Thought for the Day – 15 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven
“The fourth Book of Kings tells us, that the Prophet Elias was taken up into Heaven in a fiery chariot without having first endured the pains and humiliations of death (Cf 4 Kings 2:11). Why did God not do likewise in the case of the Blessed Virgin, commanding His Angels to bear her to Heaven before death struck her innocent body? As St Paul says, it was sin which caused death to enter the world. From the moment of her conception, Mary was free from the slightest taint of sin, for she was immaculate and full of grace. Nevertheless, according to the most widely held tradition, Mary chose to die, even as her Divine Son had willed to die. Jesus “was offered because it was His own will” (Isa 53:7). The same is true in Mary’s case, with only this difference. Jesus died a cruel death after the most hideous tortures in the midst of a blaspheming and hate-ridden mob. Nothing like this happened to Mary, although she is called the Queen of Martyrs because of the sword which pierced her soul at the sight of her Divine Son, dying in such agony.
Jesus willed, however, that the immaculate body of His Mother would remain intact. It was only her great love and intense desire of being reunited with her Son which gradually consumed her mortal life. Her ever-increasing love for God, broke the bonds of her mortal frame until she went to sleep at last, in the Lord.
Quote/s of the Day – 15 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” –The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
“In their sermons and speeches on the Feast day of the Assumption of the Mother of God, the holy Fathers and the Great Doctors of the Church, were speaking of something which the faithful already knew and accepted – all they did, was to bring it out into the open, to explain its meaning and substance in other terms. Above all, they made it most clear, that this Feast commemorated, not merely the fact that the Blessed Virgin Mary did not experience bodily decay but also, her triumph over death and her heavenly glory, following the example of her only Son, Jesus Christ.”
Pope Pius XII (1876-1958) From the Apostolic Constitution “Munificentissimus Deus” Defining the DOGMA of the Assumption 1 November 1950
“Jesus willed, however, that the Immaculate body of His Mother would remain intact. It was only her great love and intense desire of being reunited with her Son, which gradually consumed her mortal life. Her ever-increasing love for God, broke the bonds of her mortal frame until she went to sleep at last, in the Lord. If only our death could be the same!”
“Humility is the Mother of all the virtues, even as pride is the source of all the vices. If we wish to share in Mary’s triumph, we must, first of all, share in her humility. The glorious Assumption of Mary contains a lesson in humbility for all of us!”
One Minute Reflection – 15 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven – Judith 13:22-25; 15:10 – Luke 1:41-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Most blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” – Luke 1:42
REFLECTION – “Let us honour the Queen of Heaven, Mother of life, Source of mercy, overflowing delights, leaning on her Beloved. Let us praise her, knowing full well that our praise will be insufficient.
Risen above the tallest trees of paradise and exalted above the highest peaks of mountains, she will penetrate Heaven with incredible majesty accompanied by the singing of the choirs of celestial Angels and surrounded by the dancing of Angels. Happy are those who dwell in Thy house, O Lord, they will praise Thee without end! In you we praise not Eve who introduced the poison but Mary who gave life, who is the Mother and nursemaid of all, the life of all the living. In you we praise even our own mother.
May all hear and rejoice, the humble Virgin rises, crowned, to the throne of glory, may the humble rejoice.May those who exalt themselves in their presumption fall. Mary, who gives herself as a holocaust to the fullness of grace. May the Blessed Virgin, unique in her merits, stand in the presence of her Creator interceding always in our favour. She will be radiant in the fullness of glory, she who brought forth from her virginal womb, the King of glory.” – St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) Bishop, Cistercian Monk (Marian Homily VIII).
PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, forgive the transgressions of Thy servants and, forasmuch as by our own deeds, we cannot please Thee, may we find safety through the prayers of the Mother of Thy Son and our Lord. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 15 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
Mary, Virgin most Blessed Mother of Mercy By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church (Prayer used as part of the Assumption Novena)
O Mary, Virgin most Blessed and Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, through thy mercy I beseech thee, to come to my aid and to inspire me with such confidence in thy power that I may have recourse to thee, pray to thee and implore thy aid, in all needs of soul and body. Amen
Saint of the Day – 15 August – St Napoleon (Died c302) Martyr of Alexandria. Born in Egypt and was Martyred in Alexandria in the early 4th Century during the persecutions of Diocletian. Also known as – Neopulus, Neopolus, Neopolis or Neópolo.
He was seized during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian and was brutally tortured in Alexandria. Neopoleon died from his injuries. Sadly we have no further information but it appears that he had been a soldier.
St Alypius (Died 430) Bishop of the See of Thagaste (in what is now Algeria) in 394, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith against heresy, Lawyer, teacher, spiritual advisor. He was a lifelong disciple and friend of Saint Augustine and joined him in his conversion (in 386; Confessions 8.12.28) and life in Christianity. He is credited with helping establish Augustine’s Monastery in Africa. Most of what is known about him comes from Augustine’s autobiographical Confessions. A Life of Holiness: https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/15/saint-of-the-dy-saint-alypius-of-thagaste-died-430/
Blessed Alfred OSB (Died 874) Bishop of Hildesheim, Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Founder of Essen Abbey, Hildesheim Cathedral, many Convents, Schools and Seminaries, Royal Spiritual Adviser to the East Frankish King Louis the German, Diplomatic Peacemaker, he was know for his great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His Lifeot Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/15/saint-of-the-day-15-august-blessed-alfred-of-hildesheim-osb-died-874-bishop/
Blessed Aimo Taparelli OP (c 1395-1495) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, widower and father, Reformer, spiritual writer. He served as an Inquisitor-General for his Order in the Lombard and Liguria regions of Italy and became a travelling preacher in Northern Italian Cities. His name means “defends the house with the sword.” Aimo was Beatified on 29 May 1856 by Pope Pius IX. Blessed Aimo’s Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/15/saint-of-the-day-15-august-blessed-aimo-taparelli-op-c-1395-1495/
Blessed Alberto Berdini OFM Conv. (1385– 1450) Priest and Friaer of the Friars Minor Conventual, known as the “King of Preachers – Rex Praedicatorum” Disciple and companion of St Bernardine of Siena in his Missionary work in Italy., often called upon to assist in peace discussions between warring Cities. Born in 1385 in Sarteano, Tuscany, Italy and died on 15 August 1450 in Milan, Italy of natural causes. Blessed Holy Albert’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/15/saint-of-the-day-14august-blessed-alberto-berdini-ofm-conv-1385-1450/
St Simplician (c320-c401) Archbishop of Milan and Successor of St Ambrose (340-397) Doctor of the Church in the Archdiocese of Milan, Teacher, Catechist, Writer, Mystic. St Ambrose used to call Simplician father, as a sign of spiritual relationship but they were also great friends. Simplician took also an active part in the conversions of both Alypius of Thagaste and Augustine of Hippo. The meeting between Augustine and Simplican occurred in Milan in 386 and it is recorded in Augustine’s Confessions. After his conversion, Augustine also called Simplician father and in 397 he dedicated to Simplician two books on the issue of predestination, known as De Diversis Quaestionibus ad Simplicianum. St Augustine, remembered and referred to him with deep gratitude, calling him the “spiritual father of my soul” and would submit his own writings to him to review and comment. Details of the life of St Simplician here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/saint-of-the-day-15-august-st-simplician-of-milan/
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. No details survive but the names – Eutychian, Philip and Straton. They were martyred in Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 14 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Holy Mary”
“The Angel’s greeting was completed later by the salutation of St Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth saw the Blessed Virgin coming to visit her, she cried out in humble veneratin: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” (Lk 1:42).
In the first part of the Hail Mary, then, we pay her the words of the Gospel, the highest tributes ever accorded to any human creature, proclaiming her to be full of grace, blessed among women and Mother of the Redeemer. The second part which was later added by the Church, (composed and proposed by St Peter Canisius 1521-1597) Doctor of the Church), is a heartfelt supplication addressed to Mary as the Mother of God and our Mother. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen.” It would be difficult to find a more touching plea. We ask our heavenly Mother to intercede for us now – because we have such great need of her assistance in this vale of tears and temptations. May she be always by our side, to shelter us beneath her mantle!”
Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Vigil of the Assumption
“And Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary and of her was born Jesus, Who is called Christ.”
Matthew 1:16
“Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for without the seed of man thou bore the Fruit Who gives a blessing to the whole earth and frees it from being condemned to produce only thorns.”
St Sophronius of Jerusalem (c560-638) Bishop, Father of the Church
Fly, My Soul, with Mary Fly! By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor (From “The Glories of Mary”) Trans. Redemptoris Fathers, 1931)
Fly, my soul, with Mary fly! Soar beyond the golden sky, Mount to Mary’s throne on high.
Bright the queenly crown she won, Sweet the reign she has begun, As she stands beside her Son. Fly, my soul, with Mary fly.
How endure this long delay? Living here, how can I stay From such beauty far away? Fly, my soul, with Mary fly.
Sad my lot is here below; Who can hope or life bestow? Who will help or pity show? Fly, my soul, with Mary fly.
One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Vigil of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28
REFLECTION – “Truly it is “a trustworthy word and deserving of every welcome” (1 Tm 1:15) your Almighty Word, Lord, which, in such deep Silence, made His way down from the Father’s royal throne (Wis 18:14f) into the mangers of animals and meanwhile, speaks to us better by His Silence. “Let him who has ears to hear, hear” what this loving and mysterious Silence of the eternal Word speaks to us …
For what recommends the discipline of silence with such weight and such authority, what checks the evil of restless tongues and the storms of words, as the Word of God, silent in the midst of men. “There is no word on My tongue” (Ps 138:4), the Almighty Word seems to confess while He is subject to His Mother. What madness then will prompt us to say: “With our tongues we can do great things; our lips are good friends to us; we own no master” (Ps 11:5). If I were allowed, I would gladly be dumb and be brought low and be silent, even of good things that I might be able, the more attentively and diligently, to apply my ear to the secret utterances and sacred meaning of this Divine Silence, learning in silence, in the school of the Word, if only for as long as the Word Himself was Silent under the instruction of His Mother …
“The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” (Jn 1:14). With complete devotion, then, let us think of Christ in the swaddling clothes with which His Mother wrapped Him, so that, with eternal happiness, we may see the glory and beauty with which His Father has clothed Him.” – Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (The 5th sermon for Christmas).
PRAYER – O God, Who chose for Thy dwelling the virginal womb of the blessed Mary, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of her protection, we may with joy, take part in her festival.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” –The Vigil of the Assumption
Prayer in Honour of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)
O Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and Mother of men, we believe with all the fervour of our faith, in thy triumphal Assumption, both body and soul, into Heaven, where thou art acclaimed as Queen by all the Choirs of Angels and all the legions of the Saints. And we unite with them, to praise and bless the Lord, who has exalted thee above all other pure creatures and to offer thee, the tribute of our devotion and our love. Amen
Saint of the Day – 14 August – Saint Fachtna (6th Century) the 1st Bishop of Ross, Ireland, Founder Abbot of a Monastery and a renowned School. Patronage – of Rosscarbery, the Diocese of Kilfenora , Cork and Ross. Also known as – Fachana, Facaage.
Toward the end of the 6th Century, Fachtna founded a Monastery and School in the area now known as Rosscarbery (Ros Ailithir – “the wooded headland of the pilgrims”). The School of Ross became a celebrated seat of learning and gained an international reputation for study of Sacred Scripture and learning, until the 9th Cntury when it was besieged and destroyed by the Danes.
St Brendan the Navigator, taught in this School which was crowded with students from every Continental land. It flourished for three hundred years and survived ,in some form, until the coming of the Normans to Ireland.
Fachtna is regarded as the 1st Bishop and Patron of Ross Diocese
In 1197, Pope Celestine III appointed Daniel as the Bishop of Ross and the Diocese had its own Bishop from the 12th Century until 1693, when it was united with Cork and Cloyne. In 1849 the Diocese regained its own Bishop but in 1954 was united with Cork Diocese.
The description of Saint Fachtna in Cuimin of Connor’s Poem on the characteristic virtues of the Irish Saints is:
“Fachtna, the generous and steadfast, loved to instruct the crowds in concert, He never spoke that which was mean, Nor aught but what was pleasing to his Lord.”
Fachtna is a favouured name for Catholic boys from this area. There is a Catholic Church dedicated to St Fachtna in the picturesque village of Glandore. A stained-glass window of St Fachtna by Sarah Purser appears in the Honan Chapel in University College, Cork. (see above).
St Eusebius of Rome (Died 357) Priest, Confessor. “At Rome, the birthday of the blessed Priest Eusebius, who for the defence of the Catholic Faith, was shut up in a room of his own house by the Arian Emperor, Constantius, where constantly persevering in prayer for seven months, he rested in peace. His body was removed by the Priests, Gregory and Orosius and buried in the cemetery of Cllistus on the Appian Way.” – Roman Martyrology. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/14/saint-of-the-day-14-august-saint-eusebius-of-rome-died-357-priest-confessor/
Thought for the Day – 13 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Mary, Our Hope”
“These expressions of confidence in Mary’s powerful intercession, should not lead us astray, however. They hold good with absolute certainty, only for those who have true devotion to Mary. Even if they are sinners, such clients of Mary, must have at least the good intention of changing their lives and never offending God again. Sin and sincere devotion to Our Lady, cannot co-exist! “Relinquish every intention of sinning.” St Gregory VII wrote to the Princess Matilde, “and you will find Mary more eager to help you than any earthly mother” (Lib 1, Ep 47).
We should ask, furthermore, for spiritual favours first of all. Later we can ask for temporal favours, if they are to our spiritual advantage.
Finally, if we are to have a true devotion to Mary, we must love and imitate her. as well as pray to her. Anyone who sincerely tries to do all this, is certain of salvation!”
Quote/s of the Day – 13 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621) Jesuit Novice
“The Chaplet of the Twelve Stars” OR The Immaculate Conception Chaplet Composed by St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621)
St John recited the Chaplet daily to obtain the grace never to commit any sin against the virtue of purity, through the intercession of the Immaculate ever Virgin Mary. He name the prayer “The Chaplet of the Twelve Stars” with which to crown our Lady. The Chaplet may be prayed for other intentions.
The Chaplet consists of three groups of four beads each. A large bead separates each group and a medal of the Immaculate Conception (also known as The Miraculous Medal) is attached to the end.
How to Pray the Chaplet of the 12 Stars
+1. Holding the Miraculous Medal, make the Sign of the Cross, kissing the Medal as you do so. Then on the Miraculous Medal say: “Blessed be the pure, most Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. ”
+2. On the first single bead, the Our Father.
+3. On each of the first group of four beads, the Hail Mary.
After the fourth Hail Mary, the Glory Be.
+4. On the second single bead: “Blessed be the pure, most Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. ” Then the Our Father.
+5. Repeat the same sequence on each of the remaing groups to the end. thus completing the 12 Stars i.e. 3 Groups of 4 each.
At the end, some add: “Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. ” (The words on the front of the Miraculous Medal).
One Minute Reflection – 13 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Saints Hippolytus and Cassian (Died c235) Martyrs – Our Lady Refuge of Sinners – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ” – Luke 12:4-5
REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the Life of the soul. As the life that is the soul, is present with the body that the body may not die, so the Life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.
How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its Life, has forsaken it. This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through 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 – 13 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feast of Our Lady Refuge of Sinners
Shelter Me Under Thy Mantle, Refuge of Sinners By St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
Most holy Virgin Immaculate, my Mother Mary, to thee, who art the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the Universe, the Advocate, the Hope, the Refuge of sinners, I, who am the most miserable of all sinners, have recourse this day. I venerate thee, great Queen and I thank thee for the many graces thou hast bestowed upon me, even unto this day, in particular, for having delivered me from the hell which I have so often deserved by my sins. I love thee, my dearest Lady and because of that love, I promise to serve thee willingly forever and to do what I can to make thee loved by others. I place in thee all my hopes for salvation, accept me as thy servant and shelter me under thy mantle, thou, who art the Mother of Mercy. And since thou are so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least, obtain for me the strength to overcome them until death. From thee, I implore, a true love for Jesus Christ. Through thee, I hope to die a holy death. My dear Mother, by thy love for Almighty God, I pray thee to assist me always but most of all, at the last moment of my life. Forsake me not then, until thou shalt see me safely in Heaven, there to bless thee and sing of thy mercies, throughout all eternity. Such is my hope. Amen
Saint of the Day – 13 August – Blessed Gertrude O.Praem. (1227-1297) Princess, Abbess of Premonstratensian Monastery at Altenberg, Germany, Ascetric, gifted with the charism of prophecy and penance. Born on 29 September 1227, died on 13 August 1297.
In the Monastery of Altenburg near Vetzlar, in Germany, blessed Gertrude, the Abbess of the Premonstratensian Order, who, while still a child, was offered to God in this place by her holy mother St Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary.
Gertrude’s father, Louis XIV, Landgrave of Thuringia, had died on a Crusade. Gertrude was entrusted by her mother to the Premonstratensian Nuns of Altenberg near Wetzlar, in Germany. She became the Abbess of this ascetic Order in 1248. Under her government a beautiful Church dedicated to the Virgin and to St Michael was built and, at the same time, a house was erected to give hospitality to the poor and wayfarers.
As early as 1270, she introduced to Altenberg, the Feast of the Holy Sacrament. She was distinguished by her spirit of penance and her gift of predicting future events.
Not long after her death, in 1311, Pope Clement VI authorised her public veneration at the Nonastery of Altenberg. Her Feast was extended by Pope Benedict XIII to the whole Order on 11 July 1729, enriched with Indulgences. It is celebrated today, on 13 August.
+St Hippolytus (Died c235) Martyr AND +St Cassian (of Imola) (Died c235) Martyr The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, blessed Hippolytus, Martyr, who gloriously confessed the Faith, under the Emperor Decius {mpt Valerian}. After enduring other torments, he was tied by the feet to the necks of wild horses and being cruelly dragged through briars and brambles and having all his body lacerated, he yielded his spirit.” AND: “At Imola, the birthday of St Cassian, Martyr. As he refused to worship idols, the persecutor called the boys whom the Saint taught and who hated him, giving them leave to kill him. The torment suffered by the Martyr was the more grievious, as the hand which inflicted it by reason of its weakness, rendered death more tardy.” HOLY MARTYRS for CHRIST: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/13/saint-s-of-the-day-13-august-saints-hippolytus-and-cassian-died-c235-martyrs/
St Cassian
St Cassian of Todi Martyr
St Centolla and Helen (Died c304) Martyrs
St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621) Jesuit Novice – born Jan Berchmans on 13 March 1599 at Driest, Brabant, Belgium and died on 13 August 1621 at Rome, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – Altar Servers, Jesuit novices and students. He had a special devotion to God’s Mother and to him is owed the Little Rosary of the Immaculate Conception. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-john-berchmans-sj-1599-1621/
St Anastasius the Monk St Anastasius the Priest
St Benildus Romançon FSC (1805-1862) Teacher of the Brothers of Christian Schools
St Cassian of Todi St Concordia Blessed Gertrude O.Praem (1227-1297) Abbess of Altenberg St Helen of Burgos St Herulph of Langres Bl John of Alvernia St Junian of Mairé St Ludolph
St Maximus the Confessor (c580-662) Father of the Church, Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Confessor, Scholar, Writer. Also known as St Maximus of Constantinople and St Maximus the Theologian. St Maximus, a man of fearless courage in witnessing to – “confessing” – even while suffering, the integrity of his faith in Jesus Christ, true God and true man, Saviour of the world and of His Holy Catholic Church. Glorious St Maximus: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-maximus-the-confessor-c-580-662-father-of-the-church/
St Wigbert of Fritzlar (c675-c 746) Born in England, a learned Scholar and Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, gifted with a penetrating understanding of Sacred Scripture as well as the gift of prophecy, companion of St Boniface, the Apostle of Germany. Wigbert was known as a quiet and gentle man and a great teacher. Both St Alcuin and St Bede knew and mentioned him in their historical writings of the times and of the Church. St Bede admired his contempt of this world and his learning. A fascinating and much-admired Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-st-wigbert-of-fritzlar-c-675-c-746/
Thought for the Day – 12 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Faith and Charity
“Faith is a wonderful thing. As has been said, it is a supernatural gift from God which we should keep alive by prayer. Faith alone is not enough, however. It is the foundation, on which we must build the structure of our Christian life. It is especially necessary for it to be united to the flame of charity. “Without love,” says St Augustine, “there is only the faith which the devil has” (De Caritate 10) because, as St James explains, “the devil also believes and trembles” (Js 2:19). We, however, should believe and love. We must combine faith with charity towards God and towards our neighbour. Our faith should be active. As St Paul says, it should work under the influence of charity (Gal 5:6). Without charity and good works, faith is a lifeless thing.
If we really believe, we should love God above all things, even more than we love ourselves and, we should be ready to make any sacrifice for Him, even the sacrifice of our lives.
Faith should induce us to think constantly of God and charity should urge us to do everytig for His sake, rather than for any lesser purpose. If we lack this kind of charity, we cannot claim to be sincere Christians.”
One Minute Reflection – 12 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Clare (1194-1253) Virgin – 2 Cor inthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2 – Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But the wise took oil in their vessels” – Matthew 25:4
REFLECTION – “It is some great thing, some exceedingly great thing, that this oil signifies. Do you think it might be charity? If we try out this hypothesis, we hazard no precipitate judgement. I will tell you why charity seems to be signified by the oil. The Apostle says, “I will show you a still more excellent way.” “If I speak with the tongue of mortals and of Angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” This is charity. It is “that way above the rest” which is, with good reason, signified by the oil. For oil swims above all liquids. Pour in water and pour in oil upon it, the oil will swim above. If you keep the usual order, it will be uppermost, if you change the order, it will be uppermost. “Charity never fails!” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 93).
PRAYER – Hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we are gladdened by the festival of blessed Clare Thy virgin, so we may learn from it piety and devotion. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 12 August – Saint Herculanus (Died c550) the 18th Bishop of Brescia . Patronage of the City of Maderno in Brescia. Also known as – Ercolano.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Brescia, Saint Herculaneum, Bishop.”
In the ancient City catalogues, Herculanus is listed 18th position between St Cyprian and St Honorius but it is impossible to determine the years of his Episcopate. We can only state that it took place in the 6th Century, probably shortly after the middle years of that Centry.
Virgin and Child, with Saints Louis of Toulouse, Lawrence, Herculanus of Brescia and Constantius of Perugia. Date 1497.
He died in Campione del Garda, where, according to some, he had retired to the life of a Hermit. His Relics, discovered in the Church of Maderno in 1282, were displayed for public veneration the following year and in 1484, were recognised by the local Bishop, Paolo Zane. In 15, St Charles Borromeo transferred them from the old Shrine to the High Altar. On 7 May 1587, Bishop Morosini placed them in an inscribed marble Tomb.
His memorial is celebrated today 12 August, the day on which he is celebrated in Maderno City, of which he is the Patron Saint, and in the surrounding towns. Below is a lovely Statue of St Herculanus on the Facade of the Church and an interior view of the Church dedicated to him in Maderno.
St Eusebius of Milan (Died 462) Archbishop of Milan. Born in Greece (although some sources regard him as Milanese) and died on 12 August 462. He was the Archbishop from 449 until his death. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Milan, Saint Eusebius, Bishop, who worked diligently for the True Faith and rebuilt the Cathedral destroyed by the Huns.” His Zealous Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/12/saint-of-the-day-12-august-st-eusebius-of-milan-died-462-bishop/
St Felicissima the Blind St Gracilian St Herculanus (Died c550) Bishop of Brescia St Jambert of Canterbury St Julian of Syria
St Macarius of Syria St Merewenna St Micae Nguyen Huy My St Murtagh of Killala St Photinus of Marmora
Martyrs of Augsburg – 4 Saints: The mother, Hilaria,and three friends of of Saint Afra ofAugsburg. While visiting the tomb of Saint Afra who were seized by the authorities and Martyred when they visited Afra’s tomb – Digna, Eunomia, Euprepia and Hilaria. They were burned alive c 304.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Crescentian, Juliana, Largio, Nimmia and Quiriacus. They died in c304 in Rome, Italy and were buried on the Ostian Way outside Rome.
Thought for the Day – 11 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
How to Remain Aware of the Presence of God
“It is useful to consider the ways in which we can develop a constant and effective awareness of the Presence of God. The first way in which we can do this, is by cultivating a lively faith, which will help us to see God everywhere. “Do not I fill heaven and earth, saith the Lord?” (Jer 23:24).
This kind of faith should deepen our sense of God’s Presence and inspire in us sentiments of love and gratitude, which will guide us in all our actions. We cannot expect that we shall be able to remain in a state of constant contemplation of God, for this is the privilege enjoyed by the blessed in Heaven, for whom faith has been replaced by the Beatific Vision. We must be satisfied with exciting in ourselves, as often as possible, the active awareness of God’s Presence. This should be a quiet and peaceful process, not involving undue mental effort or anxiety.
We should be able to attend quite naturally to our work and other obligations and, we should be helped and consoled in this, by directing our thoughts to God from time to time, in order to offer ourselves to Him. This can easily be done by means of frequent ejaculatory prayer, by renewing, at regular intervals, our intention of doing everything for the love of God and by being prepared to endure, in complete acceptance of the Divine Will, all the hardships and trials of the day. Whenever it is possible, moreover, we should escape from the care and confusion of the world into a quiet Church. Here we can kneel in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist and express, in intimate prayer, our love for Him and our desire to serve Him.”
Quote/s of the Day – 11 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39– Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7
“[He] hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous Light … ”
1 Peter 2:9
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have conquered the world.” John 16:33
“Who will be crowned without having fought? Who will go to rest if he is not tired (cf. 2 Tim 2:5-6)? Who will gather the fruits of life without having planted virtues in his soul? Cultivate them, prepare the earth with the greatest care, take trouble over it, sweat over it, children, God’s workers, imitators of the Angels, competitors with incorporeal beings, lights for those who are in the world. (cf. Phil 2:15)!”
St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
“Fear is a greater evil than the evil itself.”
(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)
“Why do you put yourself in trouble? God is good; He sees very well what you are.”
(Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“We think not enough of this Truth – that God is present with us that He sees our thoughts, even long before we have them. That He knows what we think and shall think, better than we ourselves that He sees the folds and recesses, of our heart and of this other Truth – that NOTHING HAPPENS to us but by the order of Providence. We should all be Saints, if we well apprehended these Truths. And truly, it is a great consolation, to know that God sees the bottom of our heart.”
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) Disciple and Collaborator with St Francis de Sales in Founding the Sisters of the Visitation
One Minute Reflection – 11 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39– Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
REFLECTION – “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.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church.
PRAYER – May the constant protection of Thy holy Martyrs, Tiburtius and Susanna and Philomena support us, O Lord, for Thou never fails to look mercifully upon those whom Thou, hast given the help, of such intercession. 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 – 11 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Resumed Mass of Sunday, Pentecost IX
Lucis Creator Optime O Blest Creator of the Light By St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father & Doctor “Father of the Fathers”
O blest Creator of the light, Who mak’st the day with radiance bright, And o’er the forming world did’st call The Light from Chaos First of all.
Whose wisdom join’d in meet array The morn and eve and nam’d them day; Night comes with all its darkling fears; Regard Thy people’s pray’rs and tears.
Lest, sunk in sin and whelm’d with strife, They lose the gift of endless life; While thinking but the thoughts of time, They weave new chains of woe and crime.
But grant them grace that they may strain The heav’nly gate and prize to gain; Each harmful lure, aside to cast, And purge away each error past.
O Father, that we ask be done, Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son; Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Shall live and reign eternally. Amen
This hymn is used for Vespers (II) on Sundays throughout the year in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Breviary. Trans John M Neale (1818-1866), 1851. Tune: “Lucis Creator Optime” Gregorian Chant, Mode VIII, traditional.
Saint of the Day – 11 August – St Taurinus (c350-c412) the 1st Bishop of Evreux, in Normandy, France, Miracle-worker. Born in Rome in c350 and died at his See in Evreux in c412. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Evreux. A lso known as – Taurin, Taurino.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Evreux, in France, St Taurinus, Bishop. Being made the Bishop of that City by the blessed Pope Clement, he propagated the Christian Faith by the preaching of the Gospel and the many labours he sustained for it. He is celebrated for glorious miracles and finally slept in the Lord.”
Taurinus’ life is known through a manuscript of the 10th Century, itself based on a 9th Cntury text. The Vita was written by a wll-known Hagiographer Monk named Deodatus,
Taurinus was born in Rome to Tarquinius, a pagan and Eustycia, a devout Christian. An Angel appeared to Eustycia to announce that her son would have a great destiny. He was Baptised by St Pope Clement I. He became the Bishop of Evreux in around 385.
A number of miracles were associated with Taurinus. His legend states that he raised a girl, Euphrasia, from the dead after she died in a fire. After he had done so, there was no trace of burn or wounds upon her flesh. These wondrous miracle led to many conversions . He also resurrected a Marinus, the son of the local Prefect, who had fallen into a hole and died from the impact. After a short prayer, Taurinus revived the young man. At once, Marinus requested Baptism for himself and his entourage,and hundreds of others.
After Taurinus’ death, Maximus of Evreux was sent by Pope Damasus I to continue his predecessor’s immense success.
A Monastery dedicated to Taurinus was built around the 6th Century; it was restored in the 10 Century at the instigation of Richard I of Normandy/
Relief depicting St Tarinus evangelising
Bishop Landulphus is credited with having discovered, in answer to fervent prayer, the Relics of Taurinus and built a Basilica to house them. In 1035, the Abbey of Saint-Taurin was placed under the jurisdiction of the Abbey of Fécamp which also claimed the body of Taurinus. The Monks of Saint-Taurin claimed that they owned a part of the Saint’s Relics. In 1247, Gislebert de Saint-Martin, Abbot of Saint-Taurin, had a Reliquary built to house the remaining Relics. See below.
St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, the son of Saint Chromatius the Prefect of Rome, also a Martyr. St Damasus (c305-384), the Pope, wrote about Tiburtius. He died by being beheaded in c286 in Rome, Italy and his remains are entombed in the Ad Duas Lauros Cemetery at the three mile marker on the Via Lavicana in Rome. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, between the two laurels situate about three miles from the City, the birthday of St Tiburtius, Martyr, under the Judge Fabian, in the persecution of Diocletian. After he had walked barefoot on burning coals and confessed Christ with increased constancy. he was put to the sword.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-saint-tiburtius-died-c286-martyr/
St Cassian of Benevento St Chromatius the Prefect Martyr, the Father of St Tiburtius also celebrated today and also a Martyr St Digna of Todi
St Equitius (Died c570) Abbot,Miracle-worker, a renowned Preacher and Evangeliser spreading the tenets and glory of monasticism, Founder of a Monastery. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Province of Valeria, St Equitius, Abbot, whose sanctity is attested to by the blessed Pope Gregory.” His Life of Service: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-st-equitius-died-c570-abbot/
St Lelia St Rusicola of Arles St Rufinus of Marsi Bl Theobald of England and Companion St Taurinus (c350-c412) Bishop of Evreux
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