Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 29 March – Saint Constantine (Died c560) AND Sainst Simplicius (Died c576) Both Abbots of Monte Cassino

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint/s of the Day – 29 March – Saint Constantine (Died c560) Abbot of Monte Cassino AND Saint Simplicius (Died c576) Abbot of Monte Cassino. These 2 Monks were disciples of St Benedict and the 2nd and 3rd successors as Abbots of his Monastery at Monte Cassino.

Founder Father St Benedict and his Monks

After the holy Founder of Monte Cassino, the father of Western Monastism, St Benedict died, his first four successors Abbots of the famous Monastery, are all Saints and are in order: Constantine (c547-c560), Simplicius (c560-c576), Vitalis (c576-c580) and Bonitus (c580-584).

We can say little about our Saints, almost no documentation have come down to us which tell of their lives.

Simplicius is, however, mentioned together with Constantine in the following centuries, both for the cult paid to both on 29 March by the Benedictines of Monte Cassino,and because, their Relics are deposited together.
In fact, these Relics were found in the area of ​​the presbytery of the Cassinese Basilica around 1625-1628 and translated to the old Chapel of St Bertario and then, in 1710, always together with those of Constantine, they were transferred to the Chapel of St Gregory the Great.

During the disastrous bombing of 1944, they emerged unscathed and were placed again in the rebuilt Chapel under the Altar, which, like the whole Church, was later Consecrated in the solemn dedication made after the restoration.

The Monte Cassino Basilica

Simplicius is remembered in the 9th Century ‘Vita Mauri’ as one of the Monks who St Benedict gave as companions to St Maurus on his journey to France. Furthermore, the historian Peter the Deacon, states that Simplicius gave the Rule of St Benedict, to all the Monks he met on this trip with St Maurus, writing some verses about it which have come down to us.

He was depicted in a painting by De Mura placed in the Chapel mentioned above, in the act of presenting the Rule to the Monks.

St Simplicius and St Constantine, Abbots, were venerated immediately after their death for having been disciples and first successors of the holy Founder and their first burial was right next to his. Today we see St Benedict and his twin sister, St Scholastica, are venerated side by side at Monte Cassino Basilica. The image below are their tombs.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Apparition of Our Lady to St Bonitus (7th Century) and the Saints for 29 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saturday in the Third Week in Lent – Ferial Day: FAST

Apparition of Our Lady to St Bonitus (7th Century) – 29 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/29/apparition-of-our-lady-to-st-bonitus-7th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-march/

St Acacia of Antioch
St Archmimus of Africa
St Armogastes of Africa
St Barachasius

Blessed Bertold (Died 1195) Priest, Monk of Mount Carmel, Hermit, Crusader.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-blessed-bertold-of-mount-carmel-died-1195/

St Constantine (Died c560) Abbot of Monte Cassino AND
St Simplicius (Died c576) Abbot of Monte Cassino

St Eustachio (3rd Century) Bishop of Naples
The little we know about St Eustachio:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-saint-eustachio-of-naples-3rd-century/

St Eustasius (c560–c626),Abbot, Disciple of St Columban, Abbot of Luxeuil Monastery, (after its Founder, St Columban) Missionary and Founder of another Monastery in Bavaria, Miracle-worker. Patronages – against blindness and eye diseases, of all illness and sick people.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-st-eustasius-of-luxeuil-c560-c626/

St Firminus of Viviers

St Gladys (Sixth Century) Welsh Queen and Hermit, Mother and Widow.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-saint-gladys-sixth-century/

St Gwynllyw
Bl Hugh of Vaucelles
St Jonas of Hubaham
St Lasar

St Ludolf O.Praem. (Died 1250) Bishop of Ratzeburg and Martyr, Preacher and founder of a community of Norbertine Sisters, Reformer and Counseller. St Ludolf was a Priest of the Premonstratensian (Norbertines) Order, particularly invoked as a Martyr for the freedom of the Church.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-st-ludolf-of-ratzeburg-o-praem-died-1250-martyr/

St Mark of Arethusa
St Masculas of Africa
St Pastor of Nicomedia
St Saturus of Africa
St Victorinus of Nicomedia

St William Tempier OSA (Died 1197) the 12th Bishop of Poitiers, “William the Strong” Canon Regular of the Augustinian Order. He is remembered as a man of great courage and virile patience in the exercise of his Office in defending the rights of and the property of the Church.
“William the Strong”
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-saint-william-tempier-of-poitiers-osa-died-1197-bishop-known-as-william-the-strong/

Martyrs of Nicomedia: Seven Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else about them but the names of two – Pastor and Victorinus.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 28 March – St Joseph’s Venerable Age

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Thought for the Day – 28 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

28th Day – St Joseph’s Venerable Age

+1. St Joseph, during his long life, had been fulfilling the meaning of the name he bore with unbroken constancy. He had been “adding” to the brightness of his virtues and the treasure of his merits, with an ever-increasing speed. In the company of Jesus and Mary, he had made more rapid progress than any of the other Saints.
O Joseph, what fervour must have been thine! what charity, what perfect purity! Was there an Archangel in Heaven equal to thee in love of God? How different thy lightning advance in grace to my sluggish slowness!

+2. What was the secret of St Joseph’s high perfection? It was the calm, quiet peacefulness and tranquillity which enabled his pure soul to reflect the likeness of God, in so wonderful a manner and quickened his ears to catch the faintest whisper of Divine grace. We cannot imagine him ever hurried, or impetuous, or anxious or disorderly.
If we could remove those defects we should soon become more like St Joseph.

+3. As St Joseph grew old and his natural powers began to fail, the beauty of his soul became more and more apparent. Some think that, like Moses, he suffered none of the infirmities of age. At all events, he who as foster-father of Jesus, occupied in some way,, the place of the Eternal Father upon earth, must have been an old man of incomparable beauty, the type and ideal of a Saint and Patriarch. Never was gray hair crowned with such glory and honour, as his, whose happy old age had been spent with Jesus and Mary.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, OUR Cross, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 28 March – The Feast of the Five Holy Wounds

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 March – The Feast of the Five Holy Wounds

“By the Cross, death was slain
and Adam was restored to life.
The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles,
the Crown of the Martyrs,
the Sanctification of the Saints.
By the Cross, we put on Christ
and cast aside our former self.
By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ,
have been gathered into one flock,
destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

“If you cannot soar up as high as Christ
sitting on His Throne,
behold Him hanging on His Cross.
Rest in Christ’s Passion
and live willingly in His Holy Wounds.
You will gain marvellous strength
and comfort in adversities.
You will not care that men despise you!”

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

“Ah ! what is all that I do and suffer,
compared with what my Jesus did
and suffered for my sake?
O, that I might, for His honour,
be torn with scourges and pierced with nails
and expire on the Cross for Him!”

St Andrew Avellino (1521–1608)

Posted in LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 28 March – Jesus is Dragged Before Pilate

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 28 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Friday After the Third Sunday in Lent
Jesus is Dragged Before Pilate

Read St Luke xxii:66-70 xxiii:1

[66] And as soon as it was day, the ancients of the people and the chief priests and scribes, came together; and they brought Him into their council, saying: If
Thou be the Christ, tell us. [67] And He saith to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe Me. [68] And if I shall also ask you, you will not answer Me, nor let Me go. [69] But, hereafter, the Son of man shall be sitting on the Right Hand of the power of God. [70] Then said they all: Art Thou then the Son of God? Who said: You say that I Am. [Luke 22:66-0]
[1] And the whole multitude of them rising up, led Him to Pilate. [Luke 23:1]

+1. At daybreak the council assembled and Jesus was again brought before them and questioned once more. The sentence of deathwhich they had passed the night before, was confirmed. The whole multitude then hastened to Pilate with their prisoner that they might obtain, from the Roman Governor, the ratification of the Death Sentence which they could not carry out themselves. They were resolved to have His life –anything to be rid of Him Whom they dreaded and hated.
How strange it seems that they should so hate Him without a cause! Yet it is ever so : men who are proud and covetous, selfish and self-absorbed, instinctively hate the truth. This is why there prevails, all over the world. such a deadly enmity to the Church of Christ.

+2. To wreak their vengeance, the Pharisees and ancients were ready to rise with the sun.
How active men are in promoting worldly interests and criminal designs! So much more active than in working for God and for Heaven. Might I not do something more, by rising a little earlier or more punctually, so as to do something to please Our Lord before I begin my ordinary work? At least I might think of Him and offer heart and my life to Him.

+3. The Jews actually delivered one of their own to their enemies and oppressors, the Romans! No means are too base to get rid of their enemy.
How much unreasoning malice I have shown against those whom I disliked or who interfered with my selfish interests, perhaps against those who are not only brethren of Christ but very dear to Him?

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 March – ‘ … Leave behind earthly sandals. …’ St Ambrose

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One Minute Reflection – 28 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Friday in the 3rd Week in Lent – St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) Confessor – Wisdom 10:10-14 – Luke 9:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor sack, nor bread, nor money; neither have two tunics.” – Luke 9:3

REFLECTION – “This is a great vision. But if you wish to see it, remove the sandals from your feet. Remove every chain of sin. Remove the chains of the world. Leave behind earthly sandals. Jesus sent the Apostles without sandals, without money, gold and silver, so that they would not carry earthly things with them. The one who seeks to do good is praised, not for his sandals but for the swiftness and grace of his feet.  The Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those who bring glad tidings of good things!” Therefore, remove the sandals from your feet, that they may be beautiful for preaching the Gospel!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Flight From the World 5).

PRAYER – O God, Who, through blessed John, made Thy faithful people conquer the enemies of the Cross by the power of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, grant, we beseech Thee, that by his intercession we may avoid the snares of our spiritual enemies and may be found worthy to receive from Thee, the crown of justice. 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 BREVIARY Prayers, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 28 March – Salvete Christi Vulnera – Hail, Holy Wounds of Jesus, Hail!

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Our Morning Offering – 28 March – The Feast of the Holy Five Wounds

Salvete Christi Vulnera
Hail, Holy Wounds of Jesus, Hail!
Anonymous Latin Hymn, 17th Century

Hail, holy Wounds of Jesus, hail,
Sweet pledges of the saving Rood,
Whence flow the streams that never fail,
The purple streams of His dear Blood.

Brighter than brightest stars ye show,
Than sweetest rose Thy scent more rare,
No Indian gem may match Thy glow,
No honeys’ taste with Thine compare.

Portals ye are to that dear home
Wherein our wearied souls may hide,
Whereto no angry foe can come,
The Heart of Jesus Crucified.

What countless stripes our Jesus bore,
All naked left in Pilate’s hall!
From His torn flesh flow red a shower
Did round His sacred person fall!

His beauteous brow, oh, shame and grief,
By the sharp Thorny Crown is riven;
Through Hands and Feet, without relief,
The cruel nails are rudely driven.

But when for our poor sakes He Died,
A willing Priest by love subdued,
The soldier’s Lance transfixed His side,
Forth flowed the Water and the Blood.

In full atonement of our guilt,
Careless of self, the Saviour trod
Even till His Heart’s best Blood was spilled
The wine-press of the wrath of God.

Come, bathe you in the healing flood,
All ye who mourn, by sin opprest;
Your only hope is Jesus’ Blood,
His Sacred Heart your only rest.

All praise to Him, the Eternal Son,
At God’s right hand enthroned above,
Whose Blood our full redemption won,
Whose Spirit seals the gift of love.

Office Hymn at Lauds on the Feast of the Most Precious Blood and for the Fridays of Lent.
Translated by – Henry Nutcombe Oxenham (1829-1888) for whom I find little information.

Posted in Uncategorized

Saint of the Day – 28 March – St Tutilo OSB (c850-c915) Monk of St Gall, a “Man for all Seasons.”

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Saint of the Day – 28 March – St Tutilo OSB (c850-c915) Monk of St Gall, Teacher and leader of the Monastic School, Musician, Poet, Painter, Sculptor, Builder, Goldsmith and Hymnist and Composer – truly a “Man for all Seasons.” Born in Ireland in c850 and died at the St Gall Monastery in c915.= of natural causes.Also known as – Tuathal, Tutilo von Gallen, Tutilo of Gall, Tuathal…Tuotilo… Tutilóne…

Ivory Relief Sculpture by St Tutilo

When St Gall, the companion of St Columban, died in Switzerland in 640, a Monastery was built over the place of his burial. This became the famous Monastery of St Gall, one of the most influential Monasteries of the Middle Ages and the centre of music, art and scholarly learning throughout that period.

In about the middle of the 9th Century, when travelliung on his return from a visit to Rome, an Irishman named Moengul stopped at the Abbey and decided to stay, along with a number of Irish companions, among them Tutilo. Moengul was given charge of the Abbey schools and he became the teacher of Tutilo, St Notker and St Radpert, who were distinguished for their learning and their artistic skills. Tutilo, in particular, was a universal genius – musician, poet, painter, sculptor, builder, goldsmith, head of the monastic school and composer.

Two Ivory Artworks by St Tutilo used as Manuscript Covers

He was part of the Abbey at its greatest time and the influence of Gall spread throughout Europe. The Gregorian Chant manuscripts from the Monastery, many of them undoubtedly the work of St Tutilo, are considered among the most authentic and were studied carefully when the Monks of Solesmes were restoring the tradition of Gregorian Chant to the Catholic Church. The scribes of St Gall supplied most of the Monasteries of Europe with manuscript books of Gregorian Chant, all of them priceless works of the art of Illumination.

Proof of the Irish influence at St Gall is a large collection of Irish manuscripts at the Abbey from the 7th, 8th and 9th Centuries.

Tutilo was known to be handsome, a large, powerfully built man, eloquent and quick-witted, who brought something of the Irish love of learning and the arts, to St Gall. He died in c915 at the height of the abbey’s influence. He is remembered as an inspired Teacher, a dedicated Monk, an illustrious Musician and Hymnist and a highly competent scholar.

St Gall Monastery

It is reported that the most interesting items at the St Gall Abbey are the ivory tablets attributed to Tutilo. His paintings and some other artworks can be found at Konstanz, Metz, St Gall and Mainz, Abbeys and Monasteries.

St Tutilo was buried at a Chapel dedicated to St Catherine in St Gall, which was later renamed and dedicated in his honour as a Saint. His Feastday is celebrated today, 28 March.

St Gall Monastery Church
Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

FEAST OF THE FIVE HOLY WOUNDS, Friday of the Third Week in Lent – FAST & ABSTINENCE, Nuestra Senora de Castelbruedo / Our Lady of Castelbruedo, Catalonia, Spain, St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) and all the Saints for 28 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Friday of the Third Week in Lent – FAST & ABSTINENCE

FEAST OF THE FIVE HOLY WOUNDS
Celebrated on Friday after the Third Sunday in Lent
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/17/the-feast-of-the-five-holy-wounds-17-march/

Nuestra Senora de Castelbruedo / Our Lady of Castelbruedo, Catalonia, Spain – 28 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/28/palm-sunday-2021-our-lady-of-castelbruedo-catalonia-spain-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-march/

St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Confessor and Preacher. Famous as a Preacher, Theologian and Inquisitor, trained Lawyer, he earned himself the nickname ‘the Soldier Saint’ when in 1456 at age 70 he led a Crusade against the invading Ottoman Empire at the Siege of Belgrade. He was Beatified on 19 December 1650 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 16 October 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII.
Feast Day moved from 28 March in 1969.
A Wonderful Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/23/saint-of-the-day-23-october-st-john-capistrano-ofm-1386-1456-the-soldier-saint/

St Alkelda of Middleham

Blessed Antonio Patrizi OSA (c 280-1311) Priest, Friar of the Order of St Augustine, Prior, Hermit. He was Beatified in 1804 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation).
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-blessed-antonio-patrizi-osa-c-1280-1311-priest/

St Castor of Tarsus

Blessed Conon (1139-1236) Monk, Hermit and Abbot of the order of St Basil of Caesarea, Miracle-worker.
His Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-blessed-conon-of-naso-1139-1236/

St Cyril the Deacon
St Dorotheus of Tarsus
St Gundelindis of Niedermünster

St Guntramnus (c532-592) King of the Kingdom of Orléans and Burgundy from 561 until his death in 592, Confessor, Apostle of the needs of the Church and of the poor and sick, Penitent.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chalons in France, the demise of St Gontran King, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, renounced the pomps of the world and bestowed his treasures on the Church and the poor,”
A Pious and Generous Ruler:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-saint-guntramnus-died-597/

St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer. He is not to be confused with Bishop St Hesychius of Jerusalem, a contemporary of St Gregory the Great.
His Life of Zealous Labour:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-saint-hesychius-of-jerusalem-died-c450-priest/

St Hilarion of Pelecete

Blessed Jeanne Marie de MailleTOSF (1331-1414) Widow, Recluse, Third Order of St Francis. Beatified on 27 April 1871 by Pope Pius IX .
About Blessed Jeanne Marie
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-blessed-jeanne-marie-de-maille-tosf-1331-1414-virgin-widow/

St Proterius of Alexandria
St Rogatus the Martyr
St Successus the Martyr
St Tutilo OSB (c850-c915) Monk of Saint-Gall

Blessed Venturino OP (1304-1346) Priest, Friar of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic, Preacher, Missionary Preacher of the Crusades, Writer.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-blessed-venturino-of-bergamo-op-1304-1346/

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on PURITY, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 27 March – St Joseph’s Purity of Heart

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

27th Day – St Joseph’s Purity of Heart

“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.”
One might almost think that Our Lord, in uttering these words, was thinking of His foster-father.
It was because of his purity of heart that he had the privilege of seeing God face-to-face under the veil of flesh, for nearly thirty years.
Let us see what this meant.

+1. It meant that St Joseph must have been free from all sin, as far as was possible, to one who did not possess, Our Lady’s singular privilege. The authority over the sinless Lamb of God, would scarcely have been entrusted to one who was sinful. The constant association, the exchange of endearing love, implied that His father was the purest of all men.
To me, too, Christ commits Himself in Holy Communion to be my guest and the food of my soul. What ought I to be!?

+2. Purity of heart involves too, a knowledge of God. Who, save His Mother, knew Jesus as Joseph did? Who watched so intensely each movement, each look, each word? Who sought to imitate them and drink in His spirit, as Joseph did? Who was modelled so perfectly after the likeness of Christ?
How distant is my likeness to Christ? Nay, how unlike am I, alas to Him?!

+3. St Joseph had the extraordinary privilege of ministering, with his own hands, to Jesus, a privilege which the Angels must needs have envied him.
His ministry to Jesus was a source of continual grace. His acts of love to Jesus, were acts of love to God. All was done for Jesus, knowing, he was doing it for God.
O happy Joseph! Teach me to minister to others for Jesus’ Sake !

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MOTHER of GOD, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION

Quote/s of the Day – 27 March – St John Damascene

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 March – St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

“By the Cross all these things have been set aright…

It is a seal that the destroyer may not strike us,
a raising up of those who lie fallen,
a support for those who stand,
a staff for the infirm,
a crook for the shepherded,
a guide for the wandering,
a perfecting of the advanced,
salvation for soul and body,
a deflector of all evils,
a cause of all goods,
a destruction of sin,
a plant of resurrection
and a tree of eternal life.”

“This woman will be the Mother of God,
the door to light, source of life.
She will reduce to oblivion the judgement
that weighed on Eve.
Daughter of David the king and Mother of God,
King of the universe, masterpiece
in whom the Creator rejoices…
thou art to be nature’s full achievement.
For thou life is not thine,
thou were not born for thyself alone
but thou life is to be God’s.
thou came into the world for Him,
thou will serve for the salvation of all people,
fulfilling God’s design, established
from the beginning …”

“You are more to be valued than the entire creation,
for from you alone the Creator received
a share in the first-fruits of our humanity.
His Flesh was made of your flesh,
His Blood of your blood;
God was nourished by your milk
and your lips kissed the lips of God. …
In His foreknowledge of your dignity,
the God of all the world, has loved you
and, in accordance with His love for you,
He predestined you and called you into being ”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-march-st-john-damascene-2/

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 27 March – Jesus in the Guardroom

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Lenten Meditations – 27 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday after the Third Sunday in Lent
Jesus in the Guardroom

Read St Luke xxii:63-65

[63] And the men who held Him, mocked Him and struck Him. [64] And they blindfolded Him and smote His Face. And they asked Him, saying: Prophesy, who is it that struck Thee? [65] And blaspheming, many other things, they said against Him. [Luke 22:63-65]

+1. After Our Lord had been condemned to death, the Sanhedrim rose and He was handed over for custody during the night, to the soldiers and servants, who, taking the cue from their masters, treated their Prisoner with every kind of brutal ill-usage. They tied a dirty rag over His Eyes and struck Him in the Face, challenging Him, at the same time, to show His Divine Power by revealing the name of the striker.
When He was silent, they mocked and jeered at Him and at last, they spat their filthy spittle in His Sacred Face.
O my Lord, King of Heaven and earth, how couldst Thou suffer Thy Divine Majesty to be outraged by these wretches?

+2. Yet Our Lord was never more glorious than in the midst of His degradation and contempt.
If at His baptism, He was the Beloved Son of God, in Whom He was well pleased, much more now! Each blow, each gibe, each insult, added to the glory of His Sacred Humanity to all eternity.
Truly then does St Peter say:
“If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed.”
Wisely did the Apostles count it joy to suffer shame for His Sake.
My God, I know it is so but do I act on this principle and rejoice in the reproaches and contempt which fall to my lot?

+3. What did Christ specially atone for in the guardroom?
For all the filthy words men speak, for all the obscene jests, for all the mockery of holy things, for all the angry, cruel, uncharitable words.
Alas! my Jesus, have I not taken part in these insults poured upon Thee?

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ENVY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 March – ‘ … The nature of an envious person is such, that he makes the praises of others food for his own disease …’

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One Minute Reflection – 27 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Thursday of the Third Week in Lent – St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church – Wisdom 10:10-17 – Luke 6:6-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“On another Sabbath, He entered the synagogue and was teaching and there was a man whose right hand was withered. ” – Luke 6:6

REFLECTION – “ The miracle sometimes converts to faith those who had disbelieved the word but the Pharisees watched Him to see if He would heal on the Sabbath.  The nature of an envious person is such, that he makes the praises of others food for his own disease and is wickedly maddened by their reputation.  Once more He spoke thus;  “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”  And why did He do this? Perhaps it might be to move the cruel and unpitying Pharisee to compassion. The man’s malady [his withered hand] perhaps might shame them and persuade them to dispel the flames of their envy.

This question is most wise indeed and a most suitable statement to meet their folly. If it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath and nothing prevents the sick being pitied by God, cease picking up opportunities for fault-finding against Christ and bringing down, on your own head, the sentence which the Father has decreed, against those who dishonour the Son. You have heard the Father where He says of the Son, by the voice of David, “I will crush His foes before Him and strike down those who hate Him.” But, if it is not lawful to do good on the Sabbath and the law forbids the saving of life, you have made yourself an accuser of the law.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father and Doctor of the Church. Doctor of the Incarnation (Known a\s the Pillar of Faith) – (Commentary on Luke, Homily 23)

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who to defend the honour paid to sacred images, filled blessed John with heavenly learning and wondrous strength of soul, grant that, by his intercession and example, we may imitate the virtues of those whose images we honour and may enjoy the help of their patronage. 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 BREVIARY Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The SIGN of the CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 27 March – Hail, Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord!

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Our Morning Offering – 27 March – The Feastday of St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

Hail, Most Precious
and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord!
By St John Damascene (675-749)
Confessor, Father
and Doctor of the Church

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered
and let those, who hate Him,
flee from His Presence.
As smoke vanishes, let them vanish
and as wax melts by the presence of fire,
so let the demons perish by the presence
of those who love God
and who sign themselves
with the Sign of the Cross
and say in gladness:
Hail, Most Precious
and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord,
for Thou drives away the demons
by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ
Crucified on thee, Who went down to hell
and trampled on the power of the devil
and gave us thee, His venerable Cross,
for driving away all enemies.
O Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord,
help me, with our holy Lady,
the Virgin Mother of God
and with all the Saints, throughout the ages.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 March – StAimone OSB (Died 853) Bishop of Halberstadt

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Saint of the Day – 27 March – St Aimone OSB (Died 853) Bishop of Halberstadt, in Germany, a learned Scholarly Monk, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Teacher, Aimone became a passionate disciple of the teachings of St Alcuin, whom he sought to emulate in his writings. Also known as – Aimon, Haimo, Haymo.

The life of Aimone of Fulda, a Benedictine Monk, Theologian and the Bishop of Halberstadt, unfolds as a fascinating tapestry of study, teaching and pastoral commitment.

Having entered the famous German Monastery pf Fulda, at a young age, he formed a deep bond with the Blessed Rabanus Maurus, with whom he shared a passion for knowledge, listening to the lessons of the luminary St Alcuin, whilst the latter was in Tours.

Returning to Fulda, until 839, Aimone poured out his knowledge as a teacher, enlightening the minds of many. In 839, he was called to lead the Diocese of Hersfeld. His fame as a learned and upright man reached the Emperor Louis the German, who in 840 appointed him as the Bishop of Halberstadt.

In this capacity, Aimone actively participated in the Synods of Mainz, helping to resolve theological and disciplinary questions of primary importance for the Church of the time.

In agreement with Rabanus’ suggestions, Aimone stood aloof from the Court of King Louis the German, did not entangle himself in the affairs of the State, preached often and lived solely for the welfare of his Diocese.

His fruitful pen gave birth to numerous works, among which the commentary on the Gospel of Matthew is magnified, although not all the writings attributed to him have been confirmed as authentic. He is also the Author of an Epitome of Eusebius’s Ecclesiastical History, of a large number of sermons and of a spiritual work, De Amore Coelestis Patriae.

His earthly existence ended on 27 March 853, leaving a legacy of profound erudition and zealous service to his Master and ours, the Lord Jesus Christ and to the Church.

Halberstadt Cathedral
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, SAINT of the DAY

Thursday in the Third Week of Lent – FAST, St John Damascene and the Saints for 27 March

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Thursday in the Third Week of Lent – FAST

St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, Priest, Monk, Theologian, Writer, Defender of Iconography, Poet, a Polymath whose fields of interest and contribution included law, theology, philosophy, music, Marian devotee. Also known as Doctor of Christian Art.
Feast moved in 1969 to 4 December.
The Great St John Damascene:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-st-john-damascene-675-749-father-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/27/saint-of-the-day-27-march-saint-john-damascene-675-749-confessor-father-doctor-of-the-church/

St Aimone (Died 853) Bishop of Halberstadt
St Amphilochius of Illyria
St Alexander of Drizipara
St Alexander of Pannonia
St Alkeld the Martyr
St Amator the Hermit

St Augusta (Died 5th Century) Virgin Martyr of Treviso
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/27/saint-of-the-day-27-march-saint-augusta-of-treviso-died-5th-century-virgin-martyr/

St Claudio Gallo
St Cronidas of Illyria
St Ensfrid of Cologne
Bl Frowin of Engelberg
St Gelasius of Armagh

St John (c305-394) Hermit of Lycopolis , Spiritual Advisor, Miracle-worker, graced with the gifts of prophecy and seeing into the hearts of men. John was known and admired by the great Saints of his time, including Saint Jerome, Saint Augustine, Saint Cassian and others.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/27/saint-of-the-day-27-march-st-john-of-lycopolis-c305-394-hermit/

St Matthew of Beauvais
St Macedo of Illyria

Blessed Pellegrino of Falerone OFM (Died 1233) Lay Brother of the First Order of St Francis of Assisi.
Blessed Pellegrino’s life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/27/saint-of-the-day-27-march-blessed-pellegrino-of-falerone-ofm-died-1233-lay-brother/
St Philetus
St Romulus the Abbot

St Rupert (c660–710) Bishop and Abbot in Salzburg, Apostle to Bavaria and Austria.
The Life of Holy St Rupert:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/27/saint-of-the-day-st-rupert-of-salzburg-c-660-710/

St Suairlech of Fore
St Theoprepius

Martyrs of Bardiaboch: A group of Christians who were arrested, tortured and executed together for their faith during the persecutions of Persian King Shapur II. Martyrs. – Abibus, Helias, Lazarus, Mares, Maruthas, Narses, Sabas, Sembeeth and Zanitas. 27 March 326 at Bardiaboch, Persia.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 26 March – St Joseph’s Prudence

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Thought for the Day – 26 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

26th Day – St Joseph’s Prudence

Prudence is a virtue we all value and desire. Let us look at this virtue in St Joseph.

+1. St Joseph never acted on impulse. He always prayed and reflected before acting. What husband would not have put away his wife without any delay, when he discovered that she was about to give birth to a child who was not his. Not so St Joseph! He prayed and pondered and waited and gradually formed the prudent resolve of sending her back to her friends in secret. Even after deciding on this plan, as the best course of action, he again waited and commended it to God, turned it over and over in his own mind, prayed still more before
proceeding to act.
It was this prudence, this charitable delay which earned him the solution of his dilemma and doubts, by an Angel’s voice.

+2. St Joseph had been entrusted with Jesus’ training. The formation of the character of the Divine Child was committed to him. What prudence, what perfect prudence must he have possessed whom God considered as the fit Guardian of the Eternal Word!
If I were more prudent, God would entrust me with greater works in His service.

+3. Our Lady must have had wonderful confidence in the prudence of her spouse when she arose, without hesitation at dead of night, to fly with him to Egypt, just because he told her he had had a dream warning him to do so. But she knew, not only how naturally careful and wise he was but too, that he had an infused and supernatural prudence which could not be deceived.
If I were more prudent, others would trust me more and listen, with greater confidence, to my advice or commands

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St Francis de Sales, The BEATITUDES, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 26 March – From the heart

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 March – Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent – Exodus 20:12-24, Matthew 15:1-1-1

“But the things which proceed
out of the mouth,
come from the heart
and it is they which defile a man.”

Matthew 15:18

“Our hearts were made for Thee, O God
And restless must they be
Until, O God, this grace accord,
Until they rest in Thee!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Govern my heart O Lord,
lest it drift into useless and disordered thoughts.
Do not permit me to become excessively preoccupied
with anything at all, even matters and concerns
which are useful and good in themselves.
Temper the affections of my soul,
so that I may neither love, nor hate
anything, in a way which exceeds due proportions.
Let me neither rejoice, nor be saddened,
beyond the measure which is fitting and rational.”

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

“Do not fix your longings on anything
which you do not possess;
do not let your heart rest in that which you have;
do not grieve overmuch,
at the losses which may happen to you –
and then, you may reasonably believe
that although rich in fact,
you are not so in affection
but that you are poor in spirit
and, therefore, blessed,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is yours.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“Be brave and try to detach your heart
from worldly things.
Do your utmost to banish darkness
from your mind and come to understand
what true, selfless piety is.
Through confession, endeavour
to purify your heart of anything
which may still taint it.
Enliven your faith which is essential
to understand and achieve piety.”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St PETER!, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 26 March – St Peter’s Repentance

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Lenten Meditations – 26 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Wednesday after the Third Sunday in Lent
St Peter’s Repentance

Read St Luke xxii:55–62

[55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. [56] Whom, when a certain servant maid had seen, sitting at the light and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man too, was with Him. [57] But he denied Him, saying: Woman, I know Him not. [58] And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. [59] And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with Him; for he is also a Galilean. [60] And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew. [61] And the Lord turning, looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, as He had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. [62] And Peter going out, wept bitterly. [Luke 22:55-62]

+1. St Peter had thrice denied his Master and the third time with oaths and curses! He was ashamed of Christ, afraid to own himself a servant of Christ and all because of a woman’s jeering tongue.
As I look over my life, how many times there have been when I have been faithless as Peter was! I have not boldly spoken out as I ought. I have perhaps, taken part in talk hateful to my Lord and Master. I have been ashamed to run counter to uncharitable or evil conversation, although I knew well enough that it was sinful.

+2. After the third denial, the cock crew and at the same time Our Lord turned and looked upon Peter. It was at the moment when He was being dragged from the tribunal to the servants’ room amid the jeers and mockery of the soldiers. All this time St Peter had been present to His thoughts, amid all the outrages and insults and not St Peter alone but all, who, although, not at heart disloyal, nevertheless, fall into sin through weakness.
Remember me, O Lord, when I am in danger of falling and when Satan desires to have me that he may iift me as wheat.

+3. That look pierced St Pete’s heart with a keen pang of shame, sorrow and repentance. How could he have been faithless to the Lord Whom he loved and for Whom he had joyfully given up all! At once, he made his way out of the hall and, with tears of anguish, begged
for pardon. Those tears were not unmixed with the sweet consolation of knowing he was forgiven and with a firm resolution, not to let this fall discourage him.
Here is a model for me when I have sinned!

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 March – – ‘But why did the first Law, written with the Finger of God (Ex 31:18), not give us the essential assistance of grace?’ – St Augustine

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One Minute Reflection – 26 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Exodus 20:12-24 – Matthew 15:1-20 Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hypocrites, well did Isaias prophesy of you, saying, ‘This people honours me with their lips but their heart is far from Me and in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrine, the precepts of men.’ ” – Matthew 15:7

REFLECTION – “The law of the spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death” (Rm 8:2) … Saint Paul says that the Law of Moses has been given to prove our weakness and not just to prove it but, to increase it and thus, force us to find the Doctor. … “Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rm 5:20; cf 3:20) … But why did the first Law, written with the Finger of God (Ex 31:18), not give us the essential assistance of grace?  Because it was written on tablets of stone, not the tablets of flesh, that are our hearts (2 Cor 3:3) ….

It is the Holy Spirit Who writes “the Law of the Spirit of life” not on stone but in the heart; this Law of the Spirit oL life that is in Jesus Christ in Whom the Passover has been celebrated in truth (1 Cor 5:7-8), has delivered you from the law of sin and death.  Do you want to have proof, of the manifest and certain difference separating the Old Testament from the New? … Hear what the Lord spoke by the mouth of one of the Prophets. … ”I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts” (Jr 31:33). So if God’s Law is written in your heart, it does not bring forth fear [as at Sinai] but pours a secret sweetness into your soul.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 155, 6 ).

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. 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 HYMNS, POETRY, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph, PRAYERS TO St Joseph, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, St JOSEPH

Our Morning Offering – 26 March – Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail!

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Our Morning Offering – 26 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” and Wednesday being St Joseph’s day

Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail!
By Father Frederick W Faber CO (1814-1863)

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Chaste spouse of Mary hail!
Pure as the lily flow’r
In Eden’s peaceful vale.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Prince of the house of God!
May His best graces be
By thy sweet hands bestowed.

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Comrade of Angels, hail!
Cheer thou the hearts that faint,
And guide the steps that fail.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
God’s choice wert thou alone!
To thee the Word made flesh,
Was subject as a Son.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Teach us our flesh to tame
And, Mary, keep the hearts
That love thy husband’s name.
Mother of Jesus! bless,
And bless, ye Saints on high,
All meek and simple souls
That to Saint Joseph cry.
Amen’

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 March – St Felix (Died c400) Bishop of Trier, Germany

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Saint of the Day – 26 March – St Felix (Died c400) Bishop of Trier, Germany, Consecrated by St Martin of Tours. Died in c400. We know that St Felix brought the Relics of St Paulinus of Trier back from Phrygia, where he had died in exile and built a Church to house them.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Treves, the Bishop St Felix.”

In the list of Bishops of the Diocese of Trier, he appears in eleventh place after Saint Brittone or Britto and before Maurice II.

We know little about him. Tradition reports that he was Consecrated as the Bishop in 386, by Saint Martin of Tours, his friend. But since this Consecration was made with the agreement of the usurper Emperor, the Holy See did not recognise the legality of the appointment, even if it considered it valid.

The List of Bishops of Trier Diocese

His Episcopate was also marked by the trial of Priscillian and his followers and their subsequent execution for heresy and witchcraft which can be seen as the first inquisitorial action in the Church.

In 538, Felix, accused of not having campaigned vigorously enough against that verdict, for reasons of peace, after the Synod of Turin, renounced the appointment as Bishop by abdicating.

Some of his contemporaries, including Saint Sulplice Sévère, praised his virtues.

Saint Felix is ​​believed to have died around the year 400.
His Feastday was set for today, 26 March.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Soissons / Our Lady of Soissons, France (1128) One of Our Lady’s Slippers was kept in this Abbey, Wednesday of the Third Week – Ferial Day: FAST and the Saints for 26 March

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Wednesday of the Third Week – Ferial Day: FAST

Notre-Dame de Soissons / Our Lady of Soissons, France (1128) One of Our Lady’s Slippers was kept in this Abbey Church – 26 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/26/our-lady-of-soissons-france-1128-and-memorials-of-the-saints-26-march/

St Barontius (Died c725) Monk, Hermit, gifted with visions.
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-st-barontius-of-pistoia-died-c725-monk-hermit/

St Basil the Younger (Died c952) Confessor, Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-saint-basil-the-younger-died-c-952/

St Bathus
St Bercharius

St Braulio (590-651) Bishop of Saragossa, Spain, Monk, Confessor, Reformer, Scholar, Advisor, Writer, eloquent Preacher, Apostle of Charity. Saint Braulio was friend and disciple to Saint Isidore of Seville (560-636) Doctor of the Church ) and a prolific writer of letters, hymns, martyrologies, hagiographies and history. He fought against heresy and provided both strength and encouragement in the faith to his congregation.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-braulio-590-651/

St Castulus(Died c288) Martyr, Layman, married to Saint Irene of Rome (the woman who assisted St Sebastian after he had been wounded by the Imperial archers), Military Officer and he was the Chamberlain (or officer, valet) of Emperor Diocletian.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-saint-castulus-of-rome-died-c-288-martyr/

St Desiderius of Pistoia

St Eutychius of Alexandria (Died 356) Sub-Deacon, Martyr of Alexandria. Died during Lent in 356, from his wounds and exhaustion, while on the road to the mines in Egypt.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Alexandria, the holy Martyrs, Eutychius and others, who died by the sword for the Catholic Faith, in the time of Constantius, uinder the Arian bishop, George.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-st-eutychius-of-alexandria-died-356-sub-deacon-martyr/

St Felicitas of Padua
St Felix (Died c400) Bishop of Trier, Germany
St Garbhan
St Govan

St Ludger (c742-809) Bishop, Missionary, Founder, Abbot, Writer. Following in the footsteps of the English Missionary St Boniface, St Ludger, who was a native Netherlander, brought the faith to the people of Frisia in Holland and the Saxons of north-west Germany. He founded the Werden Abbey and was the first Bishop of Münster in Westphalia, Germany.
About St Ludger:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-st-ludger-c-742-809/

St Maxima the Martyr
St Mochelloc of Kilmallock (Died c639) Abbot at Kilmallock, Ireland. No other information has survived. Also known as – Celloch, Cellog, Motalogus, Mottelog.
St Montanus the Martyr
St Sabino of Anatolia

St Sincheall the Elder (5th-6th Century) On 25 June is the commemoration of a County Offaly Saint, Sincheall of Killeigh. There is a Saint of this name associated with the household of Saint Patrick who is commemorated today. He is distinguished as Sincheall the Elder and may have been related to the St Sincheall of Killeigh. The Irish Calendars preserve this distinction and the two separate Feast Days. We have no further information of today’s St Sincheall the Elder.

St Wereka (Died c370) Martyr – Part of a Congregation burned to death in their Church, somewhere in the Balkans in south-eastern Europe. No other information has survived.

Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details to survive are the names – Cassian, Jovinus, Marcian, Peter and Thecla. Rome, Italy, date unknown.

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, I BELIEVE!, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on FAITH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 25 March – St Joseph’s Strong Faith

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Thought for the Day – 25 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

25th Day – St Joseph’s Strong Faith

Faith consists in the ready acceptance of God’s messages to us on His Authority. It is tested by the difficulty of believing and by the painful consequences to ourselves. We will try St Joseph’s faith by these methods.

+1. The first message which is recorded as having been given to St Joseph, was that Mary was about to become a mother through the operation of the Holy Ghost. The news announced, was a miracle of stupendous magnitude, a Mystery inscrutable. Yet, St Joseph never doubted, never hesitated. He accepted it on God’s Authority, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

+2. The second message enjoined him to take the Divine Child and His Mother and fly in the darkness of the night, to Egypt. There was no apparent reason, no danger known to St Joseph.
The journey was a perilous, painful and most inconvenient one and seemingly unnecessary .
Yet, not for an instant, did St Joseph hesitate, doubt, nor delay but started before day had dawned.
What living , practical faith, so different from my doubting slowness!

+3. It was this habit of faith which earned, for him, the continual society of Jesus Christ.
St Joseph never ceased to have present to himself, the Godhead of his Son but at times, he would forget the outward form before him and would adore his God.
So we should seek to realise that the Sacred Host, does but veil the same God Incarnate and should make many acts of faith before the Blessed Sacrament and say:
“My Lord and my God!”

Posted in CHRIST the KING, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, The ANNUNCIATION, The INCARNATION

Quote/s of the Day – 25 March – The Annunciation

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 March – The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Isaias 7:10-15 – Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ By a woman,
came the flood of our ills
and by a woman too,
our blessings,
have their spring.”

St Gregory Thaumaturgus (c213-c270)
“the Wonder-Worker,” Bishop, Confessor

“And some seed fell on good ground”
Luke 8:8

“Rejoice, O Mary, House of the Lord,
earth trodden by the Footsteps of God…
Rejoice, O Paradise
more happy than the Garden of Eden,
where every virtue has been seeded
and where the Tree of Life has grown.”

St Theodore the Studite (750-826)
Father, Abbot, Theologian, Writer

“Through a woman, [Eve]
a curse fell upon the earth;
through a woman, [Mary]
there returned to the earth,
a blessing!”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

“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) 

“She saw herself raised to the highest dignity
that ever was or will be, for although
it should please God to create anew many worlds,
He could never make a pure creature
be greater than the Mother of God.
Our Lady humbled herself
and acknowledged herself unworthy
of being raised to the high dignity of Mother of God, therefore, she was made to be His Mother,
for she had no sooner uttered the protestation
of her littleness, than, having abandoned
herself to Him, by an act of incomparable charity,
she became the Mother of the Most High,
Who is the Saviour of our souls!”

(Sermon on 25 March 1621
at a religious Profession).

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PETER!, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 25 March – St Peter Denies Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 25 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Tuesday After the Third Sunday in Lent
St Peter Denies Jesus

Read St Luke xxii:55-62

[55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. [56] Whom when, a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also, was with Him. [57] But he denied Him, saying: Woman, I know Him not. [58] And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. [59] And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with Him; for he is also a Galilean. [60] And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.
[61] And the Lord turning, looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. [62] And Peter going out, wept bitterly. [Luke 22:55-62]

+1. What was the secret of Peter’s miserable fall?
He was brave and generous and loved Our Lord dearly. Yet, through human fear, he denied all knowledge of Him. The reason why he fell, was that he trusted in himself and his natural qualities, instead of in God.
In the spiritual warfare, natural courage and generosity, avail not. He who does not rely upon God alone, is sure to fall. When dangers are imminent he loses heart and then all is lost.

+2. St Peter had not yet learned that natural impulse, as a motive of action, is sure to lead man astray. It never avails before God. Its excellence, whatever it may be, only avails in the things of this world and even here, it is a dangerous and untrustworthy motive. In things Divine, it is the road to ruin! We must exercise anti-impulsive effort, if we are to be safe. We must do more; we must turn our thoughts to God and seek a Divine impulse, an inspiration from Heaven, if we are to remain faithful and avoid frequent faults.

+3. St Peter had neglected prayer. Our Lord had expressly warned him to watch and pray and he had allowed himself to sleep, while Christ was suffering His Sacred Agony.
True , he was weary and his eyes were heavy but still, he should have made the attempt. It might have seemed an unsatisfactory prayer yet, it would have saved Peter from his fall. He might have used vocal prayers and repeated the same words as Our Lord did.
Learn from this – mere struggle against weariiness, is very pleasing to God.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MOTHER of GOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, The ANNUNCIATION, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 March – – ‘… Speak the word that is transitory and embrace the Word which is everlasting!’

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One Minute Reflection – 25 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Isaias 7:10-15 – Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And Mary said: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word.” – Luke 1:38

REFLECTION – “You have heard, O Virgin, that you are to conceive and bring forth a Son and that this will not be through the power of man but, by the virtue of the Holy Spirit. The Angel awaits your reply, for it is time that he should return to God Who sent him. We, too, are waiting, O Lady, for a word of mercy, we, who are groaning under the sentence of condemnation. See, the price of our salvation is offered to you; if you consent, we shall at once be delivered. By the Eternal Word of God were we all created and behold, we will all die. By your brief answer, we shall be refreshed and recalled to life! …

Hasten, then, O Lady, to give your answer; hasten to speak the word so longed for by all on earth, in limbo and in Heaven. Yes, the King and Lord of all things, Who has “greatly desired your beauty” (Ps 44:12), desires, as eagerly, your word of consent by which He has purposed to save the world. He, Whom you pleased by your silence, will be yet more pleased by your reply. Hark! He calls to you from Heaven – “O most beautiful among women, let me hear your voice” (Sg 1:8; 2:14) … Answer the Angel quickly, then; yes, through the Angel give your consent to your God. Answer one syllable, receive the Word; utter your own word and conceive that which is Divine. Speak the word that is transitory and embrace the Word which is everlasting! …”

“Behold,” she says, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to thy word.” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily 4 on the “Missus est” [He was sent] #8-9).

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly, the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, The ANNUNCIATION, The INCARNATION

Our Morning Offering – 25 March – Blessed Shall be Her Name

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 25 March – The Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Blessed Shall be Her Name
Anonymous Author

Praise we the Lord this day,
This day so long foretold,
Whose promise shone with cheering ray
On waiting saints of old.

The prophet gave the sign
That those with faith might read;
A Virgin, born of David’s line
Shall bear the promised Seed.

Ask not how this should be,
But worship and adore;
Like her whom Heaven’s majesty
Came down to shadow o’er.

She meekly bowed her head
To hear the gracious word,
Mary, the pure and lowly maid,
The favoured of the Lord.

Blessed shall be her name
In all the Church on earth,
Through whom that wondrous Mercy came,
The Incarnate Saviour’s Birth.

Jesus, the Virgin’s Son,
We praise You and adore,
Who are with God the Father One
And Spirit evermore.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 March – St Hermelandus (Died c720) Priest, Founder-Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 25 March – St Hermelandus (Died c720) Priest, Founder-Abbot of the Monastery of Aindre, Miracle-worker. Born in Noyon, France and died on 25 March in c720 of natural causes in his Monastery at Aindre. Also known as – Erblon, Ermelando, Herbland, Hermeland, Hermiland. Additional Memorials – 18 October in Rouen, Bagneux and Treguier. 20 November (translation of Relics), 25 November in Nantes, today 25 March (the anniversary of his death) universaly and solemnly celebrated at the Monastery of Fontenelle.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Aindre, an Island of the Loire, the Abbot St Hermelandus, whose glorious life is attested by many miracles.”

St Hermelandus Statue in the Church dedicated to him in Sottevast

The Life of Saint Hermelandus, Abbot of Aindre, written almost contemporaneously with his death in 767 and preserved in a manuscript, offers us a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Frankish nobleman of the 7th Century.

Born in Noyon to an illustrious family, Hermelandus began a brilliant career at the Court of Clotaire III, obtaining the position of Cupbearer. However, refusing an arranged marriage and desiring a life consecrated to God, he asked the King for permission to enter a Monastery.

Welcomed to Fontenelle, under the guidance of the Abbot Saint Lambert, Hermelandus distinguished himself for his devotion and his ascetic rigour. It was the Bishop of Nantes, Pascarius, who asked Abbot Lambert to send Monks to found an Abbey in his Diocese.

Hermelandus was chosen to lead the community of twelve brothers, identified an Island in the Loire, called Aindre because of its woods, as an ideal site for the new Monastery. With the support of Pascarius, he obtained the Monastery’s exemption from the authority of the future Bishops of Nantes and the confirmation of its freedom by King Childebert III.

The number of years Hermelandus spent as the Abbot remains uncertain; we know only that he abdicated power late in life, dying under his second successor between 710 and 730.

In 843, the Abbey of Aindre, unfortunately, was destroyed by the Normans and was never rebuilt.
Devotion to Saint Hermelandus spread over the centuries, as evidenced by the miracle which occurred in the 12th Century in a Church dedicated to him in Rouen. His Relics, twere ransferred to Bagneux and Loches, to escape the Norman invasions, continue to attract the veneration of the faithful.

At the time of the Revolution , the silver Reliquary was removed but the Relics were saved. Then placed in the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours in Loches , they were returned in 1848, to the Church which bears his name of Saint-Herblain.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY, The ANNUNCIATION, The INCARNATION

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Dismas and the Saints for 25 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/25/the-solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-25-march/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/25/the-solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-our-lady-of-betania-and-memorials-of-the-saints-25-march/

By Paolo Matteis

St Alfwold of Sherborne
St Barontius of Pistoia
St Desiderius of Pistoia

St Dismas (Crucified with Jesus) “The Good Thief”
Here:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/25/saint-of-the-day-25-march-saint-dismas-the-good-thief/

St Dula the Slave
Bl Everard of Nellenburg
Bl Herman of Zahringen
St Hermelandus (Died c720) Priest, Abbot
St Humbert of Pelagius
Bl James Bird
St Kennocha of Fife

St Lucia Filippini (1672-1732) Virgin, Religious Sister, Founder. On 22 June 1930, Lucia Filippini was declared a Saint of the Church by Pope Pius XI and her Statue was given the last available niche in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. Her statue can be seen in the first upper niche from the main entrance on the left (south) side of the nave of St Peter’s.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/25/saint-of-the-day-25-march-st-lucia-filippini-1672-1732/

Blessed Margaret Clitherow (1556-1586) Martyr, Married Laywoman and Mother of 3. Her 2 sons became Priests and her daughter a Nun. She is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. She was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
Her Life and Most Horrible Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/25/saint-of-the-day-25-march-saint-margaret-clitherow-1556-1586-the-pearl-of-york-marty/

St Matrona of Barcelona
St Matrona of Thessaloniki
St Mona of Milan
St Nicodemus of Mammola
St Pelagius of Laodicea Bishop

Blessed Placido Riccardi OSB (1844-1915. Priest and Friar of the Order of St Benedict. He was Beatified on 5 Dercember 1954 by Pope Pius XII. PATRONAGES – against Malaria, against all bodily illnesses
A Devout and Dedicated Servant:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/25/saint-of-the-day-25-march-blessed-placido-riccardi-osb-1844-1915-priest/

St Procopius
St Quirinus of Rome
Bl Tommaso of Costacciaro

262 Martyrs of Rome: A group 262 Christians Martyred together in Rome. We know nothing else about them, not even their names.