Our Morning Offering – 14 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church
In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost By St Hilary (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church
Father, keep us from vain strife of words. Grant to us constant profession of the Truth! Preserve us in a true and undefiled faith so that we may hold fast to that which we professed when we were Baptised in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, that we may have Thou for our Father, that we may abide in Thy Son and in the fellowship of the Holy Ghost. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day – 14 January – Saint Datius of Milan (Died 552) Bishop and Confessor, Bishop of Milan from c529 until his death in 552, Defender of the Faith against heresy, protector and charitable shepherd of his flock. In Chapter 4 (Book 3) of his Dialogues, St Gregory the Great describes Datius as an Exorcist. It is not known when and where he was born but he died between February and March in 552 in Constantinople during his exile, of natural causes. Also known as – Dacius, Dasius, Dazio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, St Datius, Bishop and Confessor, mentioned by Pope St Gregory.”
Of Saint Datius, the 26th Bishop of Milan, we must remember his intelligent and zealous charity. When, in 535-536, a terrible famine struck the region, he obtained from the Prefect, Cassiodorus, to distribute, to the starving population, the grain reserves, kept in Pavia and Tortona.
This is a sign of how much Datius was esteemed by the ruling powers and how insistent he was in knocking, until the door of the Prefect’s heart opened.
Datius was known for his learning and his personal piety. As Bishop Datius ordered the history of the Church in Milan known as Historia Datiana, to be compiled although some deny that it was Datius who instigated the compilation.
He was imprisoned and exiled by Arian Ostrogoths for defending the true Faith. During his exile he went to Constantinople where he supported Pope Vigilius against Emperor Justinian in the Three Chapters Controversy of 545. Datius also attended the Council of Constantinople in 551 which condemned the Arian Bishop Mennas.
Datius died in Constantinople and his body was later translated from Chalcedon to Milan and buried in the Church of San Vittore al Corpo (Saint Victor Maurus) where it is still venerated today.
Bl Amadeus of Clermont St Barbasymas St Caldeoldus of Vienne St Datius of Milan (Died 552) Bishopand Confessor St Engelmaro St Eufrasio of Clermont St Euphrasius the Martyr
St Felix of Nola (Died c 253) Priest, Confessor, Apostle of Charity .Patronages – against eye disease, against eye trouble, against false witness, against lies, against perjury, domestic animals, of Nola, Italy. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Nola in Campania, the birthday of St Felix, Priest, who (as is related by Bishop, St Paulinus of Nola), after beomg subjected to torments by the persecutors, was cast into prison and extended, bound hand foot, on (snail) shells and broken earthenware. During the night, however, his bonds were loosened and he was delivered by an Angel. The persecution over, he brought many to the Faith of Christ by his exemplary life and teaching and renowned for many miracles, he rested in peace.” A Miraculous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/14/saint-of-the-day-14-january-st-felix-of-nola-died-c-253/
St Felix of Rome St Fermin of Mende St Fulgentius of Ecija St Glycerius of Antioch
St Macrina the Elder (Died c 340) Widow, Grandmother of St Basil the Great, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Peter of Sebaste and St Macrina the Younger. The Roman Martyrology says today: “St Macrina, disciple of St Gregory Thaumaturgus and the grandmother of St Basil, whom she brought up in the Faith.” Her Faith-filled Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/14/saint-of-the-day-14-january-st-macrina-the-elder-died-c-340-widow/
St Malachy the Prophet St Nino of Georgia Bl Odoric of Pordenone
St Paul of Africa St Potitus Bl Rainer of Arnsberg St Sabas of Sinai St Sava of Serbia St Successus of Africa St Theodolus of Sinai Bl William de Sanjulia
Martyrs of Mount Sinai: A group of Monks on Mount Sinai who were Martyred by desert Bedouins. Their names and exact number have not come down to us. Martyred by Bedouins.
Martyrs of Raithu – 43 Saints: A group of 43 Monks in the Raithu Desert near Mount Sinai, Palestine, near the Red Sea. They were Martyred for their faith by desert Bedouins. Their names have not come down to us. Martyred by Bedouins.
Thought for the Day – 13 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Christmastide “The Holy Infancy” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“Their Gifts (3) Myrrh”
+1. Myrrh is the herb used most often for embalming. It has the power to prevent corruption and preserve the purity and freshness of the body with which it is in contact. It was offered to Our Lord as a testimony, not only of the perfect and unsullied purity of those to whom He is united, by the bonds of charity but too, in evidence of the power of His Sacred Body, to save from corruption, those who partake of it in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
+2. Thus Myrrh was offered to Our Lord as possessing a truly Human Body, as truly Man and too, truly God. We must never lose sight of this fact of Christ’s Humanity, in which, He has all the sympathy and interest, in all concerning us, all His desire to help us, all His wisdom, prudence, patience, appreciation of our griefs and sorrows and all this, to a degree, compared with which, our best friend on earth does not deserve the name. Why do I not have recourse to Him more frequently?
+3. Myrrh is too, the symbol of mortification. If our bodies are to be pure, we must mortify our evil desires and give up that which is very attractive to our lower nature. If we desire great purity of heart, we must mortify ourselves in things lawful and deny ourselves even that which we might enjoy without sin. Do I do this?
Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Octave Day of Epiphany – Feria Major – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ –
“We have seen His Star in the east and are come to adore Him.”
Matthew 2:2
Grant me, O my God By St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419)
Good Jesus, let me be penetrated with love to the very marrow of my bones, with fear and respect toward Thee. Let me burn with zeal for Thy honour, so that I may deeply resent, all the outrages committed against Thee, especially those of which, I myself have been guilty. Grant further, O my God, that I may humbly adore and acknowledge Thee, as my Creator and penetrated with gratitude for all Thy benefits, I may never cease to render Thee thanksgiving. Grant that I may bless Thee in all things, praise and glorify Thee, with a heart full of joy and gladness and obeying Thee with docility in every respect, I may one day, despite my ingratitude and unworthiness, be seated at Thine table together with Thine Holy Angels and Apostles, to enjoy ineffable delights for all eternity! Amen
“Do much for God and do nothing without love: refer everything to this love; eat and drink with it in mind!”
(Letter to Madame de Chantal)
“The love of God, is the end, the perfection and the excellence of the universe.”
(Treatise on the Love of God Book 10, Chapter 1)
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity
“See too, how, out of reverence, they adore Him in silence and acknowledge Him for their God, kissing His Feet and offering Him their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King Jesus and let us offer Him all our hearts.”
St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
One Minute Reflection – 13 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Octave Day of Epiphany – Feria Major – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And seeing the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10
REFLECTION – “Jesus is born poor in a stable; the Angels of Heaven indeed acknowledge Him but men abandon and forsake Him on earth. Only a few shepherds come and pay Him homage. But our Redeemer was desirous of communicating to us the grace of His redemption and begins, therefore, to manifest Himself to the Gentiles, who knew Him least. Therefore, He sends a Star to enlighten the holy Magi, in order that they may come and acknowledge and adore their Saviour. This was the first and sovereign grace bestowed upon us–our vocation to the Faith which was succeeded by our vocation to grace, of which men were deprived.
Behold the Wise Men, who immediately, without delay, set off upon their journey. The Star accompanies them as far as the cavern where the Holy Infant lies. On their arrival, they enter and what do they find? They found the Child with Mary. They find a poor maiden and a poor Infant wrapped in poor swaddling-clothes, without anyone to attend on Him or assist Him. But, lo! on entering into the little shed, these holy pilgrims feel a joy which they had never felt before; they feel their hearts chained to the dear little Infant Whom they behold. The straw, the poverty, the cries of their little Saviour–oh, what darts of love! Oh, what blessed flames are they to their enlightened hearts! The Infant looks upon them with a joyful countenance and this is the mark of affection, with which He accepts them amongst the first-fruits of His Redemption.
The holy Kings then look at Mary, who does not speak –she remains silent but with her blessed countenance which breathes the sweetness of paradise, she welcomes them and thanks them for having been the first to come and acknowledge Her Son (as indeed He is) for their Sovereign Lord. See too, how, out of reverence, they adore Him in silence and acknowledge Him for their God, kissing His Feet and offering Him their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King Jesus and let us offer Him all our hearts.” – St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Founder of the Redemptorists, Most Zealous Doctor (The Adoration of the Magi),
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 13 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – The Eighth Day, The Octave of the Epiphany
Jesus Refulsit Omnium Jesus, Light of All the Nations By St Hilary (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church Doctor of the Divinity of Christ
Jesus, the merciful Redeemer of all nations, shone forth on this day; let the faithful of every race celebrate Him in their songs of praise.
A Star, shining in the heavens, announces His Birth; it leads the way and guides them to His Crib.
Prostrating, they adore the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes; they confess Him to be the true God, offering Him their mystic gifts.
Thirty years of His life had passed and He, the infinitely pure God, seeks the laver of baptism.
John, the favoured Baptist trembles as he bends the head of Jesus beneath the waters–that Jesus whose Blood was to purify the whole earth from its sins.
The Divine Voice of the Father is heard from Heaven, bearing testimony to His Son and the Holy Ghost, too, is present, the Giver of holy grace.
We beseech Thee in humble supplication, O Jesus! protect Thy people; we ask it of Thee by the power Thou didst show when Thou didst command the water to be changed into wine.
May praise, honour and all power be to the Trinity forever and forever. Amen
(Verses 4-6 omitted on the image). I could not find the name of the Translator of this version of this Hymn, often referred to as “the oldest” Christmas Hymn.
Saint of the Day – 13 January – St Agritius of Trier (c260-c335) the 4th Bishop of Trier Born in Syria and died in 335 of natural causes in his See of Trier. Also known as – Agricius of Trier, Agrecius of Trèves, Agrizio di Treviri, Agrice, Aguy. Additional Memorials – 9 January in Trier , 29 May when the Holy Relics are venerated.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Treves, St Agritius, Bishop.”
In a manuscript from the Monastery of San Massimino, there is a Life of Agritius which constitutes the second part of the Life of Saint Helena. It was almost certainly written in the 11th Century and it is recorded with authority that its author, writing between 1030 and 1045, was a member of the Clergy of the Cathedral of Trier, perhaps Angibaldo, the Chancellor of the Bishop Poppo.
Furthermore, Agritius is remembered as the Bishop in various Calendars of Trier on 13 January and, by the hagiographer of San Massimino.
Of course, we know little of our Saint’s life exce[t that Agritius participated, together with the Exorcist Felix, at the Council of Arles in 314 and that he died before 336, since in the Chronicon of Saint Jerome, it is written that in 336, precisely, St Athanasius, in exile, was welcomed in Trier by Saint Maximinus, Agritius’ successor.
The Life of Agritius, however, although woven with legend, has a considerable historical-literary value, as it is one of the oldest historical documents of Trier and bears witness to the life and mentality dominant in that Church in the 10th Century.
According to this Life, therefore, Agritius, then the Bishop of Antioch, at the request of Helena, mother of Constantine, was appointed by Pope Sylvester as the Bishop of Trier, the 4th shepherd of this Diocese. Trier, two centuries after the first preaching had relapsed into full paganism and Agritius, despite many serious difficulties, undertook the work of rebuilding Christianity, aided by Helena, who gave him precious Relics of the Saviour, a Nail from the Cross and the Holy Tunic and the Relics of Lazarus and Martha. The translation of the latter is represented in an ivory from the Byzantine era depicting Agritius and Pope Sylvester on a cart while carrying the urn to Trier. Sylvester is also said to have given Agritius and his successors, the primacy over the Bishops of Gaul and Germany but this privilege, inserted in the Vita, is undoubtedly apocryphal and probably echoes that granted by Pope John XIII on 22 January 969 to Bishop Thierry.
Pilgrims view Christ’s Holy Tunioc in Trier
The date of Agritius’ death, established by some as 344, by others as 368, is almost certainly to be indicated as 335 due to the testimony of Jerome mentioned above. Agritius is celebrated on 13 January and, in the Diocese of Trier, also on 9 January. The translation of the Relics is celebrated on 29 May on the Feast Day of St Maximinus, St Agritius successor. You can read St Maximinus’ life here: Saint of the Day – 29 May – St Maximinus of Trier (Died c 346)
Panny Marie Vítězné / Our Lady of Victory, Prague, Czech Republic (1620), Home of the Infant of Prague: 13 January: Among shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, that at Prague has become world-famous because it is also the home of the Statue of the Infant of Prague. This Wonderful Shrine which I have been blessed to venerate: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/13/our-lady-of-victory-prague-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-january/
St Agritius of Trier (c260-c335)Bishop St Andrew of Trier St Berno of Cluny St Designatus of Maastricht St Elian of Brittany St Enogatus of Aleth St Erbin of Cornwall St Glaphyra St Gumesindus of Córdoba St Hermylus St Hildemar of Arrouaise Bl Ida of Argensolles Bl Ivetta of Huy Widow, Mother, Recluse, Mystic
Thought for the Day – 12 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Christmastide “The Holy Infancy” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“Their Gifts (2) Frankincense”
+1. The offering of Frankincense to anyone has always been regarded, by the common consent of mankind, as an acknowledgment of inherent Deity. When the Christians were commanded to throw a grain of incense on the altar of Jupiter or Minerva, it was in acknowledgment of their divinity. The Magi, then, by this offering to Christ of Incense, were the first Gentile witnesses to His Divinity. They made thereby, an implicit Act of Faith in His Godhead and proved the honour they paid Him to be that highest honour which belongs to God alone.
+2. Frankincense is, moreover, a symbol of all which is sweetest and most fragrant. What is so sweet to Jesus, as the complete offering of ourselves to Him, implied in the homage paid to Him as God! Jesus, my God, my all, I offer Thee my heart, my soul, myself!
+3. Frankincense is the material symbol under which prayer is indicated in Holy Scripture. In the Apocalypse, the Angel offers the prayers of the Saints in a golden censer and there continually appears, from earth, the cloud of prayers as a cloud of Incense. Among them, my prayers arise. Are they such as will be fragrant and pleasing to God?
Quote/s of the Day – 12 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Within the Octave – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:42-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them.”
Luke 2:51
“EVERY FAMILY should have a room where CHRIST is welcome in the person of the hungry and thirsty STRANGER.”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church
“So, taking Christ’s genealogy from Joseph – a husband in chastity, he was father in the same way. … Are you saying that he did not conceive Jesus through the operation of nature? Well then, what the Holy Spirit operated, He did for them both. For Joseph was “a just man,” Matthew tells us (1:19). Both husband and wife were just. The Holy Spirit dwelt within their mutual justice and gave each of them, a Son!”
“Peace in Society depends on peace in the Family.”
(Marriage and concupiscence 1,11; Sermon 51)
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“God, to whom Angels submit themselves and who principalities and powers obey, was subject to Mary and not only to Mary but Joseph atoo, for Mary’s sake. God obeyed a human creature – this is humility without precedent. A human creature commands God; it is sublime beyond measure!”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Father and Doctor of the Church
“To all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, Who was subject to His parents, the children of the family, have a Divine Pattern of obedience which they can admire, reverence and imitate.”
One Minute Reflection – January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Within the Octave – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:42-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“When Jesus was twelve years old …” – Luke 2:42
REFLECTION – “The public teaching of the Lord, had as we read, its beginnings from His twelfth year, for herein should be foreshadowed the number of those announcing the faith that was to be preached. Nor was it that He was heedlessly unmindful of His parents according to the flesh, who in the flesh was filled with grace and wisdom, that He was found in the temple after three days but ,for a sign that was believed dead, would present Himself to our faith, risen in heavenly glory and divine honour, after the three days of that triumphal passion.
“How is it that you sought me. Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business.” (Lk 2:49) There are two generations in Christ: the one is Paternal, the other Maternal; that which is Paternal is more Divine, the Maternal, that whereby He has stooped to our need and benefit. And, therefore, what was accomplished in the manner above nature, above age, above what was usual, must not be ascribed to His human excellence but must be referred to the power of His Divinity. Elsewhere, His Mother pleads with Him for a miracle, here she requires of Him a reason, since she still looks to the things that are human. But while here, He is described as being but twelve years old, there, He is spoken of as having disciples. See how the Mother has learnt to know her Son, so that she seeks a miracle from Him now, in His full strength, Who was astonished at this wonder in His Boyhood.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Great Latin Father and Doctor of the Church (Writings Octave of the Epiphany).
PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Who while subject to Mary and Joseph, hallowed family life with virtues beyond description, grant us by their combined intercession, that, having been taught by the example of the Holy Family, we may attain unto their everlasting companionship. Who lives and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen
Saint of the Day – 12 January – Blessed Lucia (1370-1430) Consecrated Virgin, Founder of a Community of Nuns known as the “Poor Sisters of St Chiara” adopting the original Rule of St Clare of Assisi. Born in 1370 in Norcia, Perugia, Umbria, Italy and died on 12 January 1430 of natural causes at her Convent in Valcaldara di Norcia. Patronage – of Valcaldara. Also known as – Lucia of Norcia and Lucia of Valcaldara di Norcia.Her body is Incorrupt.
Lucia, born into a wealthy family in Norcia, consecrated herself totally to the Lord when she was only fifteen years old. With seven companions, she founded a religious Community which took up residence in her father’s house. Their choice of life was a great example to the entire City and on 28 January 1386 the City Council decided to help them. Previously, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Ferdinand, administrator of the Diocese of Spoleto-Norcia (1370-1390), had recognised them as a valid Community, naming the Convent after Saint Jerome.
In 1390, Lucia founded another Convent and the Church of Santa Maria in Valcaldara (a hamlet of Norcia). With her companions she submitted to the Bishop’s obedience, “they wore ash and eremitic habits, lived a community life and observed the evangelical norm, not professing for many years any Rule approved by the Church”. In 1407 the two Convents united, with the approval of Bishop Augustine, giving life to the Convent of St Chiara. They called themselves the “Poor Sisters of St Chiara” expressing their desire to follow her Rule, although they could not officially observe it as it had been replaced by the Rule of Urban IV.
Lucia died in Valcaldara on 12 January 1430 and was immediately venerated and invoked as a Saint. Her body, still incorrupt today, kept in its shrine of 1637, is exhibited in the Church of the Poor Clares of Santa Maria della Pace, the nametaken by the Convent took after the earthquake of 1703. In Valcaldara, the celebrations in honour of their Patron Saint are solemnly celebrated with great festivities.
St Caesaria of Arles St Caroticus Bl Emmanuel d’Abreu St Eutropius St Ferreolus of Grenoble Bishop Martyr Bl John Gaspard Cratz St John of Ravenna Blessed Lucia (1370-1430) Virgin. Her Body is Incorrupt. St Martinian of Belozersk St Peter of Abessala St Probus of Verona St Quinctus the Soldier St Satyrus
St Tatiana of Rome (Died c 226) Virgin, Martyr. Patronage – students, school children. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome in the time of the Emperor Alexander, St Tatiana, Martyr who was torn with iron hooks and combs, thrown to the beasts and cast into the fire but, having received no injury, was beheaded and thus, went to Heaven.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/12/saint-of-the-day-12-january-saint-tatiana-of-rome-died-c-226-virgin-martyr/
St Tigrius St Victorian of Asana Bl Vincent da Cunha
Martyrs of Africa – 44 Saints: A group of 44 Christian soldiers murdered together for their faith in Africa. The only details that survive are four of their names – Castulus, Modestus, Rogatus and Zoticus.
Martyrs of Ephesus – 42 Saints: Forty-two Monks Martyred at a Monastery in Ephesus (modern Turkey) during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Byzantine Emperor Constantine V. Their names have not come down to us. Martyred c 762.
Martyrs of Iona – 38 Saints: Thirty-eight Monks Martyred in Iona, Ireland. Their names have not come down to us. They were Martyred in 750 at Iona, Ireland.
Thought for the Day – 11 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Christmastide “The Holy Infancy” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“Their Gifts (1) Gold”
+1. Why did the Magi offer gold to the Babe in Mary’s arms? It was in recognition of Him as their King. It was the tribute by which they declared themselves His vassals professed their loyal submission to His sway. This is the very foundation of all supernatural virtue, not only to acknowledge Christ as our King but, to pay Him the homage which is His due as the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and earth.
+2. The Magi too, by their offering of gold, gave to Him, the most precious gift they had to give. They were the first Christian almsgivers and their almsgiving was a pattern to all who should follow them. They gave liberally; they gave royally; they gave gifts which cost them something. Is this the character of my almsgiving, or do I give sparingly and grudgingly? I must not forget that Christ sees and remembers, not only the amount of the gifts I give to Him but too, the spirit in which they are given.
+3. The gold of the Magi also signifies the virtue of charity, without which we can do nothing to please God. Charity is the gold, fire tried, which He counsels the tepid to buy of Him. It is the virtue which is the standard, by which the value of all other virtues is tested. It is the virtue which caused Jesus Christ to Come and dwell upon earth. Oh, that I had more self-denying charity to others, more of the gold wherewith Heaven is bought!
Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12
“And seeing the Star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
Matthew 2:10
“We too, then, when we suffer anything for Christ’s sake, should do so, not simply with courage but even with joy. If we have to go hungry, let us be glad, as if we were at a banquet. If we are insulted, let us be elated, as though we had been showered with praises. If we lose all we possess, let us consider ourselves the gainers of all. If we provide for the poor, let us regard ourselves as the recipients! … Above all, remember, that your struggles, are for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Then, you will easily rise above them and live out your lifetime in happiness; for nothing brings more happiness than a good conscience.”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church ”
“What is not pleasing to God, is anxiety and disquiet of mind. The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses, to find their support in His Strength; He wants us to hope that His Goodness will complete and perfect the imperfectness of our means.”
St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Founder of the Society of Jesus
(Letter of 17 November 1555)
“What does St Paul mean by rejoicing in the Lord? He means the joy which is the result of such a love of God as makes us simply wish that His Will should be done in all things and, which feels positive joy, in seeing the accomplishment of the Divine Will, quite apart from any personal advantage or disadvantage which may accrue to ourselves. This is the secret of true joy, for then, that which befalls ourselves, is a matter of indifference to us. Be it wealth or woe, success or failure, we rejoice in it simply because it is what God has ordained for us . This is the meaning of Our Lord’s words – “ Your joy, no man taketh from you.”
One Minute Reflection – 11 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1
REFLECTION – “The loving Providence of God determined that, in the last days He would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.
A promise had been made to the holy Patriarch Abraham, in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are, therefore, compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations, was to hope, not in an earthly progeny but, in a progeny from above.
Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the Patriarchs. Let the children of the promise, now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi, let all people adore the Creator of the universe – let God be known, not in Judea only but in the whole world, so that His Name may be great in all Israel.
Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate, with spiritual joy, the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, Who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the Saints in Light, Who has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son. As Isaias prophesied – the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great Light and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, a Light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord – The Gentiles, who do not know Thee, will invoke Thee and the peoples, who knew Thee not, will take refuge in Thee.” – St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his On the Lord’s Epiphany, Sermon 3)
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 11 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family”
Consecration to the Holy Family Approved by Pope Leo XIII 20 June 1892
O Most Loving Jesus, Who by Thy ineffable virtues and by the example of Thy domestic life, didst Consecrate the family which Thou didst choose on earth. In Thy clemency, look down upon this household, humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee, for to Thee we have, in a special way, dedicated and devoted ourselves. Look upon us in Thy loving kindness, preserve us from every danger, give us help in the time of need and grant us the grace to persevere to the end, in the imitation of Thy Holy Family that having revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully upon earth, we may bless and praise Thee eternally in Heaven.
O Mary, most sweet Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy Divine Son will hear thy prayers.
And do thee, O glorious Patriarch, Saint Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation and offer, by the hands of Mary, our prayers to Jesus. Amen
Saint of the Day – 11 January – St Honorata (Died c500) Virgin Consecrated to God and sister of Saint Epiphanius, the Bishop, in the City of Pavia in Italy. Born in Pavia and died there in c500 of natural causes. Also known as – Onorata, Honorata of Pavia..
What we know of Honorata is extracted from the Vita of Saint Epiphanius, her brother and the Bishop of Pavia, written by Saint Ennodius, who was his successor in the Episcopal See.
She was born in Pavia. It is said that she was the sister of Saints Liberata, Especiosa, Luminosa and Epiphanius. She was a Nun at the Convent of San Vicente de Pavia, where she received a good education and training from her sister Saint Liberata or Saint Luminosa. She was Consecrated by her brother Saint Epiphanius of Pavia.
Honorata lived in the Convent until the invasion of the Barbarians who captured her and later freed her through the intercession of her brother Saint Epiphanius. The image below shows Honorata being rescued by her brother.
She was always highly esteemed for her gift of prayer and her dedication to the things of God and her neighbour. She died in her Convent in Pavia. Her remains are preserved in the Convent of Santa Maria in Pavia.
Some traditions believe that Honorata was buried together with the virgins Luminosa, Liberata and Especiosa in the Basilica of San Vicente, in the Church where the remains of Bishop Saint Epiphanius were transferred. 11 January is the anniversary of this translation. Of the group of virgins mentioned, all buried in the Church of San Vicente, only Saint Honorata has been inscribed in the Roman Martyrology which simply states: “In Pavia, Honorata, Virgin.”
St Pope Hyginus (Died 142) Papal Ascension c 138. It is believed he was a Martyr for Christ and suffered during the persecution of Antoninus, although our ancient sources do not confirm this. Tradition holds that during his Papacy he determined the various prerogatives of the clergy and defined the grades of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Hyginus also instituted Godparents at Baptism to assist the baptised during their Christian life. In addition, he decreed, that all Churches be Consecrated. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-saint-pope-hyginus-died-142/
St Boadin of Ireland St Breandan of Ireland (the name is not an error) St Eithne St Fedelemia St Honorata (Died c500) Virgin St Leucius of Alexandria (Died 5th Century) Bishop Martyr
St Liberata of Pavia St Lucius the Soldier St Luminosa of Pavia St Mark the Soldier St Michael of Klopsk St Palaemon St Paldo St Peter of Alexandria St Peter of Anea St Peter the Soldier
Thought for the Day – 10 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Christmastide “The Holy Infancy” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“The Arrival in Bethlehem”
+1. When the Wise Men had obtained the information they needed, they wasted no further time in Jerusalem but turned their steps towards the Village of Bethlehem. Their faith was being very sorely tried. The Star had disappeared and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, instead of sharing their eagerness to find the Newborn King, seemed to be either indifferent or. positively hostile to the idea of His Presence in their midst. So Jesus, in the Blessed Sacrament, lies waiting in the Tabernacle for a visit from those whom He loves. They have no longing for Him, no desire for His Company. Only a few faithful souls go to pay their court to Him. Am I one of them?
+2. Scarcely had they left the City, when the Star reappeared to their joyful eyes. There it is; there is no mistaking it. God has not deserted us. He is still guiding us and we shall find Him Whom we seek. No wonder that they rejoiced with great joy! So to those who have persevered amid doubt and darkness, God soon restores the Light of His Presence. Courage, faintheart! the Star will soon reappear before you!
+3. At length, the Star, instead of moving above them in the heavens, came nearer to earth and settled on the humble dwelling-place where Jesus and His Mother abode. What! the King of the Jews in that poverty-stricken shed? Yes, so it is; Christ scorns the gilded palace and loves the humble hut. There He is at home; thither He invites His friends to come and see how He dwells with the poor and humble of heart.
Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Within the Octave– Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
This day a great Light has descended upon the earth! Alleluia!
“Arise, be enlightened, … for thy Light is Come!”
Isaias 60:1
“ The fire of the Lord is Light Eternal; the lamps of believers are lit at this fire: “Gird your loins and light your lamps,” (Lk 12:35). It is because the days of our life are still night that a lamp is necessary. This is the fire which, according to the testimony of the disciples at Emmaus, the Lord Himself set within them: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32). He gives us evident proof of this fire’s action, enlightening man’s inmost heart. That is why the Lord will Come in fire (Is 66,15) so as to devour our faults at the resurrection, fulfil each one’s desires with His Presence and cast His Light over their merits and mysteries.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
Eternal Light, Shine into our Hearts By St Alcuin of York (735-804)
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts, Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil, Eternal Power, be our support, Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance, Eternal Pity, have mercy on us that with all our heart and mind and soul and strength, we may seek Thy Face and be brought, by Thine Infinite Mercy to Thy Holy Presence; through Jesus Christ, our Lord Amen
“Taking up the newborn Emmanuel, Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer than the sun and saw a Fire, which water cannot quench. She received, in the covering of Flesh Whom she had borne, the Light, Who enlightens all things and she was worthy,, to carry in her arms, the Word, Who carries the universe!”
St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) Bishop, Cistercian Monk
One Minute Reflection – 10 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – Within the Octave– Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise, be enlightened,Jerusalem, for thy Light is Come!” – Isaias 60:1
REFLECTION – “Arise, be enlightened Jerusalem, for thy Light is Come!” (Is 60:1). Blessed is the Light Who has “come in the Name of the Lord.” “The Lord is God and has shone upon us” (Ps 117:26-27). In virtue of it this day too, you are sanctified by the enlightening of the Church. Thanks be to Thee, true Light, Thou Who “enlighten every man coming into this world” (Jn 1:9), Thou Who, for this very purpose, hast Come into this world as a Man. Jerusalem has been enlightened, our mother (Gal 4:26), mother of all those who have deserved to be enlightened, so that she now shines upon all who are in the world. Thanks be to Thee, true Light, Thou Who hast become a Lamp to enlighten Jerusalem and to make God’s Word “a Lamp for my feet” (Ps 117:105) … For not only has the Church been enlightened: it has been “raised aloft on a candlestick” one all of gold (Mt 5:15; Ex 25:31) . The city sits on the mountain of mountains (cf Mt 5:14) … so that its Gospel may shine out far and wide, as far and as wide as the world’s empire spreads.
O God, Thou Who give Light to all nations, of Thee we will sing: “Behold, the Lord will Come and enlighten the eyes of His servants” (cf Jude 14). Behold, Thou hast Come, my Light: “Enlighten my eyes, that I may never fall asleep in death” (Ps 12:4) … Thou hast Come, O Light of the faithful and behold, Thou hast granted us today, to rejoice at the enlightening of faith, that is, of our Lamp. Grant us too, to rejoice always at the enlightening of the darkness which remains in us …
This is the way in which you should advance, O faithful soul, in order that you may cast off the darkness of this world and arrive at your home country of eternal brightness, where “your darkness will be like midday” (Is 58:10) and “night will be lit up like day” (Ps 138:12). Then indeed, then “you will see and be radiant, your heart will thrill and rejoice” (Is 60;5), when the whole earth is filled with the majesty of unbounded Light and “His glory is seen in you” (Is 60:2) … “Come and let us walk in the Light of the Lord!” (Is 2:5); as “children of Light” let us walk “from brightness to brightness, as led by the Lord” (2 Cor 3:18).” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (3rd Sermon for Epiphany).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 10 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” –Within the Epiphany Octave
Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444) Apostle of the Most Holy Name
Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength! Thou art the Refuge of those who repent, our Banner of warfare in this life, the Medicine of souls, the Comfort of those who mourn, the Delight of those who believe, the Light of those who preach the True Faith, the Wages of those who toil, the Cure of the sick. To Thou, our devotion aspires; by Thee, our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating Thee. O Name of Jesus, Thou art the glory of all the Saints for eternity. Amen
Saint of the Day – 10 January – Blessed Giles of Lorenzana OFM (1443-1518) Lay Brother of the Friars Minor, Hermit, Ascetic, Mystic, Apostle of the all in need. Born in 1443 in Laurenzana, Italy as Bernardin de Bello and died on 10 January 1518 in Laurenzana, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Laurenzana, Italy. Also known as – Giles di Bello, Bernardi … Bernardin … Egidi … Egidius … Blessed Giles was Beatified on 27 June 1880 by Pope Leo XIII. His body is Incorrupt.
Born of pious parents at Lorenzana in Italy, Giles received the name of Bernardine in Baptism. Even as a youth he received the gift of devotion in so eminent a degree that at prayer, his countenance glowed with fervour and he was often seen raised a foot or more from the floor. This attracted general attention and people came from the surrounding places in order to witness Giles at prayer.
The devout young man, however, desired nothing more than to serve God in seclusion. In order, therefore, to withdraw from the attention of the world and also, to progress in Christian perfection, he asked for admission as a Lay Brother at the Convent of the Friars Minor. This request was granted. He was given the name Giles after the saintly Brother Giles, one of the first companions of St Francis of Assisi.
Burning with love for God, Giles knew no greater joy in the Order than to devote himself to the contemplation of heavenly things and, since his superiors were convinced that he was doing great things for the honour of God and the salvation of souls, they permitted him to live in a hermitage close to the Convent.
Here he lived only for God, to Whom he sacrificed his body by severe fasting, and his soul by constant prayer. He overcame the attacks of hell which, like many other great Saints, he had frequently to endure, without ever yielding, for an instant. When he had finished his course, God called him to the eternal union on 10 January 1518.
The Convent bells rang by themselves when Giles of Lorenzana died and a very great concourse of people flocked to venerate him. Many miracles occurred at his grave. Several years after his death his body was found still perfect and Incorrupt, although he had been buried in a very damp place which should have promoted decay. The veneration which had been accorded to him since time immemorial was approved by Pope Leo XIII.
Even today, the cult of Blessed Egidio is very much alive among the people of the central-northern area of Basilicata.
Thought for the Day – 9 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Christmastide “The Holy Infancy” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“The Magi’s Stay in Jerusalem”
+I. When the Star disappeared, the Magi were not disconcerted. If God saw fit to withdraw His direct and extraordinary supernatural guidance, they must fall back on the ordinary means. So they sought for information from those on the spot, as to the birthplace of the King of the Jews. Sometimes God leads us by His holy inspirations, sometimes He leaves us to discover His Will by natural means. We cannot expect to live always in the blaze of supernatural Light, showing us the way
+2. When Herod heard of the arrival of these distinguished strangers and of their inquiries after a new- born King, he was troubled. The tyrant dreaded lest he should be superseded. It is one of the miseries of pride that it lives in continual dread of being set aside and humbled. Humility is never troubled because it always loves the lowest place and rejoices in its own discomfiture.
+3. The Priests, when consulted, declared with one voice that Bethlehem is to be the birthplace of the King of the Jews. Yet they manifested no desire to follow the Magi thither. Their knowledge of the truth created in them, no wish to carry it into practice. They could teach others but they did not themselves act on the lessons they taught. How often have I done the same! I preach so well: I practise so ill!
Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family”
“In the Name of the Lord Jesus and protected only by the Sign of the Cross, without shield or helmet, I shall penetrate the enemy’s ranks and not be afraid.”
St Martin of Tours (c 316-397)
“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today. It is a source of joy and inspiration in our youth; of strength in our manhood, when only His Holy Name and His grace, can enable us to overcome temptation; of hope, consolation and confidence at the hour of our death, when more than ever before, we realise, that the meaning of Jesus is ‘Lord, the Saviour.’ We should bow in reverence to His Name and submission to His Holy Will.”
Bl Henry Suso OP (1290-1365)
“[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us; our only Lord, on Whom we must depend; our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong; our only Model, Whom we should imitate; our only Physician, Who must heal us; our only Shepherd, Who must feed us; our only Way, Who must lead us; our only Truth, Whom we must believe; our only Life, Who must be our life and our sole sufficiency in all things that, in Him, we may have all in All. Except the Name of Jesus, there is no other name given under Heaven, whereby we must be saved and apart from Jesus Christ, God has given us no other foundation of our salvation, our perfection and our glory! ”
St Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)
“The Holy Name of Jesus is, first of all, an all-powerful prayer. Our Lord, Himself, solemnly promises, that whatever we ask the Father in His Name, we shall receive. God never fails to keep His Word. Each time we say “Jesus,” it is an act of perfect love, for, we offer to God, the Infinite love of Jesus.”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Within the Octave of The Epiphany –Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Falling down they adored Him” – Matthew 2:11
REFLECTION – “God’s intention was not only to come down to earth but to become known there; not only to be born but to be recognised. In fact, it is with this recognition in mind that we hold this celebration of the Epiphany, the great day of His manifestation. For it was today that the Magi came from the East in search of the Sun of Justice at its rising (Mal 3:20), He of Whom we read: “Behold a Man Whose Name is the Orient,” (Zec 6:12 ). Today they have adored the Virgin’s newborn Child, following the guidance of a New Star. What great cause for joy do we not find here, my brethren, as also in those words of the Apostle Paul: “The kindness and generous love of God our Saviour have appeared,” (Tit 3:4)…
What is this you are doing, you Magi? What is this you are doing? Are you adoring an Infant at the breast in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can a Child such as this really be God? Yet, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in Heaven.” (Ps 11:4) while you are looking for Him in a common stable, held in His Mother’s arms! Whatever are you doing? Why are you offering Him gold? Could such a One as this be King? Where, then, is His Royal Court, His Throne, His crowd of courtiers? Can a stable be a palace, a crib a throne, Mary and Joseph members of His Court? How on earth could wise men be so foolish as to adore a Baby, as contemptible by reason of His age, as for the poverty of His Family?
Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. The Holy Spirit has taught them already what the Apostle Paul would later proclaim: “Whoever would be wise, let him become a fool. For since the world, in all its wisdom, did not come to know God in His Wisdom, it has pleased God to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the Gospel we proclaim, (Cf 1 Cor 1:21)… And so, they prostrate themselves before this poor Child; they do Him homage as to a King; they adore Him as a God. He Who outwardly guided them by a Star, has cast His Light into the interior of their hearts!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (1st Sermon for the Epiphany).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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).
AnaStpaul 
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