced Faith in the Lord and if he was found guilty, that is, if he confirmed his faith by refusing to sacrifice, he would be sentenced to capital punishment.
Virgin Mary and Child, with Saints Louis of Toulouse, Lawrence, Herculanus of Perugia and Constantius of Perugia. (right) by Pietro Perugino, 1497.
It is not known who denounced the active and beneficial Bishop of Perugia. Probably, as in many other cases, someone hoped to get their hands on the riches of the Church, destined for the poor. Perhaps, for this very reason, that is, to extract advantageous information from him, Bishop Costantius was tortured for a long time and cruelly, together with several other fellow believers.
He was locked up in the calidarium of the Roman Baths, where respectable and refined citizens took a steam bath. This time, however, the calidarium was heated to the temperature of an oven but Costantius came out unscathed from the mortal bath.
He had the grace to convert his guardians and was able to escape for the first time. Armed again, he was sentenced to walk on hot coals. But neither this nor other tortures had power over him. Miraculously freed and arrested a third time, he was beheaded with the sword, around the year 170.
St Abundantia the Martyr St Aphraates St Aquilinus of Milan St Barbea of Edessa St Blath of Kildare Bl Boleslawa Maria Lament St Caesarius of Angoulême Bl Charles of Sayn St Constantius of Perugia (Died c 170) Martyr Bishop
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