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.
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
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).
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.
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.
St Anna the Prophetess St Berlinda of Meerbeke St Blasius of Armentarius St Blasius of Oreto St Caellainn St Celerinus of Carthage St Clerina of Carthage St Deodatus of Lagny St Eutichio St Evantius of Vienne St Felix of Africa St Felix of Lyons Bishop of Lyons, France. No other information has survived.
St Lawrence the Illuminator ) Died 576) Bishop, Peacemaker – graced with the charism of granting clarity of understanding to both sides of disagreeing parties, Founded the Farfa Monastery where he died. Born in Syria and died in 576 at the Monastery at Farfa, Italy, of natural causes. Patronages – against eye diseases and blindness, of the blind – both bodily and spiritual cases. His Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-saint-lawrence-the-illuminator-died-576-bishop/
St Leonius (4th Century) Priest St Liafdag St Lupicinus of Lyon St Margaret of England St Oliver of Ancona St Philip of Vienne St Remedius of Gap St Sempronius of Africa St Tigrides St Werburga of Bardney St Werburga of Chester
Benedictine Martyrs: A collective memorial of all members of the Benedictine Order who have died as Martyrs for the Faith.
Thought for the Day – 2 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)
2nd Day – God our Creator
Thou art worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honour and power because Thou hast created all things. (Apoc iv:II)
+1. Why is it that God has such an absolute and all-embracing claim to ourselves and to all which is ours? It is because we are made by Him and not only made but created. We are His, not only as the statue is the sculptor’s and the picture the painter’s but, He made, out of nothing, the very materials of which we consist! There is, therefore, nothing in us which is not God’s. Every sort of excellence, strength, virtue, talent, beauty, skill, energy, affection —all are God’s, not our own.
+2. God created everyone with certain gifts of his own which, He did not give to another and He gave him those gifts, to do a special work which God had appointed to him alone. He created me with a certain object, from all eternity He had been planning my soul and body and providing me with all that I needed – that both one and the other, might serve Him. Have I, on the whole, carried out God’s plan? Shall I be able to say, when I come to die: “I have completed the work Thou hast tasked me with?”
+3. What a serious thought this is – God had a plan for my life! He meant me to occupy a certain position in society and to have certain employments; to influence certain persons for good, to overcome certain temptations, to practice certain virtues beyond the rest, to attain a certain place in Heaven. Has my life been ordered by God’s holy inspirations? has not my own self-will too, often had a part in it? Pray that you may not fail in fulfilling God’s intentions concerning yourself and the works He requires of you!🙏
One Minute Reflection – 2 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Candlemas – Malachias 3:1-4; Luke 2:22-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Lord, Whom you are seeking, will suddenly enter His Temple” – Malachias 3:1
REFLECTION – “Your lamps must be burning in your hands” (Lk 12:35). By this outward sign let us remind ourselves of the joy of Simeon, carrying the Light in his hands … We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds and so, take up Christ in our hands with Simeon … Let us discuss this charming custom of the Church of bearing lights aloft on this Feast day … Could anyone hold up a lighted candle in his hands on this day, without at once remembering that old man, who on this same day, took up in his arms, Jesus, God’s Word, clothed in flesh like a candle-flame clothed in wax and affirmed Him to be “the Light which would be a beacon for the Gentiles.”Surely he was that “burning and radiant lamp” (Jn 5:35; 1,7) which bore witness to the Light. For this purpose he came in the Spirit, who had filled him, into the temple, that he might “receive, O God, your loving-kindness in the midst of your temple” (Ps 48[47]:10) and declare him to be loving-kindness indeed and the light of your own people.
Truly, O holy Simeon, in the quiet contentment of old age, you carried this Light not simply in your hands but in the very dispositions of your heart. You were like a lamp-standard, seeing so clearly how much the Gentiles would one day be lit up, while reflecting … the bright rays of our faith. Old, yet still sincere, you can now be happy, in that, you really see what once you but foresaw. Gone is the world’s gloom, “the Gentiles bask in this light of yours,” “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is 60:3; 6:3).” … Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c 1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot
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). 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 – 2 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Epiphany IV
Alma Redemptoris Mater Loving Mother of the Redeemer By Blessed Herman Contractus of Reichenau OSB (1013–1054)
Loving Mother of the Redeemer! Hear thou thy people’s cry, Star of the deep and portal of the sky! Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made, Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid; Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee, Thou Virgin first and last, let we thy mercy see.
Alma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli Porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti, Súrgere qui curat pópulo: tu quæ genuísti, Natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.
Marian Antiphon Traditionally said from Advent to the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. Blessed Herman is the Author of the Salve Regina, the Veni Sancte Spiritus and the Alma Redemptoris Mater amongst others.
Saint of the Day – 2 February – St Flosculus (5th-6th Century) the 11th Bishop of Orléans, in France, a beloved and zealous shepherd of the French Diocese of Orléans, a renowned and highly effective Preacher and a active and committed Apostle of charity and of the poor and needy. Patronages – of the City and Diocese of Orléans , of all Preachers and Priests. Also known as – Floscolo, Flosculus. Flou, Fulcolus, Furcolus, Fuscolus.
The Roman Martyrology simply states: “At Orléans, the holy Bishop Flosculus.”
This Stained glass image is actually of an unknown Bishop
Very little is known about Flosculus but, it is certain that, he was a Bishop much loved by his people. His life is recorded by only one document, the Martyrology of St Jerome which reports his death on 2 February, unknown year.
The list of Bishops of Orléans, places him in eleventh place. From this latter record, we deduce that Flosculus was a very active Bishop in his Diocese. He was an eloquent preacher and a tireless worker for the spread of the Gospel. He also devoted himself to the poor and needy and was a great example of charity and compassion. His fame for sanctity, spread rapidly and he was soon venerated as a Saint by the people of Orléans. His cult was confirmed by Pope Pius IX in 1871.
In addition to the Martyrology of St Jerome, there are also some legends transmitted regarding Saint Flosculus. One of these relates that one day, while the saint was preaching in a square in Orléans, a man who had fallen from grace accused him of being an impostor. Flosculus, without batting an eye, looked him in the eye and said: “If what I say is false, may heaven strike me down!” At that moment, lightning struck the man, killing him instantly. This legend can also be seen as a metaphor for the strength of Saint Flosculus’ faith. His words, were so powerful, being the Word of his Master, that they could defeat evil!
On this date, St Flosculus’ Feast, 2 February, Holy Masses and Processions in his honour are held in many Churches in Orléans. The Saint is the Patron of the City and Diocese of Orléans and of all Preachers and Priests.
In Lombardy, Saint Flosculus is especially venerated in the Province of Mantua, Italy. In Castiglione delle Stiviere, in Mantua, there is a Church dedicated to the Saint. In this Church, on 2 February, a Procession and festivities are held in his honour.
Our Lady of the Candles – Nuestra Señora de la Purificación y la Candelaria, is a Marian title and image venerated by Filipino Catholics. The image, which is enshrined on the balcony of Jaro Cathedral, is known as the Patroness of Jaro District of Iloilo City and the whole of the Western Visayas. The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Candles is on Candlemas (2 February) and is celebrated in Iloilo City with a Solemn Pontifical Mass presided by the Archbishop of Jaro.
St Adalbald of Ostrevant St Adeloga of Kitzingen St Agathodoros of Tyana St Apronian the Executioner Bl Bernard of Corbara St Bruno of Ebsdorf St Candidus the Martyr St Columbanus of Ghent
St Cornelius the Centurion (1st Century) traditionally believed to have become the First Bishop of Caesarea, the Roman Centurion who is considered to be the one of first Gentile to convert to the Faith, (along with the conversion and Baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8). as related in Acts of the Apostles 10:1-49. The Baptism of Cornelius and his household, is an important event in the history of the early Church, for it points to the first century use of infant Baptism. His Feast was moved after 1969 but should be today. The Wonderful Faith of St Cornelius: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-saint-cornelius-the-centurion-1st-century/
St Cornelius’ dream
St Felician the Martyr St Feock St Firmus of Rome St Flosculus (5th-6th Century) Bishop of Orléans St Fortunatus the Martyr St Hilarus the Martyr
St Lawrence of Canterbury (Died 2 February 619) The Second Archbishop of Canterbury, the successor of St Augustine of Canterbury from 604 until his death in 619, but he was Consecrated as Archbishop by his predecessor, St Augustine, during Augustine’s lifetime, to ensure continuity in the office, Benedictine Monk, Missionary. He was a member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy to England to Christianise the Anglo-Saxons. About St Lawrence: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-saint-lawrence-of-canterbury-died-619/
Thought for the Day – 1 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)
Ist Day – God our Lord
The Lord hath made all things for Himself. (Prov xvi:4)
+I. We are all of us jealous of that which belongs to ourselves. We resent it if anyone interferes with it, or deprives us of any portion of it Yet, no-one owns anything by a title, so absolute as that by which God is the Lord and Owner of all creatures in the universe. My body and my soul are His; everything I possess is His; every action, every thought belongs to Him. He has given all these in charge to me to use for Him alone. Do I do so?
+2. God is, moreover, a God Infinite in knowledge and in power. His All-seeing Eye overlooks nothing, forgets nothing, passes nothing by. No-one shall escape who takes anything from Him and does not give Him His due. Have I not, therefore, cause to tremble when I think how often I have behaved as if I were my own master, independent of God?
+3. Yet, in the end, I must recognise God’s ownership; if I do not do so, willingly and with joyful loyalty, I shall have to do so unwillingly and in misery and pain. Everything I have taken from God and appropriated to myself will have to be given back to Him. I shall have to pay the penalty for each misuse of what was entrusted to me. How much wiser and happier to recognise Him now, in all things, as my Lord and Master! Offer yourself to God with loyal submission as your God and Lord!
Quote/s of the Day – 1 February – – St Ignatius of Antioch (c35 – c107) Martyr, Bishop of Antioch, Apostolic Father of the Church
“It is impossible for a man to be freed from the habit of sin, before he hates it, just as it is impossible to receive forgiveness, before confessing his trespasses.”
“Take heed, often, to come together, to give thanks to God and show forth His praise. For when you assemble frequently, in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed and the destruction at which he aims, is prevented, by the unity of your faith.”
“A Christian is not his own master, since all his time belongs to God.”
“I would rather die and come to Jesus Christ than be king over the entire earth. Him I seek, Who Died for us; Him I love, Who Rose again because of us.”
“Pray without ceasing on behalf of other men… For cannot he who falls rise again?”
One Minute Reflection – 1 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinitys” – St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–107) Martyr, Bishop of Antioch, Apostolic Father of the Church. – Romans 8:35-39; John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“He who loves his life, loses it and he who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I Am ,there also shall My servant be.” – John 12:25-26
REFLECTION – “… We are being towed along by a world which passes away, forgetting the world to come. We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. We will not run to meet the Lord as He Comes …
Let us turn back, brethren, let us turn back… By the very fact of His delay, of His still waiting, our Lord proves His desire to see us come back to Him, His desire that we should not perish. In His great goodness, He continues addressing these words to us: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would rather he would change his ways and live ”(Ez 33,11). So let us turn back to Him, brethren, not fearing that time is running short. The time that belongs to time’s Author cannot be shortened. The proof of it lies in the criminal in the Gospel, who, at the moment of dying on the cross, got away with his pardon, grabbed hold of life and, breaking into paradise like a burglar, managed to make his way into the Kingdom (cf. Lk 23,43)!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 167).
PRAYER – Be mindful of our weakness, O aAmighty God and since the burden of our deeds is grievous to us, grant that the glorious intercession of blessed Ignatius Thy Martyr and Bishop, may protect 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 – 1 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity”
An Act of Oblation to the Most Blessed Trinity By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity
I vow and consecrate to God all that is in me, my memory and my actions, to God the Father; my understanding and my words, to God the Son; my will and my thoughts, to God the Holy Spirit. I consecrate my heart, my body, my tongue, my senses and all my sorrows, to the Sacred Humanity of Jesus Christ, Who consented to be betrayed into the hands of wicked men and to suffer the torment of the Cross for me. Amen
Saint of the Day – 1 February – Saint Severus (Died c344) the 12th Bishop of Ravenna, previously a married wool-merchant and father of 2 daughters. Severus had been miraculously elected as the Bishop by a Dove. Born in Ravenna and died there on 1 February in c344 of natural causes. Patronages – glove makers, hatters, weavers.
The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Ravenna, the holy Bishop Severus, whose great virtues deserved that he should be raised to the Episcopate by the sign of a Dove.”
Sant’Apollinare in Clase: St. Severus
From the ancient ‘Episcopal Catalogue’ we discover that St Severus was the 12th Bishop of Ravenna, after Marcellinus and before Liberius; unfortunately nothing is known about his life, except that his name appears among the participants in the Council of Sardica (ancient name of Sofia in Bulgaria), held in 342-343. He is among the signatories of the Decrees of this Council, of the letter to Pope St Julius I (337-352) and of that, to all the Bishops.
As reported by the medieval hagiographers Agnellus and Liutulf, Severus died on 1 February in a year after 342 and on this day, he was remembered in the ancient Italian Calendar, later inserted in the ‘Martyrology of St. Jerome.’ He was buried in the area of Classe near Ravenna, called the ‘Vicus Salutaris’ in a Chapel called “monasterium St Rophili” adjoining the south, of the 6th Century Basilica.
Testimonies of the ancient cult were reported in two translations ofthe Relics of our holy Bishop, St Severus, one cited on 27 November which took place in Milan, shortly after the Episcopate of St Ambrose (340-397), together with those of four other Saints and a second translation celebrated on 3 September in Aquileia, also with those of four other Saints, including St Andrew the Apostle.
The great testimony of the cult paid to him in Ravenna are the mosaics of St Apollinare in Classe (consecrated in 549), located in the lower part of the apse, representing the Bishops St Severus, St Orsius, Ecclesius and Ursicinus, the first two bear the title “Sanctus” proof of this certain cult.
And then there is the great Basilica of St Severus, begun by Bishop Peter III in 575 and completed by Giovanni Romano (578-595) and Consecrated by him on 17 May 582, also placing the Sarcophagus of the Saint there. This Basilica, combined with a large Benedictine Monastery, remained intact until the 15th Century, then after various events, it was definitively abandoned and destroyed. It was a large Basilica with three naves divided by twelve columns on each side; it had a polygonal apse on the outside and a semi-circular one on the inside (Ravenna type).
As for the literary texts concerning St Severo, they are largely legendary, collected and transcribed by medieval hagiographers. But the two sermons by St Peter Damian (1007-1072) are of great value. The details drawn from these sermons, says that Severus had been a poor wool merchant from Ravenna and after attending Church after the death of Bishop Marcellinus, mistakenly attended at the election of his successor. There, a dove landed several times on his head, so that all the people recognised that he was the chosen one of God. St Peter Damian also reports that during the celebration of the Sacrifice of the Mass, Severus fell into ecstasy. And by a miracle of bilocation, St Severus was present at the death of his friend Saint Geminianus of Modena. Finally, feeling close to death, he opens the Tomb which he had prepared, lay down in it and gives up his soul to God.
In 842 a Frankish Monk named Felix stole St Severus’ Relics and transferred them first to Mainz and then to Erfurt, thus spreading the cult throughout Germany, with Churches being built in his honour. But much more numerous were the Churches dedicated to him throughout Ravenna and in the surrounding Italian districts.
The marble bas-reliefs placed on the 14th Century Tomb in the Saint’s Church in Erfurt, depict him dressed in Bishop’s robes, surrounded by the figures of his wife and daughter, in a devout act of prayer.
Bl Anthony Manzoni St Asclepiades St Autbert of Landevenec St Brigid of Fiesole St Cecilius of Granada St Cinnia of Ulster St Clarus of Seligenstadt St Crewenna St Darlaugdach of Kildare St Henry Morse St Jarlath Bl John of the Grating St Kinnia St Paul of Trois-Châteaux St Raymond of Fitero
Thought for the Day – 31 January – Meditations on the Hidden Life: From the 1906 Edition of The Heart of Jesus of Nazareth; it has the Imprimatur of Bishop John Baptist Butt, Diocese of Southwark, England, 5 February 1890. Author’s name known simply as Author of “The Voice of the Sacred Heart.” (We return to Fr Clarke for February with his Meditations on The Great Truths.)
Meditation 7: PART ONE: The Heart of Jesus in Prayer in the Hidden Life
Let us imagine we see Jesus kneeling in the little House of Nazareth, His Sacred Hands reverently clasped, His Eyes closed or raised to Heaven. We have before us the Incarnate God praying to His Eternal Father. It will then refresh our souls, to withdraw for a while, within the silence and solitude of the Holy House and, whilst we contemplate the scene with reverence, let us endeavour to penetrate the Heart of Him, Who is praying there.
So beautiful is the picture presented to our minds by the thought of Jesus in prayer, that truly it might suffice to rivet our inward eye and claim our adoring love, without the addition of any comment.
Let us regard Him as the Wisdom of the Father, the Eternal Son, kneeling there in silent contemplation of the Divine Majesty unveiled before Him, while He pours out the eternal love, the burning prayer which consumes His Sacred Heart. The labour of the day is over and Jesus is now free to give Himself, unrestrainedly, to that holy exercise which has not ceased to be the occupation of His Soul amidst His daily toil. How profound is the mystery of that Divine communication which passes between the Eternal Father and the Eternal Son, between the human Heart of the Man-God and the Father, in Whose Bosom He had dweltB from all eternity. Unchecked now by the external trammels to which, in His Incarnation He had made Himself subject, He could deliver Himself to the transports of His Love and taste, in His earthly exile, His old, His eternal delight of solitude with God.
But we must not forget that we are contemplating our Divine Model in prayer; for we are not to suppose, we have chosen One too exalted for our imitation. No, indeed, Jesus prays as one of us. It is in Him, a human Heart which throbs with love and desire and He teaches us eloquently how to pray and discloses qualities, with which our prayer should be endowed. He has formally constituted Himself our Master in prayer, as in all other things. In His Public Life and in His Passion He has taught us even the very words in which we should present our petitions, or upon which they should be formed.
Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – St John Bosco “Don Bosco” SDB (1815-1888) Priest, Confessor, Founder.
“Be brave and try to detach your heart from worldly things. Do your utmost to banish darkness from your mind and come to understand what true, selfless piety is. Through confession, endeavour to purify your heart of anything which may still taint it. Enliven your faith which is essential to understand and achieve piety.”
“If one is to do good, he must have a little courage, be ready for sacrifice, deal affably with all and never slight anybody. By following this method, I have always had significant success, in fact, marvellous success!”
“Your mortification should be your diligence in doing your duties and in putting up with the annoyances of others.”
One Minute Reflection – 31 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St John Bosco “Don Bosco” SDB (1815-1888) Priest, Confessor, Founder. – Philippians 4:4-9; Matthew 18:1-5 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And whoever receives one such little child for My Sake, receives Me.” – Matthew 18:5
REFLECTION – “Could God not have made the human person perfect right from the beginning? For God, Who has always been identical with Himself and Who is not created, everything is possible. But because the existence of the created beings began after God’s, they are necessarily inferior to God, Who made them … Thus, since they are created, they are not perfect. When they have just been born, they are small children and as small children, they are neither accustomed to, nor have they had practice in, perfect conduct … Thus, God could give perfection to the human person right from the beginning but, the human person was incapable of receiving this perfection, for he was only a small child.
And that is why, in the last times, when our Lord gathered up all things in Himself (Eph 1:10), He came to us, not in His power but, in such a way, we were able to see Him. For He could have come to us in His inexpressible glory but, we were not yet able to bear the greatness of His glory. … Although the Word of God was perfect, with humankind He became a small Child, not for Himself but because of the state of childhood, in which was humankind.” – St Irenaeus (c130-202) Bishop of Lyons, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies IV 38, 1-2).
PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy Confessor, blessed John, raised up a father and teacher of youth and willed that through him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, new religious families should bloom in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee, that , inflamed by the same fire of love, we may seek to win souls and to serve Thee alone. 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 – 31 January – St John Bosco “Don Bosco” SDB (1815-1888) Priest, Confessor, Founder.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christian By St John Bosco (1815-1888)
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come to thy feet imploring thy perpetual aid. If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children, how canst thou, the most loving of all mothers, forget me? Grant then to me, I implore thee thy perpetual aid in all my necessities, in every sorrow and especially in all my temptations. I ask for thy unceasing assistance for all who are now suffering. Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners. Grant through thy intercession, many vocations to the religious life. Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians, that having invoked thee on earth we may love and eternally thank thee in Heaven. Amen
Saint of the Day – 31 January – St Julius (Late 4th Century) Priest and Confessor, Missionary, Miracle-worker. Both in Italy. Born probably in Greece and died of natural causes on the Island named after him, San Giuulio. Patronages – of Cavenago di Brianza and of Orta San Giulio,Also known as – Julius of Orta, … of Novara, Giulio….
31 January is traditionally the Feast day of St Julius, a Priest and Confessor of the later 4th Century. He is said to have been a Greek from the Island of Aegina, who, together with his brother Julian, migrated to northern Italy in the days of the Emperor Theodosius I (379-395).
The Island of St Julius (Isola di San Giulio) in the Lado d’Orta.
The 2 brothers set about evangelising the region. After they had built 99 Churches in various places, Julius chose, as the place for the 100th an Island in the middle of Lago d’Orta, a lake near Novara in the Piedmont region. But, unable to find anyone to take him to the Island which was infested with serpents, he spread his cloak on the waters and used it as a boat. Upon reaching the Island, he drove away the serpents and established his Church.
St Julius driving the serpents away
Modern archeological research has in fact confirmed that a Church was built in very ancient times on the iIland in the same place where a large Basilica now stands, dedicated to St Julius. He is also mentioned by the 8th Century historian of the Lombards, Paul the Deacon. Julius’ (presumed) Relics are preserved in the Crypt of this Basilica. Below is the exterior of the Basilica.
St Madoes St Marcella St Martin Manuel St Nicetas of Novgorod St Tryphaena of Cyzicus St Tysul St Ulphia of Amiens St Waldo of Evreux St Wilgils
Martyrs of Corinth – 14 Saints: A group of Christians tortured and Martyred together in Corinth, Greece in the persecutions of Decius. We know nothing about them except some names – Anectus, Claudius, Codratus, Crescens, Cyprian, Diodorus, Dionysius, Nicephorus, Papias, Paul, Serapion, Theodora, Victor and Victorinus.
Martyrs of Canope: A group of Christians tortured and Martyred together in Corinth, Greece in the persecutions of Decius. We know nothing about them except some names – Anectus, Claudius, Codratus, Crescens, Cyprian, Diodorus, Dionysius, Nicephorus, Papias, Paul, Serapion, Theodora, Victor and Victorinus.
Martyred in Alexandria, Egypt: Cyriacus Metranus Saturninus Tarskius Thyrsus Victor Zoticus
Thought for the Day – 30 January – Meditations on the Hidden Life: From the 1906 Edition of The Heart of Jesus of Nazareth; it has the Imprimatur of Bishop John Baptist Butt, Diocese of Southwark, England, 5 February 1890. Author’s name known simply as Author of “The Voice of the Sacred Heart.” (We return to Fr Clarke for February with his Meditations on The Great Truths.)
Meditation 6: The Occupation of the Heart of Jesus in the Hidden Life
We are not at present going to study. in detail. the holy occupations of the Heart of our Lord, reserving such study for future consideration in separate meditations. We shall find that it affords much assistance, in familiarising us, with the character of the Sacred Heart, its love, its sufferings and its desires. It will enable us also to recognise how full of merit, how conducive to God’s glory and, how helpful to the world at large, is a hidden life, provided it be modelled on the Hidden Life of Jesus.
The exterior life of Nazareth was, as we know, made up of the most ordinary works, the most commonplace actions. During those long years, we find nothing apparently, in due proportion, to the sublime Mission which brought Him down from Heaven. Yet, He was all the while negotiating the great affair of our Redemption, as truly as when we come to regard Him hanging on the Cross. Let us penetrate into His Heart and we shall see that it was secretly consumed with Love in the Presence of the Majesty of God, His Father and, since true love is ever active, with what energy must not the Divine Flame have burnt, within that living Furnace of Charity?
It was from this inexhaustible source of Love that His every act emanated and, these have merited the redemption of ten thousand worlds and are pleading, our cause in Heaven. at this moment!
Behold ~ the first great Master of the Divine Apostleship. Behold ~ in Jesus of Nazareth, the first Apostle of Prayer! This was the occupation of His Sacred Heart. He loved, He adored, He repaired, He prayed, He immolated Himself for the Father’s glory, for the salvation of the universe. He traced out the Divine plan of His Church, according to the eternal design He had seen in the bosom of the Father and, as each stratagem of His enemy for the defeat of that plan and the overthrow of His Church passed before Him, He devised the infallible means by which the evil influence should be counteracted and, the cause of good, should triumph.
Of what importance was it that the Hands of Jesus did but plane wood in a carpenter’s shop whilst His Heart was thus incessantly and divinely occupied? Could there really be monotony in such a Life as this? Whatever may have been its exterior, the interior of that Life was the most sublime which can be imagined.
Sublime also is the hidden life of those who have learnt to imitate Him, whose hearts, like His, are wholly occupied, as far as they can be in this life, with the interests of God and of souls; a life indeed which the wise ones of this world despise – which materialists scorn as useless. But in the great day of revelation, they will be forced to exclaim: “We fools esteemed their life madness and their end without honour; behold how they are numbered among the children of God and their lot is among the Saints.”
Quote/s of the Day – 30 January – Feast of St Martina (Died c228) Virgin and Martyr, Patron of Rome – Sirach 51:1-8.12 – Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.”
Matthew 25:7
“We ought to be dressed for work, lest, when the day of setting forth comes, it should find us burdened and entangled. Let our light shine, in good works and glow, in such a way, as to lead us from the night of this world, to the daylight of eternal brightness. ”
St Cyprian of Carthage (c200-258) Bishop, Martyr, Father
“So that our minds might be free of these illusions, the Word invites us to shake this deep sleep from the eyes of our soul, so that we might not slip away from the true realities, by becoming attached to that which has no consistency. That is why He suggests that we be watchful when He says: “Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning …” (Lk 12:35) For when the light shines before our eyes, it chases sleep away and, when our loins are held tight by a belt, they prevent the body from succumbing to it … The person who has fastened on the belt of temperance lives in the light of a pure conscience; the trust of a child illuminates his life like a lamp … If we live in this way, we will enter a life like that of the Angels!”
St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395) Father of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 30 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Feast of St Martina (Died c228) Virgin and Martyr, Patron of Rome – Sirach 51:1-8.12 – Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” – Matthew 25:7
REFLECTION – “There has come a shout at midnight. What can this shout be, if not what the Apostle speaks of – ‘in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.’ For the trumpet will sound and the dead will rise up, imperishable and as for us, we shall be changed (1 Cor 15:52). Once the shout has been raised at midnight, what happens next? They all arose. What is the meaning of “They all arose?” The hour is coming, says the Lord Himself, when all who are in the tombs will hear His Voice and come forth (Jn 5:28-29).
… What is the meaning of “They did not take oil in their flasks?” In their hearts … I mean, look at these foolish virgins who did not carry oil with them; by their self-denial which earns them the name of virgins and by their good works, represented by the lamps they bring, they are intent on pleasing other people. And, if they are intent on pleasing others and that is why they do these admirable things, they are not carrying oil with them. So you, then, mind you carry it with you, carry it inside, where God can see; carry the testimony of your conscience there. … So if you refrain from unlawful things and perform good works, in order to be admired by other people, there is no oil inside you! …
Before those virgins went to sleep, it does not say that their lamps were going out. The wise ones’ lamps were burning, from the oil inside them, from the assurance of their consciences, from their inner boast, from their deepest charity. But those of the foolish ones, were also burning. Why were they burning then? Because there was no dearth of admiration from other people. But after they had risen, that is to say, in the resurrection from the dead, they began to trim their lamps that is, to prepare to give God an account of their works. And because there is no-one then expressing admiration … they were asking for what they had always been used to, that is to say, to shine with someone else’s oil, to live in dependence on others’ admiration. Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 93).
PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Thou Who choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong, mercifully grant that we, who are celebrating the feast of blessed Martina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may reap the benefit ofher patronal intercession with Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 30 January – Feast of St Martina (Died c228) Virgin and Martyr, Patron of Rome
Hear Thou with Joy, O Rome, Martina’s Name Breviary Hymn for Matins By Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) (Attrib) Papal Reign from 1623-1644
Hear thou with joy, O Rome, Martina’s name, Her praises celebrate with glad accord Martina, high in merit, virgin blest and martyr of the Lord.
Beauty and youth, the joys of happy home, Ancestral palaces and noble birth; All these were hers, all these for Jesu’s sake, She counted nothing worth.
Her wealth she shared among the poor of Christ, Content with seeking better wealth above: Herself she gave to her immortal King, too happy in His love.
The agonising hooks, the rending scourge, Shook not the dauntless spirit in her breast; With torments rack’d, Angels her fainting flesh Recruit with heavenly feast.
In vain they cast her to the ravening beasts; Calm at her feet the lion crouches down, Till smitten by the sword at length she goes To her immortal crown.
Now with the Saints Martina reigns in bliss And. where Idolatry sate throned of yore, From her victorious altar, praise and prayer With odorous incense soar.
Expel false worldly joys and fill us, Lord, With Thine enlightening beam Divine; Who with Thy suffering Martyrs present art, The Godhead, One and Trine. Amen
Saint of the Day – 30 January – St Martina (Died c228) Virgin Martyr. Patronages –of Rome, Italy, of nursing mothers.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Rome, commemoration of Saint Martina, holy virgin and Martyr.”
Martina was a Deaconess and the daughter of a noble ex-consul and orphaned at an early age, she was described as a noble and beautiful virgin. She so openly testified to her Christian Faith that she could not escape the persecutions under Severus Alexander (222-235). .
Being arrested and commanded to worship the idols, she refused, whereupon she was subjected to various tortures and was finally beheaded.
These tortures according to her Vita include being scourged. She was condemned to be devoured by wild beasts in the amphitheater but was miraculously untouched by them. These beasts, instead, lay docilely at her feet like pet cats.
She was then thrown onto a burning pyre, from which she also escaped unhurt and was finally beheaded. Her hagiography records that some of her executioners, seeing the glorious miracles and the great joy and courage with which she was filled during the tortures, converted to Christianity and were themselves beheaded.
The Blessed Virgin Mary with St Agnes and St Martina, by El Greco.
Ostia, at the mouth of the Tiber, was the scene of her Martyrdom but her body was transported to Rome,where a Church near the Mamertine Prison, Santi Luca e Martina, was later dedicated in her honour. See the Church below and the beautiful Statue which is situate under the High Altar.
Pietro da Cortona The Martyrdom of St Martina
On 25 October 1634, during the restoration of the Crypt, buried remains were found by the painter Pietro da Cortona (see the first image above and the one showing her Martyrdom, above this paragraph, painted by da Cortona), president of the Accademia di San Luca and were attributed to the Martyred Saint Martina. Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), who occupied the Holy See at that time, had the Church repaired and, it is believed that he composed the Hymns which are sung at her Office.
AnaStpaul 
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