Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna dello Scoglio / Madonna of the Rock, Placanica, Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy – and Memorials of the Saints – 11 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Monday of the Sixth week of Easter

Madonna dello Scoglio / Madonna of the Rock, Placanica, Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy (mid 1900s) – 11 May:

Fratel Cosimo Fragomeni was born in 1950 in Santa Domenica di Placanica, a village of Calabria, one of the poorest regions in Italy. From an early age he was a committed Roman Catholic and when he was 18, he reported to the village priest, Don Rocco Gregorace, having had four visions in which the Mother of God, standing on a rock (scoglio), appeared to him. The first of these visions took place on the 11th May 1968. The Virgin Mary asked Cosimo to transform the valley into a Shrine in order to bring people closer to God.

For that reason, on the rock of the apparition, Cosimo built a little Chapel,and called the Shrine “Madonna dello Scoglio” (Our Lady of The Rock) because the Virgin Mary appeared to him on the top of the rock. He also placed a marble Statue of Our Lady on the rock of the apparitions. Pilgrims come from all over the world to pray and touch the sacred rock, through the metal fencing that circumscribes it, testifying great miracles and conversions.

Shortly after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, Cosimo began to lead prayer devotions for pilgrims and many people were cured from diseases. Although he had received little formal education, he was admitted to the lay order of the Franciscan brothers with the name of “Fratel Cosimo.” He led a mystical life, living in solitude in a house near the apparition rock, fasting and praying and avoiding any sense of celebrity.

Fratel Cosimo was a man of God, appreciated by his Bishop for his obedience and humility to the Catholic Church. He emphasised prayer as the primary vehicle for opening oneself to God and for receiving spiritual and physical renewal through the Divine Physician and His Holy Mother.
Thanks to the donations of the pilgrims, the Shrine grounds and facilities have been expanded. A foundation and a rosary prayer group have been established and on the 8th December 2007, the local Bishop Mnsgr Morosini, declared the “Scoglio” an official Catholic shrine.

St Anastasius of Lérida
St Anthimus of Rome
St Bassus of Sabina
St Bertilla
St Criotan of MacReddin
Bl Diego of Saldaña
St Evellius of Pisa
St Fabius of Sabina
St Fremund of Dunstable
St Gengulphus of Burgundy

Blessed Gregory Celli of Verucchio OSA (1225-1343) Priest of the Order of St Augustine , renowned Preacher, Contemplative, Hermit
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-blessed-gregory-celli-of-verucchio-osa-c-1225-1343/

St Gualberto

St Ignatius of Laconi OFM Cap. (1701-1781) Frair of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Known as “the Holy Friar,” “the Apostle of the Streets, “ “the Wonder-worker,” “the Miracle-Worker” and “Padre Santo.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-ignatius-of-laconi-o-f-m-cap-1701-1781/

Bl Illuminatus
St Illuminatus of San Severino
Bl James Walworth
Bl John Rochester
St Maiulo of Hadrumetum

St Mamertus (Died c 477) Bishop
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-mamertus-died-c-475/

St Maximus of Sabina
St Mayeul of Cluny (c 906–994) Priest and Abbot
St Mozio of Constantinople
St Possessor of Verdun
St Principia of Rome
St Tudy
St Vincent L’Hénoret
Bl Vivaldus
St Walbert of Hainault
—
Martyrs of Camerino: An imperial Roman official, his wife, their children and servants, all of whom were converts and martyrs: Anastasius, Aradius, Callisto, Eufemia, Evodius, Felice, Primitiva, Theopista.

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 10 May – Mary’s Patience

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 May – “Mary’s Month” Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary’s Patience

“We also have our share of suffering and humiliation.
It is useless to try and escape from it, useless to rebel against it.
If we embrace the cross patiently and lovingly, a Jesus and Mary did, it will seem lighter, even welcome.
If we attempt to cast it from us, it will weigh more heavily on our shoulders.
There are two kinds of men, those who bear their cross, patiently and embrace it because they wish to be like Jesus and, those who do not want to suffer and rebel.
The former may stagger beneath their daily burden but, they have peace of soul because they are putting into practice, the great Gospel precept: “By your patience, you will win your souls” (Lk 21:19).
They know that they are on the path to Heaven and this thought is consolation, which cannot be taken from them.
The second group of men, rebel against the cross and, therefore, suffer doubly, in body and in soul.
“The senseless man,” the Holy Spirit says, “loves not to be reproved” (Prov 15:12).

To which of these two categories do we belong?
Do we love our cross, or do we carry it patiently, at least?
Anyone who does not want the cross, does not want Jesus.
Let the example of Mary and of the Saints inspire us.
They always bore their burden patiently, they even looked for suffering and humiliation.
If we cannot reach such heroic heights, let us at last, accept, from the hands of Our Lord, the cross which He offers us.
Let us accept the sufferings which we meet on the way of life.
If we are not heroic enough to seek to be unknown and mortified, let us resolve to accept, patiently, the inevitable sorrows of life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/10/thought-for-the-day-10-may-marys-patience/

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, BAPTISM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 May – The Holy Spirit

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 May – “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 16:11-15, Psalms 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9, John 15:26–16:4

“And I will ask the Father
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth,
which the world cannot accept,
because it neither sees nor knows it.
But you know it,
because it remains with you
and will be in you.”

John 14:16-17

“His action is preceded
by the beaming rays of His light and knowledge.
He comes with the truth of the real Protector;
for He comes to save, to lead, to teach, to counsel,
to strengthen, to console,
to illumine, in the first place, the mind of the person
who receives Him
and through that person‘s works,
the minds of others.”

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

“Remember, then, that you received a spiritual seal,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of knowledge and reverence,
the spirit of holy fear.
Keep safe what you received.
God the Father sealed you,
Christ the Lord strengthened you
and sent the Spirit into your hearts
as the pledge of what is to come.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“The Holy Spirit leads us along,
as a mother leads her two year old child by the hand,
as a sighted person leads a blind one.
We should say each morning:
“Oh my God, send me Your Holy Spirit
who will make me understand
what I am and what you are …”
A soul who possesses the Holy Spirit
enjoys an exquisite taste in prayer,
it never loses the holy presence of God.”

St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 May – When the Paraclete comes …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 May – “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 16:11-15, Psalms 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9, John 15:26–16:4

“When the Paraclete comes, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me” … John 15:26

REFLECTION – “The Spirit is the source of holiness, a spiritual light and He offers His own light to every mind, to help it in its search for truth. By nature, the Spirit is beyond the reach of our mind but we can know Him by His goodness. The power of the Spirit fills the whole universe but He gives Himself only to those who are worthy, acting in each according to the measure of his faith.

Simple in Himself, the Spirit is manifold in His mighty works. The whole of His being is present to each individual, the whole of His being is present everywhere. Though shared in by many, He remains unchanged, His self-giving is no loss to Himself. Like the sunshine, which permeates all the atmosphere, spreading over land and sea and yet is enjoyed by each person, as though it were for him alone, so the Spirit pours forth His grace in full measure, sufficient for all and yet, is present as though exclusively to everyone who can receive Him. To all creatures that share in Him, He gives a delight, limited only by their own nature, not by His ability to give.

The Spirit raises our hearts to heaven, guides the steps of the weak and brings to perfection, those who are making progress. He enlightens those who have been cleansed from every stain of sin and makes them spiritual by communion with Himself. As clear, transparent substances become very bright when sunlight falls on them and shine with a new radiance, so also souls in whom the Spirit dwells and who are enlightened by the Spirit, become spiritual themselves and a source of grace for others.

From the Spirit comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of the mysteries of faith, insight into the hidden meaning of Scripture and other special gifts. Through the Spirit we become citizens of heaven, we enter into eternal happiness and abide in God. Through the Spirit we acquire a likeness to God, indeed, we attain what is beyond our most sublime aspirations—we become God..” … St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – An excerpt from his On the Holy Spirit, Chapter 9.

PRAYER – Lord God, You sanctify Your Church in every race and nation by the joy of Your risen Son. By His life, Death and Resurrection You grant us life and through Your Holy Spirit, You grant us the fruits of faithful love. May we ever be graced by Your gift of faith and be led to our heavenly Home. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary may we be strengthened for the journey. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, together with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God now and forever, amen.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 10 May – Virgin Full of Goodness, Mother of Mercy By St Thomas Aquinas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 10 May – “Mary’s Month” Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Virgin Full of Goodness,
Mother of Mercy
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor angelicus
Doctor communis

Virgin full of goodness,
Mother of mercy,
I entrust to you my body and my soul,
my thoughts and my actions,
my life and my death.
My Queen,
come to my aid
and deliver me from the snares of the devil.
Obtain for me the grace of loving
my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
with a true and perfect love,
and after Him,
O Mary,
of loving you with all my heart
and above all things.
Amen

Posted in EYES - Diseases, of the BLIND, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 10 May – Saint Catald of Taranto (Died c 685)

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Saint of the Day – 10 May – Saint Catald of Taranto (Died c 685) Bishop, Monk, miracle-worker. Born in the 7th century Munster, Ireland and died in c. 85 in Taranto, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Catald of Tarentum, Catald of Rachau, Cataldus, Cathal, Cattaldo, Cathaluds, Cathaldus, Cataldo. Patronages – against blindness, against drought, against epilepsy, against hernias, against paralysis, against plague, against storms, blind people, drought relief, epileptics, paralyzed people, Massa Lubrense, Italy, Taranto, Italy.

Born in Munster, Ireland, Catald was a pupil, then the headmaster of the monastic school of Lismore in Waterford, after the death of its founder, St Carthage.

Upon his return from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he was shipwrecked at Taranto in southern Italy and ,chosen by the people as their Bishop and then Archbishop of the Diocese.

Some of the miracles claimed in Catald’s name include protecting the City against the plague and floods that, apparently, had occurred in neighbouring areas.

He is the titular of Taranto’s Cathedral and the principal Patron of the Diocese. This epitaph is given under an image of Saint Catald in Rome:

Statue of Saint Catald at Taranto

Me tulit Hiberne, Solyme traxere,
Tarentum Nunc tenet: huic ritus,
dogmata, jura dedi.

This has been loosely translated as:
Hibernia gave me birth,
thence wafted over,
I sought the sacred Solymean shore.
To thee Tarentum, holy rites I gave, Precepts divine
and thou to me a grave. (Hibernia is the classical Latin name for Ireland).

It is odd that an Irishman, should be so honoured throughout Italy, Malta,and France but have almost no recognition in his homeland. His Irish origins were discovered only two or three centuries after his death, when his relics were recovered during the renovation of the Cathedral of Taranto. When his coffin was open at that time, a pastoral staff of Irish workmanship was found with the inscription Cathaldus Rachau. Further investigations identified him with Cathal, the teacher of Lismore.

Veneration to Catald spread, especially in southern Italy, after the 10 May 1017, translation of his relics when the Cathedral was being rebuilt, following its destruction at the hands of Saracens in 927. Four remarkable cures occurred as the relics were moved to the new Cathedral. There is a Town of San Cataldo in Sicily and another on the southeast coast of Italy .

Cathedral of St Catald in Taranto, Italy
Cathedral of St Catald in Taranto, Italy

Saint Catald is depicted in art as an early Christian Bishop with a mitre and pallium in a 12th century mosaic at Palermo (Roeder). He is the subject of a painting on the 8th pillar of the nave ,on the left in the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem There are also 12th-century mosaics in Palermo and Monreale depicting the Saint.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Rovere, Roble San Bartolomeo al Mare, Italy and Memorials of the Saints – 10 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter +2021

Madonna della Rovere, Roble San Bartolomeo al Mare, Italy (1671) – 19 May (Additional Memorial 18 April):

“The Madonna della Rovere is an ancient devotion from an image that was found in a village called Oak. There were two apparitions of the Virgin Mary and several miracles in the seventeenth century.
San Bartolomeo al Mare is a Town in the Province of Imperia, Liguria region in northwest Italy. The ancient and vast territory in the medieval village of Oak is located between the Towns of Cervo and Diano. In the pre-Roman era it was called “Lucus Bormani” where “Lucus” means “sacred forest,”,”Bor” to “source” and “man,” whereby the “Lucus Bormani” means “ sacred grove dedicated to the god Borman “the god of springs, cruel and bloodthirsty. The Romans also devoted to the jungle forests, Diana, goddess of the hunt, so the Town of Diano called “Pagus Dianius”.
The five oak trees that still surround the Shrine of Robre are the last remnants of the ancient forest. It is said that the Statue was found in an oak but perhaps more true is that the Statue was made of oak timber.

Perato Giacinto di Rollo, aged 50, on the night of 3 April 1671, after working all day in the fields, called his wife, saying his arm was hurt. The left arm was dead, insensible to pinching and medical punctures. After several attempts at restoring his arm, it remained insensitive.
A few days later, on 18 April, with his arm in a sling, Perato took his donkey to graze in the area of the Town of Armea. Below is his miraculous tale:
“A few hours before noon, a few steps ahead of me, I saw a woman dressed in turquoise shining like the sun … She told me that I should trust the Madonna to help me . “

On 19 April 1671, Giacinto, riding on his donkey, went to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Oak, with his wife and Don Damián Tagliaferro.
During the Mass, at the moment of Consecration, his eyes glazed over and he fell to the ground unconscious. When after three quarters of an hour he awoke and with the support of his wife, rose slowly, his arm functioned again. He was completely healed. This miracle has been recorded under oath by seven people, including a doctor, a lawyer and six priests. The documents are stored in the Curia of the Diocese of Albenga.

On 10 May 1671 Our Lady appeared to cure a peasant and asked him to build a Chapel in the place where she had appeared. The Church was built immediately, the faithful and clergy of the surrounding areas all being piously devoted to Our Lady.” (The above has been translated from Italian).

St John of Avila (1499-1569) “Apostle of Andalusia”– Doctor of the Church, known as “Father Master Avila”
About St John:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/10/saint-of-the-day-10-may-st-john-of-avila-1499-1569-apostle-of-andalusia-known-as-father-master-avila-doctor-of-the-church/

St Joseph de Veuster SS.CC. (1840-1889) – St Damian of Molokai “The Martyr of Molokai,” Priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Missionary – known as “Martyr of Molokai”, “Martyr of Charity”, “Apostle to the Lepers” – Patron of lepers. (Optional Memorial)
St Damian’s life:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/10-may-the-memorial-of-st-damian-de-veuster-de-molokai/

Robert Louis Stevenson and St Damian: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/blessed-memorial-of-s-damian-de-veuster-de-molokai/

St Alphius of Lentini
Bl Amalarius of Metz
Bl Antonio of Norcia
St Aurelian of Limoges
Bl Beatrix d’Este the Elder
St Blanda of Rome
St Calepodius of Rome
St Catald of Taranto (Died c 685) Bishop
St Comgall of Bangor
St Cyrinus of Lentini
St Dioscorides of Smyrna

Blessed Enrico Rebuschini MI (1860-1938) Priest of the Camillians [Clerics Regular, Ministers to the Sick, also known as the “Hospitallers” the Order founded by St Camillus de Lellis’ (1550-1614)]
His Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/10/saint-of-the-day-10-may-blessed-enrico-rebuschini-mi-1860-1938/
(The video shows great images of Italy).

St Epimachus of Rome
St Felix of Rome
Bl Giusto Santgelp
St Gordian the Judge

Blessed Ivan Merz MI (1896-1928) Layman, Teacher, Professor, Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament and of prayer, Founder of Youth Movements in Croatia
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/10/saint-of-the-day-10-may-blessed-ivan-merz-1896-1928/

Bl Nicholas Albergati
St Palmatius of Rome
St Philadelphus of Lentini
St Quartus of Capua
St Quintus of Capua
St Simplicius of Rome
St Solange of Bourges
St Thecla
Bl William of Pontnoise

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, NOTES to Followers

Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Happy Mother’s Day! 9 May +2021

Wishing all Mothers a Blessed and Happy Mothers’ Day
May Mary, the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our Mother, be a guide and a comfort to us all.

Mother’s Day Prayer
Hail Mary, Mother of God
Intercessions from 1727
the Liturgical Order of Blessing

Hail Mary, Mother of God
and our Mother,
pray for all mothers,
so that they will be able
to fulfil their maternal responsibilities.
Help them to be lovers and nurturers
of all human life from the moment of conception
until natural death,
all the while, being examples for their own children.
Pray for their children,
so that they, too, will be faithful followers of your Son.
We pray for our mothers,
who have given us life and love,
that we may show them reverence and love.
We pray for mothers,
who have lost a child through death,
that their faith may give them hope
and their family and friend,
support and console them.
We pray for mothers who have died,
that God may bring them
into the joy of His kingdom
We offer these prayers
through Christ, our Lord
and your Son,
in union with the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE

Thought for the Day – 9 May – The Cardinal Virtues of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 May – “Mary’s Month” Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Cardinal Virtues of Mary

“Let us compare ourselves with Mary and consider how far we have succeeded in acquiring these virtues.
If we are to possess fully, the Cardinal virtue of JUSTICE, we must direct all our thoughts, desires and actions, towards God.
Since everything comes from God, we should offer everything back to Him.
If we fail to do this, we are guilty of injustice towards God.
We take for ourselves, something which belongs to Him.
We must also be just to our neighbour.
It is not enough to be charitable only because there can be no charity, unless, it is founded on justice.
This justice should characterise our thoughts and judgements, as well as our words and actions.

Have we the Virtue of PRUDENCE?
Prudence demands constant self-control.
How often do we lose control over ourselves and say things which we ought not to say, or do things, which we ought not to do?
Prudence is a splendid virtue, which can be obtained by the grace of God, by living a life of union with Him.
It necessitates constant vigilance over our faculties and passions, in order to ensure, that nothing will interfere with our rational conduct and with our observance of the commandments of God.

Interior TEMPERANCE, is simply the result of prudence, insofar, as it obliges us to master ourselves and to abstain from everything which could upset the proper order of our faculties, in relation to one another and to God.
If we are inwardly temperate, we shall show external temperance in our words and deeds.
We shall abstain, in other words, from everything suggested by our lower nature, which is contrary to the commandments of God and the precepts of the Church.
This means, we shall observe among other things, the Church’s laws of fasting and abstinence.
We shall keep away from dangerous amusements and from anything else which could be harmful to ourselves or to our neighbour.

Finally, we must imitate the FORTITUDE of Mary.
We must be brave in the face of temptation to sin, in suffering and in all the diffculties of life.
Looking always towards Heaven, our true home, we shall find at last, the peace and happiness, which have no end.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/09/thought-for-the-day-9-may-the-cardinal-virtues-of-mary/

Posted in "Follow Me", ACT of CONTRITION, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – “You are my friends if you do what I command you. “ – John 15:14

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – Sixth Sunday of Easter, Readings: First: Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4 (2b); Second: First John 4: 7-10; Gospel: John 15: 9-17

“You are my friends if you do what I command you. “

John 15:14

“It is not that we keep His commandments first
and that then He loves
but, that He loves us
and then we keep His commandments.
This is that grace
which is revealed to the humble
but hidden from the proud.”

“If we live good lives, the times are also good.
As we are, such are the times.”

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

“We must note, therefore,
that he that does things pleasing to God,
serves Christ but he that follows his own wishes,
is a follower, rather of himself and not of God.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father and Doctor of the Incarnation

PRAYER – O Infinite Goodness – Act of Contrition
By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) – Doctor of the Church

O my God,
I am exceedingly grieved,
for having offended Thee
and with my whole heart,
I repent of the sins I have committed.
I hate and abhor them above every other evil,
not only because, by so sinning,
I have lost heaven and deserved hell
but still more because I have offended Thee,
O infinite Goodness,
who art worthy to be loved above all things.
I most firmly resolve,
by the assistance of Thy grace,
never more to offend Thee for the time to come
and to avoid those occasions
which might lead me into sin.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 May – ‘… Our competence is from God …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 May – Sixth Sunday of Easter, Readings: First: Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4 (2b); Second: First John 4: 7-10; Gospel: John 15: 9-17

“Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

REFLECTION – “Cloth of scarlet or purple is a very precious and royal fabric, not because of the wool but because of the colour. The actions of good Christians are of such great value, that heaven is given to us for them. However, … it is not because they come from us and are the wool of our hearts. Rather, it is because they are dyed with the blood of the Son of God. I mean, that the Saviour sanctifies our actions by the merits of His blood. A branch of the vine, united and joined to the stock, produces fruit, not by it’s own power but empowered by the stock. Now we are untied by charity to our Redeemer, as members to the head (Eph 4:15-16). That is why our fruits and good works, drawing their value from Him, merit life everlasting.

… We, ourselves, are branches that are dry, unprofitable and unfruitful. We are not competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers (2 Cor 3:5-6) and able to do His will. Therefore, as soon as sacred love engraves on our hearts the name of our Saviour, our great Shepherd (1 Pet 2:25), we begin to bear delicious fruits for life everlasting.” …. St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity

PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, bring us to the joy of Your heavenly city, so that we, Your little flock, may follow where Christ, our Good Shepherd, has gone before us, by the power of His Resurrection. May our hearts overflow with the joy of His eternal presence, that in Him and through Him and with Him, we may attain the happiness of life eternal. May the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, guide us that we may always follow our Shepherd in faithful love. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God now and for all eternity, amen.

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 9 May – It Were My Soul’s Desire

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 9 May

It Were My Soul’s Desire
Anonymous 11th century Irish Prayer

It were my soul’s desire
To see the face of God.
It were my soul’s desire
To rest in His abode.

Grant, Lord, my soul’s desire,
Deep waves of cleansing sighs.
Grant, Lord, my soul’s desire
From earthly cares to rise.

It were my soul’s desire
To imitate my King,
It were my soul’s desire
His ceaseless praise to sing.

It were my soul’s desire
When heaven’s gate is won
To find my soul’s desire
Clear shining like the sun.

This still my soul’s desire
Whatever life afford,
To gain my soul’s desire
And see Thy face, O Lord.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 9 May – Blessed Thomas Pickering OSB (c 1621-1679) Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 9 May – Blessed Thomas Pickering OSB (c 1621-1679) Martyr, Benedictine Lay Brother. bBorn in c 1621 in Westmorland, England and died by being hanged, drawn and quartered on 9 May 1679 at Tyburn, London, England. He was one of the 107 martyrs Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929 and is, therefore, remembered with them all on 4 May. In character, he was described, as the most charitable and sweet-tempered of men.

Thomas was a member of an old Westmoreland family. He was sent to the Benedictine Monastery of St Gregory at Douai, where he took vows as a lay brother in 1660.

In 1665 he was sent to London, where, as steward or procurator to the little community of Benedictines who served the Queen’s Chapel Royal, Catherine of Braganza, the Catholic wife of King Charles II. Thomas became personally known to the Queen and Charles II and when in 1675, urged by the Parliament, Charles issued a proclamation ordering the Benedictines to leave England within a fixed time, Pickering was allowed to remain, probably on the grounds that he was not a Priest.

In 1678 came the infernal concocted fabricaltion of Titus Oates, claims of a Catholic plot against the King’s life. In consequence, Thomas was accused of conspiring to murder the King. At his trial on 17 December 1678, no evidence of treasonwas produced except Oates’s mere word and Pickering’s Housekeeper, the formidable Ellen Rigby, testified that Oates had only seen Pickering once in his life, when he had been begging for alms at the Benedictine’s London house in the summer of 1678. She also testified that he had a personal grudge against Pickering, who, despite his habitual charity and good temper, told her “never to let that man come in again.” Pickering’s innocence was so obvious, that the Queen publicly announced her belief in him, saying that she could not accept that he was a risk to the royal family: “I should have more fear to be alone in my chamber with a mouse.” But, the jury found him guilty and with two others, William Ireland and John Grove, he was condemned to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

The King, who himself had Catholic leanings, was divided between the wish to save the innocent men and fear of the popular clamour, which loudly demanded the death of Oates’s victims and twice, within a month, the three prisoners were ordered for execution and then reprieved.

At length Charles remitted the execution of the other two, hoping that this would satisfy the people and save Pickering from his fate. The contrary took place, however and on 26 April 1679, the House of Commons petitioned for Pickering’s execution. Charles yielded and the long-deferred sentence was carried out on the ninth of May.

A small piece of cloth stained with his blood is preserved among the relics at Downside Abbey.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Bosco / Our Lady of the Woods, Imbersago, Como, Lombardia, Italy (1617) and Memorials of the Saints

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter +2021

Madonna del Bosco / Our Lady of the Woods, Imbersago, Como, Lombardy, Italy (1617) – 9 May:

On 8 May 1617, three shepherds, one named Peter, saw the Madonna near a large tree, a chestnut tree to be exact. They reported that the apparition rose up and disappeared into the sky.
They were believed immediately as that particular and only chestnut tree, was found full of fruit out of its normal season. In 1632 at the site, visited by the Virgin, a Chapel was erected, then replaced with a large and most beautiful Church in 1677., which has since been raised to the status of a Minor Basilica. In it we honor what is called the Madonna del Bosco (The Our Lady of the Woods).u
Two years before this apparition, some had seen, in the same place, a lady bathed in light hovering on top of those chestnut trees and heard beautiful songs coming from the spot. Many other miracles occured here, the most well-known being that of a mother whose child was being attacked by wolves, which were very prevalent in the area. She called to the Virgin, who appeared and saved the child from the wolf-attack. The Statue within the Sanctuary commemorates these miracle.s

The main Altarpiece is a depiction of the Madonna and Child above a grove of Chestnut trees (1888).

The Sanctuary can be accessed via the 392 steps of the Scala Santa. Most are linear steps until the end with a scenic sweep of two accesses.

St Banban the Wise
St Beatus of Laon
St Beatus of Lungern
St Brynoth of Scara
St Dionysius of Vienne
Bl Fortis Gabrielli
St Gerontius of Cervia

Blessed Giovanni Benincasa of Montepulciano OSM (1375-1426) Religious Friar of the Servite Order, Hermit, Mystic, Penitent
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/09/saint-of-the-day-9-may-blessed-giovanni-benincasa-of-montepulciano-osm-1375-1426/

St Giuse Hien
St Gorfor of Llanover

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Father, Doctor, Theologian
His Feast has since 1960, been conbined with that of St Basil the Great – “Two Bodies one Spirit” on 2 January.
Their lives here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/02/saint-s-of-the-day-2-january-st-basil-the-great-329-379-and-st-gregory-of-nazianzen-330-390-two-bodies-one-spirit/

St Gregory of Ostia
St Hermas of Rome
Isaiah the Prophet
St John of Châlon

Blessed Theresa of Jesus/Karolina Gerhardinger SSND (1797-1879) Religious Sister, Foundress
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/saint-of-the-day-9-may-blessed-theresa-of-jesus-karolina-gerhardinger-1797-1879/

St Maria del Carmen Rendiles Martinez (1903-1977) Religious and Foundress of the Servants of the Eucharist
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/09/saint-of-the-day-9-may-blessed-maria-carmen-rendiles-1903-1977/
St Sanctan of Kill-da-Les

Blessed Thomas Pickering (c 1621-1679) Martyr, Benedictine Lay Brother

St Vincent of Montes

Martyrs of Persia: 310 Christians murdered together for their faith in Persia. No details about them have survived.

20 Mercedarian Martyrs of Riscala: 20 Mercedarian friars who were murdered by Huguenot heretics for refusing to denounce their faith. 16th century at the Santa Maria convent at Riscala, France.

Posted in BAPTISM, I BELIEVE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CHURCH, THEOLOGICAL

Thought for the Day – 8 May – The Theological Virtues of Our Lady

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Thought for the Day – 8 May – “Mary’s Month” Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Theological Virtues of Our Lady

“We also possess the Catholic faith, or at any rate, believe that we possess it, for we often recite the Creed and were received, at Baptism, into the family of the Catholic Church.

But is our faith alive?
When a man is living his faith, he has a constant realisation of the presence of God, Who has created him, maintains him in existence, has redeemed him, loves him and commands him to do good.
Otherwise, our faith is dead, for as St James writes, “faith, without works, is dead” (Js 2:26).
If our faith is not living, neither is our hope nor our charity.

Let us examine ourselves thoroughly.
Perhaps we do not think about God enough and, as a result our faith is weak.
Perhaps we place all our hope in earthly things and look for these passing pleasures, which cannot satisfy or hearts.
Perhaps we love ourselves and our possessions too much and have too little love for God, our only real good.
It maybe that we are constantly seeking our own interests and ease and are lacking in sincere and active charity towards our neighbour, when he is in need, even though he is our brother in Jesus Christ and we should love him as ourselves.
If this is the way matters stand, we are not genuine Catholics, for we have not the three theological virtues, which should form the basis of our lives.
Neither are we sincere sons of Mary, who possessed these three virtues in an outstanding manner.
Let us examine ourselves with a view to forming a few good and earnest resolutions.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/08/thought-for-the-day-8-may-the-theological-virtues-of-our-lady/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 May – “If the world hates you …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 May – “Mary’s Month” – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100:1-3, 5, John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you,
know that it has hated me first.”

John 15:18

“If you were of the world,
the world would love you as its own
but because you are not of the world
but I chose you out of the world,
therefore, the world hates you.”

John 15:19

“God watches us – we, His children –
take part in the combat
and Himself gives us a heavenly crown ( 1Cor 9:25).
The angels watch us too
and Christ comes to our aid.
So let us arm ourselves with all our might,
let us fight the good fight,
with brave hearts and solid faith.”

St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200- c 258)
Bishop and Martyr,
Father of the Church

“Do not rejoice in the Cross only in times of peace,
preserve the same faith in times of persecution.
Do not be a friend to Jesus in times of peace alone,
only to become His enemy in times of war.
You are now receiving forgiveness for your sins
and the spiritual gifts lavishly bestowed by your King so,
when war breaks out, fight valiantly for your King.”

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

“When insults have no effect on us,
when persecutions and penalties,
have no terror for us,
when prosperity or adversity,
has no influence on us,
when friend and foe,
are viewed in the same light…
do we not come close,
to sharing, the serenity of God?”

St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167)

“O man, when the world hates you and is faithless toward you,
think of your God, how He was struck and spat upon.
You should not accuse your neighbour of guilt
but pray to God, that He be merciful to you both.”

St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487)

“Catholics are part of the Church Militant.
They struggle and they suffer for the triumph of Christ.
They must never lose sight of their Divine Model,
so that their trials will be turned into joy.”

Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

Posted in "Follow Me", FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 May – “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me first.”- John 15:18

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 May – “Mary’s Month” – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100:1-3, 5, John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me first.”- John 15:18

REFLECTION –“I rejoice with you greatly in our Lord Jesus Christ, that you welcomed the copies of true love [Ignatius of Antioch and his companions]…who were encumbered with saintly chains, which are the diadems of those, truly chosen by God and our Lord. And I rejoice because the deep root of your faith, which has been renowned from early times, still lasts and bears fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, Who for our sins, endured even facing death, and whom “God raised, releasing him from the throes of death” (Acts 2,24). “Though you have not seen him, you believe with unutterable, triumphant joy” (1Pt 1,8)… “He who raised him from the dead will raise us also” (2Cor 4,14), if we do His Will and live by His Commands and love what He loved… Let us be imitators of His endurance and, if we suffer for His sake, let us glorify Him. For He set us this example Himself and this is what we have believed.

So I beg you all, to obey the message of uprightness and to exhibit all endurance, such as you saw with your own eyes, not only in the blessed Ignatius and Zosimus and Rufus but also, in others of your number and in Paul himself and the rest of the Apostles, being assured, that all these “have not run in vain” (Gal 2,2) but in faith and uprightness and, that they are in the place that they have deserved with the Lord, with and for Whom they suffered. For they did not “love the present world” (2Tm 4,10) but Christ, Who died for us and was raised up by God for our sakes.”- St Polycarp (69-155) Apostolic Father, Bishop and Martyr – Letter to the Philippians, 1-2, 8-9

PRAYER – Almighty God, grant that Your faithful, who rejoice in the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may be delivered from every evil here on earth, put on the armour of Your Son and fight the good faith bearing His standard. Through her prayer and the prayers of Your Angels and Saints, may we come to the enduring joys of heaven. We make our prayer through her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, one God with You, in the union of the Holy Spirit, forever amen.

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 8May – Let Me Love Your Jesus By St Ildephonsus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 8May – “Mary’s Month” – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Let Me Love Your Jesus
By St Ildephonsus (c 607-670)

Virgin Mary, hear my prayer,
through the Holy Spirit,
you became the Mother of Jesus,
from the Holy Spirit,
may I too have Jesus.
Through the Holy Spirit,
your flesh conceived Jesus,
through the same Spirit,
may my soul receive Jesus.
Through the Holy Spirit,
you were able to know Jesus,
to possess Jesus
and to bring Him into the world.
Through the Holy Spirit,
may I too come to know your Jesus.
Imbued with the Spirit, Mary, you could say
“I am the handmaid of the Lord,
be it done unto me according to your word,”
in the Holy Spirit, lowly as I am,
let me proclaim the great truths about Jesus.
In the Spirit, you now adore Jesus as Lord
and look on Him as Son,
in the same Spirit, Mary,
let me love your Jesus.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 8 May – Saint Pope Boniface IV (c 550-615)

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Saint of the Day – 8 May – Saint Pope Boniface IV (c 550-615) Bishop of Rome from 608 until his death, Deacon, Assistant and dDsciple of St Pope Gregory the Great, Papal Treasurer under Pope Gregory. Born c 550 at Valeria, Abruzzi, Italy and died in 615 at Rome, Italy of natural causes.

Boniface was the son of a man named Johannes, a Physician, from the area of Maria and town of Valeria. It is assumed that he was a student of Pope Gregory I. Around 591, Boniface was ordained a Cardinal-Deacon. Under that office, he served Gregory as treasurer . In other words, he was the first official in connection with the administration of papal property.

Boniface IV was elected to succeed Boniface III but a vacancy of over nine months ensued, awaiting imperial confirmation from Constantinople. He was consecrated on 25 September 608.

Like his mentor, he ran the Lateran Palace as a Monastery. As Pope, he encouraged Monasticism. With imperial permission, he converted the Pantheon into a Church. This was the first pagan temple in Rome to be transformed. On 13 May 609, the Pantheon was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin and all the Christian Martyrs. Boniface ordered 28 cartloads of bones from the Catacombs to be reburied under the high Altar of the new Church.

In 610, St Mellitus, the first Bishop of London, went to Rome “to consult the pope on important matters relative to the newly established English Church.” While in Rome, he assisted at a Synod concerning certain questions on “the life and monastic peace of monks” and, on his departure, took to England the Decree of the Council together with letters from the Pope to Archbishop Laurence of Canterbury and to all the clergy, to King Æthelberht of Kent and to all the Anglo-Saxons.

Inspired by Gregory the Great, he converted his home into a Monastery and divided his time between the Monk’s life and the Papal life until he died. He was buried at his Monastery and reburied several times, the last time at the new St Peter’s Basilica on 21 October 1603.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MIRACLES, SAINT of the DAY

Apparition of St Michael the Archangel at Monte Gargano, Italy (492), Nuestra Señora de Luján, Argentina / Our Lady of Luján: (1600s) and Memorials of the Saints – 8 May 2021

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Apparition of St Michael the Archangel at Monte Gargano, Italy (492)
About this Apparition:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/

Nuestra Señora de Luján, Argentina / Our Lady of Luján: (1600s) – 8 May:

The Virgin is a two feet tall terracotta Statue of Our Lady. It was made in Brazil and sent to Argentina in May 1630. Its original appearance seemed inspired by Murillo’s Immaculates. In 1887, to preserve and protect it, the image was given a solid silver covering.
It is usually clothed with a white robe and sky blue cloak, the colours of the Argentinian flag. Only the dark oval face with big blue eyes and the hands folded in prayer are now visible.
Tradition tells us that a settler ordered the image of Mary Immaculate in 1630 because he intended to create a Shrine in her honour to help reinvigorate the Catholic faith in Santiago del Estero, his region. After embarking from the Port of Buenos Aires, the caravan carrying the image stopped at the residence of Don Rosendo Oramas, located in the present town of Zelaya.
When the caravan wanted to resume the journey, the oxen refused to move. Once the crate containing the image were removed, the animals started to move again. Given the evidence of a miracle, people believed the Virgin wished to remain there. The image was venerated in a primitive Chapel for 40 years. Then the image was acquired by Ana de Matos and carried to Luján, where it currently resides. A Basilica was built in its honour, where the image now resides above the high Altar.

Among the Popes who have honoured Our Lady of Luján are Clement XI, Clement XIV, Pius VI, Pius IX, Leo XIII, Pius XI, Pius XII, and John Paul II. In 1824, Fr John Mastai Ferretti, visited the Shrine on his way to Chile. He later became Blessed Pope Pius IX and defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 1854.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli served as the Papal Legate to the XXXII International Eucharistic Congress ,held in Buenos Aires in October 1934 and visited the Basilica on 15 October. When he became Pope Pius XII, he made a radio address to the pilgrims in Luján on the occasion of the First Marian Congress in Argentina in 1947.
In 1982, during the Falklands War, John Paul II became the first Pope to visit Our Lady of Luján. During this visit the Pope celebrated an outdoor Mass in the square of the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján and bestowed upon her the Golden Rose. Both in his homily of 11 June and his Angelus back in Rome reflecting on the trip, he commented on Our Lady’s never failing maternal solicitude for the faithful in times of distress. On 11 June 1982, John Paul II personally bestowed a Papal Golden Rose on Our Lady of Luján.

St Acacius of Byzantium
Bl Aloysius Luis Rabata
St Amatus Ronconi
Bl Angelo of Massaccio
St Arsenio of Mount Scete
St Benedict II, Pope
St Boniface IV, Pope (c 550-615) Bishop of Rome fro 608 until his death

Bl essed Clara Fey (1815-1894) Religious Sister and Founder of the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-blessed-clara-fey-1815-1894/

St Desideratus of Bourges
Bl Domenico di San Pietro
St Gibrian
St Helladius of Auxerre

Blessed Henri Vergès FMS (1930-1994) Martyr, Religious Brother of the Order of Marist Brothers, Teacher, Missionary, one of the Nineteen Martyrs of Algeria
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-blessed-henri-verges-fms-1930-1994-martyr/

St Ida of Nivelles
St Martin of Saujon
St Metrone of Verona
St Odrian of Waterford
St Otger of Utrecht
St Peter of Besançon
Bl Pietro de Alos
Bl Raymond of Toulouse
Bl Teresa Demjanovich
Bl Ulrika Fransiska Nisch
St Victor Maurus
St Wiro of Utrecht

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 7 May – The Humility of Mary

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Thought for the Day – 7 May – “Mary’s Month” Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Humility of Mary

“Unfortunately, we often look for our share of glory on earth.
We wish to appear to others, not only at our true value but much more than we are really worth.
We imagine that the gifts and qualities which God has given us, belong to ourselves, whereas they are entirely His.

We like to put up a good appearance to win praise and renown – in other words, we want to have our reward upon this earth.
We should remember, however, that if we look for our reward now, we shall not have it in Heaven.

God sees when our motives in doing good are distorted and, when we appear before His judgement throne, He will say to us: “You have received your reward” (Cf Mt 6:2).

Let us be humble like Mary.
Let us make God’s glory, rather than our own satisfaction, the object of our actions.
It will sometimes happen that men will misunderstand us, perhaps even insult us.
We are not forbidden to defend ourselves and explain our position.
We may not have the heroic virtue of St Francis de Sales, who remained silent when he was caluminated.
But we should not be too disturbed by lack of understanding or slander, nor should we be too elated by flattery.
Only one thing should count with us and that is, the testimony of a good conscience before God.
Everything else is passing and futile.

Our humility will be tested by the inevitable opposition, sometimes jealous and malicious, which we shall experience on the part of other men.
On these occasions, we shall see if we are really meek and humble of heart, like Jesus and our Blessed Mother.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/07/thought-for-the-day-7-may-the-humility-of-mary/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 7 May – “Love one another as I have loved you” – John 15:12

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 May – “Mary’s Month” – Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-12, John 15:12-17

“Love one another as I have loved you”

John 15:12

“Someone who shows no clemency,
who is not clothed with the bowels of mercy and tears,
no matter what sort of student he is in spirituality,
such a one, does not fulfil the law of Christ.”

St Jerome (343-420)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“My brothers, Christ made love the stairway
that would enable all Christians
to climb to heaven.
Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity,
give one another practical proof of it
and by your progress in it,
make your ascent together.”

St Fulgentius of Ruspe (460-533) Bishop

“Love is watchful.
Sleeping, it does not slumber.
Wearied, it is not tired.
Pressed, it is not straitened.
Alarmed, it is not confused
but like a living flame,
a burning torch,
it forces its way upward
and passes unharmed
through every obstacle.”

“Nothing is sweeter than love,
nothing stronger or higher or wider;
nothing is more pleasant, nothing fuller
and nothing better in heaven or on earth,
for love is born of God
and cannot rest except in God,
Who is above all created things.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Posted in "Follow Me", QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 May – “You have not chosen me but I have chosen you and have appointed you” … John 15:16

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 May – “Mary’s Month” – Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-12, John 15:12-17

“You have not chosen me but I have chosen you and have appointed you” … John 15:16

REFLECTION – “Just as the head and body of a man, form one single man, so the Son of the Virgin and those He has chosen to be His members, form a single man and the one Son of Man. Christ, is whole and entire, head and body, say the Scriptures, since all the members form one body, which, with its Head, is one Son of Man and He, with the Son of God, is one Son of God, who Himself, with God, is one God. Therefore, the whole body with its Head is Son of Man, Son of God and God. This is the explanation of the Lord’s words – Father, I desire that as you and I are one, so they may be one with us.

And so, according to this well-known reading of Scripture, neither the body without the head, nor the Head without the body, nor the Head and body without God, make the whole Christ. When all are united with God, they become one God. The Son of God is one with God by nature, the Son of Man is one with Him in His person; we, His body, are one with Him sacramentally. Consequently, those, who by faith, are spiritual members of Christ, can truly say that they are what He is – the Son of God and God Himself. But what Christ is, by His nature, we are as His partners, what He is of Himself in all fullness, we are as participants. Finally, what the Son of God is by generation, His members are by adoption, according to the text – As sons you have received the Spirit of adoption, enabling you to cry, Abba, Father. …

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.” – Blessed Isaac of Stella O.Cist.(c 1100 – c 1170) Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher – An excerpt from his Sermon 42

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, You gave us a new birth in holy Baptism and a new life in Your Son, who first loved us and gave His life for us. Grant us, we pray, the grace to love all as He did and bear much fruit, always striving after what He has taught who goes ahead of us, to lead us to You. May the prayers of His beloved Mother and ours, grant us help and inspiration as we travel the road to eternal life. Through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God now and for all eternity, amen.

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 7 May – Mary, my Good Mother

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 7 May – “Mary’s Month” – Friday of the F1fth Week of Easter

Mary, my Good Mother
By St Marcellin Champagnat (1789-1840)
Founder of the Marist Brothers

Mary, my Good Mother,
I am called here to do good.
I can achieve nothing
without the assistance
of your divine Son,
and yours as well.
This is why I ask you to help me.
I ask you to be with me,
directing my hands,
my words,
my heart,
my whole person.
And when I am faced with some difficulties,
Good Mother, I will entrust them to you
though I myself will do all that depends on me.
I offer and commend to you,
all that will be entrusted to me this day.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 May – Saint Flavia Domitilla of Terracina (1st Century) Virgin and Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 7 May – Saint Flavia Domitilla of Terracina (1st Century) Virgin and Martyr.

The Roman Martyrology states of her today: “At Terracina, in Campania, the birthday of blessed Flavia Domitilla, Virgin and Martyr, niece of the Consul Flavius Clemens. She received the religious veil at the hands of St Clement and in the persecution of Domitian, was exiled with many others to the island of Pontia, where she endured a long Martyrdom for Christ. Taken afterwards to Terracina, she converted many to the faith of Christ by her teaching and miracles. The judge ordered the chamber in which she was, with the virgins Euphrosina and Theodora, to be set on fire and she thus consummated her glorious Martyrdom. She is also mentioned with the holy Martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, on the 12th of this month.”

Sts Euphrosina and Theodora with St Flavia in the centre

Flavia was niece to the consul and Martyr St Flavius Clemens, being the daughter of his sister as Eusebius testifies; “consequently she was little niece of the Emperor Domitian, who, having put to death her illustrious uncle, banished her for her faith into Pontia. There she lived with her holy eunuchs, Nereus and Achilleus, in exercises of devotion, they all dwelling in separate cells which remained standing three hundred years after. “

Sts Nereus and Achilleus with St Flavia

St.Jerome tells us, that St Paula, going from Rome to Jerusalem, took this is and in her way, visited them with respect and devotion,and, by the sight of them, was animated with fervour. That holy Father , St Jerome, calls her banishment ,a long Martyrdom.

The acts of Sts Nereus and Achilleu say ,that she returned to Terracina and was there burnt under Trajan because she refused to sacrifice to idols. Her relics are kept together with those of Sts Nereus and Achilleus; who, though her servants here on earth, enjoy an equal honour and condition with her, in glory.

This royal virgin found true happiness and joy in suffering for virtue, whilst worldly pomp and honours are only masks which often cover the basest slavery,and much inward bitterness. Sinners who seem the most fortunate in the eyes of the world, feel in their own breasts, frequent returns of fear, anxiety and remorse. They are only enemies to solitude and retirement and, to all serious and calm reflection because they cannot bear to look into themselves and tremble at the very sight of their own frightful wounds. To turn their eyes from themselves, they study to drown their faculties in a hurry of dissipation, business, or diversion. Nay, though nauseated and tired with a dull and tasteless repetition of follies, they choose to repeat them still, for fear of being left alone, at liberty to think of themselves. But what becomes of them when sickness, disasters, or a wakeful hour forces them to take a view of their own miserable state and the dangers which hang over them? Their gaudy show of happiness is merely exterior and only imposes upon others but their pangs and agonies, are interior, these they themselves feel.

The servant of God, who in his sweet love enjoys an inward peace and comfort which the whole world cannot rob him of, carries his paradise within his own breast, whatever storms hover about him. – Fr Alban Butler (1711–1773).

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Apparition of the Holy Cross over Jerusalem and Memorials of the Saints – 7 May

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Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter +2021

Apparition of the Holy Cross over Jerusalem: Commemorates the appearance on 7 May 351, Pentecost that year, of a luminous image of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. It stretched from Mount Golgotha to the Mount of Olives (about two miles / three kilometers), was brighter than the sun, lasted several hours and was seen by the entire City. It led to many conversions and was reported in a letter attributed to Saint Cyril of Jerusalem.

St Abba

St Agostino Roscelli ( 1818–1902) Priest, Founder of the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-st-agostino-roscelli-1818-1902/

Blessed Alberto of Bergamo OP (1214-1279) Layman, Widow, Apostle of Charity, Pilgrim, Third Order Dominican. Beatified by Pope Benedict IV in 1748.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-blessed-alberto-of-bergamo-op-1214-1279/

Bl Agnellus of Pisa OFM (c 1195-1236)
Bl Antonio de Agramunt
St Augustine of Nicomedia
St Augustus of Nicomedia
St Cerenico of Spoleto
St Domitian of Huy
St Duje
St Flavia Domitilla of Terracina (1st Century) Virgin Martyr
St Flavius of Nicomedia
Bl Francesco Paleari
Bl Gisela of Ungarn
Bl Jan Eugeniusz Bajewski
St John of Beverley
St Juvenal of Benevento
St Maurelius of Voghenza-Ferrara
Bl Miqael of Ulompo
St Peter of Pavia
St Placid of Autun
St Quadratus of Herbipolis
St Quadratus of Nicomedia

St Rose Venerini MPV (1656-1728) Religious, Foundress of the Religious Teachers Venerini (the Venerini Sisters).
About St Rose:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-st-rose-venerini-1656-1728/

St Serenicus of Hyesmes
St Serenus of Hyesmes
Bl Villanus of Gubbio

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE

Thought for the Day – 6 May – The Virginal Purity of Mary

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Thought for the Day – 6 May – “Mary’s Month” Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Virginal Purity of Mary

“Purity is the most beautiful of virtues.
It is a virtue which is admired by God and by men, even by the most corrupt.
It is often said, that it makes us like the angels but in fact, looking at it in a particular way, it makes us superior to the angels.
Since they have no bodies, the angels cannot sin against purity, while we have to fight many battles and overcome many temptations, in order to preserve our chastity.
Jesus had a very special love for this virtue.
He chose to be born of a virgin and, He showed a particular affection for St John, who was a dedicated celibate.
On one occasion, He placed His Hands on the head of a little child and said: “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of Heaven “(Mt:18.3)

Unfortunately, the virtue of purity is as fragile as it is beautiful.
It can be lost in a single moment of weakness.
We must love ths virtue as Mary loved it.
We must be prepared to make any sacrifice, even the most heroic, rather than lose it.
Worldly charm and beauty attract us and the devil works hard to control our imagination and our affections.
On account of the disturbance of original sin, the flesh is like a terrible weight retarding our spiritual advancement.
Sometimes it seems as if it is irresistibly drawing us towards the abyss of impurity.
But we need not be dragged down, if we are prepared to fly from the occasions of sin and to pray to God and to our heavenly Mother for her intercession.
We must always act at once, for there is no time to dally.
It is fatal to remain inactive and to allow temptation to make its way into our soul.
This kind of battle, said St Francis de Sales, is won only by soldiers who flee.
We must fly from the occasions of sin, no matter what sacrifice this entails.
Jesus has warned us, that it is better to enter Heaven without a hand or a foot, than to be cast into hell.

We know the remedies – instant flight, heroic sacrifice and constant prayer.
We can leave the rest to the grace of God and to the maternal protection of Mary.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/06/thought-for-the-day-6-may-the-virginal-purity-of-mary

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 6 May – “You shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart”

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 May – “Mary’s Month” – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Readings: First: Acts 15: 7-21; Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 10; Gospel: John 15: 9-1

“As the Father hath loved me,
I also have loved you.
Abide in my love.”

John 15:9

“You shall love the Lord your God
with ALL your heart”

Mark 12:30

“Remember God
more often
than you breathe!”

St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Choose the opposition of the whole world,
rather than offend Jesus.
Of all those who are dear to you,
let Him be your special love.
Let all things be loved,
for the sake of Jesus
but Jesus, for His own sake.”

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

(Book 2 Ch 8)

“My dear souls, let us recognise, I pray you,
Christ’s infinite charity towards us
in the institution of this Sacrament of the Eucharist.
In order that our love be a spiritual love,
He wills a new heart, a new love, a new spirit for us.
It is not with a carnal heart but with a spiritual one,
that Christ has loved us with a gratuitous love,
a supreme and most ardent love,
by way of pure grace and charity.
Ah! One needs to love Him back
with one’s whole, whole, whole,
living, living, living and true, true, true heart!!”

St Lawrence of Brindisi(1559-1619)
Apostolic Doctor of the Church

“By giving yourself to God,
you not only receive Himself in exchange
but, eternal life as well!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“If a man wants to know if
he is living a good Christian life,
therefore, all he has to do
is ask himself if he loves God
above everything
and his neighbour as himself.
… Love gives wings to his feet
and pours enthusiasm
and fervour into his heart.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 May – “Abide in my love.” – John 15:9

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One Minute Reflection – 6 May – “IMary’s Month” – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Readings: First: Acts 15: 7-21; Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 10; Gospel: John 15: 9-11 and the Memorial of St John the Evangelist at the Latin Gate

“Abide in my love.” – John 15:9

REFLECTION – “You may well believe that there is no-one in the world, neither friend nor brother, father or mother, husband or betrothed who loves you more than your God loves you. Divine grace is that treasure of great price, that boundless treasure of which the wise man speaks, which, as soon as we use it, makes us participants in friendship with God (cf. Wis 7:14). In God’s sight we were only miserable creatures, poor servants and now, we become friends, beloved friends of our Creator himself!

Precisely so as to make us more at ease with Him, He emptied Himself (cf. Phil 2:7), so to speak, humbling Himself, so far, as to become man, in order to converse familiarly with men (cf. Bar 3:38).8). Even this was not enough, He became a child, became poor, he even let Himself be put to death on a cross, by a miscarriage of justice, before a whole people. Even more, He went so far as to put Himself under the species of bread, so as to make Himself our companion each day and unite Himself, in close union with each one of us – “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood,” He said, “remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:56). In sum, one could say, that He has no love but for you, He loves you so much.

Therefore, it is Him you should love and no other. Of Him you could and should say “My Beloved is mine and I am his” (Sg 2:16); my God has given Himself without reserve and, without reserve, I give myself to Him; He has chosen me as the object of His tenderness and He, among thousands, He, the radiant and ruddy one (Sg 5:10), so loveable and so loving, He is the chosen of my heart, the only one I wish to love.”- St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop and Most Zealous Doctor of the Church – The manner of conversing with God, trans. from the Italian

PRAYER – In Your gentle mercy Lord, guide our wayward hearts, for we know that left to ourselves, we cannot do Your will. Almighty God, turn our hearts to Yourself, so that we, seeking the one thing ne cessary, may worship You in spirit and in truth. We give You thanks for our faith, increase our faith O our God! May the prayers of St John and all your saints and the Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, obtain the gift of humility and fidelity for us and for every believer, so that our prayer may always be genuine and pleasing to the Lord. Through Christ our Lord and Redeemer, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 6 May – Mother of Mercy

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Our Morning Offering – 6 May – “Mary’s Month” – Thursday of the Fifth week of Easter

Mother of Mercy
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

Virgin full of goodness,
Mother of Mercy,
I entrust to you my body and soul,
my thoughts, my actions,
my life and my death.
O my Queen, help me,
and deliver me from all
the snares of the devil.
Obtain for me the grace
of loving my Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son,
with a true and perfect love,
and after Him, O Mary,
to love you with all my heart
and above all things.
Amen