Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, SAINT of the DAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

1st Thursday – PRAY for PRIESTS

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

Nicolaas de Bruyne, 1442, Leuven, Pieterskerk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Victorinus of Auvergne

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

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

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

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

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

5th Day – God the End of our Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Paul
1 Corinthians 13:1-2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYER – O God, Who among other wonders of Thy power hast given the victory of mMrtyrdom even to the gentler sex, graciously grant that we, who commemorate the anniversary of the death of blessed Agatha, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may come to Thee, by following her example.Through esus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in Holy Family PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MARIAN PRAYERS, Of FATHERS, GRANDfathers, GRANDparents, Of PARENTS & FAMILIES of LARGE Families, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on CHILDREN, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES/PRAYERS on THE FAMILY, The HOLY FAMILY

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

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

A Parent’s Prayer to St Joseph

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

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

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

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

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

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

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

St Agatha Hildegard of Carinthia
St Agricola of Tongres

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

St Anthony of Athens

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

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

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

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

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


St Modestus of Carinthia

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

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

4th Day – God our Best Friend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 25:16

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

John 15:16

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

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:7

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

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYER – O God, Who establishes ever new examples of virtue in Thy Church, grant that Thy people may follow the footsteps of blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor and Bishop, so that they may also obtain his reward. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WILL of GOD

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

An image of an ancient Abbot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

St John of Irenopolis
Bl John Speed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thought for the Day – 3 February – God our Preserver

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

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

3rd Day – God our Preserver

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

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

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

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 3 February – St Blaise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Morning Offering – 3 February – O Gloriosa Virginum

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Our Morning Offering – 3 February – Resumed Mass of Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

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

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

Poitiers Cathedral of St Peter

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

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

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

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of Saideneida, Damascus, Nuestra Señora / The Virgin of Suyapa, Honduras (c1747) St Blaise and the Saints for 3 February

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St Blaise (Died c316) Martyr Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia, Physician, Miracle-worker.
St Blaise is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers – https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/25/thought-for-the-day-25-july-the-memorial-of-st-christopher-died-c-251-one-of-the-fourteen-holy-helpers/
All about St Blaise:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/03/saint-of-the-day-st-blaise-died-c-316-martyr/

Our Lady of Saideneida, Damascus – 3 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/03/feast-of-our-lady-of-saideneida-damascus-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-february/

Nuestra Señora de Suyapa / Our Lady of Suyapa OR Virgen de Suyapa / The Virgin of Suyapa, Honduras (c1747) Patron of Honduras, Central America and The Orden de los Caballeros de Suyapa – 3 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/03/our-lady-of-saideneida-damascus-nuestra-senora-de-suyapa-our-lady-of-suyapa-honduras-c1747-st-blaise-died-c316-martyr-bishop-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-february/

St Anatolius of Salins

St Ansgar OSB (801-865) “Apostle of the North”, Bishop
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-saint-ansgar-osb-801-865-apostle-of-the-north/

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 Hadelin of Chelle (Died c690) Priest, Monk, Hermit, Founder of Monasteries, Miracle-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-saint-hadelin-of-chelles-c617-c690/

Bl Helinand of Pronleroy
St Hippolytus of Africa
St Ia of Cornwall
St Ignatius of Africa

Blessed John Nelson SJ (1535-1578) Martyr, Priest of the Society of Jesus. Martyred during the reign of Elizabeth I. He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-blessed-john-nelson-sj-1535-1578-priest-martyr/

St Laurentius of Carthage

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.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOD the FATHER, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 2 February – God our Creator

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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!🙏

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, POETRY

Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – Candlemas

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Candlemas

Candlemas
By John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
The Oratory, 1849.

The Angel-lights of Christmas morn,
Which shot across the sky,
Away they pass at Candlemas,
They sparkle and they die.

Comfort of earth is brief at best,
Although it be divine;
Like funeral lights for Christmas gone,
Old Simeon’ s tapers shine.

And then for eight long weeks and more,
We wait in twilight grey,
Till the High Candle sheds a beam
On Holy Saturday.

We wait along the penance-tide
Of solemn fast and prayer,
Whilst song is hushed and lights grow dim,
In the sin-laden air.

And while the sword in Mary’s soul
Is driven home, we hide
In our own hearts and count, the wounds
Of passion and of pride.

And still, though Candlemas be spent
And alleluias o’er,
Mary is music in our need.
And Jesus, Light in store.

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

One Minute Reflection – 2 February – We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds

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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).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 2 February – Alma Redemptoris Mater

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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.

Posted in PREACHERS, PRIESTS, all CLERGY, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 February – St Flosculus (5th-6th Century) the 11th Bishop of Orléans

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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.

Orléans Cathedral

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

Epiphany IV, Feast of the Purification of Our Lady – Candlemas Day and Memorials of the Saints – 2 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

EPIPHANY IV

Feast of the Purification of Our Lady – Candlemas Day
About:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/02/feast-of-the-purification-of-our-lady-the-presentation-of-our-lord-in-the-temple-candlemas-day-2-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-2-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/02/feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-in-the-temple-2-february/

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 Jeanne de Lestonnac (1556-1640) Widow, Mother, Founder of the The Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady ODN (Latin: Ordinis Dominae Nostrae).  Born on 27 December 1556 at Bordeaux, France and died on 2 February 1640 of natural causes. Patronages – of widows, abuse victims. 
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-st-jeanne-de-lestonnac-odn-1556-1640-widow-founder/

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/

Blessed Luigi Giuseppe Bellesini OSA (1774-1840) Priest and Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, teacher, mentor to the youth, Parish Priest, guardian of the poor and sick. Beatified on 27 December 1904 by Pope Pius X.
Such a Wonderful Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-blessed-stephen-luigi-giuseppe-bellesini-osa-1774-1840-priest/

St Marquard of Hildesheim
St Mun

Blessed Peter Cambiano OP (1320-1365) Martyr, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Confessor, renowned Preacher calling many to conversion by his holy zeal and the power of his words. Martyred by heretics. Beatified on 4 December 1856 by Pope Pius IX.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-blessed-peter-cambiano-op-1320-1365/

St Rogatus the Martyr
St Saturninus the Martyr
St Sicharia of Orleans
St Simon of Cassia Fidati
St Theodoric of Ninden
St Victoria the Martyr

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The SIGN of the CROSS

February Devotion – The Most Holy and Blessed Trinity – O SANCTISSIMA~O MOST HOLY!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Traditional Catholic Devotion for February

February is traditionally the Month of the Blessed Trinity, with the Holy Family being celebrated together with the Holy Name of Jesus in January.

The Sign of the Cross

In the Name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost.

(50 Days. 100 Days if made with Holy Water
Pope Pius IX, 1865)

O SANCTISSIMA~
O MOST HOLY!
Indulgenced Prayer
to the Most Holy Trinity

O Most Holy Trinity,
I adore Thee,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul.

O Most Holy Trinity,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul,
make me love Thee,
more and more.

O Most Holy Trinity,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul,
sanctify me more and more.

Abide with me,
O Lord, be Thou my true joy.
Amen

An Indulgence of 300 days for each of the above prayers,
even when recited separately.
(SP Ap. 26 April 1921 and 23 October 1928).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 1 February – God our Lord

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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!

Posted in "Follow Me", CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 1 February – St Ignatius of Antioch

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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?”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/01/quote-s-of-the-day-1-february-st-ignatius-of-antioch-2/

St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–c107)
Bishop, Martyr, Apostolic Father

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 February – ‘… We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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).