Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lys / Our Lady of the Lily, Melun, France (13th Century), St John of Matha and the Saints for 8 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lys / Our Lady of the Lily, Melun, France (13th Century) – 8 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/08/abbey-of-our-lady-of-the-lily-melun-france-13th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-8-february/

St John of Matha O.SS.T (1160-1213) – Priest, Founder of The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, also known as the Order of the Most Holy Trinity or the Trinitarians,
Feast day is today – moved in 1969 to 17 December.
Wonderful St John
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-john-of-matha-o-ss-t-1160-1213/

St Cuthman of Steyning (Died 8th Century) Hermit, builder of Churches, Miracle-worker.
Holy Hard-working Cuthman
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/08/saint-of-the-day-8-february-saint-cuthman-of-steyning-died-8th-century/

St Cyriacus of Rome
St Dionysus of Armenia
St Elfleda of Whitby
St Emilian of Armenia
St Giacuto
St Gisela
St Honoratus (Died c571) Bishop and Confessor of Milan
St Inventius of Pavia
Bl Jacoba de Settesoli
St Kigwe
St Laureatus of Rome
St Lucius of Rome
St Meingold
St Mlada of Prague
St Nicetius of Besançon
St Oncho of Clonmore
St Paul of Rome

St Paul of Verdun (c576-c648) Bishop of Verdun, in the Lorraine region of France from 630 until his death., Abbot. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Verdun in France, St Paulus, Bishop renowned for miracles.”
The Zealous St Paul:
https:/nastpaul.com/2022/02/08/saint-of-the-day-8-february-st-paul-of-verdun-c-576-c-648/

Blessed Pietro Igneus OSB Vall. (c1020 – 1089) Cardinal Bishop of Albano, Reformer – particularly against simony, Papal Legate and peace-maker.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/08/saint-of-the-day-8-february-blessed-pietro-igneus-osb-vall-c-1020-1089-cardinal-bishop/

St Sebastian of Armenia

St Stephen of Muret (c1046-1124) Abbot, Founder of the Abbey of Grandmont (the Mother House) and the Order of Grandmont.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Muret, near Limoges, the birthday of the Abbot, St Stephen, Founder of the Order of Grandmont, celebrated for his virtues and miracles.”
A Grace-filled Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/08/saint-of-the-day-8-february-saint-stephen-of-muret-c1046-1124-abbot/

Martyrs of Constantinople: Community of 5th Century Monks at the Monastery of Saint Dius at Constantinople. Imprisoned and Martyred for loyalty to the Vatican during the Acacian Schism. 485 in Constantinople.

Martyrs of Persia: An unknown number of Christians murdered in early 6th-century Persia. Legend says that so many miracles occurred through the intercession of these Martyrs that the King decreed an end to the persecution of Christians.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The GREAT TRUTHS, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 7 February – The Models for Imitation

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 7 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

7th Day – The Models for Imitation

They are before the throne of God
and they serve Him, day and night in His temple.
(Apoc vii:15)

Example is better than precept and, we shall often learn more from watching those, who perfectly achieve, that which we are attempting to acquire, than by any set of rules.
Let us watch the Saints in Heaven in order that we may learn from them.

+1. Their continual occupation is the praise of God, the tranquil delight of basking in the Light of God. This satisfies every longing of their hearts, this fills them with perfect and unfading joy. This is the highest praise they can render to God.
How can I imitate them? By a continual remembrance of God, by visiting the Blessed Sacrament, by a frequent raising of my heart to Heaven.

+2. The Saints find a constant joy too, in showing reverence to God, in falling down in prostrate homage before the throne, in recognising their dependence upon Him and their indebtedness to Him, for all their joy.
This , too, I can copy by great reverence, both of body and soul; reverence before the Altar, reverence in my prayers, reverence and resignation to the Will of God in my thoughts.

+3. The Saints and Angels serve God too, by doing His bidding, whether by their homage in Heaven, or by carrying His graces and messages to men. Their joy is to do the Will of God and finish His work.
I, too, in my feeble way, can serve God I can really be of service to Him by every act of love and especially, by every act of kindness to others.
Pray that your life may prepare you for the company of the Saints in Heaven .

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Quote/s of the Day – 7 February – St Romuald

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 February – St Romuald (c951-1027) Abbot

“In the Psalms there is one way.
Do not abandon it.
If you, who have come,
with the fervour of a novice,
cannot understand everything,
strive to recite, with understanding
of spirit and mind, now here, now there
and when you begin to wander while reading,
do not stop but hasten to correct yourself
by concentrating.”

“Destroy yourself completely
and sit, like a chick,
content with the grace of God,
for unless its mother gives it something,
it tastes nothing and has nothing to eat.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-february-st-romuald-3/

St Romuald (c951-1027)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VICE, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 February – ‘… True faith knows no delay. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Romuald (c951-1027) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “Jesus said to them, ‘Come after Me; I will make you fishers of men.’” Happy transformation of fishing! Simon and Andrew are what Jesus caught fishing … These men are made similar to fish, caught by Christ, before going themselves to catch other people. “They immediately abandoned their nets and became His followers.” True faith knows no delay. As soon as they heard Him, they believed, they followed Him and they became fishers. “They immediately abandoned their nets.” I think that with those nets, they abandoned all the vices of the life of this world …

“Proceeding a little farther along, He caught sight of James, Zebedee’s son and his brother, John … He summoned them on the spot. They abandoned their father Zebedee, who was in the boat with the hired men and went off in His company.” You will tell me — faith is daring. What indication did they have, what sublime characteristic had they noted which made them follow Him, as soon as He called them? We realise that evidently something Divine came forth from Jesus’ gaze, from the expression on His Face which incited those who looked at Jesus to turn towards Him … Why am I saying all this? It is to show you that the Lord’s Word was active and, that through the least of His Words, He was working on His task: “He commanded and they were made.” (Ps 148:5) With the same simplicity, He called and they followed … “Hear, O daughter and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty.” (Ps 45:11-12)

Listen well, brother and follow the path of the Apostles; listen to the Saviour’s Voice, ignore your father according to the flesh and see the true Father of your soul and your mind … The Apostles left their father, left their boat, left all their riches of that time; they abandoned the world and its countless riches; they renounced all that they owned. However, God does not consider the mass of riches but rather, the soul of the person who renounces them. Those people who left only a few things would also have renounced a large fortune, if the need had arisen.” – St Jerome (347-420) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel of Mark).

RAYER – May the intercession of the Blessed Abbot Romuald, commend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so that what we do not deserve by any merits of our own, we may obtain by his 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 ACT of LOVE, ACT of REPARATION, CONSECRATION Prayers, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, PAPAL PRAYERS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 7 February – Act of Consecration and Reparation to the Sacred Heart By Pope Leo XIII

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Our Morning Offering – 7 February – First Friday

Act of Consecration and Reparation
to the Sacred Heart
By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
Pope from 1878-19031903
(Excerpt on the image)

Most sweet Jesus,
Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us
humbly prostrate before Thine Altar.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be
but, to be more surely united with Thee,
behold each one of us,
freely consecrates himself today
to Thy Most Sacred Heart.
Many indeed have never known Thee,
many too, despising Thy precepts,
have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus
and draw them to Thine Sacred Heart.
Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful,
who have never forsaken Thee
but also of the prodigal children,
who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they, may quickly return
to Thy Father’s House
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those
who are deceived by erroneous opinions,
or whom discord keeps aloof
and call them back
to the harbour of truth
and unity of faith,
so that there may be
but one flock and one Shepherd.
Be Thou, King of all those.
who are still involved
in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism
and refuse not, to draw them
into the Light and Kingdom of God.
Turn Thine Eyes of Mercy
towards the children of the race,
once Thy chosen people –
of old they called down upon themselves
the Blood of the Saviour;
may it now descend upon them,
a laver of redemption and of life.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church,
assurance of freedom
and immunity from harm;
give peace and order to all nations
and make the earth resound
from pole to pole, with one cry:
“Praise be to the Divine Heart
which wrought our salvation;
to It be glory and honour forever!”
Amen

The above prayer, composed by Pope Leo XIII was included in the 1899 Encyclical, Annum Sacrum, issued by Leo XIII as he Consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Consecration was influenced by two letters written to the Holy Father by Blessed Sister Mary of the Divine Heart, who stated that in visions of Jesus Christ, she had been told to request the Consecration.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 February – St Moses the Hermit (Died c389) Bishop and Apostle of the Saracens

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Saint of the Day – 7 February – St Moses the Hermit (Died c389) Bishop and Apostle of the Saracens, Hermit in the desert and then Bishop, Missionary, Peace-maker. Moses had no fixed See after his Consecration as Bishop, journeying instead with his nomadic flock, converting many and keeping peace between the different tribes and the Roman imperial authorities. Born in Arabia and died there in c389 of natural causes. Also known as – Moses of the Saracens, Venerable Moses the Bishop. (Not to be confused with Moses the Black (330-405), another Saint of the region who is celebrated on 28 August.)

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Egypt, St Moses, a venerable Bishop, who first led a solitary life in the desert and being afterwards made Bishop, at the request of Mauvia, the Queen of the Saracens, converted the great part of that barbarous oeiokes to the Faith and rich in merits, passed peacefully to his reward.”

It is not known when or precisely where Moses was born but for some time in the 4th Century, Moses, like his ancient namesake, spent many years travelling and preaching in the wilderness in the border regions between Egypt and Syria.

His life of preaching attracted a large following. This reputation was noted by Socrates of Constantinople, the Christian Historian, who describes him as “a Saracen by birth, who led a monastic life in the desert” and, who had become “exceedingly eminent for his piety, faith and miracles.”

Socrates’ description of Moses comes by way of his retelling of the exploits of Queen Mauvia, who promised to end her armed revolt against the Roman Empire, on the condition that Moses be “constituted Bishop over her nation.”

Valens, the Roman Emperor, had no choice but to accept. Mauvia’s forces, originating in southern Syria, had defeated those of Rome’s on multiple occasions, marching through Palestine and Phoenicia, to reach the border with Egypt. Moses, however, refused to be Ordained by the Arian patriarchal See at Alexandria, choosing to be Consecrated by an orthodox Bishop living in exile instead.

Pope Gregory III (Papal reign 731-741) recalled the example of Moses as a Hermit Monk then Bishop, in a dialogue with the nephew of St Boniface, when trying to convince him to join his uncle in the German mission. It is quoted of the author, Irfan Shahid: “Thus an Arab Monk Bishop was presented as a model for the English Saint.”

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

First Friday of the Month, Our Lady of Avesnières, Laval, France (11th Century), Our Lady of Grace, or Our Lady of the Bowed Head, Rome (1610), St Romuald (c 951-1027) Abbot and Memorials of the Saints – 7 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

FIRST FRIDAY of the Month:
Attend Holy Mass and Receive Holy Communion
on each First Friday;
The Nine Fridays must be consecutive;
They must be made in honour and in reparation
to His Sacred Heart.

Notre-Dame d’Avesniéres, Laval / Our Lady of Avesnières, Laval, France (11th Century) – 7 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/07/notre-dame-davesnieres-laval-our-lady-of-avesnieres-laval-france-11th-century-nostra-signora-delle-grazie-our-lady-of-grace-or-our-lady-of-the-bowed-head-rome-1610-and-memorial/

Nostra Signora delle Grazie, Nostra Signora del Capo chino / Our Lady of Grace, or Our Lady of the Bowed Head, Rome (1610) – 7 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/07/sexagesima-sunday-our-lady-of-grace-or-our-lady-of-the-bowed-head-rome-1610-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-february/

St Romuald (c 951-1027) Monk, Abbot, Ascetic, Founder of the Camaldolese Order and a major figure in the Eleventh-Century “Renaissance of eremitical asceticism.”
His Feast Day is today and was thus from 1595. It was changed to 19 June in 1969 after Vatican II.  St Romuald’s body is incorrupt.
St Romuald’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/19/saint-of-the-day-19-june-st-romuald-c-951-1027/

St Adaucus of Phrygia
St Amulwinus of Lobbes
St Anatolius of Cahors
Bl Anselmo Polanco
Bl Anthony of Stroncone

St Augulus
St Chrysolius of Armenia
St Fidelis of Merida

Blessed Jacques Salès SJ (1556-1593) Priest Martyr AND Blessed William Saultemouche SJ (1555-1593) + Martyr, Jesuit Lay Brother+ of the Society of Jesus. These two young Jesuits died on 6 February 1593, Fr Jacques aged 26 was shot in the back by the protestants and Brother William was stabbed repeatedly until he died, all the while holding the dead body of Fr Jacques. Pope Pius XI Beatified the two Martyrs of the Blessed Sacrament on 6 June 1926.
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/07/saint-s-of-the-day-7-february-blessed-jacques-or-james-sales-sj-1556-1593-priest-martyr-and-blessed-william-saultemouche-sj-1555-1593-martyr-lay-brother/

St John of Triora
St Juliana of Bologna

St Lorenzo Maiorano (Died 545) Bishop of Siponto, Italy, Miracle-worker gifted with Prophecy and visions. Collaborator with St Michael in the Apparition at Gargano, known as “The Defender of the People.” St Lorenzo is also called the “Patron Saint of Foreigners” by the citizens of Siponto, having been a foreigner himself.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-saint-lorenzo-maiorano-died-545-bishop/

St Luke the Younger

Blessed Mary of Providence/Eugénie Smet HHS (1825-1871) Nun and Founder of the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls. Her apostolate has spread throughout the world – now in 24 countries and continues to minister to the Souls in the Body of Christ — both those on earth and those who have departed this world. Beatified in Rome on 26 May 1957 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-blessed-mary-of-providence-hhs-1825-1871/


St Meldon of Péronne
St Moses the Hermit (Died c389) Bishop
St Parthenius of Lampsacus

St Richard the King Pilgrim (Died c722) Layman, Prince, Pilgrim.
A Loving and Gentle Ruler and Father of Saints Willibald (Bishop of Eichstadt), Winnibald (Abbot of Heidesheim) and Walburga. (Virgin, Nun).
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-saint-richard-the-king-pilgrim-died-c-722/

Left to right – St Willibald, St Wuna, St Richard, St Walburga, St Winnibald

Bl Rizziero of Muccia
St Theodore (Died Early 4th Century) Martyr, Soldier

Bl essed Thomas Sherwood (1551–1578) Layman, Martyr of the English Persecution under Elizabeth I (c. 1552–1579). Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-bl-thomas-sherwood/

St Tressan of Mareuil

Blessed William Saultemouche SJ (1555-1593) + Martyr, Jesuit Lay Brother

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 6 February – How to Attain our End

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 6 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

6th Day – How to Attain our End

One thing I do; forgetting the things which are behind
and stretching forth myself to those which are before,
I press towards the mark.
(Philipp iii:1,3,14)

+1. Everyone desires to succeed in life.
A man who desired ultimate failure would justly be regarded as a lunatic. If I am to carry out my desire, I must look around myself and see what sort of men succeed.

+2. When I look at successful men, I find in all, three characteristics:
(1) A spirit of cheerfulness and confidence.
They know how to look at everything from its best side.
Hence, I must pray for these attributes.
(2) A spirit of perseverance.
They are not discouraged by failures.
They recover themselves without delay.
What a lesson for me, not to lose heart but to say, when I fall, I will rise again and that, promptly!
(3) A spirit of single-mindedness.
They keep the end in view steadily before them.
If I am to attain, to the End of my life, to succeed in coming to God at last, I must keep Him always before me.

+3. What can make my life as happy as this, to know that
I am drawing nearer to God?
Yet, there will be dark times and days of despondency.
Still, down at the bottom, beneath the surface, there will be hope and peace, even amid the darkness.
Pray for cheerfulness and an earnest purpose to live for God alone!

Posted in FIRST THURSDAY DEVOTION, PRAYERS for PRIESTS, PRIESTS, all CLERGY, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE

Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – First Thursday Devotion – PRAY for PRIESTS

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – First Thursday Devotion – PRAY for PRIESTS

The Votive Mass of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Supreme and Eternal Priest, is often celebrated on First Thursdays of each month.
By Decree of 24 December 1935, all Priests may offer this Votive Mass on said First Thursday.
Those of us familiar with Catholic tradition will naturally realise that this is to commemorate the Institution of the Sacred Priesthood at the Last Supper.

O Holy Mother of God
A Prayer for our Priests
to the Most Blessed Virgin
By St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

O Holy Mother of God,
pray for the Priests
thy Son has chosen to serve His Church.
Help them by thy intercession,
to be holy,
zealous and chaste.
Make them models of virtue,
in the service of God’s people.
Help them to be prayerful in meditations,
effective in preaching
and enthusiastic in the daily offering
of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Help them to administer
the Sacraments with joy,
O Holy Mother of God.
Amen

Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) He is known as the “Father of the Clergy” – Some of his Patronages: Bishops, Priests, Seminarians • Catechists • Catechumens • Spiritual Directors • Spiritual leaders

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on TRUTH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 February – Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house … Luke 10:5

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Titus (Died c96) Bishop, Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 44:16-27; 45:3-20; Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.
And, if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him but if not, it shall return to you.” – Luke 10:5-7

REFLECTION – “As you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house,‘” (Lk 10:5) so that the Lord Himself might enter and remain there, as with Mary. … This greeting is the Mystery of Faith which shines forth in the world. Through it, enmity is stifled, war is ended and people acknowledge one another. The effect of that greeting was hidden by a veil in spite of the fact that it prefigures the Mystery of the Resurrection … when the light rises and dawn chases night away. From the moment Christ sent out His disciples, people began to give and receive this greeting, a source of healing and blessing. …

This greeting with its hidden power … is amply sufficient for us all. That is why Our Lord sent it out, together with His disciples, as forerunner, so that it might bring about peace and, carried by the voice of the Apostles whom He sent, prepare the way before them. It was sown in every dwelling … it entered into all who heard it, so as to separate and set apart, the children it recognised as its own. It remained in them but it denounced those who were alien to it, for they did not welcome it.

This greeting of peace did not dry up; it began in the Apostles and then sprang up in their brethren, revealing the Lord’s inexhaustible treasures. … Present in those who offered greetings in this way and in those who welcomed the greeting, this announcement of peace was neither diminished nor divided. It announced that the Father is near and is in everyone; it revealed that the Son’s mission is bound up with all, even if its object is to be with His Father. It will not cease to proclaim that images are now brought to completion and Truth will cast all shadows away at last.” – St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church (Diatessaron 8: 3-4).

PRAYER – O God, Who adorned blessed Titus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, with the virtues of an apostle, grant, through his merits and intercession that by living justly and piously in this world, we may be found worthy to enter Heaven. 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, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 6 February – O Fathers of Our Ancient Faith

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Our Morning Offering – 6 February –“The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Titus (Died c96) Bishop, Confessor

O Fathers of Our Ancient Faith

O Fathers of our ancient faith,
With all the heav’n, we sing your fame
Whose sound went forth in all the earth
To tell of Christ and bless His Name.

You took the Gospel to the poor,
The Word of God alight in you,
Which in our day is told again,
That timeless Word, forever new.

You told of God, Who died for us
And out of death triumphant rose,
Who gave the Truth which made us free
and changeless through the ages goes.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Whose gift is faith that never dies,
A light in darkness now, until
The Day-Star in our hearts arise.

O Fathers of Our Ancient Faith is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office it is sung at Morning Prayer in the Common of Apostles. It is set to the anonymous tune associated with the 7th Century Latin Hymn, Creator Alme Siderum.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 February – St Guarinus Foscari CRSA (c1080-1158) the most reluctant Cardinal Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 6 February – St Guarinus Foscari CRSA (c1080-1158) Cardinal Bishop of Palestrina in Italy, from December 1144, Canon Regular of St Augustine, renowned for his great compassion and assistance to the poor of Palestrina. Born in c1080 in Bologna, Italy and died there of natural causes on 6 February 1158. He was Canonised by Pope Alexander III ia year after his death, in 1159. Also known as – Guarino, Guarinus of Palestrine, Guerin, Garin.

The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Bologna, St Guarinus, the Bishop of Palestrina and Cardinal, renowned for holiness of life.”

Guarinus Foscari was born in Bologna around 1080. He was a member of the noble Guarini household, while his mother was a Foscari. Guarinus Foscari was well educated and was quite fond of literature. Despite opposition from his parents, he was Ordained to the Priesthood at the age of 24. He was later named as the Canon of the Cathedral of Bologna. He was still at the Cathedral, when, in around 1104, he joined the Santa Croce Congregation of Canons at Mortara. Prior to his departure, he donated all of his goods to contribute towards the building of a hospital.

At the age of 59, Guarinus was elected to fill an opening which the death of the Bishop of Pavia created but evaded his Episcopal Consecration by escaping by clambering away, out of a window. Guarinus then went into hiding until another election was held.

During the Advent season of 1144, Pope Lucius II sent for him and he again attempted to avoid higher office. Lucius II had Guarinus arrested but he again escaped for a brief period. But again. Pope Lucius II had him appointed in December 1144 as the Cardinal-Bishop of Palestrina. He also bestowed on him a number of gifts suitable to a person of his new standing, including some fine horses which Guarinus immediately sold and distributing the funds to the poor.

Feeling unworthy of the position, Guarinus left his post twice. The first time, he was recalled from Subiaco due to the orders of Pope Eugene III. The second time he went to Ostia but, finding Saracens there,, he fled to Rome.

Guarinus was the Bishop for thirteen years and remained out of the troublesome Roman politics which so defined the time and temperament of Rome. As a Cardinal, he participated in three Conclaves which saw the elections of Pope Eugene III, Pope Anastasius IV and Pope Adrian IV.

Our Saint died at the age of 78 on 6 February 1158. He had been breatly loved for his humility and for his great generosity to the poor. He was Canonised by Pope Alexander III in 1159 just over a year after his death

Guarinus was buried in the Crypt of the Cathedral of Sant’Agapito. In 1473 Palestrina was looted and his remains were hidden for fear of desecration. Although a search was made in 1754, they were not located.

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

“Sedes Sapientia” Heilige Maagd Maria van Leuven / Our Lady of Louvain, Belgium (1444, St Titus Bishop Confessor, St Dorothy Virgin Martyr, 1st Thursday – PRAY for PRIESTS and the Saints for 6 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

1st Thursday – PRAY for PRIESTS

“Sedes Sapientia” – Heilige Maagd Maria van Leuven / Our Lady of Louvain, Belgium (1444) – 6 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/06/our-lady-of-louvain-belgium-1444-sedes-sapientia-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-february/

Nicolaas de Bruyne, 1442, Leuven, Pieterskerk

St Titus (First Century-c96) Bishop, Confessor, Disciple of St Paul, Missionary, Peacemaker, Teacher, Administrator, Friend – Patron of Crete. The New Testament does not record his death.
Wonderful St Titus
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-st-titus-died-c96-bishop-confessor/

St Dorothy of Caesarea (c279/290-311) Virgin Martyr
The Life and Death of St Dorothy:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-st-dorothy-of-caesarea-died-311-virgin-martyr/

St Amand of Maastricht (c 584-c 679) “The Apostle of Belgium”. Bishop of Tongeren-Maastricht and one of the great Missionaries of Flanders (Belgium), Monk, Abbot, Papal Missionary Bishop and Advisor, Miracle-worker, Founder of numerous Monasteries which became known for their hospitality to pilgrims. And another Saint Patron for eye diseases. amongst many other patronages.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-saint-amand-of-maastricht-c-584-c-679-bishop-the-apostle-of-belgium/

Saint Pedro Bautista Blásquez y Blásquez OFM (1542-1597) Priest Martyr
and the 26 Martyrs of Japan – Died by Crucifixion on 5 February 1597. Canonised on 8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX.

St Amand of Moissac
St Amand of Nantes
St Andrew of Elnone

Blessed Angelus of Furci OSA (1246-1327) Priest and Friar of the Order of Augustinian Hermits, Theologian, renowned Preacher, Provincial Superior. Patronages – of Furci, one of the more than 50 Patrons of Naples,.
Beloved Blessed Angelus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-blessed-angelus-of-furci-osa-1246-1327-priest-and-friar/

St Antholian of Auvergne
St Brinolfo Algotsson
Cassius of Auvergne
Bl Diego de Azevedo
St Ethelburga of Wessex
Bl Francesca of Gubbio
St Gerald of Ostia
St Gonsalo Garcia OFM
St Guarinus Foscari CRSA (c1080-1158) Bishop
St Guethenoc
St Hildegund
St Ina of Wessex
St Jacut
St Liminius of Auvergne
St Maximus of Aurvergne
St Mel of Ardagh
St Melchu of Armagh
St Mun of Lough Ree
St Relindis of Eyck
St Revocata
St Saturninus
St Tanco of Werden
St Theophilus
St Theophilus the Lawyer

St Vaast of Arras (c 453-539 or 540) Bishop – The First Bishop of Arras, France , Hermit, Ascetic, Miracle-worker, Advisor to King Clovis. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Arras in Belgian Gaul, today in France, Saint Vedastus, Bishop, who, sent by Saint Remigius Bishop of Rheims to the devastated City, catechised King Clovis, re-established the Church and held it for about forty years and brought to an end, the need of work for evangelisation among the previously still pagan peoples of the region.” St Vaast is another Patron of eye diseases, problems and blindness.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-saint-vaast-of-arras-c-453-539-or-540/

St Victorinus of Auvergne

Martyrs of Emesa: At Emesa in Phrenicia, in the time of the Emperor Maximian, St Silvanus, the Bishop, who after having governed that Church for forty years, was delivered to the beasts with two other Christians and, having his limbs all mangled, received the Palm of Martyrdom. The other two are recorded as St Luke the Deacon and St Mucius the Lector.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The GREAT TRUTHS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 5 February – God the End of our Life

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Thought for the Day – 5 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

5th Day – God the End of our Life

Seek ye, therefore. first the kingdom of God.
(St Matthew vi:33)

+1. Our life is a circle – whence it first came thither, it must return. As we proceeded from God, so, we must go back to Him, if our life is to be a success.
We can never find repose or lasting satisfaction in anything except God. As long as we do not tend to Him, we shall be fluctuating, inconstant, uncertain. Until we make Him the End of our life, we shall feel that we are wandering about in the dark.

+2. What do we mean by making God the End of our life? We mean that to do His pleasure shall be the motive which shall be first and foremost and, when there is a choice between God’s pleasure and our own, when the two seem to be opposed, our general disposition shall be to do God’s Will and not our own. In spite of the pain involved in giving up his own will, the man who makes God the End of his life, will deny that own will, without hesitation and so, will draw nearer to God, his last End.

+3. Every time we do this, we break down a barrier between God and ourselves; we come nearer to the enjoyment of Him, we get a bit closer to Heaven.
The self-willed man is never satisfied; the man whose will is perfectly subject to God, is always happy. The Angels are always happy because they have no will but God’s.
If I want to find happiness in this world, or the next, the first thing is to learn to submit my will to God.
Pray God to break your self-will at any cost.

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – Love above all …

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – 1 Corinthians 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Matthew 19:3-12– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… A man shall leave father and mother
and shall cleave to his wife
and they two shall be in one flesh.”
Matthew 19:5

“Say your prayers together.
Let each of you go to Church and, returning home,
let the husband ask an account from his wife
and the wife from her husband,
concerning whatever was said or read …
Learn the fear of God and all the rest will flow,
as from a spring and your house
will be filled with countless blessings.
Let us aspire to those good things
that are incorruptible and
the rest will not pass us by.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God
and all the rest will be added to you”
(Mt 6:33).”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“If any of you should wish
to act out of love, brothers,
do not imagine it to be a self-abasing,
passive and timid thing.
And do not think that love can be preserved
by gentleness – or rather, docile listlessness.
This is not how it is preserved.
Do not imagine that you love your servant,
when you refrain from beating him,
or that you love your son,
when you do not discipline him,
or that you love your neighbour,
when you do not rebuke him.
This is not love, it is feebleness!
Love should be fervent, to correct.”

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

“If I speak with the tongues
of men and of angels
and have not charity,
I am become as sounding brass,
or a tinkling cymbal.
And if I should have prophecy
and should know all mysteries
and all knowledge
and if I should have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains
but have not charity,
I am nothing!”

St Paul
1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 February – ‘ … Through the marriage bond, God makes two, one and one, two …’

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One Minute Reflection – 5 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Agatha (c231- c251) Virgin Martyr – 1 Corinthians 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Matthew 19:3-12– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… A man shall leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they two shall be in one flesh.” – Matthew 19:5

REFLECTION – “Woman is not independent of man, nor man of woman, in the Lord” (1 Cor 11:11) … Man and woman walk hand-in-hand to the Kingdom. Christ calls both man and woman at one and the same time, without distinction, united by God and joined together by nature, giving them a share in the same actions and tasks in wonderful harmony. Through the marriage bond, God makes two, one and one, two, in such a way that another self is discovered, without loss of individuality or mingling in duality.

But why does God appeal thus to man and and to woman, through the images he gives of his Kingdom? (cf Lk 13:18-21). Why does He suggest such greatness by means of seemingly weak and inadequate examples? Oh my brethren! a priceless mystery is hidden under this poverty. As the Apostle Paul says: “This is a great mystery but I speak in reference to Christ and His Church” (Eph 5:32).

These parables suggest humanity’s greatest goal – man and woman have brought an end to the lawsuit against the world, a lawsuit which dragged on for centuries. The first man, Adam and first woman, Eve, are led from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, to the fire … of the Gospel …. Mouths sickened by the fruit of the poisoned tree are healed, by the fiery taste of the tree of salvation, of that tree tasting of fire which, enflames consciences, frozen by the former tree. Here nakedness makes no difference and no longer inspires shame, for man and woman are fully clothed in forgiveness.” – St Peter Chrysologus (406-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 99).

PRAYER – O God, Who among other wonders of Thy power hast given the victory of mMrtyrdom even to the gentler sex, graciously grant that we, who commemorate the anniversary of the death of blessed Agatha, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may come to Thee, by following her example.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 Holy Family PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MARIAN PRAYERS, Of FATHERS, GRANDfathers, GRANDparents, Of PARENTS & FAMILIES of LARGE Families, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on CHILDREN, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES/PRAYERS on THE FAMILY, The HOLY FAMILY

Our Morning Offering – 5 February – A Parent’s Prayer to St Joseph

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Our Morning Offering – 5 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – On Wedmesdays, Catholics make a special devotion to St Joseph by going to Mass on the 1st Wednesdays of 9 consecutive months and offering their Communions in his honour and for the salvation of the dying.

A Parent’s Prayer to St Joseph

O holy Joseph,
thou faithful Spouse
of the Blessed Mother,
thou who didst protect her
and her Divine Child with such care
and didst devote thy whole life to them;
I beseech thee to be also my
and my children’s protector
and advocate, with Jesus,
thy adopted Son.
Obtain for me the grace
to fulfil my duties to my children,
as thou and Mary have done to Jesus.

St Joseph Pray for all our Fathers
and for our spiritual Fathers
of Holy Mother Church
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 February – St Luca di Demenna (Died 995) Founder Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 5 February – St Luca di Demenna (Died 995) Founder Abbot of the Monastery of Sts Elia and Anastasius in Carbone, Potenza, Italy, Miracle-worker. Born in Sicily and died on 5 February 995 at his Monastery in in Carbone in the Province of Potenza, Italy, of natural causes.

Luca was born in Sicily, in Demenna and was initiated into the Basilian asceticism in the Monastery of St Philip of Agira, where other famous Greek Monks of the 10th Century were also trained.

To escape the harassment of the invading Saracens, who had conquered the Island, he crossed the strait and went to place himself under the discipline of St Elias Speleota of Reggio. But soon the City of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy also became the target of Saracen raids, so Luca took the road further north. Here he founded a Monastery in the territory of Noepoli, where he restored the crumbling Church of St Peter and lived with his disciples for seven years, practicing the most rigourous asceticism and dedicating himself to working in the fields, so as to change the desert into a garden.

Desiring greater solitude, Luca moved to the territory of Agromonte, near the river Agri, where he restored the Monastery of St Julian. He lent his work of Christian charity to the soldiers wounded in the conflict between the Saracens and the Germans of Otto II; he fortified the castle of Armento and the Church of the Mother of God, leaving their custody to his disciples.

From here, in around 971, the famous Monastery of Sts Elia and Anastasius in Carbone in the Province of Potenza. This Monastery became the headquarters of St Luca, both as a fortified bulwark against the incursions of the Saracens and as a training ground for the many miracles that he worked there.

Here Luca died assisted by St Saba of Collesano on 5 February 995 and was buried in the Monastery Church, where he was publicly venerated as a Saint.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Dedication of the first Church of Our Lady, by St Peter – Tortosa, Italy, St Agatha, Virgin Martyr, St Philip of Jesus, Martyr and Saints for 5 February

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Dedication of the first Church of Our Lady, by St Peter – Tortosa, Italy – 5 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/05/dedication-of-the-first-church-of-our-lady-by-st-peter-tortosa-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-february/

St Agatha (c 231- c 251) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/05/saint-of-the-day-st-agatha-c-231-c-251-virgin-and-martyr/

St Philip of Jesus (1572-1597) Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-st-philip-of-jesus-1572-1597/

St Adelaide of Guelders (c970–1015) Abbess, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker, Reformer, Counsellor to the Archbishop of Cologne.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-st-adelaide-of-guelders-c-970-1015/

St Agatha Hildegard of Carinthia
St Agricola of Tongres

St Albinus of Brixen (Died 1005) Bishop of Brixen, Advisor to both Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Roman Martyrology: states: “In Bressanone (Brixen) in South Tyrol, commemoration of St Albuino, Bishop, who transferred the Episcopal Chair from Sabion to this seat.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-saint-albinus-of-brixen-died-1005/

St Anthony of Athens

St Avitus of Vienne (c450-c518) Bishop of Vienne, Poet, Confessor and Defender of the Mysteries of the Faith against heretics, writer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-saint-avitus-of-vienne-c-450-c-518-bishop/

St Bertulph c640-c705) Priest, Abbot, Miracle-worker, Founder of a Monastery in Renty, France.
Miraculous St Bertulph:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-saint-bertulph-c640-c705-priest-abbot/

St Buo of Ireland
St Calamanda of Calaf
St Dominica of Shapwick
Bl Françoise Mézière
St Gabriel de Duisco

St Genuinus of Sabion (Died c605) Bishop, Miracle-worker.
This Holy Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-saint-genuinus-of-sabion-died-c605-bishop/

St Indract
St Isidore of Alexandria
St Jesús Méndez-Montoya
Bl John Morosini
St Kichi Franciscus
St Luca di Demenna (Died 995) Abbot


St Modestus of Carinthia

Bl Primo Andrés Lanas
St Saba the Younger
St Vodoaldus of Soissons

Martyrs of Pontus: An unknown number of Christians who were tortured and martyred in assorted painful ways in the region of Pontus (in modern Turkey) during the persecutions of Maximian.

The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan: 26 Saints – the First Martyrs of Japan. Martyred on 5 February 1597 by Crucifixion, also known as Pedro Bautista Blasquez y Blasquez and 22 companions, along with Paulus Miki and 2 companions, were Beatified on 14 September 1627 by Pope Urban VIII, and Canonised on 8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX.

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 4 February – God our Best Friend

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Thought for the Day – 4 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

4th Day – God our Best Friend

All are Thine , O Lord , Who lovest souls.
(Wisdom xi:27)

+1. Friendship is one of the consolations of man upon earth. One faithful friend is worth a hundred acquaintances. A friend who values our friendship, for its own sake, is a treasure without price. Such a friend we have in God.
He has nothing to gain from my friendship, His Infinite Happiness is not increased by it. Yet, His Infinite Goodness includes an intense desire to make me happy!

+2. When we have a faithful friend who is possessed of unlimited influence and power, we consult him in all our difficulties. God is, of all friends, the most faithful and the most powerful; He desires to be consulted by us in things small, as well as great, never tiring of our requests, more ready to hear, than we to pray!
Yet, how little have I had recourse to Him hitherto!
How little I have trusted Him!

+3. The best proof of a friend’s love, is a desire for our company. In this, what friend is like God?
He asks us, begs us, commands us, to be always in His Presence – “Walk with God and be thou perfect .”
His one object, in all His advice, is to secure our company forever in Heaven.
Why am I so indifferent about His Presence, so soon weary of God?
Pray that you may appreciate and relish the Divine Friendship of God.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – Bearing fruit with those talents

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 February – The Parable of the Talents

“And he who had received the five talents
went and traded with them,
and gained five more.

Matthew 25:16

“I have chosen you
and have appointed you,
that you should go
and should bring forth fruit
and your fruit should remain,
says the Lord.”

John 15:16

“What dost thou have that thou hast not received?”

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:7

“Watch me, O Lord, this day –
for, abandoned to myself,
I shall surely betray Thee!”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“As a general rule, God gives us
three kinds of talents.
There are – (1) material, like health or riches;
(2) intellectual and moral, such
as intelligence, personality and ability;
and (3) supernatural, like Divine grace,
a vocation, or extraordinary powers.
God lavishly distributes all these talens
to whomsoever He pleases
and in accordance with His own hidden dessigns.
We have no right,, therefore, to envy
the talents of others, nor,
to be discontented with our own.
… If we cheerfully accept and offer to God,
our lack of certain talents,
we can gain great merit in His eyes.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 February – ‘ … I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Andrew Corsini O.Carm (1302-1373) Bishop of Fiesole from 1349 until his death,Confessor, known as the “Apostle of Florence” Carmelite Friar – Ecclesiasticus Sir 44:16-27; 45:3-20; Matthew 25:14-23– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness…, it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.

O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring Light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee, Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…

Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me! … I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).

PRAYER – O God, Who establishes ever new examples of virtue in Thy Church, grant that Thy people may follow the footsteps of blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor and Bishop, so that they may also obtain his reward. 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, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 4 February –Morning Prayer To Be Conformed to the Divine Will

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Our Morning Offering – 4 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity”

Morning Prayer
To Be Conformed to the Divine Will
Unknown Author
Breviary Prayer

Most Holy Trinity, Godhead IndIvisible,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
our first beginning and our last end,
Thou hast made us in accord
with Thine Own Image and likeness.

Grant that all the thoughts of our minds,
all the words of our tongues,
all the affections of our hearts
and all the actions of our being
may always be conformed to Thine Holy Will.

So may we, having seen Thee veiled
in appearance here below,
by means of faith,
come at last to contemplate
Thee face-to-face,
in the perfect possession of Thee,
forever in Heaven.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 February – St Fingen (Died c1005) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 4 February – St Fingen (Died c1005) Abbot, Missionary, builder/restorer of Monastery buildings and Reformer of the practices of the communities living therein. Born in Ireland in the 8th Century and died in c1005 in Metz, France. Also known as – Fingen of Metz.

An image of an ancient Abbot

Fingen, a celebrated Irish Monk and Abbot, migrated to the Kingdom of Lothaire as a Missionary, where he acquired a reputation for restoring old Monastery buildings. Lothaire was a medieval successor Kingdom of the Carolingian Empire. It comprised present-day Lorraine (France), Luxembourg, Saarland (Germany).

In around 991, one of the Monasteries restored by Fingen, Saint Symphorien’s, was placed under Fingen’s care as the Abbot by Bishop Saint Adalbero.

At the insistence of the dowager Empress Saint Adelaide Pope John XVII issued a charter which declared that only Irish Monks would administer the Abbey as long as they could be found. She obtained a similar charter from King Otto III in 992.

Fingen’s final work, with the help of seven of his Irish Monks, was the restoration of Saint-Vannes in Verdun. By 1001, Saint-Vannes was attracting distinguished applicants, such as Blessed Frederick of Arras, Count of Verdun and his friend Blessed Richard, the Vicar of the Diocese of Rheims, who later became the Abbot of Saint-Vannes.

Fingen’s Relics can be found in Saint-Clement’s Church in Metz, (SEE BELOW) where the Epitah highly praises him.

Posted in CARMELITES, franciscan OFM, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora del Fuoco / Our Lady of the Fire, Forli, Italy (1428), St Andrew Corsini and the Saints for 4 February

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Nostra Signora del Fuoco / Our Lady of the Fire, Forli, Italy (1428) – 4 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/04/our-lady-of-fire-forli-italy-1428-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-february/

St Andrew Corsini O.Carm (1302-1373) Bishop of Fiesole from 1349 until his death,Confessor, known as the “Apostle of Florence,” Carmelite Friar, Penitent, Apostle of the poor, Peacemaker, Papal Legate.
Devoted St Andrew:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-andrew-corsini-o-carm-1302-1373-bishop/

St Aventinus of Troyes (Died c538) Priest, Almoner and Administrator of the funds for the See of Troyes, Hermit, Miracle-worker, gifted with a great affinity with animals, who came to him for help when ill or hurt.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-aventinus-of-troyes-died-c538-priest-hermit/

St Dionisio de Vilaregut
St Donatus of Fossombrone
St Eutychius of Rome
St Filoromus of Alexandria
St Fingen (Died c1005) Abbot


St Firmus of Genoa
St Frederick of Hallum
St Gelasius of Fossombrone
St Geminus of Fossombrone

St Gilbert of Limerick (c1070–1145) Bishop, Canon Lawyer, Papal Legate to Ireland appointed by the Papacy of Pope Paschal II in c1106 and also then appointed as the Bishop of Limerick, Scholar and Philsopher, Church Reformer,
A Talented and Holy Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-gilbert-of-limerick-c1070-1145-bishop/

St Gilbert of Sempringham (c1083-1189) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, Founder of 13 Monasteries and Churches, schools, homes and hostels for the sick and orphanages, Miracle-worker. He was Canonised in 1202 by Pope Innocent III.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-gilbert-of-sempringham-c-1083-1189/

St Isidore of Pelusium Martyr. No other information has survived.

St Jane de Valois O.Ann.M and TOSF (1464-1505) Princess, Queen, Founder, Religious Sister, Mystic, Teacher. Founded the monastic Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary. From this Order later sprang the religious congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation, founded in 1787 to teach the children of the poor. She was Canonised on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-jane-of-valois-o-ann-m-1464-1505/

St John de Britto SJ (1647-1693) Martyr, Priest, Missionary to India, Confessor, Preacher. Canonised on 22 June 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-john-de-britto-sj-1647-1693-martyr/

St John of Irenopolis
Bl John Speed

St Joseph of Leonissa OFM (Cap) (1556-1612) Friar of the Capuchin Franciscans, Missionary Preacher, Confessor. He was Canonised on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-joseph-of-leonissa/

St Liephard of Cambrai
St Magnus of Fossombrone
St Modan
St Nicholas Studites
St Nithard
St Obitius
St Phileas of Alexandria

St Rembert (c830-888) Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, Missionary, Miracle-worker, Founder of Churches and Monasteries, Disciple of St Ansgar (801-865) “The Apostle of the North.”
About St Rembert whose Feast day was changed from 4 February to 11 June after 1969:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/11/saint-of-the-day-11-june-st-rembert-of-hamburg-c830-888-archbishop/

St Rabanus Maurus OSB (776-856) Archbishop, Monk, Abbot,Theologian, Poet, Writer, Teacher, Encyclopedist, “The Teacher of Germany.”
St Rabanus’ Devout Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-rabanus-maurus-osb-776-856/

St Themoius
St Theophilus the Penitent
St Vincent of Troyes
St Vulgis of Lobbes

Jesuit Martyrs of Japan: A collective memorial of all members of the Jesuits who have died as Martyrs for the faith in Japan.

Martyrs of Perga – 4 Saints: A group of shepherds Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only details we have about them are the names – Claudian, Conon, Diodorus and Papias. They were Martyred in c 250 in Perga, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 3 February – God our Preserver

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Thought for the Day – 3 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

3rd Day – God our Preserver

In Him we live and move and are.
(Acts xvii:28)

+1. If God had merely created us and then left us to ourselves, there would have been some excuse for our forgetting how completely we belong to Him.
But, we are not like a picture which the artist finishes and then leaves to itself. God continues throughout our whole life the act of creation, in the shape of preservation. Without this, we should, at once, lapse into our previous nothingness. We depend upon Him for our being, as the rivulet depends on the spring, or the smoke on the fire.

+2. But, we not only live in Him but, we also move in Him. He co-operates with our every action. We cannot lift a hand or move a finger, unless He not only sanctions the act but actually helps us to perform it. Every breath we breathe, every pulsation of our heart, depends on God’s co-operation.
How completely dependent we are on Him! How careful should we be, that our every action is one suitable to the Divine co-operation!

+3. God does more than this.
He not only preserves us but tends us, with watchful care, delivers us from dangers warns us when we are going awry, shows a never-failing interest in us and an unceasing desire for our happiness.
For all this, we are dependent on Him!
What folly then, to neglect One to Whom we owe everything!
Pray for a sense of continual dependenc and trust of God.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 3 February – St Blaise

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Quote of the Day – 3 February – St Blaise (Died c316) Martyr Bishop, Physician, Miracle-worker

The Blessing of the Throats is a Sacramental of the Church, ordinarily celebrated today, the Feast day of Saint Blaise.

THE BLESSING of ST BLAISE
Through the intercession
of Saint Blaise,
Bishop and Martyr,
may God deliver you
from ailments of the throat
and from every other evil.
In the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 February – ‘ … Today a new Sun is shining …’

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One Minute Reflection – 3 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Resumed Mass of Sunday – Malachias 3:1-4; – Luke 2:22-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My eyes have seen Thy salvation …” – Luke 2:30

REFLECTION – “The “Father of lights” (Jam 1:17) is inviting the children of Light (Lk 16:18) to celebrate the Feast of Light: “Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy” says the Psalm (33:6). In fact, He Who “dwells in unapproachable light” (1Tm 6:16) has condescended to become approachable. He has come down in the cloud of His Flesh that the weak and small might mount up to Him. What a descent of mercy! “He inclined the heavens,” that is to say, the heights of His Divinity, “and came down” by becoming present in the flesh, “with dark clouds under His Feet” (Ps 17:10) …

A necessary darkness to turn us to Light! The true Light was hidden beneath the cloud of His Flesh (cf. Ex 13:21) – a dark cloud by reason of its “likeness to sinful flesh” (Rm 8:3) … Since the true Light has made flesh His hiding place, let us, who are beings of flesh, draw near to the Word made Flesh … that we may learn to pass, by degrees to the spiritual flesh. Let us now draw near, for today a new Sun is shining even more than is its wont. Up until now, he was enclosed in the narrowness of a crib in Bethlehem and was known by hardly anyone but today, at Jerusalem, he is presented in front of a great number of people in the Temple of the Lord … Today, the Sun breaks out to shine over the whole world …

If only my soul could burn with the desire which inflamed Simeon’s heart that I, too, might be worthy of becoming the bearer of so great a Light! But, unless the soul has first of all been purified from its sins, it cannot go “to meet Christ on the clouds” of true freedom (1 Thes 4:17) … Only then, will it be able to rejoice in the true Light with Simeon and, like him, to depart in peace.” – Adam of Perseigne (c1145-1221) Cistercian Abbot (Sermon 4 for the Purification).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty that, as Thy Only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the nature of our flesh, so may Thou grant us to be presented to Thee with purified minds. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 3 February – O Gloriosa Virginum

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Our Morning Offering – 3 February – Resumed Mass of Sunday

O Gloriosa Virginum
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)

O Glorious Virgin, ever blest,
Sublime above the starry sky,
Who nurture from thy spotless breast
To thy Creator didst supply.

What we had lost through hapless Eve,
The Blossom sprung from these restores,
And, granting bliss to souls that grieve,
Unbars the everlasting doors.

O Gate, through which hath passed the King.
O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom;
The ransomed nations, praise and sing
Life given from the Virgin womb.

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen

O Gloriosa Domina is the second half of the Hymn: Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera. It was composed by St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) the Bishop of Poitiers.
In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to O Gloriósa Vírginum.
It is sung in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Roman Breviary.
It is said that St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) was always singing this Hymn. His mother sang it to him as a baby and even on his death bed, after receiving Extreme Unction, he intoned the Hymn.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 February – St Leonius (4th Century) Priest in Poitiers and a disciple of St Hilary.

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Saint of the Day – 3 February – St Leonius (4th Century) Priest in Poitiers and a disciple of St Hilary. We believe Leonius was born in Poitiers in the 4th Century. He died in the latter part of this Century
late 4th century in Poitiers, Aquitaine, France of natural causes. Also known as – Leonius of Luçon, Leonio… Léone… Lienne… Additional Memorial – 14 February (in the Archdiocese of Poitiers).

Poitiers Cathedral of St Peter

Leonius was born in Poitiers into a Christian family. He studied Scripture and theology and was Ordained a Priest by St Hilary. His teacher, St Hilary, was a prominent Theologian and the Bishop of Poitiers who supported the Doctrine of the Trinity against Arianism which held that Jesus Christ was not God.

He was a faithful disciple of St Hilary and followed him into exile when the Emperor Constantius II began persecuting Christians who held the Doctrine of the True Faith and did not subscribed to the heresy of the Arians.

Leonius and St Hilary spent several years in exile, during which they preached the Gospel and fought against Arianism.

Leonius assisted St Hilary on his deathbed and died himself at an advanced age towards the end of the 4th Century. His Relics were transferred to La-Roche-sur-Yon in 994 but were lost during the Hundred Years’ War. The Diocese of Lucon celebrates St Leonius today, on 3 February and that of Poitiers, on the 14th of this month.