The beloved Foster-Father and Guardian of Jesus and Protector of the Holy Family, is celebrated for this whole month and his Feast Day falls in the middle of it – 19 March – this year moved to the 20th as the 19th is Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
“Quamquam Pluries” On the Devotion to St Joseph Pope Leo XIII
“On 10 March, [11 MARCH THIS YEAR], we begin the Novena to St Joseph, entrusting so many of our woes and cares to his holy and fatherly care and intercession. His Patronages are numerous, as we know, one of them will fit our needs perfectly and if not, then we should all ask him to intercede on our behalf for our families and for a Happy and Holy Death. On the 20th [FEAST normally 19th] we pray the Consecration to St Joseph.”
Patronages in Alphabetical Order:
of Accountants • Bursars • Cabinetmakers • Carpenters • Catholic Church • Cemetery Workers • Children • Civil Engineers • against Communism • Confectioners • Craftsmen • against Doubt and Hesitation • the Dying • Emigrants • Exiles • Expectant Mothers • Families • Fathers • Furniture Makers • Grave diggers • Happy Death • Holy Death • House Hunters • House Sellers • Immigrants • Joiners • Labourers • all the Legal Profession • Married Couples • Oblates of Saint Joseph • Orphans • Pioneers • Social Justice • Teachers • Travellers • the Unborn • Wheelwrights • Workers • Americas • Austria • Belgium • Bohemia • Canada • China • Croatian people • Korea • Mexico • New France • New World • Peru • Philippines • Vatican City • VietNam • Canadian Armed Forces • Papal States • 46 Diocese • 26 Cities,States and Regions.
Thought for the Day – 1 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)
Ist Day – The Foreshadowing of St Joseph
+I. As the Church of Christ is prefigured in the rites and ceremonies of the Old Law, so too, the chief personages who centre around Our Lord in the Redemption of the world, are foreshadowed in the Old Testament . We trace the outlines of Our Lady’s graces in Esther, Jahel, Bethsabee, Judith. So too, St Joseph’s place in the new dispensation is anticipated in the place of the Patriarch Joseph at the Court of Pharaoh. Thus it is that, God in His Love for His chosen ones, paves the way for them centuries before. From the beginning, He has prepared their work and the throne they are to earn in Heaven by their labours and sufferings for Him.
+2. In the life of the Patriarch Joseph, there was throughout, a correspondence to the life of the foster -father of Jesus Christ. The troubles and persecutions of his early life, his long time of servitude and obscurity, his wondrous purity, his time of patient expectation, his glorious exaltation, his omnipotence with the King, his power to save all who came to him – all these were repeated, or rather, were fulfilled, in St Joseph. Reflect on each of these and consider how St Joseph is a model to us.
+3. We read of the Patriarch that the King of Egypt made him the lord of his house. So God made St Joseph the lord of that earthly Tabernacle of Flesh in which He dwelt on earth. Joseph ruled Our Lord in His Sacred Humanity. He made him the lord too , of another house in which He sojourned, of the Sacred House which Wisdom built for Himself, in the form of His holy Mother. If St Joseph was thus, the lord of Jesus and Mary, what may we not expect from Him!?
Quote/s of the Day – 1 March – Saturday of the Blessed Virgin – Salve Sancta Parens
“Hail, full of grace!”
Luke 1:28
“Holy Light on earth’s horizon, Star of hope to those who fall, Light amid a world of shadows, Dawn of God’s Design for all.”
Hail to Thee, Forever Virgin, Mother of God, By St Methodius of Olympus (Died c311)
Hail to thee forever-Virgin Mother of God, our unceasing joy! for unto thee do I again return. . . . Hail, thou fount of the Son’s love for man. . . . Wherefore, we pray thee, the most excellent among women, who boast in the confidence of thy maternal honours that thou wouldst, unceasingly, keep us in remembrance. O holy Mother of God, remember us, I say, who make our boast in thee and who, in august hymns celebrate thy memory which will ever live and never fade away. Amen
(From “Oration on Simeon and Anna”)
“You must know that when you ‘hail’ Mary, she immediately greets you! Do not think that she is one of those rude women of whom there are so many, on the contrary, she is utterly courteous and pleasant. If you greet her, she will answer you right away and converse with you!”
One Minute Reflection – 1 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – St David (c 542-c 601) Bishop, Confessor – Saturdaty of the Blessed Virgin (Salve Sancta Parens) – Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16; – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed is the womb which bore Thee ” – Luke 11:27
REFLECTION – “Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with thee” (Lk 1:28). Could anything transcend the joy which is thine, O Virgin Mary? Could anything surpass this grace?… Truly, thou art “blessed among women” (Lk 1:42), for thou hast changed the condemnation of Eve into a blessing. Because of thee and through thee, Adam, who was hitherto cast down and condemned, received a blessing.
Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for through thee, the blessing of the Father came to mankind and reprieved them from the age-old sentence. Truly, “thou art blessed among women” because through thee, thy ancestors found salvation. Thou were to give birth to the Saviour, Who would win for them, God’s salvation.
Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for without the seed of man thou bore the Fruit Who gives a blessing to the whole earth and frees it from being condemned to produce only thorns.
Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for although thou art a woman like any other woman, thou will, in actual fact, become the Mother of God. If the One to be born of thee is, in truth God Incarnate, thou rightly deserve to be called ‘she who gave birth to God’ inasmuch as thou truly do give birth to God.” – St Sophronius of Jerusalem (c560-638) Bishop, Father of the Church (Sermon for the Annunciation 2).
PRAYER – We beseech Thee, O Lord, look graciously upon the fervour of Thy people, who mortify themselves in the flesh through abstinence that they may be refreshed in spirit, by the fruit of these good works and the intercession of Thy blessed Confessor, David. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 1 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph”
Indulgenced Prayer to St Joseph O St Joseph! Pray for Us Daily
O Joseph! virgin father of Jesus, pure Spouse of the Virgin Mother, pray for us daily to the Son of God, that, armed with the weapons of His grace, we may fight as we ought in life and be crowned by Him in death. Amen (Indulgence of 100 days, twice a day St Pius X 26 November 1906)
Saint of the Day – 1 March – Saint Swidbert (Died 713) Bishop, Missionary, Founder and Abbot of Kaiserswerth Monastery. Born in Northumbria, England and died on 1 March 713 in today’s Kaiserswerth near Düsseldorf in North Rhine-Westphalia. Patronages – of Germany, against sore throats, of Drevenack, Germany, of Friesland, Netherland, of Ripon, England. Also known as – … the Elder, Suitbert, Suidbert, Suitbertus, Swithbert, Apostle of Friesland, Apostle of the Bructeri. The Name from old High German means: “the strong shining one.”
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Kaiserswerth, the Bishop, St Swidbert, who, in the time of Pope Sergius, preached the Gospel to the inhabitants of Friesland, Holland and to other Germanic peoples.”
The tale of Swidbert’s birth which arose around 1500, tells how a star, sending out two rays, fell on his mother’s bed before his birth. Bishop St Aidan of Lindisfarne, interpreted her dream – the boy who was born would be called to work in two countries – Gaul and Germania. Some traditions call Swidbert the son of Count Sigebert of Nottingham but he was most likely a Monk in the Monastery in Ripon under St Wilfrid of York. When St Wilfrid travelled to Rome in 678, Swidbert accompanied him and remained behind in Friesland on their return journey, as a missionary.
Another tradition reports that Swidbert left Ripon in 678 after Wilfrid’s departure and went to St Egbert in Rathmelsighe – today’s Mellifont – from wher, in 690, he was sent to southern Friesland together with twelve companions – including St Willibrord – as a Missionaries. In 692/693 his companions elected him as the Bishop, whereafter Swidbert returned to his homeland and was Ordained as a Missionary Bishop by St Wilfrid of York.
After another stay in Friesland, however, he then turned – as our wonderful Church Historian, the Venerable St Bede tells us – to missionary work in the area settled by the Bructeri on the Ruhr and Lippe. Swidbert’s work was unsuccessful – also because the invading Saxons destroyed his facilities. He now moved his activities to Frankish territory and in 695 founded the Benedictine Monastery of Swidbertswerth which was later named after him and later still, called Kaiserswerth and which, he headed as Abbot, on the Rhine island which had been given to him by the Mayor of the Merovingians, Pippin the Middle and his wife, Plektrudis
After his death, Swidbert was soon venerated as a Saint. In 877, the Church of his Monastery was dedicated, not only to Peter, as it had been from the beginning ,ut also to Swidbert. In 904, Swidbert was named as its sole Patron. His bones lie in a precious Shrine made between 1193 and 1332, in the collegiate Church in Kaiserswerth, where they were transferred in 1264, together with those of Abbot Wileich . Other Relics are kept in the Church of Peter and Paul in Duisburg-Süd.
The precious Shrine in the Church in Kaiserswerth,
Swidbert’s Benedictine Monastery was apparently destroyed during the Saxon invasions at the end of the 8th Century, but was soon rebuilt. In the 12th Century, the Rhine Island previously named after Swidbert, was given its new name Kaiserswerth because of the importance of the imperial palace built in 1045. After secularisation, the Church became a Parish Church.
The Rear gable wall of the Swidbertus Shrine with Swidbert (centre), Plektrudis (Pippin’s wife)(left) and Pippin the Middle (right), 1264, in the Collegiate Church in Kaiserswerth
St David of Wales (c542-c601) Bishop, Prince, Monk, Confessor, Missionary, Founder of Monasteries. Uncle of King Arthur. David studied under Saint Paul Aurelian. Worked with Saint Columbanus, Saint Gildas the Wise and Saint Finnigan. He was officially Canonised in 1120 by Pope Callistus II. Beloved St David: https://anastpaul.com/2017/03/01/saint-of-the-day-1-march-st-david-of-wales/
St Abdalong of Marseilles St Adrian of Numidia St Agapios of Vatopedi St Agnes Cao Guiying
St Albinus of Vercelli St Amandus of Boixe St Antonina of Bithynia Bl Aurelia of Wirberg Bl Bonavita of Lugo St Bono of Cagliari Bl Christopher of Milan Bl Claudius Gabriel Faber St Domnina of Syria St Domnina of Syria St Donatus of Carthage St Eudocia of Heliopolis Bl George Biandrate Bl Giovanna Maria Bonomo Bl Gonzalo de Ubeda St Hermes of Numidia St Jared the Patriarch St Leo of Rouen
St Leolucas of Corleone OBas (c815-c915) Abbot of the Basilian Order, Mystic, Ascetic, Miracle-worker. He lived as a Monk for more than 80 years. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the Monastery of Avena between the slopes of Mount Mercurio in Calabria, St Leone Luca, Abbot of Monte Mula, who shone in the hermitic life, as in the cenobitic life, following the rules of the oriental Monks.” His Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/01/saint-of-the-day-1-march-saint-leolucas-of-corleone-obas-c815-c915-abbot/
St Lupercus St Marnock St Monan Bl Pietro Ernandez Bl Roger Lefort St Rudesind St Simplicius of Bourges St Siviard St Swidbert (Died 713)Bishop St Venerius of Eichstätt
Martyrs of Africa – A group of 13 Christians executed together for their faith in Africa. The only details about them to survive are ten names – Abundantius, Adrastus, Agapius, Charisius, Donatilla, Donatus, Fortunus, Leo, Nicephorus and Polocronius. c290
Martyrs of Antwerp – A group of 14 Christians Martyred together, buried together and whose Relics were transferred and enshrined together. We know nothing else but their names – Benignus, Donatus, Felician, Fidelis, Filemon, Herculanus, Julius, Justus, Maximus, Pelagius, Pius, Primus, Procopius and Silvius. Died in the 2nd Century in Rome. They are buried in the St Callixtus Catacombs and their Relics were enshrined in the Jesuit Church in Antwerp on 28 February 1600.
Martyrs of the Salarian Way – A group of 260 Christians who, for their faith, were condemned to road work on the Salarian Way in Rome, Italy during the persecutions of Claudius II. When they were no longer needed for work, they were publicly murdered in the amphitheatre. Martyrs. c269 in Rome.
Martyrs Under Alexander – A large but unspecified number of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Alexander Severus and the praefect Ulpian who saw any non-state religion to be a dangerous treason. c 19.
Thought for the Day – 28 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)
28th Day – How to Begin Heaven on Earth
Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven . (St Matt vi:10)
+I. In this vale of tears, even the happiest life is misery compared to the life in Heaven. Even the perfect tranquillity and peace, enjoyed by the Saints of God on earth, is confusion and trouble compared to the peace of Heaven. Yet, we can begin even here, a life which contains the germ of Paradise. The essential element of Heaven, is union with God,and those, who are united to God by supernatural charity, have in them, the seed of Heaven’s happiness.
+2. This supernatural charity does not consist in feeling, or in the absence of suffering, or in brilliant success or in freedom from temptation. Our life maybe one continual cross, one long series of failures, as men count failure; we may live in poverty and want and die unheeded and uncared for; yet, such a life, maybe the beginning of Heaven upon earth.
+3. In what then, does supernatural charity consist? Simply in doing what we know to be God’s Will in the details of our daily life; in having the thought of Him before us as the guiding principle of our actions, of doing all for Him and not for self. One who consistently leads such a life as this, cannot fail to be happy, in spite of all external miseries, for he carries in himself, the principle which constitutes heavenly happiness. “Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.” Pray for this unfailing compliance with the will of God in all that you do and think and are.
Quote/s of the Day – 28 February – Ferial Day – Sexagesima Week – 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And as for that in the good ground they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Luke 8:15
“And Simon Peter answered Him: Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the Words of eternal life.”
John 6:69
“My sheep hear My Voice; I know them and they follow Me.””
John 10:27
“Not content with sending His servants, He came Himself, He marked out the way we should take, He came to make known His holy Word. … Brethren, it is absolutely impossible to love and please God, unless we are fed by this divine Word.”
St John Vianney (1786-1859)
“Cultivate your vineyard together with Jesus. To you the task of removing stones and pulling up brambles. To Jesus, that of sowing, planting, cultivating and watering. But even in your work, it is still He who acts. Because, without Christ, you could do nothing at all.”
One Minute Reflection – 28 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Ferial Day – Sexagesima Week – 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“He who hath ears to hear, let him hear. ” – Luke 8:8
REFLECTION – “I have not convinced my auditor today but maybe, I shall do so tomorrow, maybe in three or four days, or in a certain time. The fisherman, who has unsuccessfully cast his net the whole day long, may sometimes catch, in the evening, the very fish he was unable to catch during the day. just as he is about to leave. The agricultural worker does not stop cultivating his land, even if he has not had good harvests for several years and eventually, one single year, will often make abundantly good, all his previous losses.
God does not ask us to succeed but to work. Now, our work is not going to be less rewarded because we were not heeded … Christ knew well that Judas would not be converted and yet, He tried to convert him to the very end, by rebuking his sin with the most touching expressions: “Friend, why have you come?” (Mt 26:50). Now, if Christ, the Model of the shepherds, worked to the end, for the conversion of a hopeless case, what should we not do for those about whom we are commanded always to hope?” – St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who see that we put no trust in anything we do, mercifully grant, by the protection of the Doctor of the Gentiles, we may be defended against all adversity. 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).
Saint of the Day – 28 February – Saint Ruellinus (6th Century) the 2nd Bishop of Treguier, Brittany, France, now in today’s Diocese of Quimper and Leon, Monk and Priest. Probably born in Wales and died in his See. Also known as – Rivelin, Ruelin, Ruellin.
In the 6th Century, the Breton Monk Ruellinus, a disciple of Saint Tugdual, who had established a hermitage on an island off the coast of North Wales, before crossing the sea to Brittany with our Saint and other companions. He became the 1st Bishop of Tréguier.
When Tugdual was dying around the year 564, the Priests asked him to select a successor and he indicated Ruellinus to succeed his spiritual master as the Bishop of this See. It is believed he filled this Office from 564 to 598.
His election was contested by St Pergat, a Canon and the Archpriest of Lexobie but was confirmed by a Synod at Lexobie, where the most able and educated Ecclesiastics of the Diocese were summoned. Ruellinus appeared miraculously to the entire assembly thus ratifying their decision and causing St Pergat to retire from the fray in deep mortification, spending the remainder of his life in penance for his pride.
Ruellinus is mentioned in the 17th Century volume “Vie des saints de la Bretagne Armorique” and in the 19th Century text by M de Garaby, on the Saints of Brittany.
St Ruellinus is commemorated and celebrated in the proper of the Diocese of Quimper and Leon today, 28 February.
St Justus the Potter St Llibio St Macarius the Potter St Maidoc St Marana of Beroea
St Oswald of Worcester (Died 992) Archbishop of York from 972-992, as well as simultaneously being the Bishop of Worcester and a leading figure in the reform of the Anglo-Saxon Church which took place in the second half of the tenth Century. He died on 29 February in 992 of natural causes, a leap year, therefore, his Feast is celebrated on the 28th. (Feast Day 29 February in a Leap Year) St Oswald’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/28/saint-of-the-day-28-february-saint-oswald-of-worcester-c912-992-bishop/
St Proterius of Alexandria St Pupulus of Alexandria
Martyrs of Alexandria – A number of clerics and layman who died as Martyrs of charity for ministering to the sick during a plague that ravaged Alexandria, Egypt in 261.
Martyrs of Antwerp – 14 Christians who were Martyred together. We know nothing about them but the names Alexander, Anicetus, Cyriacus, Eulalia, Faustus, Genesius, Hirena, Macarius, Mauritius, Modestus, Placidus, Rochus, Symforian and Victorinus. Died in Rome, Italy, date unknown. Their Relics were transferred and enshrined in Antwerp, Belgium.
Martyrs of Corinth – A group of Christians Martyred together in Corinth, Greece. The only information we have about them are the names Basilia, Betha, Caius, Claudius, Diodorus, Donatus, Enuclus, Felix, Hermes, Januaria, Januarius, Maccaris, Maninlia, Mansuetus, Nicophorus, Papias, Quinquianus, Rufunia, Serapion, Servilia, Silvana, Stercola, Tella, Veneria, Victor and Victorinus.
Thought for the Day – 27 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)
27th Day – The Companions of Heaven
Their lot is among the Saints. (Wisdom v: 5)
+1. How much of our happiness depends upon those among whom we dwell! There are some whose very presence is enough and more than enough, to satisfy us; the mere fact of being in their company, is a source of continual pleasure; this is the case with those who are still full of imperfections and fault, how much more, in Heaven, where everyone will be purged of all which offends us in them on earth Everyone of the Saints and Angels, will be, not only a congenial but, a most delightful companion.
+2. But, there will be some, who will feast our souls with their company and conversation beyond the rest – our friends on earth will be our friends in Heaven; we shall recognise each and all. All to whom we have done any kindness for Christ’s Sake, will come to thank us then; above all, any whom we have had the happiness of saving from sin, by precept or example, will never tire of pouring out upon us, the abundance of their gratitude. What more delicious pleasure than this!?
+3. Yet, there will be dearer companions still! The Saints of God, our Patron Saints, our Guardian Angel, how shall we linger in their sweet society! The Saints to whom we have had a special devotion, above all – Our Lady and St Joseph, how surpassingly sweet to be with them! Yet, all this is only a reflection of the joy we shall derive from beholding the Lamb Who had been slain, our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Pray to dwell now, in heart, in the company of the Saints and the Angels. 🛐
Quote/s of the Day – 27 February – St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862) Confessor
“The Infinite Mercy of God has been able to arrange all things sweetly and today, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, our Protectress and our Mother, I have put on, with unutterable joy, this holy religious Habit and taken the name of Confrater Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.”
(Letter to his Father, From Morrovalle on 21 September 1856)
“What caution, in fact, does it not require, to live as a good Christian in the world!”
(Letter to his Father, From Morrovalle on 21 September 1856)
“May the Holy Infant Jesus and Mary, His Immaculate Mother, grant you all every happiness and crown you with blessings. Let us pray often to Him, Who came from the Right Hand of His Father, … to be born between two beasts in a poor stable. Let us beg Our Saviour Who so willingly exposed Himself to the insults and outrages of His creatures, in order to snatch us from everlasting hell to which we were hopelessly condemned; let us beg of Him, to purify our hearts by a holy Communion and to inflame us with His Divine Love.”
(Letter to his Father, From Morrovalle on 2 December 1856)
One Minute Reflection – 27 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862) Confessor – 1 John 2:14-17. – Mark 10:13-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“One thing is lacking to thee; go, sell whatever thou has and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven and come, follow Me.” – Mark 10:21
REFLECTION – “Blessed is the poor man who cried and whom the Lord heard. Blessed is the man poor in offence. Blessed is the man poor in vices. Blessed is the poor man, in whom the prince of this world finds nothing. Blessed is the poor man who, is like that Poor Man Who, although He was rich, became poor for our sake. Matthew fully revealed this when he said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” One poor in spirit is not puffed up, is not exalted in the mind of his own flesh. This Beatitude is first, when I have laid aside every sin and I have taken off all malice and I am content with simplicity, destitute of evils. All that remains is that I regulate my conduct. For what good does it do me to lack worldly goods, unless I am meek and gentle?
Although there are many charms of delights in riches, yet there are more incentives to practice virtues. Although virtue does not require assistance and the contribution of the poor person, is more commended, than the generosity of the rich, yet with the authority of the heavenly saying, He condemns, not those who have riches but those who do not know how to use them. The pauper is more praiseworthy who gives with eager compassion and is not restrained, by the bolts of looming scarcity. He thinks that he who has enough for nature, does not lack. So the rich person is the more guilty, who does not give thanks to God, for what he has received but vainly hides wealth given for the common use and conceals it, in buried treasures. Then the offence consists, not in the wealth but in the attitude.
Purify yourself with your tears. Wash yourselves with mourning. If you weep for yourself, another will not weep for you . One who is a sinner weeps for himself and rebukes himself, that he may become righteous, for just people accuse themselves of sin. Let us pursue order because, it is written, “Set in order love in me.” I have laid down sin. I have tempered my conduct. I have wept for my transgressions. I begin to hunger. I hunger for righteousness. The sick, when he is seriously ill, does not hunger because, the pain of the illness excludes hunger. What is the hunger for righteousness? What is the bread of which it is said, “I have been young and am old and I have not seen the righteous man forsaken, nor his seed begging bread?” Surely, one who is hungry, seeks increase of strength. What greater increase of virtue is there, than the rule of righteousness?” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church( Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, 5).
PRAYER – O God, Who taught blessed Gabriel to meditate continually on the sorrows of Thy most sweet Mother and Who, through her, exalted him by the glory of a holy life and miracles; grant us, we beseech Thee, through his intercession and example so to share in the sorrows of Thy Mother that her motherly protection may save us. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 27 February – Saturday of the First week of Lent, the Memorial of St Gabriel Francis Possenti of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862) and a Marian Saturday
O Mother of Sorrows, Stand by Me in My Last Agony By St Gabriel Francis Possenti of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)
O Mother of Sorrows, by the anguish and love with which thou didst stand at the Cross of Jesus, stand by me in my last agony. To thy maternal heart I commend the last three hours of my life. Offer these hours to the Eternal Father in union with the agony of our dearest Lord, in atonement for my sins. Offer to the Eternal Father the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, mingled with thine tears on Calvary, that I may obtain the grace of receiving Holy Communion with the most perfect love and contrition, before my death and that I may breathe forth my soul in the adorable Presence of Jesus. Dearest Mother, when the moment of my death has at last come, present me as your child to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive me for having offended Him, for I knew not what I did! Beg Him to receive me into His Kingdom of Glory to be united with Him forever. Amen
Saint of the Day – 27 February – Saint John (c900-976) Abbot of Gorze Monastery, Penitent, Reformer, Diplomat, Apostle of the needy and sick. Born in c900 at Vandières, Meurthe-et-Moselle, near Metz, France and died on 7 March 976 of natural causes at his Monastery in Gorse. John possessed the gift of a a photographic memory and also developed a bookkeeping system and capital investment policies. The murmur of his lips, while reading the Psalms, resembled the buzzing of a bee.Also known as – Jean de Gorze, John of Lorraine. Additional Memorial – 23 May in the Diocese if Metz together with all the Saints of that See.
St John with the White hair and beard before the Caliph
John of Gorze, born in Lorraine to wealthy farmers completed his early studies in Metz and Saint-Mihiel. Upon the death of his father, he was forced to take charge of the administration of the family property. When his brothers were able to take on this task, he was appointed Curate of a Church by a neighbouring lord.
In this Office, John came into contact with the female Monastery of Saint Peter of Metz, where he was struck by the devotion of a young Nun wearing a garm;ent made of animal skin. From that moment, he decided to devote himself to penance and study and, with some companions he founded a group of regular Monks.
In 933, John received, from the Bishop of Metz, the Abbey of Gorze which had been abandoned. The Archdeacon of Toul, Einold, became Abbot of the restored Monastery, while John served as Cellarer. John managed to restore the material prosperity of the Abbey, dedicating himself to a severe life, while treating the weak and the sick with gentleness.
In 953, Emperor Otto I sent John on a mission to the Caliph of Cordoba, Abderrahman III. The mission lasted three years and was a diplomatic success.
St John and other Frankish diplomats before Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III, by Dionisio Baixeras Verdaguer (1885)
Upon the death of Abbot Einold in 967, John became the Abbot of Gorze. He continued his life of austerity and died on 7 March 976, at the beginning of Lent (more precisely on Quinquagesima Sunday). John’s death occurred in 976 and not in 974, as was believed, because he is still mentioned on 2 June and 22 June in 975 (his successor, Odelbert, is mentioned only in 977).
John received the title of Blessed and then of Saint. He is registered in the Benedictine Martyrologies on 27 February. The Life of our St John was written by his friend John of St Arnulf of Metz and, is a work which, even if unfinished, has a certain historical value. St John’s death is described in the prologue.
St Basilios of Constantinople St Comgan Bl Emmanuel of Cremona Bishop St Fortunatus of Rome St Herefrith of Lindsey St Honorina St John (c900-976) Abbot of Gorze Monastery St Luke of Messina
Blessed William Richardson (1572–1603) English Priest, Martyr. He was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI. Born in Yorkshire and died by being hanged, drawn and quartered on 27 February 1603 at Tyburn, London, aged just 31. William owns the dubious honour of being the last Martyr under Elizabeth I’s barbaric policy of murdering Catholics and especially Priests, in this manner. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/27/saint-of-the-day-27-february-blessed-william-richardson-1572-1603-english-priest-martyr/
Thought for the Day – 26 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)
26th Day – The Employments of Heaven
His servants shall serve Him. (Apoc xxii:3)
+1. While faith and hope will be at an end in Heaven, the virtue of charity will remain. There is nothing on earth as sweet as love nothing which fills the heart with such continual joy; nothing which so occupies the soul and causes men to forget all else. This is the case when the object of our love is a perishable, imperfect creature like ourselves. How much more when the object of our love is the God of Infinite Beauty containing in Himself, every possible earthly perfection, not only multiplied to an infinite degree but altogether superior in kind and, therefore, a source of greater joy, than all possible created beauty!
+2. A strong love makes the long hours pass away in a stream of unceasing delight; no weariness, no monotony, no desire for anything else. One thing only limits the perfection of the happiness of love and that is the thought that it cannot last forever. In Heaven, there will be a stream of delight immeasurably richer and, the joyful consciousness that, there is no fear of its ever coming to an end.
+3. As God is Infinite in His perfections, they will necessarily be inexhaustible. The various phases (if we may use the term) of His Divine Loveliness will never come to an end. After a million years, there will still be the same inexhaustible treasure of multiform delights to be enjoyed and, after a million years, it will not be diminished. No fear then, of sameness in Heaven, no fear of monotony, it will ever be the same and yet, ever new! Pray for a greater love of God here on earth.
One Minute Reflection – 26 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Margaret of Cortona (1247–1297) Penitent – Ferial Day – Sexagesima Week – 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9 – Luke 8:4-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But that upon good ground, these are they who, with a right and good heart, having heard the Word, hold it fast and bear fruit in patience.” – Luke 8:15
REFLECTION – “Note that Jesus does not say: The careless received some seed and lost it, the rich received other seed and choked it and the superficial received some seed and betrayed it. It is not His intention to rebuke them severely, lest He should cast them into despair. Christ leaves the reproof to the conscience of His hearers. Remember too, in the parable of the net, much was gathered in, which was unprofitable. But He speaks this parable as if to anoint His disciples and to teach them, not to be despondent even though those lost, may be more than those who receive the Word. It was with this same ease that the Lord Himself continued to sow, even He, Who fully foreknew the outcomes!
But why would it be reasonable to sow among thorns or on rocks or on the pathway? With regard to the seeds and the earth, it cannot sound very reasonable. But, in the case of human souls and their instructions, it is praiseworthy and greatly to be honoured. For the farmer might be laughed at for doing this, since it is impossible for a rock to bear fruit. It is not likely that the path will become anything but a path or the thorns anything but thorns. But with respect to the rational soul, this is not so predictable. For here, there is such a thing as the rock changing and becoming rich land. Here it is possible, that the wayside might no longer be trampled upon or lie open to all who pass by but that it may become a fertile field. In the case of the soul, the thorns may be destroyed and the seed enjoy full security. For had it been impossible, this Sower would not have sown. And if the reversal did not take place in all, this is no fault of the Sower but of the souls who are unwilling to be changed. He has done His part. If they betrayed what they received of Him, He is blameless, the Exhibitor of such Love to humanity.
But mark this carefully – there is more than one road to destruction! There are differing ones and wide apart from one another. For they who are like the wayside are the coarse-minded and indifferent and careless but those on the rock, such as fail, from willed weakness only.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (The Gospel of Matthew: Homily 44).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we may imitate Thy holy Penitent Margaret, may we at least present to her, our humble homage. 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).
Saint of the Day – 26 February – St Faustinian (4th Century) the 2nd Bishop of Bologna, Italy. Also known as – Faustinianus, Faustinus, Faustiniano. Additional Memorial – 28 September as one of the Saintly Bishops of Bologna, Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bologna, the Bishop St Faustinian, whose preaching strengthened and multiplied the faithful of that Church which had been much afflicted during the persecutions of Diocletian.”
Faustinian, according to the oldest list of Bishops of the Archdiocese of Bologna, that is the so-called “Rhine List” prior to the 14th Century, is placed in second place; this information is also supported by an inscription in Gothic characters, prior to 1494, where we read that St Zama was the 1st Bishop and St Faustinian the 2nd.
According to some scholars, he should be identified with the ‘Faustinus’ Bishop, cited by St Athanasius the Bishop of Alexandria, in his “Apologia contra Arianos”, in a list of Italian bishops participating in the Council of Sardica (ancient name of Sofia in Bulgaria), in 343.
If all this establishes that St Faustinian was in office in 343, it makes the ancient Bolognese tradition implausible which says that during the persecution of Diocletian, who died in 313, St. Faustiniano spread the faith in Bologna; the dates do not correspond, also because the Episcopal Seat of Bologna does not seem to have arisen before the 4th Century.
The cult of the holy Bishop began only after the 12th Century. In 1586, thanks to Cardinal Gabriele Paleotti, St Faustinian’s Relics were transferred to the Cathedral, thus establishing a continuous veneration of our Saint, who is celebrated twice a year in Bologna.
St Alexander of Alexandria (Died c326) Bishop of Alexandria, Confessor, Defender of the True Faith against heresies, in particular the Arians. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Alexandria, the Bishop St Alexander, an aged man held in great honour who was a successor of the blessed Peter as Bishop of the City. He expelled from the Church, Arius, one of his Priests, tainted with heretical impiety and convicted by Divine Truth and, subsequently, was one of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers, who condemned him at the Council of Nicea.” Holy Father St Alexander: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/26/saint-of-the-day-26-february-st-alexander-of-alexandria-died-c-326/
St Andrew of Florence St Dionysius of Augsburg St Faustinian (4th Century) Bishop of Bologna St Felix St Fortunatus St Irene Bl Ottokar of Tegernsee
Thought for the Day – 25 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)
25th Day – Heaven .
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for those who love Him. (1 Cor ii:9)
+1. These words convey the best idea which the Apostle who had been carried up into the Third Heaven could give, of the happiness of the redeemed. All the loveliest things we have ever seen, are as nothing in comparison to the sight of Heaven; all the sweetest sounds are discord compared with the music of Heaven; all the joys which have made the longest hours only too short, do not deserve the name of joy, compared with the joys of Heaven. One moment of Heaven, is worth them all!
+2. Whatever God does, He does on a scale worthy of Himself. The happiness of Heaven will be immeasurable, from the fact of its being, in union with the God of Infinite Love and Beauty. It will be a joy like the joy of Our Lord Himself, since He will say to each of the redeemed – “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Am I doing what I can to insure those words, being addressed to me?
+3. In Heaven, all will be perfectly happy. Even those who have the lowest places, will have all that their hearts desire. There will be no unsatisfied wish in Heaven, no craving after what we do not possess. Everyone will have an overflowing cup of pleasure. Oh, what fools we are not to do more to insure the joy of Heaven! Pray that you may often think of Heaven and its eternal joys.
Quote/s of the Day – 25 February – Ferial Day – Sexagesima Week – 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9; – Luke 8:4-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The seed is the Word of God.”
Luke 8:11
“… Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.”
Luke 11:28
“Sacred Scripture is the Lord’s money!”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“The faithful, who spend at least a quarter of an hour, in reading Sacred Scripture with great reverence, due to the Word of God, after the manner of spiritual reading, may gain, an Indulgence of 300 days.”
St Jerome (347-419) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Scripture is perfect wisdom, starting point and point of arrival, to which our whole existence should be adapted.”
St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Father
“It is above all, the Gospel which supports me during my prayer. There, I find all which my poor little soul needs. There, I always discover new lights, hidden and mysterious meaning. … Just when I need it, I discover lights which I had not seen before.”
One Minute Reflection – 25 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Ferial Day – Sexagesima Week – 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9; – Luke 8:4-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The seed is the Word of God. ” – Luke 8:11
REFLECTION – “The origins of Scripture are not to be found through human research but, in the Divine Revelation coming from the “Father of Lights” “from whom every family in Heaven and on earth, is named” (Jas 1:17; Eph 3:15). From Him, through His Son Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost is poured out upon us. Faith has been given to us through the Holy Ghost, sharing and distributing His gifts to each of us, according to His Will (Heb 2:4) and, “through faith, Christ dwells in our hearts” (Eph 3:17). From this, knowledge of Jesus Christ flows, as from its source, both strength and understanding of the whole of Sacred Scripture.It is impossible, therefore, to enter into a knowledge of Scripture without first of all, possessing an infused faith in Christ, as the Light, doorway and foundation of all Scripture …
The end, or fruit, of Sacred Scripture is not without purpose; it is the fullness of life eternal. For in Scripture are to be found “the Words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68). It has been written, therefore, not only that we might believe in but that, we might also possess the eternal life in which we shall see and love and our desires will be wholly satisfied. Then, when our desires have been satisfied, we shall truly know “the love which surpasses knowledge” and so, we shall be “filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:19). It is to this fullness, Scripture tries to introduce us and, it is to this end, with this intention, Scripture ought to be studied, taught and understood.” – St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Breviloquium, Prologue 2-5).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who sees how we are deprived of all strength, guard us inwardly and outwardly that in body, we may be protected against all misfortunes and in mind, cleansed of evil thoughts and by the intercession of blessed and gloriosus ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, be assisted on this earthly pilgrimage. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 25 February – Sexagesima Week
Lord Jesus, Think on Me By St Synesius of Cyrene (375-430) Bishop of Ptolemais, Father
Lord Jesus, think on me and purge away my sin, from earth-born passions set me free, and make me pure within. Lord Jesus, think on me, With care and woe oppressed, let me Thy loving servant be and taste Thy promised rest. Lord Jesus, think on me, nor let me go astray, through darkness and perplexity point Thou the heav’nly way. Lord Jesus, think on me, that, when the flood is past, I may eternal brightness see and share Thy joy at last. Amen
Saint of the Day – 25 February – Saint Tharasius (c730-806) Bishop of Constantinople from 25 December 784 until his death on 25 February 806, Defender of Sacred images and of the sanctity of marriage against the imperial powers. Born in c730 in Constantinople and died there in 806. Also known as – Tarasius, Tarasius of Constantinople.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Tharasius, the Bishop, a man of great erudition and piety, to whom is addressed an epistle of Pope Adrian I, in defence of holy images.”
Tharasius was was born and raised in the City of Constantinople. A son of a high-ranking Judge, Tharasius was related to important families, including that of St Photios. Tharasius was surrounded by earthly wealth and possessions, but lived a most austere and holy life. His virtue gained the esteem of the empire and he was made Bishop of Constantinople.
When, being elected as the Bishop of Constantinople, he consented to accept the dignity offered to him, only on condition that a General Council should be summoned, in particular to resolve the disputes concerning the veneration of Sacred images. Constantinople had been separated from the Holy See on account of the war between the Emperors. In 786, the Council was held in the Church of the Holy Apostles, in Constantinople. It met again the following year in Nice and its decrees were approved by the Pope.
The Emperor of the time, Constantine VI, became enamoured of Theodotah, a his wife’s maid and sought to divorce his wife and marry her maid. Wishing to convince Tharasius to marry him to Theodota, the Emperor sent a message to the holy man. Tharasius adamantly refused, replying to the Emperor’s Ambassador, “I would rather suffer death and all manner of torments, than consent to his design.” He continued to reject the Emperor’s requests resulting in great enmity and adversity.
Tharasius’ whole life in the Episcopacy was one of penance and prayer and of hard labour to reform his clergy and people. He occupied the See of Constantinople for 21 years and 2 months. His charity toward the poor was one of the characteristic virtues of his life. He visited in person, all the houses and hospitals in Constantinople, so that no indigent person might be overlooked in the distribution of alms.
Just before his death, Tharasius fell into a trance. As his biographer, who was an eyewitness, relates, he was heard arguing with a number of unseen accusers. Tharasius defended himself against the accusers and answered everything laid to his charge. Later, a great peacefulness came over him and Tharasius gave up his soul to God in 806.
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