Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on VIRTUE

Thought for the Day – 25 July – Our Martyrdom

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Martyrdom

“St Ambrose describes virtue, as a slow martyrdom.
In this sense, we must all be Martyrs.
There is only one difference.
The Martyrs of the Church shed their blood and gave up their lives for Jesus, within one hour or one day and gained their reward immediately.
Our Martyrdom, on the other hand, will be prolonged.
It will last all our lives and will end only when we accept death with resignation from the hands of God.
Ours is the Martyrdom of virtue.
Let us clearly understand, that solid Christian virtue is a slow and continual Martyrdom which will only end with death.
It is not a flower which springs up spontaneously in the garden of the soul.
It is like a seed which is thrown on the damp earth and must die there slowly, so that it can generate young shoots which will produce the ears of corn.
“Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But, if it dies, it brings forth much fruit” (Jn 12:24-25).
It is necessary, then, to descend into the mire of humility and to remain there until we die.
Only after we have died to ourselves, shall we rise again in God (Cf ibid).
After the death of our lower instincts and vices, we shall find a new life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the KING, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Quote/s of the Day – 25 July – Santiago!

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feastday of St James the Greater, Apostle, Martyr

Aeterna Christi Munera
The Eternal Gifts of Christ the King
By St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
The Apostles’ glory let us sing.
And al,l with hearts of gladness raise,
Due hymns of thankful love and praise!
For they the Church’s Princes are,
Triumphant leaders in the warrior band,
True lights to lighten every land.

Theirs was the steadfast faith of Saints,
The hope which never yields nor faints,
The love of Christ in perfect glow,
That lay the prince of this world low,
In them, the Father’s glory shone,
In them, the Spirit’s will was done.

The Son Himself, exults in them,
Joy fills the new Jerusalem.
Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Ghost, three in One;
As ever was in ages past,
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen.

The Authorship of this Hymn is generally attributed to St Ambrose. He intended this composition of eight strophes to be used on the Feast Days of Martyrs. In the course of time, however,, the Hymn was selected for use on the Feast Days of the Apostles too. In each case, the Hymn praises the victory of the Apostles or Martyrs and expresses admiration for their constancy in specifically described trials and sufferings.

A Prayer to St James
“Santiago”

O brave Apostle, Santiago
the first to drink
the Chalice of suffering
after the example of Christ,
Who had shed His Blood for thee,
obtain from Him,
I beseech thee,
the grace that I may not fear,
to drink of the Chalice,
of pain and suffering
but may patiently bear,
all which the Hand of my God
offers me,
that I may, one day,
be worthy to enjoy,
in thy society,
the joy of Heaven.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 July – Can you drink the Chalice that I shall drink?” – Matthew 20:22

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One Minute Reflection – 25 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr – 1 Corinthians 4:9-15 – Matthew 20:20-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ You know not what you ask. Can you drink the Chalice that I shall drink?” – Matthew 20:22

REFLECTION – “With the powerful co-operation of Heaven, the whole world was suddenly lit by the sunshine of the saving Word. At once, in accordance with holy Scriptures, the voice of its inspired Evangelists and Apostles went forth into all the earth, and “their words to the ends of the world” (Ps 18:5). In every town and village, like a well-filled threshing floor, Churches sprang up, bursting with eager members…

At the time of Claudius, King Herod made a determined attack on certain members of the Church, killing James the brother of John with the headsman’s sword. Referring to this James, Clement [of Alexandria] tells an interesting tale on the strength of an authentic tradition. It appears that the man who brought him into Court was so moved when he saw him testify, he confessed that he, too, was a Christian. So they were both taken away together and on the way he asked James to forgive him. James thought for a moment, then he said: “I wish you peace” and kissed him. So both were beheaded at the same time.

Then, as we read in the sacred record, Herod, seeing how his action in putting James to death had given satisfaction to the Jews, laid hands on Peter as well, locked him in prison and was on the very point of perpetrating his murder too but, for Divine intervention. In the night an Angel stood before Peter and he was miraculously released from his fetters and set free for the ministry of preaching (Acts 12:4-17).” – St Eusebius of Caesarea (c265-339) Bishop, Father, Theologian, Historian (Ecclesiastical History, II, 3, 9 ).

PRAYER – Protect Thy people and make them holy, O Lord, so that, guarded by the help of Thy Apostle James, they may please Thee by their conduct and serve Thee with peace of mind. Through esus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the LIGHT, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on MISSION, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 25 July – The Christopher Prayer, Make us true Christ-Bearers

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Our Morning Offering – 25 July – The Feastday of St James the Greater, Apostle, Christ-Bearer and Martyr and St Christopher, Christ-Bearer, Martyr

The Christopher Prayer,
Make Us True Christ-Bearers
Anonymous

Father, grant that we may be,
bearers of Christ Jesus, Thy Son.
Allow us to fill, the world around us,
with Thy Light.
Strengthen us, by Thy Holy Ghost,
to carry out our mission of living and following
the path of Jesus, our Lord.
Help us to understand that by Thy grace
our gifts are Thy blessings,
to be shared with others.
Fill us with Thy Spirit of love
to give glory to Thee in loving all
and preaching by our love.
Nourish in us the desire to go forth
as the bearers of Thy Son
fearless and gentle,
loving and merciful.
Make us true Christ-Bearers,
that in seeing us,
only He is visible.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 July – Saint Theodemirus (Died c851) Monk and Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 25 July – Saint Theodemirus (Died c851) Monk of Carmona Monestery and Martyr of Cordoba, Spain. He is also remembered as one of the Martyrs of Cordoba.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Cordoba, St Theodemirus, Monk and Martyr.”

The Martyrs at Cordoba Cathedral, Saint Eulogius by an unknown artist of the 17th Century.

We have no personal information about Theodemirus. All we have is gleaned from various Martyrologies. He was Martyred in Cordoba under the Muslim rulerAbd al-Rahman II, who reigned from 822 to 852, for refusing to renounce his Christian Faith.

His body was buried in the Choir of the Church of Saint Zoilo in Cordoba.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

St James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr, St Christopher, Martyr, Notre-Dame du Saguenay / Our Lady of Lac Bouchet, Quebec (1920) and Memorials of the Saints – 25 July

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St James the Greater – Son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of Saint John the Apostle. He is called “the Greater” simply because he became an Apostle before Saint James the Lesser. The Roman Martyrology reads: “ST JAMES the Apostle, brother of the blessed Evangelist, John, who was beheaded by Herod Agrippa, about the Feast of Easter. His sacred bones were, on this day, carried from Jerusalem to Spain and placed in the remote Province of Galicia, where they are devoutly honoured by the renowned piety of the inhabitants and the frequent concourse of Christians, who visit them through piety and in fulfilment of their vows.”
St James:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-feast-of-st-james-the-greater-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-saint-james-the-greater-apostle-and-martyr-son-of-thunder/

St Christopher (died c 251) Martyr, “The Christ-Bearer”
Beloved St Christopher!
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-saint-christopher-died-c-251-martyr/

St Christopher is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers – read more about them here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/25/thought-for-the-day-25-july-the-memorial-of-st-christopher-died-c-251-one-of-the-fourteen-holy-helpers/

Notre-Dame du Saguenay / Our Lady of Lac Bouchet, Quebec (1920) – 25 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/25/feast-of-st-james-the-greater-notre-dame-du-saguenay-our-lady-of-lac-bouchet-quebec-1920-and-memorials-of-the-saints-25-july/

Bl Alexius Worstius

Bl Antonio of Olmedo
St Bantu of Trier
St Beatus of Trier

St Cugat del Valles (Died c304) Martyr, Preacher, Evangeliser, Miracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Barcelona in Spain, during the persecution of Diocletian and under the Governor Darian, the birthday of the holy Martyr Cucuphas. After overcoming many torments, he was struck with the sword and thus went triumphantly to Heaven.”
St Cugat’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-st-cugat-del-valles-died-c304-lay-martyr/

St Ebrulfus
St Fagildo of Santiago
St Felix of Furcona
St Florentius of Furcona
St Glodesind of Metz

St Magnericus (c520-596) Italian Bishop of Trier and Confessor. Magnericus was a friend and disciple of St Gregory of Tours, mentioned in his History of the Franks.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-saint-magnericus-of-trier-c-520-596/

St Mordeyren
St Nissen of Wexford
St Olympiad of Constantinople
St Paul of Palestine

Blessed Pietro Corradini OFM (1435–1490) Priest of the Franciscan Friars Minor, Confessor, Preacher, Spiritual Director. Pietro and a great devotion to the Holy Mother and constantly taught love of her. Fr Pietro served in several leadership positions within his Order. The Beatification process commenced not too long after Fr Pietro’s death and culminated on 10 August 1760 after Pope Clement XIII issued a formal decree that approved Corradini’s local ‘cultus’ thus naming him Blessed.
A Special Child of Mary:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-blessed-pietro-corradini-ofm-1435-1490-priest/

St Theodemirus (Died c851) Martyr of Cordoba

Martyrs of Caesarea – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the pesecutions of emperor Maximilian and governor Firmilian – Paul, Tea and Valentina. 309 in Caesarea, Palestine.

Martyrs of Cuncolim, Goa, south western India– 20 Saints: On 15 July 1583 the group met at the Church of Orlim and hiked to Cuncolim to erect a Cross and choose land for a new Church. Local anti-Christian Hindu pagans, seeing the unarmed Christians, gathered their weapons and marched on them. One of the Parishioners, a Portuguese emigre named Gonçalo Rodrigues, carried a firearm but Father Alphonsus Pacheco stopped him from using it. The Hindu pagans, numbering at least 500, then fell upon them and killed them all without mercy. They were Beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 30 April 1893. They were – Alphonsus Pacheco, Alphonsus the Altar boy, Anthony Francis, Dominic of Cuncolim, Francis Aranha, Francis Rodrigues, Gonçalo Rodrigues, Paul da Costa, Peter Berno, Rudolph Acquaviva, ten other native Christian converts whose names have not come down to us. They were Martyred on Monday 25 July 1583 at the village of Cuncolim, district of Salcete, territory of Goa, India. They were Beatified on 30 April 1893 by Pope Leo XIII.

Posted in DYING / LAST WORDS, franciscan OFM, QUOTES on HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 24 July – St Francisco Solano

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Francisco Solano OFM (1549 – 1610) “The Wonder Worker of the New World”

When Francisco Solano was about to die, one of the friars asked him:
‘Faher, when God takes you to Heaven
remember me when you enter
the everlasting Kingdom.’

With joy Francisco replied:

“It is true that I am going to Heaven
but on the strength of Christ’s
Passion and Death;
for myself, I am the greatest of sinners.
But I will be a good friend to you
when I reach my home in Heaven.”

(From a contemporary Vita of St SFrancisco Solano)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/24/quote-s-of-the-day-24-july-st-francisco-solano-ofm-1549-1610-the-wonder-worker-of-the-new-world/

St Francisco Solano OFM (1549 – 1610)
“The Wonder Worker of the New World

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 24 July – Prayer as a Necessary Means of Salvation

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Thought for the Day – 24 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer as a Necessary Means
of Salvation

“St Augustine calls prayer “the key to Heaven.”
We should acknowledge the Infinite Goodness of God in giving us such an easy means of salvation, for when He gave us prayer, He gave us the key to His Kingdom of Heaven.
He invites us earnestly, to pray.
“Ask and it shall be given you;  seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you” (C. Mt 7:7, Lk 11:9).
“If you ask the Father anything in my name, He will give it to you” (Cf Jn 16:23)
“Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation” (Cf Mt 26:41, Mk 14:38).

When Jesus was in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His Apostles became tired and sleepy.
He rebuked them gently and asked them for the second time to pray, that they might not yield to temptation.
He makes this request of us also.
We grow weary and apathetic as the Apostles did, while the devil is busy with his evil suggestions and the dangers of the world surround us.
We have constant need of the grace of God to prevent us from falling.
Let us pray fervently and bear in mind the advice of St Alphonsus:  “If you give up praying, you will certainly be damned!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 July – ‘ … This is the kind of love which renews us. … As I have loved you.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Christina (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr – Ecclesiasticus Sir 44:25-27; 45:2-4; 45:6-9 – John 15:12-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

REFLECTION – “This commandment He is giving them, is a new one, the Lord Jesus tells His disciples. Yet, was it not contained in the Old Law, where it is written: You shall love your neighbour as yourself? Why does the Lord call it new, when it is clearly so old? Or is the commandment new because it divests us of our former selves and clothes us with the new man? Love does indeed renew the man who hears, or rather obeys its command but only that love, which Jesus distinguished from a natural love, by the qualification – As I have loved you.

This is the kind of love which renews us. When we love as He loved us, we become new men, heirs of the New Covenant and singers of the new song. My brothers, this was the love which, even in bygone days, renewed the holy men, the Patriarchs and Prophets of old. In later times, it renewed the blessed Apostles and now, it is the turn of the Gentiles. From the entire human race throughout the world, this love gathers together into One Body, a new people, to be the Bride of God’s Only Son. She is the Bride of whom it is asked in the Song of Songs: Who is this who comes clothed in white? White indeed are her garments, for she has been made new and the source of her renewal, is none other, than this new commandment.

And so, all her members make each other’s welfare their common care. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with him and if one member is glorified, all the rest rejoice. They hear and obey the Lord’s Words: A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, not as men love one another for their own selfish ends, nor merely on account of their common humanity but because. they are all gods and sons of the Most High. They love one another as God loves them, so that they may be brothers of His only Son. He will lead them to the goal that alone will satisfy them, where all their desires will be fulfilled. For when God is all in all, there will be nothing left to desire.

This love is the gift of the Lord Who said: As I have loved you, you also must love one another. His object in loving us, then, was to enable us to love each other. By loving us Himself, our mighty Head has linked us all together, as members of His Own Body, bound to one another by the tender bond of love.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Great Western Father and Doctor of the Grace, (Excerpt from his Tractates on the Gospel of John, 65).

PRAYER – O God, Who among the other miracles of Thy power have bestowed the victory of martyrdom even upon the weaker sex, graciously grant that we, who commemorate the anniversary of the death of blessed Christina, Your Virgin and Martyr, may come to Thee by the path of her example.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 24 July – O God of Love,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 24 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

O God of Love,
Give Me Thy Love and Thy Grace
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

O God of Love,
Thou art and shall be forever,
the only delight of my heart
and the sole object of my affections.
Since Jesus said:
‘Ask and you shall receive,’
I do not hesitate to say:
‘Give me Thy Love and Thy Grace.’
Grant that I may love Thee
and be loved by Thee.
I want for nothing else.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 24 July – Saint Declan (5th Century) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 24 July – Saint Declan (5th Century) the 1st Bishop of Ardmore, county Waterford, Ireland. Born in the 5th Century at Desi, Waterford, Ireland and more than likely died at his See in Ardmore. Patronages – Ardmore, the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore.

Declan preached in Ireland before the arrival of Saint Patrick.
It is likely that Declan was the first Bishop of Ardmore which was certainly an Episcopal See and an important Ecclesiastical centre in ancient times.

The content of his Acts is highly uncertain but they at least testify to the extraordinary veneration with which Declan was surrounded in Ardmore and the surrounding area. This devotion has endured to the present day, especially on his Feastday which is still celebrated, when Ardmore becomes the centre of numerous pilgrimages. Particularly to pray at St Declan’s Holy Well for his holy aid.

A significant collection of testimonies of early eEclesiastical life is also preserved here and it is possible that the oldest fragments date to Declan’s time.

St Declan’s Holy Well at Ardmore
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of St James, Apostle, Foundation of Our Lady of Cambron, France (1148) and the Saints for 24 July

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Vigil of St James, Apostle

Foundation of Our Lady of Cambron, France (1148) – 24 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/24/foundation-of-our-lady-of-cambron-france-1148-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-july/

St Christina of Bolsena (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/24/saint-of-the-day-24-july-saint-christina-bolsena-3rd-century-virgin-martyr/

Dolci, Carlo; Saint Christina of Bolsena; National Trust, Kedleston Hall and Eastern Museum;

Saint Francisco Solano OFM (1549 – 1610) “The Wonder Worker of the New World,” Priest, Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, Missionary, Musician, Preacher, Miracle worker, Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Virgin Mother and of Prayer, Polyglot. Beatified by Pope Clement X in 1675 and Canonised by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.
Wonderful St Solano
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-saint-francisco-solano-ofm-1549-1610-the-wonder-worker-of-the-new-world/

St. Francis Solano

St Aliprandus of Pavia
St Antinogenes of Merida
St Aquilina the Martyr
St Arnulf of Gruyere
Bl Balduino of Rieti
St Boris (c990-1010) Prince

St Capito – Martyr. No further information has survived.

St Christina Mirabilis/the Astonishing (1150-1224) Virgin, mendicant, Penitent, Mystic. St Christina the Astonishing has been recognised as a Saint since the 12th century. She was placed in the calendar of the saints by at least two bishops of the Catholic Church in two different centuries (17th & 19th
Her Amazing Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/24/saint-of-the-day-24-july-saint-christina-mirabilis-1150-1224/

St Cyriacus of Ziganeus
St Declan (5th Century) Bishop of Ardmore, Ireland
Bl Diego Martinez


Bl Diego Martinez
Bl Donatus of Urbino

Blessed Giovanni Tavalli (1386-1446) Archbishop, Friar of the Jesuit Friars of Saint Jerome. His cult began immediately after his death and was subsequently approved by Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605).
Blessed Giovanni’s Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/24/saint-of-the-day-24-july-blessed-giovanni-tavalli-1386-1446/

St Ursicinus of Sens (Died c380) Bishop and Confessor. A powerful opponent of the Arians.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/24/saint-of-the-day-24-july-saint-ursicinus-died-c380-bishop-and-confessor/.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 23 July – The Duties of Our State

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Thought for the Day – 23 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Duties of Our State

“Everyone finds himself in a certain position in life.
He may be there, either through force of circumstances, or, through somebody else’s desire, or through some secret inspiration from God,
In any case, each of us is in a certain place and God, either wills it or permits it.
We should not complain about our state in life.
No matter what that state is, we can either be saved or damned for all eternity.
In any position, we can do a great deal of good or a great deal of evil, according to the way in which we co-operate with the grace of God.
We should not envy the positions of others.
This would be unjust because, it would be tantamount to questioning the arrangements of Providence, which gives everyone the graces necessary, in his particular state.
It would also be injurious, insofar, as we should be worried and disturbed, instead of working peacefully and earnestly, in the place assigned to us by God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the POOR, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 23 July – ‘… Never place yourself above anyone,…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 23 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Apollinaris (1st Century) Bishop Martyr, Disciple of St Peter – 1 Peter 5:1-11 – Luke 22:24-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Let him who is greatest among you,
become as the youngest
and he who is the leader,
as the servant.”

Luke 22:25

“No Christian should think of himself
as his own master
but each should rather so think and act,
as though given by God,
to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters.”

“I tell you, this man went back to his home justified,
rather than the other;
for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled
but he who humbles himself,
will be exalted”
Luke 18:14

“Be on your guard, therefore
and bear in mind, this example
of severe loss, sustained through arrogance.
… Never place yourself above anyone,
not even great sinners.
Humility often saves a sinner,
who has committed many terrible transgressions!”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“If thou wouldst see well, pluck out thine eyes and be blind;
if thou wouldst hear well, be deaf
and if thou wouldst speak well, become dumb;
if thou wouldst advance, stand still
and advance with thy mind;
if thou wouldst work well, cut off thy hands
and work with thy heart;
if thou wouldst love much, hate thyself;
if thou wouldst live well, mortify thyself;
if thou wouldst gain much and be rich,
first lose all and become poor
and if thou wouldst enjoy peace, afflict thyself
and be ever in fear and suspect thine own self;
if thou wouldst be exalted and have great honour,
humble and abase thyself;
if thou wouldst be held in great reverence, despise thyself
and do reverence to him who reviles thee;
if thou wouldst that it should be well with thee,
suffer all evil things and if thou wouldst be blessed,
desire that all should speak ill of thee
and if thou wouldst have true and eternal rest,
then toil and suffer and desire to have every temporal affliction.
O what great wisdom it is to know how to do
and to work out these things.”

Blessed Giles of Assisi (c1190-1262)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The IMITATION of CHRIST, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 23 July – “I Am in the midst of you, as He Who serves.”

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One Minute Reflection – 23 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Apollonaris (1st Century) Bishop Martyr, Disciple of St Peter – 1 Peter 5:1-11 – Luke 22:24-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For who is greater, he who sits at table or he who serves? Is not he who sits at table? But I Am in the midst of you, as He Who serves.” – Luke 22:27

REFLECTION – “Make no great account of who is for you or against you but mind and take care of this: that God be with you in everything you do. Have a good conscience and God shall well defend you, for nobody’s malice can hurt those who God wills to help.

If you know how to be silent and suffer, you shall, without doubt, see the help of the Lord. It is He Who knows the time and manner of your deliverance and, therefore, it is your part to resign yourself into His Hands. It belongs to God to help us and deliver us from all trouble.

Many a time it is of much advantage towards keeping us in greater humility that others know and rebuke our faults. When people humble themselves for their own faults, then they readily pacify others and easily satisfy those who are angry with them.” – The Imitation of Christ – Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380–1471) – Book 2 Ch 2.

PRAYER – O God, the rewarder of faithful souls, grant that we may obtain pardon through the prayers of blessed Apollinaris, Thy Martyr and Bishop, whose feast we are celebrating .Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, St Francis de Sales

Our Morning Offering – 23 July – Glorious St Joseph!

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Our Morning Offering – 23 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – On Wednesdays, many Catholics make a special devotion to St Joseph by going to Mass on the first Wednesdays of 9 consecutive months and offering their Holy Communions in his honour and for the salvation of the dying.

Glorious St Joseph!
Prayer for the Intercession
of St Joseph in All Our Needs
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Glorious St Joseph, Spouse of Mary,
grant us thy paternal protection,
we beseech thee, by the Heart of Jesus Christ.
O thou, whose power extends
to all our necessities
and can render possible for us,
the most impossible things.
Open thy fatherly eyes
to the needs of thy children.
In the trouble and distress
which afflicts us,
we confidently have recourse to thee.
Deign to take under thy charitable charge
this important and difficult matter,
cause of our worries.
Make its happy outcome
be for God’s glory
and for the good of His devoted servants.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 23 July – Saint Theophilus (Died c302) andSaint Trophimus (Died c302) Martyrs

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Saint/s of the Day – 23 July – Saint Theophilus (Died c302) and
Saint Trophimus (Died c302) Martyrs of Rome. T hese two were probably brothers and also more than likely citizens of Rome.

The only information we have is from the Roman Martyrology (1914) as below.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of the holy Martyrs Trophimus and Theophilus, who received their Crowns of Martyrdom by being beaten with stones, scorched with fire and finally struck with the sword in the time of the Emperor Diocletian.”

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna di Altino / Our Lady of Altino, Italy (1496), St Apollonaris (1st Century) Bishop Martyr, St Liborius (early 4th Century – 397) Bishop, Confessor – 23 July

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Madonna di Altino / Our Lady of Altino, Albino, Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy (1496) – 23 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/23/madonna-di-altino-our-lady-of-altino-albino-bergamo-lombardy-italy-1496-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-july/

St Apollonaris (1st Century) Bishop Martyr, Disciple of St Peter
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/20/saint-of-the-day-20-july-st-apollinaris/

St Liborius (early 4th Century – 397) Bishop, Confessor, Reformer, Evangeliser and Shepherd of souls, Builder of Churches and Monasteries.
A Holy Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-st-liborius-of-le-mans-early-4th-century-397/

St Anne of Constantinople
Bl Beaudoin of Beaumont
St Conan of Cornwall
St Eugene of Rome
*St Herundo of Rome +

Blessed Giovanna of Orvieto OP (c1264-1306) Virgin, Tertoary of the Order of Preachers, Mystic, Stigmatist
About Blessed Giovanna:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/23/saint-of-the-day-23-july-blessed-giovanna-of-orvieto-op-c-1264-1306/

Bl Juan de Luca
Bl Juan de Montesinos
Bl Leonard da Recanati
Bl Mariano Brandi

St Phocas the Gardener (Died c303) Layman Martyr, Apostle of the poor and needy. Died by beheading c 303 in Sinope, Pontus (in modern Turkey).
Patronages – against insect bites, against poisoning, against snake bites, agricultural workers, farm workers, farmers, field hands, boatmen, mariners, sailors, watermen, gardeners, husbandmen, market-gardeners.
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/23/saint-of-the-day-23-july-st-phocas-the-gardener-died-c-303-martyr/

St Primitiva V(1st Century) irgin Martyr of Rome
St Rasyphus of Macé
St Rasyphus of Rome
St Ravennus of Macé

*St Redempta of Rome +
*St Romula+ (Died c580) Virgin Recluse of Rome,  Ascetic. Romula lived with St Redempta as a Recluse near the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome.
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/23/saint-of-the-day-23-july-saint-romula-of-rome-died-c580-virgin/

St Severus of Bizye
+St Theophilus (Died c302) Martyr of Rome
+St Trophimus (Died c302) Martyr of Rome
St Valerian of Cimiez

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on The SOUL

Thought for the Day – 22 July – Fervour and Tepidity – There is NO MIDDLE WAY!

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Thought for the Day – 22 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)idity,

Fervour and Tepidity

“The ONLY choice in the life of a Catholic is between fervour and sin!
The tepid or negligent soul cannot remain in the grace of God long and, when God’s grace is removed, it means the death of the soul.

The spiritual life resembles a steep hill.
A man cannot stay still.
He must keep going upwards or begin to slip downwards.
Whoever struggles on, up the hill is approaching perfection and Heaven; whoever slips backwards, is approaching sin, a dead soul and Hell.

There is NO MIDDLE WAY!
Those who are lukewarm are an object of DISGUST to their Creator, Who casts them away from Himself – “Because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot,” the Holy Ghost says, “I am about to vomit thee out of my mouth” (Apoc 3:16).

So, it is not enough to be mediocre Catholic.
The half-hearted and indifferent are already travelling along the slippery path of sin and are on the waiting list for hell!
It is dangerous for anyone to remain thoughtlessly in this state of spiritual ineptitude.
A man who never thinks of his own salvation, is suffering from a serious illness.
He is running a very great risk of eternal damnation.
He has one foot in Hell here on this earth!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Quote/s of the Day – 22 July – ‘ … And God saw, by their actions, how they turned from their evil ways … ‘

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 July – St Mary Magdalen (1st Century) Penitent – Song 3:2-5; 8:6-7, Luke 7:36-50.

“She began to bathe His feet with her tears
and wiped them with the hair of her head
and kissed His feet
and anointed them with ointment.”

Luke 7:38

“And God saw, by their actions,
how they turned from their evil ways
and the Lord, our God,
had mercy upon His people.”
Jonas 3:10

“To whom shall the Lord say,
“Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven”? (Mt 5:3)
It is yours if you want it,
if your choice is set upon God.
It is yours, if you will only believe
and follow the essence of the message,
just as the Ninevites obeyed the message of the Prophet
and obtained a gracious salvation
thanks to their sincere repentance,
instead of the destruction
which threatened them!”

St Clement of Alexandria (c150-c215)

“O Heavenly Father, have compassion for my cry
as Thou did for the prodigal son,
for I, too, am throwing myself at Thy feet
and crying aloud as he cried:
“Father, I have sinned!”
Do not reject me,
Thy unworthy child, O my Saviour
but cause Thy Angels
to rejoice too, on my behalf,
O God of goodness Thou,
Who desires that all should be saved.”

St Romanos Melodios (c490-c 556)
Monk, Composer of hymns, Poet

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 July – ‘ … He spoke to her alone but, He was drawing all creation to His grace. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 22 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Mary Magdalene (1st Century) Penitent – Song 3:2-5; 8:6-7 – Luke 7:36-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:50

REFLECTION – “A sinful woman has proclaimed to us that God’s Love has gone forth in search of sinners. For when He called her, Christ was inviting our whole race to His Love and, in her person, He was drawing all sinners to His forgiveness. He spoke to her alone but, He was drawing all creation to His grace. …

Who would not be struck by the Mercy of Christ, Who accepted an invitation to a Pharisee’s house, in order to save a sinner! For the sake of the woman, who hungered for forgiveness, He, Himself felt hunger for the table of Simon the Pharisee and all the while, under the guise of a meal of bread, He had prepared for the sinner, a meal of repentance! …

In order that you may have the same experience, reflect within yourself that your sin is great but that it is blasphemy against God and an injury to yourself, to despair of His forgiveness because your sin seems to you to be too great. He has promised to forgive your sins, however many they are; will you tell Him you cannot believe this and dispute with Him, saying that your sin is too great and He cannot heal your sickness? Stop at that point and cry out with the prophet: “Lord, I have sinned against you” (Ps 50:6). At once He will reply, “As for Me, I have overlooked your fault, you shall not die.” Glory to Him from us all, through all ages! Amen, Amen.” ~ An Anonymous Christian Syrian Writer of the 6th Century [ ACW} (From a collection of Sermons on the sinful woman, 1, 4.5.19.26.28).

PRAYER – May the prayers of blessed Mary Magdalen help us, O Lord, Who was moved by her prayers, her love and peniteance, that we too may learn true repentance and sorrow for our sins..Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ACT of CONTRITION, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 22 July – Prayer of Contrition By St Alphonsus

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Our Morning Offering – 22 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Mary Magdalene (1st Century) Penitent –

O Jesus, My Sweet Love!
(I too have kept Thee suffering)

Prayer of Contrition
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Jesus, my sweet Love!
I too have kept Thee suffering
through all Thy life.
Tell me, then, what I must do
in order to win Thy forgiveness.
I am ready to do all Thou askest of me.
I am sorry, O sovereign Good,
for all the offences I have committed against Thee.
I love Thee more than myself,
or at least, I feel a great desire to love Thee.
Since it is Thou Who hast given me this desire,
do Thou also give me the strength to love Thee exceedingly.

It is only right that I,
who have offended Thee so much,
should love Thee very much.
Always remind me of the love
Thou hast borne me,
in order that my soul may ever burn
with love of Thee and long to please Thee alone.
O God of love,
I, who was once a slave of hell,
now give myself all to Thee.
Graciously accept me and bind me to Thee
with the bonds of Thy love.
My Jesus, from this day and forever,
in loving Thee will I live
and in loving Thee will I die.

O Mary, my Mother and my hope,
help me to love Thy dear God and mine.
This is the only favour I ask of thee
and through thee, I hope to receive it.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 July – St Meneleus (Died c700) Abbot o

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Saint of the Day – 22 July – St Meneleus (Died c700) Abbot of Ménat Monastery near Clermont, France. Born in Précigné, France and died at his Ménat Monastery. Also known as – Mauvier, Menele, Men eve, Menevius.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the territory of Auvergne, St Meneleus, Abbot.”

Statue of Saint Meneleus in the Menat Abbey Church

According to the Vita, Meneleus was born in Précigné (Sarthe, Anjou). To avoid marriage, he took refuge in Auvergne and there he met Theofredus, the Abbot of Saint-Chaffre. Meneleus entered this Monastery and was trained by the Abbot for several years.

With a companion, St Savinian, Meneleus then received permission to live the solitary silent life of Hermits in constant prayer and fasting. The two companions later plaed themselves under the guidance of Saints Eudo in the Abbey which later took the name of Le Monastier.

After seven years, Meneleus returned to Menat to assume the
direction of that Monastery which was destroyed by fire shortly thereafter. Meneleus oversaw its reconstruction and died in c700.

The memorial of St Meneleus today on 22 July is found in the Martyrology of Usuard, in the Benedictine Martyrologies and was revived by the Roman. Meneleus is commemorated in the Diocese of Clermont. The Saint’s Relics were once located, along with those of Saint Savinian, under the High Altar of Menat but were dispersed during the Revolution, with the exception of a few fragments which, in 1711, had been donated to Précigné, his bikrthplace.

St Meneleus Abbey Church at Ménat
Posted in SAINT of the DAY

St Mary of Magdala and Memorials of the Saints – 22 July

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St Mary of Magdala “The Apostle of the Apostles” (St Thomas Aquinas), Penitent. During the Middle Ages, Mary Magdalene was regarded in Western Christianity as a repentant prostitute or promiscuous woman, claims not found in any of the four Canonical Gospels.
About St Mary:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-the-feast-of-st-mary-of-magdala-apostle-to-the-apostles/

St Anastasius of Schemarius
St Andrea of Antioch

Blessed Augustine Fangi O.P. (1430-1493) Dominican Priest and Friar, Confessor, Mystic, known as “The Miracle Worker.”
“The Miracle Worker”:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-blessed-augustine-fangi-o-p-1430-1493/

St Baudry of Montfaucon
St Claudius Marius Victorinus of Saussaye

St Cyril of Antioch (Died c306) Bishop, Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Antioch, the holy Bishop Cyril. who was distinguished for learning and holiness.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-saint-cyril-of-antioch-died-c306-bishop-martyr/

St Dabius
St John Lloyd

St Joseph of Palestine (Died c356) Layman, Convert from Judaism, a contemporary of Emperor Constantine, a Rabbinical scholar, member of the Sanhedrin and a disciple of Hillel II. Following his conversion, Emperor Constantine gave him the rank of Count, appointed him as supervisor of the Churches in Palestine and gave him permission to build Churches in the Galilee. Patronages – Jewish converts, guardians.
A Very Interesting Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-st-joseph-of-palestine-died-c-356/

St Lewine
St Maria Wang Lishi
St Meneleus (Died c700) Abbot
St Movean of Inis-Coosery
St Pancharius of Besancon
Bl Paolo de Lara

Blessed Philip Evans SJ (1645-1679) Confessor, Priest Martyr, Missionary of the Society of Jesus.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-saint-philip-evans-sj-1645-1679-priest-martyr/

St Plato of Ancyra
St Syntyche of Philippi
St Theophilus of Cyprus

St Wandrille (c605–668) Priest, Monk, Abbot of Fontenelle. Married out of obedience to his parents, Wandrille agreed with his wife to keep their virginity and both retired to a Monastery.
About St Wandrille:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-st-wandrille-of-fontenelle-c-605-668/

Martyrs of Marula/Massylis: – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Ajabosus, Andrew and Elian. They were martyred in Massylis (Marula), Numidia (in modern Algeria).

Martyrs of Massilitani: A group of Christians Martyred together in northern Africa. Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote about them.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, CONFESSION/PENANCE, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, AUGUSTINIANS OSA

Thought for the Day – 21 July – The Examination of Conscience

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Thought for the Day – 21 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Examination of Conscience

“Pope St Pius X holds great authority for a Christian.
In his Exhortatio ad Clerum, he strongly recommends the Examination of Conscience, especially at the close of the day.
This Examination, he says, is necessary for Priests but it is no less necessary for the laity.
He recalls the apt words of St Augustine:
“Judge your own conscience.
Demand an account from it.
Dig deep and rend it apart.
Discover all the evil thoughts and intentions of the day … and punish yourself for them!” (Expos in Ps 4 n 8).
He also quotes the equally relevant words of St Bernard:
“Be a searching inquirer into your own integrity of life; examine your conduct everyday.
See how much you have advanced, or, how much you have fallen back …
Learn to know yourself. …
Place all your faults before your eyes.
Stand before yourself, as if it were before someone else and you will find reason to weep over yourself!” (Meditat Cap 5 de quotidiano sui ipsius examine).

The Saintly Pontiff concludes his inspiring address as follows: “Experience has proven that anyone who makes a strict examination of his thoughts, words and actions, is more firmly resolved to hate and avoid what is evil and wholeheartedly to love what is good” (Acta Pii X, IV p257).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/28/thought-for-the-day-28-february-the-examination-of-conscience/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the JUDGE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PAPAL Apostolic EXHORTATIONS, PAPAL DECREE, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 21 July – So it will be at the end of the world … ‘Judge your own conscience!’

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 July – St Praxedes, Virgin (Died 164) – 1 Corinthians 7:25-34 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So it will be at the end of the world.
The Angels will go out and separate
the wicked from among the just …

Matthew 13:49

“Judge your own conscience.
Demand an account from it.
Dig deep and rend it apart.
Discover all the evil thoughts
and intentions of the day …
and punish yourself for them!” 

 (Expos in Ps 4 n 8).

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


“Be a searching inquirer
into your own integrity of life;
examine your conduct everyday.
See how much you have advanced,
or, how much you have fallen back …
Learn to know yourself. …
Place all your faults before your eyes.
Stand before yourself,
as if it were before someone else
and you will find reason to weep over yourself!” 

(Meditat Cap 5 de quotidiano sui ipsius examine).

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Mellifluous Doctor

“Experience has proven that anyone
who makes a strict examination
of his thoughts, words and actions,
is more firmly resolved to hate
and avoid that which is evil
and wholeheartedly to love
that which is good.”

Exhortatio ad Clerum
(Acta Pii X, IV p257)

St Pius X (1835-1914)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 July – ‘Let them grow together until the harvest’

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One Minute Reflection – 21 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Praxedes, Virgin (Died 164) – 1 Corinthians 7:25-34 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go out and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:49-50

REFLECTION – “Our Lord was an example of incomparable patience. He bore with a “devil” among His disciples even to His Passion (Jn 6,70). He said: “Let them grow together until the harvest lest you uproot the wheat when you pull out the weeds” (cf. Mt 13,29f.). As a symbol of the Church, He preached that the net would bring back to shore, namely the end of the world, every kind of fish, both good and bad. And He made it known, in various other ways, whether openly or in parables, that there would always be a mixture of good and bad. But, nevertheless, He stresses, that we have to protect the Church’s discipline when He says: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother” (Mt 18,15)…

Yet today, we see people who think of nothing but stern commandments, who order that troublemakers be reproved, ‘not giving what is holy to the dogs,’ treating, like the publicans, ‘anyone who despises the Church, cutting off the scandalous member from the body‘ (Mt 7:6 ; 18:17 ; 5:30). Their stormy zeal so troubles the Church, that they pull out the weeds before their time and their blindness makes of them enemies, of the unity of Jesus Christ…

Take care not to let these presumptuous thoughts enter our hearts, trying to separate ourselves from sinners, so as not to be soiled by contact with them, wanting to form a band of pure and holy disciples. We will achieve nothing but break our unity, under the pretext of not associating with the wicked. On the contrary, let us remember the parables of Scripture, their inspired words, their striking examples, where we are shown that, until the end of the world and the Day of Judgement, the bad will always be mingled, in the Church, amongst the good, without their participation in the Sacraments being harmful to the good, as long as these latter, have not played a part in their sins.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On Faith and Works – Excerpt ch 3-5)

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, that, as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Praxedes, thy Virgin, so may we be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to be enlightened by the fervour of her dedicated holiness. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MEDITATION, The HEART, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 21 July – Almighty God, Open Thou My Heart – A Prayer for Guidance – By St Bede t

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One Minute Reflection – 21 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Praxedes, Virgin (Died 164) – 1 Corinthians 7:25-34 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Almighty God, Open Thou My Heart
A Prayer for Guidance
By St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

ALMIGHTY God,
open Thou my heart
and enlighten me with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
to see those things which are well-pleasing to Thy will.
Direct my thoughts and understanding
to those things which it is proper to meditate upon
and to take in hand;
in such fashion, as by fitting character
and deeds, I might be found worthy
of the eternal joy of heavenly life.
Direct my acts to Thy commandments,
that I might, by labour
so unbrokenly study to bring them to fulfilment,
as to attain to an everlasting reward.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 July – Saint John (6th Century) Deacon, Hermit

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Saint of the Day – 21 July – Saint John (6th Century) Deacon, Hermit, apostle of the poor and needy and disciple and friend of St Simeon Salus (Died c570) – nown as “The Holy Fool.” Born and died probably in Emesa, Syria.
.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Syria, the holy Monk St John, a companion of St Simeon Salus.” https://anastpaul.com/2025/07/01/saint-of-the-day-1-july-st-simeon-salus-died-c570-confessor/

St Simeon Salus and maybe St John begging in the background

As a young man became the Deacon of the Church in the City of Emesa. There he became a friend, disciple and finally the companion of St Simeon Salus. This occurred in the following manner:

Simeon did not play a fool with his friend John, the Deacon of the Church in Emesa. Simeon once saved John from being executed when he was falsely accused. Shortly before his death, Simeon told John:

“I beg you, never disregard a single soul, especially when it happens to be a Monk or a beggar. For your charity knows that His place is among the beggars, especially among the blind, people made as pure as the sun through their patience and distress …Show love of your neighbour through almsgiving. For this virtue, above all, will help us on the Day of Judgement.”

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-de-Verdun / Our Lady of Verdun, France (5th Century), St Daniel the Prophet, St Praxedes and the Saints for 21 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Notre-Dame-de-Verdun / Our Lady of Verdun, Lorraine , France (5th Century) – 21 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/21/notre-dame-de-verdun-our-lady-of-verdun-lorraine-france-5th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-july/

St Daniel the Prophet (Died 5th-century BC) One of the four Great Prophets in the Old Testament and the Writer of the book of Sacred Scripture which bears his name.
St Daniel!
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-st-daniel-the-prophet-died-5th-century-bc/

St Praxedes (Died c165) Virgin Laywoman. Patronage – single laywoman.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the holy virgin, Praxedes, who was brought up in all chastity and in the knowledge of the Divine law. Assiduously attending to watching, prayer and fasting, she rest in Christ and was buried near her sister St Pudentiana and family, on the Salarian Road.”
A Devout and Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-st-praxedes-died-c165-virgin/

Blessed Angelina of Marsciano TOR (1357-1435) – Virgin, Abbess, Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Angelina who work with the poor and the sick.
Her Loving Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-blessed-angelina-of-marsciano-tor-1357-1435/

St Arbogast (Died c 678) Confessor, Bishop of Strasbour, Missionary, Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker.
Miraculous Arbogast:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-saint-arbogast-of-strasbourg-died-678/St Barhadbescialas

St Benignus of Moyenmoutier
Bl Claudius of Avignon
St Claudius of Troyes
St Corona of Marceille
Bl Daniel Molini
St Eleutherius of Marseille

St Eternus (Died c653) Bishop  of Evreux in France, Martyr.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-saint-eternus-of-evreux-died-c653-bishop-martyr/


St Iosephus Wang Yumei
St John (6th Century) Deacon and Hermit of Emesa in Syria
St John of Moyenmoutier
Bl Juan de Las Varillas
Bl Juan de Zambrana
St Jucundinus of Troyes
St Julia of Troyes
St Justus of Troyes
Bl Parthenius of Thessaly

St Victor (of Marseilles) (3rd Century) Martyr, Confessor, Roman soldier.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-st-victor-3rd-century-martyr/

St Wastrada
St Zoticus of Comana

Martyrs of Africa – 6 Saints: Six Christians who were Martyred together. We know no other details about them but the names – Emilian, Hugal, Motanus, Saphus, Stercorius and Victor. They were martyred in an unknown location in Africa, date unknown.

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