Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 December – ‘The Talents – good works and the final resurrection …’

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One Minute Reflection – 6 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Nicholas (270-343) Confessor, Bishop – Hebrews 13:7-17; Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ Well done, good and faithful servant because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

REFLECTION – “The parable of the talents is about all those who, instead of providing assistance to their brethren with their goods, their advice or, in some other way, live only for themselves … Jesus wants to show us, our Lord’s long patience in this parable but, He also alludes, it seems to me, to the final resurrection … In the first place, the servants who give an account of their dealings unequivocally acknowledge that which comes from their Master’s gift and, that which is the fruit of their stewardship. The first says: “Lord, Thou entrusted me with five talents” and the second: “Lord, Thou entrusted me with two talents.” Thus they acknowledge it is from their Master’s bounty that they hold the capital they put to their profit.

This acknowledgement goes so far, that they ascribe all the merit and glory of their success, to their Master’s trust. What does the Master reply, then? “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This is real goodness, is it not, when someone strives to do good towards their brethren?… “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” this refers to the blessedness of Eternal Life.

But, it is by no means the same case for the wicked servant … What is then the Master’s reply? “Thou wicked and lazy servant, why didst thou not place my money in the bank?” which means, speaking to, encouraging, counselling one’s brothers and sisters. “But people would not listen to me,” the other might have replied. To which the Lord answers: “What is that to thee? … Thou shouldst, at least, have deposited this money in the bank and left Me to collect it with interest on My return.” The interest refers to the good works which go before the Hearing of the Word, when we are to speak. “Thou only had to do the easier part of the work and leave the more difficult to Me” … What is there to say? Someone who, for the sake of the other, has received the grace of word and teaching but does not put it to use, will have this grace taken away. But someone, who uses wisely and zealously, the grace received, will receive an even more abundant grace!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s gospel 78:2-3).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who made the holy Bishop Nicholas renowned for countless miracles, grant, we beseech Thee that by his merits and prayers, we may be saved from the fires of hell. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CARMELITES, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 6 December – Let Me Sing the Song of Love By St Thérèse

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 6 December

Let Me Sing the Song of Love
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus
and the Holy Face (1873 – 1897)

Deepen Thy love in me, O Lord
that I may learn, in my inmost heart
how sweet it is to love, to be dissolved
and to plunge myself into Thy love.
Let Thy love possess
and raise me above myself,
with a fervour and wonder beyond imagination.
Let me sing the song of love.
Let me follow Thee into the heights.
Let my soul spend itself in Thy praise,
rejoicing for love.
Let me love Thee more than myself
and myself, only for Thy sake.
Let me love others, as Thy law commands.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 December – Saint Gertrude the Elder (c560-649) Widow, Abbess,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 6 December – Saint Gertrude the Elder (c560-649) Widow, Abbess, Founder and the 1st Abbess of Hamage Abbey in the North of France. It was a Monastery of Nuns, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Eusebia. Also known as – Gertrude de Cambrai, Gertrude of Hamage, Gertrude of Hamaye.

Hamage Abbey

The daughter of a nobleman of Douai, France, Gertrude married the nobleman Rigomer. Widowed at an early age, she devoted herself to the education of her three sons, one of whom was to be venerated as a Saint and Martyr, St Adalbald (Died 652).

Following the settlement of her sons, Gertrude withdrew from the world to live at an Oratory in Hamage, where she devoted herself to religious exercises and acts of charity. Here she was joined in her life of piety by her grand-daughter Eusebia.

Gertrude bravely endured the sorrow of learning that her son Adalbald had been Martyred. Adalbald’s widow, Rictrude (c 614–688) also became a Saint.

At Hamage Gertrude founded and became the 1st Abbess of a Convent, where she trained her grand-daughter for religious life before dying and leaving the government of the Convent to her.

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The NINE FIRST FRIDAYS

First Friday, Day 8 of the Immaculate Conception Novena, Notre-Dame de Séez/ Our Lady of Séez, France (5th Century), St Nicholas and Memorials of the Saints – 6 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

First Friday of the Month:
“I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all powerful love, will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday, for Nine Consecutive Months, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving the Sacraments; my Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge, in that last moment.” — Our Lord to St Margaret Mary

How to complete the Nine First Friday’s Devotion:

Receive Holy Communion on each First Friday;

The Nine Fridays must be consecutive;

They must be made in honour and in reparation to His Sacred Heart.

    Notre-Dame de Séez/ Our Lady of Séez, Normandy, France (5th Century) – 6 December:
    HERE:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/06/notre-dame-de-seez-our-lady-of-seez-normandy-france-5th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-december/

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary: – LINK to the 8th Day: – THE EIGHTH DAY – 6 December

    St Nicholas (270-343) Confessor, Bishop, Abbot, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker.
    Full Biography here:
    https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-st-nicholas-270-343/
    More:
    https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/06/saint-of-the-day-st-nicholas-270-343-bishop/

    St Abraham of Kratia ( c474–c558) Bishop, Monk, Hermit.
    Biography:
    https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-saint-abraham-of-kratia-c-474-c-558/

    St Aemilianus the Martyr

    Blessed Angelica Leonti of Milazzo TOM (1519-1559) Virgin, Lay Tertiary of the Order of the Minim.
    A Model for our Times:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-blessed-angelica-leonti-of-milazzo-tom-1519-1559-virgin/

    St Asella of Rome (Died c 406) Virgin Hermit Friend of St Jerome
    A Flower of the Lord:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-saint-asella-of-rome-a-flower-of-the-lord-died-c-406/

    St Boniface the Martyr
    St Dativa the Martyr
    St Dionysia the Martyr

    St Gerard of La Charité (Died c1109) Abbot, Founder of Monasterie, Reformer.
    Biography:
    https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-saint-gerard-of-la-charite-osb-died-c-1109/

    St Gertrude the Elder the Elder (c560-649) Widow, Abbess
    St Isserninus of Ireland
    St Leontia the Martyr
    St Majoricus the Martyr
    St Polychronius
    St Tertus

    Posted in GOD ALONE!, Meditations for ADVENT, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS

    Thought for the Day – 5 December – Transient Gleams

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

    Meditations for Advent
    From “The Devout Year”
    By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

    Transient Gleams

    +1. “From time to time, there broke through the thick darkness of heathendom, a gleam of light which seemed to be a harbinger of the coming day. Some sage or poet sang of a golden age which soon would be at hand. But the flash of light soon disappeared and only left the darkness, even darker than before. So in the life of those who have hardened themselves against God, there are sometimes moments, when the devil seems to have forsaken his prey and, there seems a hope of better things. But if Jesus’ Coming is still far away the improvement soon passes and the evil seems to have even a more complete mastery than ever before.

    +2. There is something very beautiful in the sentiments of the old Greek and Roman poets. Their minstrels ring sweetly in our ears. Their poems proclaim them men of the highest genius. But they have no power to effect a change of heart , such as is wrought by the inspired words of some great Saint or servant of God. God must speak through it – man’s voice, if is to avail to turn others to God.
    Do I pray God thus to rule and direct my words that theymay do His work?

    +3. So too, many of the deads of the heroes of antiquity, appear worthy of the holy ones of God. Some may have been done from a supernatural motive and may even, have merited eternal life. But no act, however noble in the natural order, is of any value in the sight of God, unless it be done with some sort of conscious desire to please and serve Him.
    Do my ordinary actions possess this necessary characteristic?    ”

    Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

    Quote/s of the Day – 5 December – ‘ … Embrace Him, Whom you have sought. …’

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Quote/s of the Day – 5 December – The First Week of Advent – Ferial Day Romans 13:11-14; Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

    “But when these things begin to come to pass,
    look up and lift up your heads
    because your redemption is at hand.    ”

    Luke 21:28

    “Watch, therefore because you know not
    the day, nor the hour.    ”
    Matthew 25:13

    “ In the hours of the night, think always on Christ
    and hope for His Coming at every moment. …
    Christ enters at the open door.
    He will not fail to do so, for He has promised to enter.
    Embrace Him, Whom you have sought.
    Approach Him and be illumined.
    Hold Him and ask Him not to go away quickly.
    Beg Him not to depart.
    For “His Word runs swiftly” (Ps 147:15)
    and will not be held by the slothful
    or negligent soul.
    Let your soul run to His call and follow closely,
    the sound of His heavenly Voice,
    for His passing is swift    . …”

    St Ambrose (340-397)
    Father and Doctor of the Church

    “It is only right, my brothers,
    to celebrate our Lord’s Coming
    with all possible devotion,
    so greatly does His comfort gladden us…
    and His love burn within us.
    But do not just think about His First Coming,
    when He Came “to seek and save the lost” (Lk 19:10);
    think, too, of that other Coming,
    when He will come to take us with Him.
    I should like to see you constantly
    occupied in meditating on these two Comings…
    for they are the two arms of the Bridegroom     …”

    St Bernard (1091-1153)
    Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

    Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the LIGHT, In the PRESENCE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

    One Minute Reflection – 5 December – ‘ … In fact, according to the merit and fervour of each one, …’

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    One Minute Reflection – 5 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The First Week of Advent – Ferial Day Romans 13:11-14; Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

    “But when these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads because your redemption is at hand.” – Luke 21:28

    REFLECTION – “We are waiting to celebrate Christ’s Birthday and, according to the Lord’s Promise, we will soon see Him. The Scripture demands from us that we rejoice, to the point of raising our spirit above itself and … leaping for joy at the coming of the Lord…For, even before His advent, the Lord comes to you. Before appearing to the whole world, He comes to visit you personally, He Who said: “I will not leave you orphaned; I will come back to you” (Jn 14:18).

    In fact, according to the merit and fervour of each one, there is a frequent and familiar advent of the Lord that, in this intermediary period, between his first and last coming, models us on one and prepares us for the other. The Lord comes to us now, so that His First Coming to us, may not be vain and that the last one, may not be that of wrath. Through His present coming, in fact, He works at reforming our pride, in the image of the humility of His first advent, to then remodel our humble body, in the image of the glorified body He will show us when He will return. This is why we should desire and fervently ask this personal coming – which gives us the grace of this first advent and promises us the glory of the last. …

    The first was humble and hidden, the last will be resounding and magnificent; the one we are talking about is hidden but it is also magnificent. I say it is hidden, not because it is ignored by whom it concerns but because, it happens secretly in him. … He comes without being seen and He leaves without being noticed. His simple Presence is Light for the soul and for the spirit, by it you may see the invisible and get to know the unknown. This coming of the Lord puts the soul of whom, contemplates it, in a gentle and happy state of admiration. Then, from the inmost depths of man, the cry may burst out: “O Lord, who is like Thee!” (Ps 34:10). Those who have experienced it know, please God, that those who have not yet had this experience, may feel at least, the desire to !” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (2nd sermon for Advent, 2-4: PL 185, 15-17).

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

    Posted in ADVENT, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS to the DIVINE INFANT JESUS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

    Our Morning Offering – 5 December – I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Our Morning Offering – 5 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

    I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary
    By Father John Wyse (1825-1898)
    Irish Priest and Hymn writer

    I’ll sing a hymn to Mary,
    The Mother of my God,
    The Virgin of all virgins,
    Of David’s royal blood.
    O teach me, Holy Mary,
    A loving song to frame,
    When wicked men blaspheme thee,
    To love and bless thy name.

    O Lily of the Valley,
    O Mystic Rose, what tree,
    Or flower, e’en the fairest,
    Is half so fair as thee?
    O let me, tho’ so lowly
    Recite my Mother’s fame.
    When wicked men blaspheme thee,
    I’ll love and bless thy name.

    O noble Tower of David,
    Of gold and ivory.
    The ark of God’s own promise,
    The gate of Heav’n to me.
    To live and not to love thee
    Would fill my soul with shame.
    When wicked men blaspheme thee,
    I’ll love and bless thy name.

    When troubles dark afflict me
    In sorrow and in care,
    Thy light doth ever guide me
    O beauteous Morning Star.
    Lo, I’ll be ever ready
    Thy goodly help to claim,
    When wicked men blaspheme thee,
    To love and bless thy name.

    The Saints are high in glory,
    With golden crowns so bright;
    But brighter far is Mary,
    Upon her throne of light.
    Oh that which God did give thee,
    Let mortal ne’er disclaim;
    When wicked men blaspheme thee,
    I’ll love and bless thy name.

    But in the crown of Mary,
    There lies a wonderous gem,
    As Queen of all the Angels,
    Which Mary shares with them;
    No sin hath e’er defiled thee,
    So doth our faith proclaim;
    When wicked men blaspheme thee,
    I’ll love and bless thy name.

    And now O Virgin Mary
    My mother and my Queen,
    I’ve sung thy praise so bless me,
    And keep my heart from sin.
    When others jeer and mock thee,
    I’ll often think how I
    To shield my Mother, Mary,
    Would lay me down and die.

    Verses 4, 5 and 6 omitted on image.

    Posted in SAINT of the DAY

    Saint of the Day – 5 December – St Dalmatius of Pavia (Died c304) Bishop Martyr,

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Saint of the Day – 5 December – St Dalmatius of Pavia (Died c304) Bishop Martyr, Missionary and Evangeliser. Patronage of Pedone and Borgo San Dalmazzo in Italy/ Also known as – Dalmatius of Pedona, Dalmazio… Dalmazzo…

    The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Pavia, St Dalmatius, Bidshop and Martyr, who suffered in the persecutions of Maximian.”

    The oldest Vita, derives, from an original written between 570 and 650, while, according to another historian, it was composed in the 8th Century. The author, perhaps a Lombard Monk from the Monastery of Pedona, who drew on oral traditions, says he was born in San Damiano Macra in the pre-Constantinian era and presents him as an Ecclesiastic and evangeliser of Pedona.

    At the beginning of the 10th Century, when this locality was devastated by the Saracens, the body of the Saint was taken to Quargnento, where the inscription was placed on his Tomb: “ic requiescit corpus sancti Dalmatii repositum ab Audace episcopo Astensi – here rests the body of St Dalmatia, deposited by Audace, Bishop of Astens.”

    Since the 9th Century, in France, Dalmatius has been considered a Martyr. More recent sources say he was originally from Germany, a Missionary and Evangeliser of many Cities in Piedmont, Emilia and Gaul, killed for the Faith in 254.

    The Roman Martyrology, based on Episcopal records, wrongly remembers him on 5 December as the Bishop of Pavia, where, however, a Church was dedicated to him. What is certain is that in Pedona there was a Basilica erected in his honour and on 5December many pilgrims, even from distant countries, flocked to his Tomb.

    Dalmatius was probably a local Evangeliser of Pedona, in an era which is not easily determined and was, therefore, venerated there as a Saint. 5 December would be the anniversary of his death, or of his elevation to the honour of the Altars.

    This Statue of St Dalmatius resides in Pornassio, Liguria, Italia
    Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

    The Sodality of Our Lady / Our Lady of the Jesuit College, Rome (1584), The 7th Day of the Immaculate Conception Novena, St Sabbas of Mar Saba and Memorials of the Saints – 5 December

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    The Sodality of Our Lady / Our Lady of the Jesuit College, Rome (1584) – 5 December:
    HERE:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/the-sodality-of-our-lady-our-lady-of-the-jesuit-college-rome-1584-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-december/

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary: LINK to the 7th DAY – THE SEVENTH DAY – 5 December

    St Sabbas of Mar Saba (439–532) Priest. a Cappadocian-Syrian Monk, Founder of several Monasteries, most notably the one known as Mar Saba.
    The Life of St Sabbas:
    https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/05/saint-of-the-day-5-december-st-sabbas-439-532/

    St Abercius
    St Anastasius
    St Aper of Sens

    Blessed Bartholomew Fanti of Mantua O.Carm. (c 1428-1495) Carmelite Priest, renowned Preacher. Humble and gentle, Bartholomew gave an example to everyone of a life of prayer, of loving kindness and generosity to all and of faithful service to the Lord. He was remembered and revered, even during his life, for his great love ot the Blessed Sacrament, which was the source and the summit of his apostolic life, together with his love and devotion to the Virgin Mother. His Beatification received the Papal approval of Pope Pius X on 18 March 1909.
    Biography:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/saint-of-the-day-5-december-blessed-bartholomew-fanti-o-carm-c-1443-1495/

    St Basilissa of Øhren
    St Bassus of Lucera
    St Bassus of Nice
    St Cawrdaf of Fferreg
    St Christina of Markyate
    St Consolata of Genoa
    St Crispina
    St Cyrinus of Salerno – Bishop. Martyr. No other information has surived.
    St Dalmatius of Pavia (Died c304) Bishop Martyr
    St Firminus of Verdun

    St Gerald of Braga (Died 1109) Archbishop of Braga, Portugal, Abbot, Reformer. He renewed divine worship and restored Churches.
    St Gerald’s Life:
    https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/05/saint-of-the-day-5-december-saint-gerald-of-braga-died-1109-bishop/

    St Gerbold (Died c691) Bishop of Bayeux in Normany, France, Hermit, Founder of the Monastery of Livry in Normandy. A
    His Life of Service:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/05/saint-of-the-day-5-december-st-gerbold-died-c691-bishop/

    St Gratus
    Bl Giovanni Gradenigo
    St Justinian
    St Martiniano of Pecco
    St Nicetius of Trier
    St Pelinus of Confinium

    Martyrs of Thagura – 12 Saints: A group of twelve African Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details about them that have survived are five of their names – Crispin, Felix, Gratus, Juliua and Potamia. They died in 302 in Thagura, Numidia

    Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the LIGHT, Meditations for ADVENT, The INCARNATION

    Thought for the Day – 4 December – The Long Darkness .

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

    Meditations for Advent
    From “The Devout Year”
    By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

    The Long Darkness .

    +1. “The Light extinguished at the Fall, was rekindled in the hearts of our first parents, when the promise was given them, of a Redeemer, Who should undo the fatal mischief which had been done.
    But, in their children, Adam and Eve had to lament the fatal effects of that deadly evil they had introduced into the world. As generation followed generation, thicker and thicker grew the darkness, farther and farther did men wander away from the Light which, gave to each, the power of guiding his feet aright from earth to Heaven. Thus, it is, each ill deed goes on bearing its deadly fruit, often long after the doer is dead and gone.

    +2. Yet every man had Light and Grace sufficient and more than sufficient, to enable him to walk in the ways of God and, to find his way to the Kingdom of Heaven.
    But none, save a very few availed themselves of it. They loved darkness more than the Light!
    The world gradually lost all regard for virtue and for God.
    How grateful should I be to God that I love Him and co-operate with His Light and Grace!

    +3. If I had lived then what should I have been? Even with all my countless graces and advantages , what a poor specimen I am of one made by God, for God and in the Image of God!
    In heathen days should I not have been among the most depraved? Should I not have recklessly indulged my own inclinations, irrespective of the Voice of God warning and reproaching me What chance should I have had of saving my soul in those days of dark corruption and depravity?”

    Posted in ADVENT QUOTES, APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on The SOUL, The DIVINE INFANT, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The INCARNATION, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

    Quote/s of the Day – 4 December – Saint “Golden Words”

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Quote/s of the Day – 4 December – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) “Golden Words” Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church

    “Whose likeness and inscription is this?”
    Matthew 22:20

    “The Creator seeks out what else
    He can add to your dignity –
    He sets His image within you (Gen 1:27)
    so that your visible image, might make present,
    upon earth, the invisible Creator and, to you,
    He entrusts the care of earthly goods, so that,
    as vast a domain as this, should not be lacking
    a representative from the Lord. …
    And what God accomplished in you by His power,
    He graciously assumed into Himself –
    He wanted to be truly manifested in the man
    in whom, hitherto, He had only appeared in image.
    He enabled us to become, in reality,
    what had only been a mere likeness before. …
    And so, Christ is born, to restore
    all its integrity, to fallen nature!     ”

    “Why does your Master
    eat with publicans and sinners?     ”
    Matthew 9:11

    “But Christ, my brethren, came to this meal –
    Life came amongst these guests that those
    who were going to die, might live with Him,
    the same Life as He.
    The Resurrection reclined at this table
    that those who lay in death, might rise from their tombs;
    Grace stooped down to raise sinners up, to forgiveness;
    God came to man that man might attain to God;
    the Judge came to the meal of the guilty,
    to release humankind from the sentence of condemnation;
    the Doctor came to the sick, to restore their depleted strength
    by eating with them; the Good Shepherd bent down
    to carry the lost sheep back to salvation’s fold     (Lk 15:l3).”

    “O my brethren, if only we wanted to,
    if only we all wanted to perceive our soul’s paralysis
    in all its depth! Then we would see
    that it is lying on a stretcher of sins, deprived of strength. Christ’s action within us, would be a source of light
    and we would understand that each day
    He sees our lack of faith, harmful as it is,
    that He draws us towards healing remedies
    and sharply presses our rebellious wills.
    “My son” He says, “your sins are forgiven you.    ”

    MORE:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-december-st-peter-chrysologus/

    St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450)
    “Golden Words”
    Father & Doctor of the Church

    Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The HEART, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

    One Minute Reflection – 4 December– “I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    One Minute Reflection – 4 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) “Golden Words” Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

    “I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

    REFLECTION – “Grace which was formerly veiled, so to speak, in the Old Testament, has been fully revealed in the Gospel of Christ by a harmonious disposition of the times, just as God usually disposes of everything with harmony … But within this wonderful harmony, we notice a great difference between the two ages. On Sinai, the people did not dare draw near the place where the Lord was giving His Law; in the Upper Room, the Holy Ghost comes down on all those assembled there, while waiting for the fulfilment of the promise (Ex 19:23; Acts 2:1). In the first instance, the Finger of God inscribed the laws on tablets of stone but now, it is in human hearts where He writes it (Ex 31:18; 2 Cor 3:3). Formerly the Law was written without and brought fear to sinners but now, it has been given to them within, to make them righteous …

    Indeed, as the Apostle Paul says, everything written on the stone tablets, “you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill. .., you shall not covet” and whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this saying: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfilment of the Law” (Rm 13:9f.; Lv 19:18) … This charity has been “poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost Who is given to us” (Rm 5:5).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On the spirit and the letter, 28-30).

    PRAYER – O God, Who willed to foreshow divinely that blessed Peter Chrysologus would be a great Doctor to rule and teach Thy Church, grant, we beseech Thee that we may be worthy to have him as our intercessor in Heaven, who on earth was a teacher of life. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

    Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering

    Our Morning Offering – 4 December – Dear Saviour, Haste! Venez divin Messie

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Our Morning Offering – 4 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

    Dear Saviour, Haste!
    Venez divin Messie
    By Abbé Simon-Joseph Pellegrin (1663-1745)

    Dear Saviour, haste!
    Come, come to earth.
    Dispel the night
    and show Thy Face
    And bid us hail
    the Dawn of grace.
    O come, Divine Messias,
    The world in silence waits the day
    When hope shall sing its triumph,
    And sadness flee away.
    Amen

    This is the Refrain from a beautiful Advent Hymn by Abbé Simon-Joseph Pellegrin, a French Cluniac Monk, Poet, Composer and Playwright.

    Posted in SAINT of the DAY

    Saint of the Day – 4 December – Saint Felix of Bologna (Died 432) Bishop

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Saint of the Day – 4 December – Saint Felix of Bologna (Died 432) Bishop, a disciple and the Deacon of St Ambrose at Milan. Died in Bologna on 4 December 432. Also known as – Felice.

    The Roman Martyrology: “At Bologna, Saint Felix, Bishop, who had been the Deacon of the Church of Milan under Saint Ambrose.”

    Felix, the 7th Bishop of Bologna (397? – 432), immediately preceded Saint Petronius. Already a Deacon of the Church of Milan, he is remembered by St Paulinus in the Life of Saint Ambrose.

    From the Ambrosian Epistolary we learn that Felix was chosen for a delicate mission to the Emperor Theodosius in 394:

    “I deservedly sent my son, Deacon Felix, to carry my letter, so that he may also take my place and present a memorial for those who have turned to the Mother Church, asking for the mercy of your piety” (St Ambrose Ep 62:3).

    His death is dated 4 December 432 as is his Feast Day. His head is venerated in the Cathedral, where it was placed by Cardinal Gabriele Paleotti in 1586.

    Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

    Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle d’Abbeville / Our Lady of La Chapelle, France (1400), Day 6 of the Immaculate Conception Novena, St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450), St Barbara (Died 3rd Century) Virgin Martyr and all the Saints for 4 December

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary – LINK to the DAY 6 – THE SIXTH DAY – 4 December

    Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle d’Abbeville / Our Lady of La Chapelle, at Abbeville, France (1400) – 4 December:
    HERE:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/04/notre-dame-de-la-chapelle-dabbeville-our-lady-of-la-chapelle-at-abbeville-france-1400-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-december/

    St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) “Golden Words” Confessor,, Father & Doctor of the Church – Bishop of Ravenna, Italy. Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Peter Chrysologus, a fifth-century Italian Bishop known for testifying courageously to Christ’s full humanity and divinity during a period of the heresy called “Monophysite.”
    The saint’s title, Chrysologus, signifies “golden speech” in Greek. Named as a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII., he is distinguished as the “Doctor of Homilies” for the concise but theologically rich reflections he delivered during his time as the Bishop of Ravenna.
    176 of his sermons have survived – it is the strength of these beautiful explanations of the Incarnation, the Creed, the place of Mary and John the Baptist in the great plan of salvation, Mary’s perpetual Virginity, the penitential value of Lent, Christ’s Eucharistic presence and the Primacy of St Peter and his successors in the Church.
    FEAST DAY: 4 December (General Roman Calendar 1729-1969)
    https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-st-peter-chrysologus-c-400-450-golden-words/

    St Barbara (Died 3rd Century) Virgin Martyr. Saint Barbara is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
    St Barbara’s Life and Death:
    https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-saint-barbara-3rd-century-martyr/
    14 HOLY HELPERS:
    https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/08/saint-s-of-the-day-8-august-the-fourteen-holy-helpers/

    St Ada of Le Mans
    St Adelmann of Beauvais

    St Anno II (c 1010-1975) Archbishop of Cologne from 1056 until his death. From 1063 to 1065 he acted as Regent of the Holy Roman Empire for the minor Emperor Henry IV, Reformer, founder of Monasteries and builder of Churches.
    The Life of St Anno:
    https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-saint-anno-ii-c-1010-1975-archbishop-of-cologne/

    St Apro

    St Bernardo degli Uberti OSB Vall. (c1060-1133) Cardinal Bishop, Benedictine Vallombrosan Monk, Abbot of San Salvi Monastery, Abbot-General of the Vallombrosans. Created a Cardinal by Pope Urban II in 1097. Papal legate, Bishop of Parma, Italy in 1106. Exiled twice during disputes with Anti–Papal forces opposing Pope Saint Gregory VII.
    A fascinating Saint who even Pablo Picasso could not resist painting (2nd image below – maybe Senor Picasso’s ‘Blue Period?’
    This Holy Shepherd:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-st-bernardo-degli-uberti-osb-vall-c1060-1133-cardinal-bishop-a-fascinating-saint-who-even-pablo-picasso-could-not-resist-painting/

    St Bertoara of Bourges
    St Christian O.Cist. (c1180-1245) Bishop
    St Christianus
    St Clement of Alexandria
    St Cyran of Brenne
    St Eraclius
    St Ezequiel Álvaro de La Fuente
    St Felix of Bologna (Died 432) Bishop
    Bl Francis Galvez
    St Heraclas of Alexandria
    Bl Jerome de Angelis
    St John the Wonder Worker
    St Maruthas
    St Melitus of Pontus

    St Osmund (Died 1099) Bishop of Salisbury, Confessor, Count of Sées, Lord Chancellor of England. He was Canonised in 1456 by Pope Callistus III.
    The Life of St Osmund:
    https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-saint-osmund-died-1099/

    Blessed Pietro Tecelano TOSF (c 118-1289) Layman, Widower, Tertiary of the Order of Friars Minor, Apostle of the sick and the poor, spiritual and secular adviser, Miracle-worker. Pietro was Beatified on 18 August 1802 by Pope Pius VII.
    His Life:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-blessed-pietro-tecelano-tosf-c-1200-1289/

    St Prudens Martyr. No other information has survived.
    St Sigiranus
    Bl Simon Yempo
    St Sola

    Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING

    Thought for the Day – 3 December – The Announcement of His Coming

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

    Meditations for Advent
    From “The Devout Year”
    By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

    The Announcement of His Coming

    “+1. For a short time after their creation our first parents lived in perfect peace and happiness in the Garden of Eden. If they had continued obedient to the authority of their Creator, during
    their whole time of probation, there would have been no need for the advent of the Son of God as their Redeemer from sin, for sin there would have been none.
    It was their deliberate rebellion which was the occasion that determined the visit of the Word to this world of ours. No
    wonder that the Church sings, O felix culpa! O happy transgression which earned a Redeemer such as this!
    Admire God’s wonderful Providence in thus bringing good out of evil and advantage to man for his very sin!

    +2. The promise made was couched in words which gave no immediate prospect of the crushing of the serpent’s head and the destruction of his power. It left the curse of sin upon the earth and its inhabitants and announced the sorrows which would accompany them through their time of sojourn here. This law still holds. Christ came to abolish sin but not its temporal consequences.
    He who sins shall suffer, is a law which Christ fulfilled and in no way destroyed.

    +3. Yet, the promise of a Redeemer rekindled the light of hope in the souls of Adam and Eve. They and all their children, were ever looking and praying for His Coming. God’s intention was to keep them in expectancy. So too, with His Second Coming. There has always been a tradition of expectation. “Blessed is the man whom his Lord , when He cometh, shall find watching.”
    Hence, learn to watch and pray.
    Come quickly , O Lord Jesus!    ”

    Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on EDUCATION, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION

    Quote/s of the Day – 3 December – St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552)

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Quote/s of the Day – 3 December – St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor

    “Would to God that these men who laboUr so much
    in gaining knowledge, would give as much thought
    to the account, they must one day give to God,
    of the use they have made of their learning
    and of the talents entrusted to them!    ”

    “Tell the students to give up their small ambitions
    and come eastward to preach the Gospel of Christ.    ”

    MORE:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/03/quote-s-of-the-day-3-december-st-francis-xavier-5/

    St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

    Posted in JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MIRACLES, ON the SAINTS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

    One Minute Reflection – 3 December – ‘ … Even today! …’

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    One Minute Reflection – 3 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor – Romans 10:10-18, Mark 16:15-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

    “And these signs shall follow them who believe: In My Name they shall cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents and, if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay their hand upon the sick and they shall recover.” – Mark 16:17-18

    REFLECTION – “The Lord said to the Eleven: “And these signs shall follow them who believe: In My Name they shall cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents and, if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay their hand upon the sick and they shall recover.” In the primitive Church all the signs the Lord lists here, were fulfilled to the letter, not only by the Apostles but, many other of the Saints. The Gentiles would not have abandoned the worship of idols if the Gospel preaching had not been confirmed with so many signs and wonders. Indeed, did not the disciples preach “a Crucified Christ, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,” according to Saint Paul’s saying? (1 Cor 1:23) …

    As for us, from now, on signs and wonders are no longer needed, it is enough for us to read or hear an account of those which have happened. For we believe in the Gospel, we believe in the Scriptures which relate them. And yet, signs still take place daily and, if we would mark them well, we would acknowledge that they have far more worth than the concrete miracles of former times.

    Every day Priests administer Baptism and call to conversion – is not this to cast out demons? Every day they speak a new language when they explain holy Scripture by replacing the old letter with the newness of its spiritual sense. They put serpents to flight, when they free sinners’ hearts from their attachment to evil with gentle exhortation … They cure the sick, when they reconcile weak souls to God with their prayers. Such are the signs the Lord had promised his Saints – it is these they accomplish even today!” – St Bruno of Segni O.Cart. (c1030 -1101) Cistercian Bishop (Commentary on Saint Mark’s Gospel).

    PRAYER – O God, Thou Who were pleased to gather into Thy Church the peoples of the Indies by the preaching and miracles of blessed Francis, mercifully grant that we, who honour his glorious merits, may also imitate the example of his virtues. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

    Posted in GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The PASSION

    Our Morning Offering – 3 December – I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee By St Francis Xavier (1

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Our Morning Offering – 3 December – St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor

    I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee
    By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)
    Translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)

    I love Thee, God, I love Thee—
    Not out of hope for Heaven for me
    Nor fearing not to love and be
    in the everlasting burning.
    Thou, my Jesus, after me
    Didst reach Thine arms out dying,
    For my sake suffered nails and lance,
    Mocked and marred countenance,
    Sorrows passing number,
    Sweat and care and cumber,
    Yea and death and this for me,
    And Thou could see me sinning.
    Then I, why should not I love Thee,
    Jesu so much in love with me?
    Not for Heaven’s sake, not to be
    Out of hell by loving Thee,
    Not for any gains I see,
    But just the way that Thou didst me
    I do love and will love Thee.
    What must I love Thee, Lord, for then?
    For being my King and God.
    Amen

    Posted in SAINT of the DAY

    Saint of the Day – 3 December – St Abbo of Auxerre (Died c860) Bishop

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Saint of the Day – 3 December – St Abbo of Auxerre (Died c860) Bishop, Monk and Abbot. Died ion 3 December n c860 of natural causes. Also known as – Abbone, Abbon.

    In some records Abbo appears as the Bishop of Auzerre in the 35th place, in others in36th. He governed the Diocese in the second half of the 9th Century. In the list of Bishops, of the “Liber Episcopalis” in which brief biographical notes and chronological data have been provided, Abbo appears after Saint Eribaldus, who was his brother and before the blessed Christian.

    There is little information about him. Abbo embraced religious life from a young age by entering the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Jerome in Auxerre. In that Monastery he also held the office of Abbot for two years.

    In the year 857 he was elected as the Bishop of Auxerre, succeeding his brother Saint Eribaldus. He participated in two Councils – that of Metz on 28 May 859 and that of Savonnièrres on 14 June of the same year.

    His government of the Diocese was only around three years long
    He retired from the Office prior to his death and already in the acts of the Synod of Thusey which took place in October 860, there is the signature of his successor, the blessed Christian.

    Saint Abbo died on 3 December 860. At the recognition of his Relics,, made in the 17th Century, his body was found almost intact. At this time it is mentioned that his Feast Day was celebrated on 3 December. (Source: Mauro Bonato, https://www.santiebeati.it).

    Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

    Vergine di Montesanto / Our Lady of the Holy Mountain, Rome (1659), The 5th Day of the Immaculate Conception Novena, St Francis Xavier and the Saints for 3 December

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary: LINK to the Fifth Day – THE FIFTH DAY – 3 December

    Vergine di Montesanto / Our Lady of the Holy Mountain, Rome, Italy (1659) – 3 December:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/03/vergine-di-montesanto-our-lady-of-the-holy-mountain-rome-italy-1659-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-december/

    St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor, Priest, Missionary, co-Founder with St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) and St Peter Faber (1506-1546) of the Society of Jesus. One of the Greatest Missionaries since St Paul. St Francis was Canonised on 12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. His body is incorrupt.
    Glorious St Francis!:
    https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-st-francis-xavier-sj-1506-1552-confessor/
    AND:
    https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-st-francis-xavier-sj-1506-1552-one-of-the-greatest-missionaries-since-st-paul/

    St Abbo of Auxerre (Died c860) Bishop
    St Abran
    St Agapius
    St Agricola of Pannonia
    St Anthemius of Poitiers
    St Attalia of Strasbourg
    Bl Bernard of Toulouse OP Martyr

    St Birinus of Dorchester (c 660-650) Bishop, “Apostle to the West Saxons,” Benedictine Monk.
    Biography:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-st-birinus-of-dorchester-c-660-650/

    St Cassian of Tangiers
    St Claudius of Africa
    St Claudius the Martyr
    St Crispin of Africa
    St Edward Coleman
    St Eloque of Lagny

    St Emma of Bremen (c975–1038) Married Laywoman, Princess, Mother and Widow, Apostle of the poor, founder of Churches.
    About St Emma:
    https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-saint-emma-of-bremen-c-975-1038/

    St Ethernan
    St Hilaria the Martyr
    St Jason the Martyr
    St John of Africa
    St Lucius, King
    St Lucy the Chaste
    St Magina of Africa
    St Mamas
    St Marcos García Rodríguez
    St Maurus the Martyr

    St Mirocles (Died c316) Confessor, the 6th Bishop of Milan from before 313 to c316. Mirocles was one of the originators of the Ambrosian Liturgy and Chant. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, St Mirocles, Confessor and Bishop, sometimes mentioned by St Ambrose.”
    His Zealous Life:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-saint-mirocles-died-c316-confessor-bishop/

    St Seleucus
    St Stephen of Africa
    St Theodore of Alexandria
    St Theodulus of Edessa
    St Veranus
    Zephaniah the Prophet

    Martyrs of Nicomedia: Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Ambicus, Julius and Victor. c 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey).

    Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CATECHESIS, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, Meditations for ADVENT, The INCARNATION, The LAMB of GOD, The SECOND COMING

    Thought for the Day – 2 December – The Divine Decree .

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Thought for the Day – 2 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

    Meditations for Advent
    From “The Devout Year”
    By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

    The Divine Decree .

    “+1. What brought Christ down from Heaven?
    It was man’s sin.
    From all eternity the Blessed Trinity, looking forward to the fall of man, had decreed that the Eternal Word should clothe Himself with human flesh and should be born into the world, in order to repair the evil which man had wrought. Thus God, in His Mercy provides a remedy for all the sins and follies of men, even before they are committed. We do the harm and God undoes it.
    Has He not often thus averted from me, the consequences due to
    my evil deeds?

    +2. In what garb was the Son of God to clothe Himself when He became Man?
    In one which should give us some idea of the evil He came to undo. He, the Eternal Son, co-equal with the Father, took the form of a servant, was born of a despised race, of humble parents, in poverty and humility and contempt.
    All this should impress on us how sin has deserved all these and every other evil imaginable besides. If these were the results of sin on the spotless Lamb of God, what must they be on sinful, feeble man?

    +3. The Divine Decree did not stop at this First Coming of the Son of God. There is to be a Second Advent , one in which He will appear in human form indeed, yet now, no longer in lowliness and humiliation but clothed with all the brightness and glory which His Divine Nature can impart to His Sacred Humanity.
    In this Second Coming, He is to come and receive the reward which He has earned for His Human Nature and, for all those who had faithfully served Him. He is to come and reign. He is to crush all His enemies under His feet.
    Look forward to that glorious day and pray that you may share the glory of the Son of God!”

    Posted in CARMELITES, franciscan OFM, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

    Quote/s of the Day – 2 December –That precious pearl, that treasure …

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Quote/s of the Day – 2 December – St Bibiana (Died c 361) Virgin Martyr – Sirach 51:13-17; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

    “Jesus said in parables:
    The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure,
    hidden in a field. … Again, the Kingdom of Heaven
    is like unto a merchant seeking good pearls.     ”

    Matthew 13:44, 45

    “Do you possess a pearl?
    Then you know your wealth, it is clenched
    in the palm of your hand,
    no-one is aware of your fortune.
    So it is with the Gospel, if you embrace it with faith,
    if it remains enclosed in your heart,
    what a treasure you have
    You alone know it is there.
    Unbelievers, who know neither what it is,
    nor what value it has, have no idea
    of your incredible wealth!    ”

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

    “Let us draw near to the Heart
    of our most sweet Lord Jesus
    and we shall be glad and rejoice in it.
    How good and how sweet it is to dwell in this Heart!
    This is the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price
    which we discover, O Jesus, when we dig
    in the field of Thy Body (cf Mt 13:44).
    Who, then, would cast aside this Pearl?
    Far from it! For It, I will give away all my goods
    and offer in exchange, all my concerns and affections.
    I will lay down all my cares in the Heart of Jesus,
    it is He Who will suffice for me and Who will,
    without fail, supply all I need to live on!    ”

    St Bonaventure (1221-1274) [Attrib]
    Seraphic Doctor of the Church

    “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.”

    St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897)

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

    One Minute Reflection – 2 December – The Treasure and The Pearl

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    One Minute Reflection – 2 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Bibiana (Died c 361) Virgin Martyr – Sirach 51:13-17; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

    “Jesus said in parables: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure, hidden in a field. … Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant seeking good pearls. ”- Matthew 13:44 and 45

    REFLECTION – “The two parables of the treasure and the pearl, both teach us the same thing – we should prefer the Gospel before all earthly treasures. … However, there is something even more praiseworthy than this – we should delight to give it preference, joyfully, unhesitatingly. Let us never forget this, to abandon all else, so as to follow God, is to gain more, than one loses. The preaching of the Gospel is hidden in this world like a hidden treasure, a treasure without price.

    To gain this treasure … two conditions are required – the forsaking of this world’s goods and a firm determination. For, it is a question “of a merchant searching for fine pearls, when he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” This one pearl is Truth and Truth is One, it is not divided. Do you possess a pearl? Then you know your wealth, it is clenched in the palm of your hand, no-one is aware of your fortune.

    So it is with the Gospel, if you embrace it with faith, if it remains enclosed in your heart, what a treasure you have You alone know it is there. Unbelievers, who know neither what it is, nor what value it has, have no idea of your incredible wealth!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel No 47:2).

    PRAYER – O God, giver of all good gifts, Thou Who in Thy servant, Bibiana, joined the flower of virginity with the palm of Martyrdom, by her intercession unite our hearts to Thee in charity, so that, saved from all dangers, we may obtain the rewards of eternal life. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

    Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD the FATHER, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the DIVINE INFANT JESUS, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING

    Our Morning Offering – 2 December – An Act of Thanksgiving By St Gertrude the Great

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Our Morning Offering – 2 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

    An Act of Thanksgiving
    By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
    (Excerpt from her Revelations)

    May my soul bless Thee,
    O Lord God my Creator,
    may my soul bless Thee!
    From the very core of my being,
    may all Thy merciful gifts sing Thy praise.
    Thy generous care, for Thy daughter,
    has been rich in mercy;
    indeed, it has been immeasurable
    and as far as I am able,
    I give Thee thanks.
    I praise and glorify,
    Thy great patience which bore with me.
    I offer Thee, most loving Father,
    all the sufferings of Thine Beloved Son,
    from that first Infant cry
    as He lay on the hay in the manger,
    until that final movement, when,
    bowing His Head, with a mighty Voice,
    Christ gave up His Spirit.
    I think, as I make this offering,
    of all that He underwent,
    His needs as a Babe,
    His dependence as a young Child,
    the hardships of Youth
    and the trials of early Manhood.
    To atone for all my neglect,
    I offer, most loving Father,
    all that Thine Only-begotten Son did
    during His Life,
    whether in thought, word or deed.
    And now, as an act of thanksgiving,
    I praise and worship Thee Father,
    in deepest humility,
    for Thy most loving kindness and mercy.
    Amen

    Posted in SAINT of the DAY

    Saint of the Day – 2 December – Saint Nonnus of Edessa (Died late 5th Century) Bishop

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Saint of the Day – 2 December – Saint Nonnus of Edessa (Died late 5th Century) Bishop, Deacon and Monk. St Nonnus attended the Council of Chalcedon in 451 and tbere his fame and his preaching became renowned most especially due to the conversion of St Pelagis. Also known as – Nennos, Ninos, Nono, Nonnos.

    The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Edessa, St Nonnus, Bishop, by whose prayers the penitent Pelagia, was converted to Christ.”

    Pelagia among her courtesans, as Saint Nonnus prays for her

    The Vita of St Pelagia states that Nonnus was “a perfect Monk” from Tabenna in Egypt who, “by reason of his virtuous life” became the Bishop of Edessa in Syria, converting “all its nhabitants” and Baptising 30 000 locals. The Monks of Ramsgate place his See at Edessa.

    As Nonnus addressed a Church Council in Antioch, the town’s most famous courtesan Margarita (Pearl or Pelaia) passed by. Observing her beauty, Nonnus chastised the members of the assembly for taking less care of their souls than she did of her body. She appeared at his next Sunday sermon and Nonnus’ sermon on hell prompted her to repent.] She wrote him a letter and was permitted to see him with witnesses who were convinced of her sincerity. Nonnus heard her Confession and Baptided her with her birth name Pelagia.

    After being pursued by the devil for a few days, she donated the property from her former employment to the Church and lived with the Deaconess Romana, before departing for Jerusalem to disguise herself as a male Hermit under the name Pelagius.

    St Pelagia’s Feast Day is 8 October: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/08/saint-of-the-day-8-october-st-pelagia-the-penitent-fourth-or-fifth-century/

    Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

    Our Lady of Didinia, Cappadocia, Turkey (363), Day 4 of the Immaculate Conception Novena, St Bibiana (Died c 361) Virgin Martyr and the Saints for 2 December

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary: LINK – THE FOURTH DAY – 2 December

    Our Lady of Didinia, Cappadocia, Turkey (363) – 2 December:
    HERE:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/02/our-lady-of-didinia-cappadocia-turkey-363-and-memorials-of-the-saints-2-

    St Bibiana (Died c 361) Virgin Martyr
    Her Life and Death
    https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2016/12/02/saint-of-the-day-2-december/

    St Athanasius of the Caves (Died c 1176) Hermit, Miracle-worker and healer.
    Biography:
    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/02/saint-of-the-day-2-december-saint-athanasius-of-the-caves-died-c-1176/

    St Avitas of Rouen (Died c325) Bishop
    About St Avitas:
    https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/02/saint-of-the-day-2-december-saint-avitus-of-rouen-died-c-325-bishop/

    St Chromatius of Aquileia (Died c 407) Bishop of Aquileia, Father of the Church, Theologian, Exegete, Writer and friend of Saints Ambrose and Jerome, defender of Saint John Chrysostom.
    Wonderful St Chromatius:
    https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/02/saint-of-the-day-2-december-saint-chromatius-of-aquileia-died-c-407/

    Bl John Amero

    Blessed Jan van Ruysbroec (c 1293-1382) Known as John “the Admirable,” “the Ecstatic Doctor,” “the Divine Doctor.” Priest, Hermit, Mystic, Spiritual Director and Spiritual Writer. Beatified on 1 December 1908 by Pope Pius X.
    About Blessed Jan:
    https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/02/saint-of-the-day-2-december-blessed-john-van-ruysbroeck/

    St Lupus of Verona
    St Nonnus of Edessa (Died late 5th Century) Bishop

    St Oderisius de Marsi OSB (Died 1105) Italian Deacon Cardinal, Abbot of Montecassino, Count of the great noble family of the Marsi.
    His Devoted Life:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/02/saint-of-the-day-2-december-saint-oderisius-de-marsi-osb-died-1105/

    St Pimenio in Rome
    St Pontian

    St Robert of Matallana O.Cist. (Died 1185) Abbot
    St Silvanus

    Greek Martyrs of Rome – 9 Saints: Several Greek Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian – Adria, Aurelia, Eusebius, Hippolytus, Marcellus, Mary Martana, Maximus, Neon and Paulina. They were martyred by various means between 254 and 259 in Rome, Italy and are buried in the Callistus catacombs, Rome.

    Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: Four Christians Martyred in Africa in the persecutions of Arian Vandals – Januarius, Securus, Severus and Victorinus.

    Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, PRAYERS to the DIVINE INFANT JESUS, The DIVINE INFANT

    DECEMBER: – The Month of Devotion to The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    DECEMBER:
    The Month of Devotion to The DIVINE INFANCY
    and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
    of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

    The observance of Divine Infancy Month recalls the first Christmas more than 2,000 years ago when Jesus humbled Himself and became Completely Human, while remaining Completely Divine.
    The Blessed Virgin Mary was chosen to be the glorious Tabernacle of the Son of God. Therefore, in the first moment of her existence, God, called her into being that she might assume the exalted dignity of the Mother of His Son and, therefore, granted her the singular privilege of exemption from Original Sin.

    Look to Our Lady – she is already waiting at the crib, desiring to teach us to make our hearts a pleasant crib for the Christ Child to dwell in.

    Cultivate a spirit of prayer and attentiveness to His Presence as the Divine Infant by adopting Aspirations suitable to the season, such as:

    Divine Infant King Jesus, come down into our hearts!
    ​
    ​Lord Jesus, through Thy Infant cries in the manger,
    when Thou was born for me;
    through Thy tears, when Thou died for me on the Cross;
    throughThy love, as Thou do live for me
    in the Tabernacle, have mercy upon me and save me.
    Amen!

    Posted in ADVENT QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT

    Thought for the Day – 1 December – What is Advent?

    Posted on by AnaStpaul

    Thought for the Day – 1 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

    Meditations for Advent
    From “The Devout Year”
    By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

    What is Advent?

    +I. Advent is the season when we are taught to look forward, both to the First Coming of Our Lord into the world at Christmas-time and also, to His Second Coming at the end of time, to judge the living and the dead .
    His First Coming was to seek and to save that which was lost. His
    Second Coming will be, to gather His elect into the Celestial Paradise and, to trample all His enemies under His feet.
    Shall I, on that day, be regarded by Him as a friend or as an enemy? Is my present life one of devotion to Him and union with Him, or one of selfishness, pride, impatience of the yoke of Christ?

    +2. Of all the miracles in the world, never was there one to be compared to His Coming on earth in the form of a man. It was a miracle so entirely above and beyond our reason that, unless we knew it by faith, to be a fact, we should be inclined to pronounce it impossible.
    That the Infinite God should take the form of a creature! that the Eternal Word should be clad in a body formed of the dust of the earth! that He should, of His Own accord leave the highest heaven for a life of suffering and a death of agony! Nothing but the power of God could work such a wonder as this!

    +3. Yet, we know that it is a fact . “For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven.”
    He yearned after us with a Divine Love. Willingly , joyfully, almost eagerly, He stripped Himself of all His glory. “He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death.”
    Who, after this, can refuse to believe that He loved us and still loves us fondly, tenderly? Who can refuse to love Him in return and, to show this love by a loyal obedience to all He asks of us?