Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – … Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father … Matthew 18:10

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One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10

REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our behalf, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …

We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).

PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in Heaven. 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 ArchAngels and Angels, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 29 September – Praise to St Michael, the Prince of the Celestial Army

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Our Morning Offering – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael

Praise to St Michael, the Prince of the Celestial Army

“At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince,
who standeth for the children of thy people.” – Dan 12:1.

Hail, Bright Archangel!
By Fr F W Faber CO (1814-1863)

Hail, bright Archangel!
Prince of Spirit divinely strong!
To whose rare merit hath been given in Heaven!
To head the Angelic throng!

Thine the first worship was, when gloom
Through Heaven’s thinned ranks did move,
Thus giving unto God the bloom
Of young creation’s love.

O trumpet-tongued! O beautiful!
O force of the Most High!
The blessed of the earth look dull
Beside thy majesty.

First servant of the Ineffable!
The first created eye
That ever, proved and perfect, fell
On the dread Trinity!

O Michael! worship Him this night,
The Father, Word and Dove,
Renewing with strong act the might
Of thy first marvellous love.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 September – Saint Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 29 September – Saint Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop of Trier, Laon (?) and Rheims, Count of Trier or Treves. Liutwin was born around 660 probably at Mettlach near Trier, Germany and died on 29 September c717 (?) in Rheims. Also known as – Liutwin of Mettlach, Ludwino of… Liudvino of… Lutwin of… Ludwin of… Lutwinus of… Additional Memorial in Trier: 27 September. The name ‘Liutwin’ means “the friend of the people” in Old High German.

Liutwin came from high nobility, he was probably related to the Carolingians and was the nephew of Bishop Basin of Trier.. At first he worked as an official at the Frankish Court, then in 690 he founded the Monastery in Mettlach on his own property which was given a mixture of Benedictine and Columban Rules.

The Abbey in Mettlach was founded after Liutwin went hunting near Saar. He grew tired and fell asleep under the shade of a tree. As he slept the sun changed positions exposing him to its hot rays but an eagle swept down and sat on Liutwin, with its wings spread out, seemingly to protect him. When Liutwin awoke, his servant told him how the eagle had protected him from being burnt by the sun. Coincidentally, Liutwin happened to be napping near the site of the Chapel of St Denis of Paris. Liutwin saw this as a God-sent sign to establish a Monastery at that site and it soon developed into a Christian centre of learning and evangelisation. At the location of the original Dionysiun Chapel, now stands the Parish Church of St Gangolf in Mettlach. In 698, he co-founded the Echternack Abbey at Mettlach.

St Liutwin builds the Abbey of Mettlach

After the death of his wife, Liutwin joined the Monastery he had founded as a simple Monk. Later he became a Priest and was Consecrated Bishop by his uncle in 697/698 and after his uncle’s death in 705, he succeeded him as the Bishop of Trier. As a friend of Charles Martel, he was also given the Bishopric of Rheims and probably also that of Laon, although this latter is unsure.

Liutwin donated land to the Trier Abbeys of St Eucharius – later called St Matthias and St Paul. Liutwin’s successor as Bishop of Trier and Rheims was his son Milo.

Liutwin’s bones rest in the former Marienkirche in Mettlach, built around 990 by Abbot Lioffin as a burial Church. This ruin in the shape of an octagon – modeled on the Aachen Cathedral – is today the oldest surviving building in Saarland. The veneration of Liutwin is documented as early as the year 1000.

The Monastery in Mettlach was abandoned during the First Coalition War of Prussia, Austria and smaller German states against the violence excesses of revolutionary France; the Monks fled in 1793/1794; the Monastery was finally abandoned in 1802.

Mettlach Monastery
Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on ANGELS, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost XIX, The Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel, Day 2 of the Rosary Novena, Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Italy (1504) and the Saints for 29 September

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PENTECOST XIX

The Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/29/the-dedication-of-st-michael-feast-madonna-di-tirano-tirano-sondrio-lombardy-italy-1504/
AND – Saint Michael, the Guardian Angel
of the Blessed Sacrament
By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860-1946)
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-the-feast-of-the-dedication-of-st-michael-the-archangel/

THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493.
The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’
About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary – Day Two –
By Father Joseph Cacella, 1947
SECOND DAY: Intention: Greater love and appreciation for the Holy Rosary

Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy (1504) – 29 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/29/the-dedication-of-st-michael-feast-madonna-di-tirano-tirano-sondrio-lombardy-italy-1504/

Bl Alericus
St Anno of Eichstätt
St Casdoe of Persia
St Catholdus of Eichstätt

Blessed Charles de Blois TOSF (1319–1364) Duke of Brittany French nobleman, Knight, ascetic, Franciscan tertiary.
About Blessed Charles:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-charles-de-blois-tosf-1319-1364/

St Dadas of Persia
St Diethardus of Eichstätt
St Fraternus of Auxerre
St Gabdelas of Persia

St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo (Died c1137) Priest and Confessor, Miracle-worker.
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-st-grimoaldus-of-pontecorvo-died-c1137-priest-and-confessor/

St Gudelia
Bl Jan of Dukla

Blessed Jean de Montmirail / Baron de Montmirail, O. Cist (1165 – 1217) Cistercian Monk, Apostle of the Sick and Afflicted. Pope Leo XIII granted a special Office in his honour for the Diocese of Soissons. He was Beatified in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-jean-de-montmirail-o-cist-1165-1217/

Bl John of Ghent
St Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop
St Quiriacus of Palestine
St Rene Goupil
St Rhipsime
Bl Richard Rolle
St Sapor of Persia
St Theodota of Thrace

Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 28 September – CONSIDERATION XI, Second Point: The Value of Time – Oh, time forever lost!

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Thought for the Day – 28 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

SECOND POINT:
There is nothing more precious than time but yet there is nothing less valued and more despised by men.
This is what St Bernard deplores, when he says: “The days of salvation pass away and few reflect that the day which has passed away from him, can never return.”
That gambler will be seen to waste both day and night in play; if he is asked what he is doing, he answers: “We are passing time away.” Another idler will be seen to loiter about the streets, for whole hours together, looking at those who pass by, either speaking of wicked, or else about useless things ; if he is asked what he is doing, he answers: “I am passing the time.”
Poor, blind ones! who are wasting so many days, days which will never return.

O despised time, thou wilt be the thing most desired by the
worldly at the time of death. They will desire one more year,
one more month, one more day but they will not have it, they
will then hear it declared, that “time shall be no longer.” What would not each one of those give for one more week, one more day, in order the better to clear his conscience. St Lawrence Justinian observes. each one of these will then be willing to give up everything to obtain only one hour more. But this hour will not be given them; the Priest who is with them will say, there is no more time for thee; “Depart, O Christian soul, from this world.”

Nevertheless, the prophet bids us remember God and obtain
His grace before the light shall fail: “Remember now
thy Creator … while the sun or the light … be not darkened. ” (Eccles xii: I, 2).
How it distresses a pilgrim when he finds out that he has wandered from the correct way and it is already night and there is no longer time to find the proper path. This will be the distress when death comes to him, who has lived for many years but who has not spent those years in loving God: “The night cometh, when no man can work.” (St John ix: 4). Death will be to him the time of night, when he will be able to do nothing.
“He hath called the time, against me.” (Lament i: 15, Vulg). His conscience will then remind him of the time he has had and how he has squandered it in the ruin of his soul; the many calls and graces he has received from God to become holy and yet, was not willing to profit by all this and then, he will behold the way closed against him! Then will he weep and say: “Oh, fool I have been! Oh, time forever lost! Oh, wasted life! Oh, years are lost in which I should have become holy but I did not and now, there is no longer time.” But what will these lamentations and sighs avail, when his life’s scene is forever closing, the lamp is well nigh spent and the dying man is drawing near to that last moment upon which his eternity depends?

Affections andPrayers

Ah, my Jesus, Thou hast given away Thy whole life to save
my soul, there has been no moment of it in which Thou hast
not offered Thyself to the Eternal Father, in order to obtain
pardon and eternal salvation for me and I have lived so
long in the world and until now, I have never spent any time in Thy service. Alas! for everything I have done fills
me with remorse of conscience. My sin has been very grievous.
The good that I have done has been too little and too full of imperfection, of lukewarmness, of self-love and of distraction.

Ah, my Redeemer, it has all been thus because I was forgetful of all Thou hast done for me. I have been forgetful of Thee but
Thou hast never been forgetful of me. Thou hast sought me
whilst I was flying from Thee and hast so often called me to
Thy love. Behold me, my Jesus, I will no longer resist Thee.
Shall I, indeed, wait until Thou dost give me up?
I repent, O my Sovereign Good, for having separated myself from Thee through my sin. I love Thee, O Thou Infinite Good, Thou Who art indeed worthy of infinite love.
Ah, do not allow me ever to waste the time which Thou hi Thy mercy dost grant me. Do Thou ever remember, my beloved Saviour, the love Thou hast borne for me and the pains Thou hast suffered for me. Make me remember all this, so that, during the life that may remain to me, I may only think of loving Thee and pleasing Thee. I love Thee, my Jesus, my love, my all. I promise Thee ever to perform acts of love when I can. Give me holy perseverance. I trust entirely in the merits of Thy Blood.

Posted in CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, CHRISTMAS Quotes, CHRISTMASTIDE!, HYMNS, QUOTES on ALMS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 September – Good King Wenceslaus

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 September – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr.

Good King Wenceslaus

Good King Wenceslaus looked out,
on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, t
ho’ the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, page and stand by me,
if thou know’st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence,
underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence,
by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine,
when we bear them thither.”
Page and Monarch, forth they went,
forth they went together;
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
and the bitter weather.

“Sire, the night is darker now
and the wind blow stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page.
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage,
freeze thy blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trod,
where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
which the Saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
shall yourselves find blessing.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “I was a stranger …”

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One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr. – Wisdom 10:10-14, Matthew 10:34-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And whosoever shall give to drink, to one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only … amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42

REFLECTION – “I was a stranger,” Christ says “and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And again, “Insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:40). In every believer and brother, though they be least of all, Christ comes to you! Open your house, take them in. “Whoever receives a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” … These are the qualities which ought to be in those who welcome strangers – readiness, cheerfulness, liberality. For strangers feel abashed and ashamed and, unless their host shows real joy, they feel slighted and go away and their being received, in this way, makes it worse, than not to have received them at all.

Therefore, set aside a room in your house, to which Christ may come; say, “This is Christ’s room; this is set apart for Him.” Even if it is very simple, He will not disdain it. Christ goes about “naked and a stranger,” He needs shelter, do not hesitate to give it to Him. Do not be incompassionate, nor inhuman. You are earnest in worldly matters, do not be cold in spiritual matters … You have a place set apart for your chariot but none for Christ Who is wandering by?! Abraham received strangers in his own home (Gn 18); his wife took the place of a servant, the guests the place of masters. They did not know that they were receiving Christ that they were receiving Angels. If Abraham had known it, he would have lavished his whole substance. But we, who know we receive Christ, do not show as much zeal as he did, who thought he was receiving mere men! – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 45 on the Acts of the Apostles),

PRAYER – O God, Who through the Palm of Martyrdom transported blessed Wenceslaus from an earthly dominion unto heavenly glory, keep us, by his prayers, from all harm and grant us to rejoice in his fellowship. 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 MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, QUOTES on DEATH, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 28 September – O Mother of Sorrows,Stand by Me in My Last Agony

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Our Morning Offering – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and Our Lady’s Day

O Mother of Sorrows,
Stand by Me in My Last Agony
By St Gabriel Francis Possenti
of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)

O Mother of Sorrows,
by the anguish and love
with which thou didst stand
at the Cross of Jesus,
stand by me in my last agony.
To thy maternal heart
I commend the last three hours of my life.
Offer these hours to the Eternal Father
in union with the agony of our dearest Lord,
in atonement for my sins.
Offer to the Eternal Father
the Most Precious Blood of Jesus,
mingled with your tears on Calvary,
that I may obtain the grace
of receiving Holy Communion
with the most perfect love and contrition,
before my death
and that I may breathe forth my soul
in the adorable Presence of Jesus.
Dearest Mother, when the moment
of my death has at last come,
present me as your child to Jesus.
Ask Him to forgive me for having offended Him,
for I knew not what I did!
Beg Him to receive me into His Kingdom of Glory
to be united with Him forever.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 September – Saint Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 28 September – Saint Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor, Apostle of the destitute, the poor, the deprived and needy including aid to the poor in Egypt and Palestine. Born on an unknown date probably in France and died in c411 in Toulouse of natural causes. He was highly regarded by St Jerome who dedicated one of his works to him. Also known as – Exupère, Essuperio, Exsuperius, Soupire.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Toulouse, St Exuperius, Bishop and Confessor. St Jerome bears witness to this blessed man, a memorable testimony, relating how severed he was towards himself and how gentle and liberal towards others.”

Our Saint’s Mitre more than 1500 years old! It is kept at the Basilica which he had completed dedicated to St Sernin

His place and date of birth are unknown. Upon succeeding Sylvius as the Bishop of Toulouse, he ordered the completion of the Basilica of St Saturninus, a part of which was incorporated into the Basilica of St Sernin.

St Jerome praised Exuperius “for his munificence to the Monks of Palestine, Egypt and Libya and, for his charity to the people of his own Diocese, who were then suffering from the attacks of the Vandals.” On behalf of the poor in his Diocese, he sold the Basilica’s Altar Vessels and was, therefore, compelled to carry the Sacred Offering in an osier willow basket and the Precious Blood in a vessel of glass.

This Statue at St Exuperius Church in Montegut-Bourjac

In respect of his virtues and in gratitude for his gifts, St Jerome dedicated his Commentary on Zacharias to him.

Exuperius is best known in connection with the biblical Canon. He had written to Pope Innocent I for instructions concerning the Canon and several points of Ecclesiastical behaviour. In reply, the Pope honoured him with the letter ‘Consulenti Tibi’ dated 20 February 405 which contained a list of the Canonical scriptures.

From St Jerome’s letter to Furia in 394 and from the epistle of St Paulinus to St Amandus of Bordeaux in 397, it seems probable that Exuperius was a Priest at Rome and later at Bordeaux, before he was raised to the Episcopate.

St Exuperius Statue also in the Basilica of St Sernin

The precise date of his promotion to the Seat of Toulouse is unknown. Evidence suggests that he occupied the See of Toulouse in February 405 (as is evident from the letter of Innocent I mentioned above). It is sometimes said that St Jerome reproached him in a letter to Riparius, a Priest of Spain, for tolerating the heretic Vigilantius but, as Vigilantius did not belong to the Diocese of Toulouse, St Jerome was probably speaking of another Bishop.

13th Century Reliquary holding St Exuperius’ Relics. Musée Paul Dupuy, Toulouse.

Exuperius was venerated as a Saint from early times. In the time of St Gregory of Tours he was held in equal veneration with St Saturninus. His Feast occurs on 28 September. The first Martyrologist to assign it to this date was Usuard, who wrote towards the end of the 9th Century. There are many Churches, Schools and charitable Apostolates named after St Exuperius.

The Altar in honour of St Exuperius
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of the Rosary Novena, Nuestra Señora del Fresno / Our Lady of Fresno, Spain (9th Century, St Wenceslaus (907-935) King of Bohemia, Martyr and the Saints remembered today, 28 September

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Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary
By Father Joseph Cacella, 1947

FIRST DAY: Intention: Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Nuestra Señora del Fresno / Our Lady of Fresno, Grado, Asturias, Spain (9th Century) – 8 and 28 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/28/nuestra-senora-del-fresno-our-lady-of-fresno-grado-asturias-spain-9th-century/

St Wenceslaus (907-935) King of Bohemia, Martyr.
About St Wenceslaus here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-st-wenceslaus-907-935-king-of-bohemia/
AND From an old Slavic legend about Saint Wenceslaus:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-st-wenceslaus-907-935-duke-of-bohemia-martyr/

https://youtu.be/F1EW1MSFfpE

Bl Aaron of Auxerre
St Alodius of Auxerre
St Annemond of Lyons
St Bardomianus

Blessed Bernardine of Feltre OFM (1439-1494) Franciscan Priest and Friar, Missionary Preacher, Poet, peace-maker, Civil protestor against the practice of usury, defender of the poor. He was a true ‘child prodigy’ – by the time he was 12 he was fluent in Latin and at the age of 15 he composed a poem and read it in the Town Square to celebrate a local peace treaty. He is remembered most especially, in connection with the “Monti di Pietà” “Mount of Piety” of which he was the reorganiser and, in a certain sense, the Founder, together with the Blessed Michele Carcano. On 13 April 1654, Pope Innocent X confirmed the cultus of Blessed Bernardine and he was formally Beatified in 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-bernardine-of-feltre-ofm-1439-1494/

St Chariton of Palestine
Bl Christian Franco
St Conval of Strathclyde
St Eucarpus
St Eustochium
St Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor
St Faustus of Riez

Blessed Francesco Piani of Caldarola OFM (1424-1507) Francisan Friar, renowned Preacher and Peacemaker, a collaborator in the fight against usury by the institution of the “Mount of Piety,” (a type of pawn shop), social activist and protector of the struggling rural communities. He was Beatified by Pope Urban VII in 1634 – his cult was reaffirmed on 1 September 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI.
His Amazing Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-francesco-piani-of-caldarola-ofm-1424-1507/

St John of Dukla
St Laurence of North Africa
St Lioba of Bischofsheim
St Machan
St Martial of North Africa
St Martin of Moyenmoutier
St Paternus of Auch
St Privatus of Rome
St Salonius of Geneva
St Silvinus of Brescia

St Simón de Rojas O.SS. (1552-1624) “Father Ave Maria”/ “Apostle of the Ave Maria,” Religious Priest of the Trinitarian Order, Founder of the Lay Apostolate of the Congregation of the Slaves of the Sweet Name of Mary, Marian Devotee, Theologian, Philosopher, Spiritual Writer, Apostle of Charity, Apostolic Visitor. He was Cultus confirmed on 19 March 1766 by Pope Clement XIII
About St Simon:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-st-simon-de-rojas-o-ss-1552-1624-father-ave-maria-apostle-of-the-ave-maria/

St Solomon of Genoa
St Stacteus
St Tetta of Wimborne
Bl Thiemo
St Willigod of Moyenmoutier
St Zama of Bologna

Augustinian Martyrs of Japan: The first Augustinian Missionaries arrived in Japan in 1602 and met with immediate success; many were brought to the faith; many of them became Augustinians and many of them were Martyred in the periodic persecutions of Christians.
This memorial commemorates all of them, whether they have a sanctioned Cause for Canonisation or not. They include:
• Blessed Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez
• Blessed Ferdinand Ayala
• Blessed Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez
• Blessed Ioannes Mukuno Chozaburo
• Blessed Laurentius Kaida Hachizo
• Blessed Mancius Yukimoto Ichizaemon
• Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta
• Blessed Melchor Sánchez Pérez
• Blessed Michaël Ichinose Sukezaemon
• Blessed Pedro de Zúñiga
• Blessed Petrus Sawaguchi Kuhyoe
• Blessed Thomas Jihyoe of Saint Augustine
• Blessed Thomas Terai Kahyoe
• Blessed Vicente Simões de Carvalho
• Saint Magdalena of Nagasaki

Martyrs of Antioch – 37 Saints: A group of 30 soldiers and 7 civilians who were murdered together for their faith. The names that have come down to us are – Alexander, Alphinus, Heliodorus, Mark, Neon, Nicon and Zosumus. c 303 at Antioch, Pisidia (in modern Turkey).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 27 September – CONSIDERATION XI: The Value of Time

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

FIRST POINT:
WE are told in Holy Scripture to be careful of time which is the most precious thing and the greatest gift, God bestows upon living man.
The Pagans even understood the value of time.
Seneca observed that “the value of time is priceless.”
But the Saints have much better understood it.
St Bernardine of Sienna says: “one single moment of time is of very great importance because, at any one moment, a man may, by one act of contrition or of love, gains the Divine grace and eternal glory.
Time is a treasure which can be found in this life alone; it is to be found neither in Heaven nor in hell. This is the lamentation of the lost in hell,”

Oh, that an hour were given.
They would give anything for one hour in which they might be able to remedy their ruin but this hour they will never have. In Heaven there are no tears but if the blessed could weep, this would be a cause for lamentation that they had lost any time during this life in which they might have acquired greater glory, for such time they now can never have.

And you, my brother, how are you spending the time? And for what reason do you put off until tomorrow that which you can do today?
Remember, that the time which is already past away, is no longer yours; the future is not in your power, the present time alone you have for doing good.
St Bernard warns us, saying: “Wherefore do you presume upon the future, o miserable one, as if the Father had put the times in thy power.”
And St Augustine asks: “Do you count upon a day, who cannot count upon an hour!? How can thou promise thyself the day of tomorrow, if thou knowest not whether one more hour of life will be thine?”
St Teresa thus concludes and says: “If thou art not ready to die today, thou ought to fear, lest thou should die an unhappy death!”

Affections and Prayers

O my God, I thank Thee for the time Thou art giving me to atone, as far as I am able, for .the sins of my past life.
If at this moment Thou shouldst cause me to die, one of my greatest
griefs would be to think of the time I have lost.
Ah, my Lord, Thou didst give me the time to spend in loving Thee and I have spent it by offending Thee.
I deserved to be sent to hell from the first moment I turned away from Thee but Thou hast called me to repentance and Thou hast pardoned me.
I promised never more to offend Thee but since then, how many times have I not again offended Thee and Thou hast again pardoned me? Forever blessed be Thy Mercy!
If it were not Infinite, how could it thus have borne with me? Who else would have shown such patience towards me as Thou hast?
How much I grieve for having offended a God so good!

My dear Saviour, the patience alone Thou hast shown towards me ought to have inspired me with love for Thee. Ah, nevermore allow me to be ungrateful to the love Thou hast borne for me.
Separate me from all things and draw me wholly to Thy Love.

No, my God, I will no longer waste that time which Thou hast
given me to atone for the evil I have done I would spend it all
in serving and loving Thee.
Give me strength, give me holy perseverance. I love Thee, O Thou Infinite Goodness and I hope to love Thee in eternity.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Reward?

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice,
for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”

Luke 6:23

“The great wealth of Christians
is found in the needs of the poor,
provided we grasp how to put our
possessions to good use.
The poor are always before us;
if we entrust our wealth to them,
we shall not lose it.”

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

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! ”

“One day, I started thinking about
what the last office can be in the world.
And, I discovered that the last place,
is at the feet of the traitor, Judas.
And I wanted to place myself there
but I could not because there,
I found Jesus Christ kneeling,
washing Judas’ feet!
Since then, my appreciation for
and understanding of humility, has grown.”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!”

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One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdpm 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,” – Luke 6:23

REFLECTION – “Only Christians have a true sense of values; their joys and sorrows are not the same as other people’s. The sight of a wounded comatant wearing a victory crown would make someone, ignorant of the games, think only of the fighter’s wounds and how painful they must be. Such a person would know nothing of the happiness the crown gives. And, it is the same when people see the things we suffer, without knowing why we do so. It naturally seems to them to be suffering pure and simple. They see us struggling and facing danger but, beyond their vision, are the rewards, the crowns of victory — all we hope to gain, through the contest! As Paul said: “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!” (2 Cor 6:10)…

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) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Second Corinthians, 12: 4).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thou, almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of Thy holy Martyrs, Cosmas and Damian, may by their intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through 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 Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATHOLIC TIME, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, HOLY COMMUNION, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 27 September – Give me Thyself, O My God By St Augustine (

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Our Morning Offering – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

Give me Thyself, O My God
By St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

Give me Thyself, O my God,
give Thyself to me.
Behold I love Thee
and if my love is too weak a thing,
grant me to love Thee more strongly.
I cannot measure my love, to know
how much it falls short of being sufficient
but let my soul hasten to Thine embrace
and never be turned away,
until it is hidden in the secret shelter
of Thine presence.
This only do I know,
that it is not good for me
when Thou art not with me,
when Thou art only outside me.
I want Thee in my very self.
All the plenty in the world
which is not my God,
is utter want!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 September – Saint Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin

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Saint of the Day – 27 September – Saint Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin, Recluse, Nun, Founder of a female Convent. She died in c790 of natural causes in Avesnois, in the vicinity of Liessies, in the Diocese of Cambrai. Also known as – Iltrude. Additional Memorial – 26 September in the Diocese of Cambrai.

The life of St Hiltrude

Hiltrude was the daughter of Ada, a Frankish noblewoman and Wibert, Count of Poitiers, who owned lands between the Sambre and Meuse rivers in modern France. Hiltrude;s father, Wibert, founded a Monastery at Liessies of which Hilrude’s brother, Guntrad, was the first Abbot.

Hiltrude herself wished to retire there and live the life of a Nun, however, her parents wanted her to marry a Burgundian lord. But she managed to fulfil her desires with the assistance of her brother and took the veil, with the blessing of the Bishop of Cambrai. The noble suitor married her sister instead.

Bust of Saint Hiltrude, in Nord, France

Her brother welcomed her, and provided her with a cell attached to the Abbey Chapel. There, she lived as a Nun, participating in the liturgical life of the Abbey. Today there is a little Chapel dedicated to St Hiltrude on this site and on her Feast Day each year, the Proper of St Hiltrude is celebrated there.

Later, following her example, several daughters of lords decided to join her and in 752 a female addition was added to the Monastery at Liessies. Hiltrude died on 27 September around 790.

Hiltrude’s fame for sanctity grew over the centuries and on 17 September 1004 the Bishop of Cambrai, Erluino, exhumed the remains of the virgin and offered them for the veneration of the faithful. Louis de Blois OSB [the renowned ‘Blosius’ (1506-1566)], the then Abbot of Liessies contributed to the development of the cult. In 1587 her skull was placed in a new silver Reliquary. During the “Thirty Years’ War” the Relics were saved in Mons, where in 1641, they were placed on their own Altar in the Church dedicated to her in Avesnois, in the vicinity of Liessies.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs, Reminder of the Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary and the rest of the Saints celebrated on 27 September

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Announcing a Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary
Begins 28 or 29 September
The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary
is celebrated on 7 October.
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/announcing-a-novena-to-our-lady-of-the-rosary-begins-28-september-2/

Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs. Twin brothers and Physicians, Apostles of Charity, Evangelists – born in the 3rd century, of Arabic descent and died by being tortured, without suffering any injury and finally they were beheaded c 286 in Aegea, Cilicia (modern Ayas, Turkey).
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/26/saints-of-the-day-26-september-saints-cosmas-and-damian-died-c-286-martyrs/

St Adheritus
St Adolphus of Cordoba
St Antonio de Torres
St Barrog the Hermit

St Bonfilius of Foligno OSB (1040-1125) Bishop, Abbot.
About St Bonifilius:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-saint-bonfilius-of-foligno-osb-1040-1125/

St Ceraunus of Paris
St Chiara of the Resurrection
St Deodatus of Sora

Saint Delphina TOSF (1283-1360) Laywoman, Married in Chastity to St Elzear (below) Widow, Recluse, Apostle of the Poor and needy. Patronages – • Brides, Tertiaries, Diocese of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia, Italy
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-saint-delphina-tosf-1283-1360-virgin/

St Elzear of Sabran TOSF (1285-1323) Layman, Member of the Third Order of St Francis, Mystic, miracle-worker, Baron of Ansouis, Count of Ariano, France, Ruler, Diplomat, Military Leader. Patron of Tertiaries.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/27/saint-of-the-day-st-elzear-tosf-1285-1323/

St Epicharis
St Fidentius of Todi
St Florentinus the Hermit
St Gaius of Milan
St Hilary the Hermit
St Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin
St John of Cordoba

Blessed Lorenzo of Ripafratta OP (c 1373-1456) Dominican Priest and Friar, Penitent, Vicar General, Teacher, Reformer, brilliant Preacher and Spiritual director – known as “the Ark of Science.”
About Blessed Lorenzo:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-blessed-lorenzo-of-ripafratta-op-c-1373-1456/

St Marcellus of Saint Gall
St Terence of Todi

Martyrs of Aegea – (3 Saints): Three Christians Martyred with Saints Cosmas and Damian in the persecutions of Diocletian – Anthimus, Euprepius and Leontius. They were tortured and beheaded c.303 in Aegea, Cilicia (modern Ayas, Turkey).

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 26 September – CONSIDERATION X, Third Point – How We Must Prepare for Death – Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

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Thought for the Day – 26 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION X

How We Must Prepare for Death
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
(Amos iv.:12)

THIRD POINT
It is, moreover, necessary to endeavour each hour we live, to be in such a frame of mind, as we should like to be when dying:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” (Apoc xiv: 13).

St Ambrose observes, those persons die a happy death who, when the hour of death arrives, are found already dead to the world, even to those things from which death will come to sever them by force.
So that we must, from this hour, accept the spoiling of our inheritances, separations from our relatives and from all the things of this world. If we do not do this willingly in life, we shall have to do it of necessity, in death but then, with great grief and peril to our eternal salvation.
And for this cause, St Augustine warns us that, in order to die in peace, it is necessary to settle our worldly interests during life and now to dispose, in a proper way, of those earthly goods we shall have to leave, so that, in death, our time may be given to the uniting of ourselves to God. At that time, our thoughts should be of God and Paradise only. Those last moments are too precious to be wasted upon the things of earth. The crown of the elect is perfected in death, for perchance, it is then that we merit most, the crown, by embracing those pains and that death, with resignation and love.

But he will never have these holy feelings in death, who has not practiced them in life. Some devout persons make a practice
(and with great profit to themselves) of renewing every month,
a certain desire for death, imagining themselves to be on their
deathbed, placing themselves, as if in the presence of death.
That which is not done during life, is very difficult to be done
in death.
Sister Catherine of St Albert, who was a faithful servant of God, when dying, said: “I do not sigh because I fear death – for twenty five years I have been expecting it but, I sigh because, I see many deceive themselves by leading a life of sin and thus, delay making their peace with God until the hour of death is come, when, I feel as if I can hardly pronounce the Name of Jesus!”

Therefore, examine yourself, my brother and see whether your
heart is fond of anything which is of the earth – that person, that honour, that house, that money, that conversation, those amusements and reflect – you are not immortal! Some day you will have to leave all these things and perhaps, very soon. Why then are you so fond of them? and thus run the risk of dying a miserable death?
From this hour offer everything to God, being ready to give up all when it shall please Him.
If you wish to die submissive, you must resign yourself to all that may befall you and divest yourself of every earthly affection.
Reflect upon the moment of death and as you would then despise all things, do so now immediatley!
St Jerome observes: “He easily despises all things, who ever regards himself as one about to die.”

If you have not yet decided upon what life you shall lead, make choice of that which you will wish you had chosen at the moment of death and that which will make you die a happy death. If you have already chosen it, do what you will wish you had done in that particular life. Act as if each day were the last of your life, each action were the last, each prayer the last, each Confession the last and each Communion the last. Act as if each hour were your last and stretched upon a bed, you heard this intimated: “Depart out of this world.”
This thought, Oh! how greatly will it help you to walk through life and to separate yourself from this world.
“Blessed is that servant, whom when his Lord cometh, He shall find so doing.” (St Matt xxiv: 26).
He who expects death at every hour, even though he should die suddenly, will not fail to die well!

Affections and Prayers

Every Christian ought to be prepared to say, when death shall
be announced to him:
Since, therefore, my God but so few hours remain to me, I would love Thee as much as it is possible for me to do … so that I may love Thee more in the life to come.

But little remains for me to offer Thee, therefore, I will offer these my pains to Thee and the sacrifice of my life, together with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, made for me upon the Cross. O Lord, the pains I am suffering are but few and very slight compared with what I deserve to suffer. Such as they are, I embrace in token of the love I have for Thee. I yield myself to every punishment it may please Thee to send me. If only I may love Thee in eternity, punish me as Thou wilt but do not deprive me of Thy Love. I know that I do not deserve to love Thee any longer because, I have so often despised Thy love but Thou wilt not spurn a repentant soul. I repent, O my Sovereign Good, for having offended Thee. I love Thee with all my heart, and entrust everything to Thee. Thy death, O my Redeemer, is my hope.

Into Thy wounded Hands I commend my soul.
“Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, Thou God of truth.” (Ps xxxi: 6).
O my Jesus, Thou Who hast given Thy Blood to save me, do Thou never allow me to be separated from Thee.
I love Thee, O Eternal God and I hope to love Thee in eternity.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues and St Jean de Brébeuf

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions

“How I grieve, my God,
that Thou are not known,
that this savage country
is not yet wholly converted to faith in Thee,
that sin is not yet blotted out!”

St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649)
Martyr

“Can we think, the life of man,
better employed than in this good work?
What do I say? Would not all the labours
of a thousand men, be well rewarded,
in the conversion of a single soul
gained to Jesus Christ?
I have always felt a great love
for this kind of life
and for a profession so excellent
and so akin to that of the Apostles.”

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)
Martyr

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-september-the-north-american-martyrs/

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – ‘ … Everyone without God has a dead soul. ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38; Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ” – Luke 12:4-5

REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the Life of the soul. As the life that is the soul, is present with the body that the body may not die, so the Life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.

How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its Life, has forsaken it. This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).

PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. 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 JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM

Our Morning Offering – 26 September – Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return? The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf

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Our Morning Offering – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646), St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions

Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return?
The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf SJ (1593-1649)

Jesus, my Lord and Saviour,
what can I give Thee in return
for all the favours Thou hast
first conferred upon me?
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call on Thy Name.
I vow before Thee, eternal Father and the Holy Ghost,
before Thy most holy Mother
and her most chaste Spouse,
before the Angels, Apostles and Martyrs,
before my blessed fathers,
Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier,
in truth, I vow to Thee, Jesus my Saviour,
that, as far as I have the strength,
I will never fail to accept the grace of Martyrdom,
if someday Thou, in Thine Infinite Mercy,
should offer it to me,
Thy most unworthy servant …
My beloved Jesus,
here and now, I offer
my body and blood and life.
May I die only for Thee,
if Thou will grant me this grace,
since Thou willingly died for me.
Let me so live that Thou may grant me
the gift of such a happy death.
In this way, my God and Saviour,
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call upon Thy Name,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – 26 September – St Cyprian of Antioch Bishop Martyr AND St Justina Virgin Martyr (Died 2nd Century).

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Saints of the Day – 26 September – St Cyprian of Antioch Bishop Martyr AND St Justina Virgin Martyr (Died 2nd Century).

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Cyprian and Justina, Virgin. Under the Emperor Diocletian and the Governor Eutholmius, Justina suffered much for the Faith of Christ and coverted Cyprian, who while a magician, endeavoured to bring her under the influence of his magical practices. She afterwards suffered Martyrdom with him. Their bodies being exposed to the beasts, were taken away in the night by some Christian sailors and carried to Rome. They were subsequently taken into the Constantian Basilica and deposited near the Baptistry.”

Cyprian and Justina lived in Antioch at the end of the 2nd Century. Their legend arose in the 4th Century and St Gregory Nazianzen told the story of the two in a sermon and they were also mentioned by Prudentius in his verse.

Cyprian had been introduced to the secrets of magic by his pagan parents and to have expanded his knowledge while traveling in Greece. Cyprian the Magician, as he was called, used his knowledge primarily to seduce beautiful women. A young man, Aglaides, who had fallen in love with the beautiful Justina, asked Cyprian for a love spell.

Justina was a Christian and refused all proposals. Cyprian’s art also failed on her and Cyprian now wanted to win Justina for himself. But Justina remained steadfast, so that Cyprian began to doubt the power of the evil spirits. He turned to a Priest named Eusebius and was eventually converted to Christianity by him. Aglaides also became a Christian.

According to St GregoryNazianzen Cyprian became a Priest and finally the Bishop of Antioch. During the Diocletianic persecution, In c304, Cyprian and Justina were arrested, severely tortured and finally beheaded.

Their bodies were secretly taken to Rome by Christians and buried yhere in the Lateran Basilica. Some reports also mention Theoctist, a soldier who converted to Christianity after witnessing the piety and death of the Martyrs and was also executed.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Matka Boża Leśniańska / Blessed Mother of Leśna, Poland (1683), St Isaac Jogues & Companions and the Saints for 26 September

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Matka Boża Leśniańska / Blessed Mother of Leśna, Leśna Podlaska, Biała Podlaska, Lublin, Poland (1683) – 26 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/26/matka-boza-lesnianska-blessed-mother-of-lesna-lesna-podlaska-biala-podlaska-lublin-poland-1683-and-memorials-of-the-saints-26-september/

St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – known as The North American or the Canadian Martyrs.
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/26/saints-of-the-day-26-september-st-isaac-jogues-and-companions-martyrs/

St Cyprian of Antioch (Died 2nd Century) Bishop Martyr AND St Justina of Antioch (Died 2nd Century) Virgin Martyr

St Amantius of Tiphernum
St Callistratus of Constantinople
St Colman of Elo
St Eusebius of Bologna

St John of Meda Ord.Hum. (1100-1159) Priest, Monk, Abbot of the Humiliati Order (now no longer in existence), Reformer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/26/saint-of-the-day-26-september-saint-john-of-meda-ord-hum-1100-1159/

St Justina of Antioch (Died 2nd Century) Virgin Martyr (+See above wiuth St Cyprian)
St Marie Victoire Therese Couderc
St Meugant

St Nilus the Younger (910-1005) Abbot and Confessor and Founder of Italo-Greek Monasticism in southern Italy.. St Nilus was a charismatic leader and leading spiritual personality of his time.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/26/saint-of-the-day-26-september-saint-nilus-the-younger-910-1005/

St Senator of Albano
St Vigilius of Brescia

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on DEATH

Thought for the Day – 25 September – CONSIDERATION X, Second Point – How We Must Prepare for Death – ‘Examine what you have done …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION X

How We Must Prepare for Death
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
(Amos iv.:12)

SECOND POINT.
Therefore, my brother, as it is certain that you will have to die, lose no time in casting yourself at the feet of your Crucified Lord; thank Him for the time, He, in His Mercy, gives you, to make your conscience clear in His Sight and then take all the wickedness of your past life in review, especially the wickedness committed in youth!

Glance over the Divine commands; examine what you have done, the society you have been in the habit of visiting; make a note of all your failings and make a general confession of your whole life …
Oh, how much a good general confession assists a Christian in living a holy life!
Consider that these are examinations for eternity and, therefore, make them as if you were on the point of being examined by Jesus Christ, Who will be your Judge.

Drive away from your heart, every unholy affection, every spiteful feeling; remove now! every scruple concerning the property of others, characters taken away, scandals spread abroad and make up your mind to fly those occasions in which you may be in danger of losing God.
Consider that which seems difficult to you now, at the moment of death will seem to be impossible!

It is of the greatest importance that you should make a resolution to practise eveiy means to preserve yourself in the grace of God – namely, to attend daily Celebration [of the Mass], to meditate upon the eternal truths, to go to Confession and to Communicate at least every week, to examine your conscience every night and, above all, to commend yourself very often to God, calling upon the most Holy Name of Jesus, and this, particularly at the time of temptation.
By so doing we may at least hope to die a happy death and to obtain our eternal salvation.

And, as for the past, you must trust in the Blood of Jesus Christ, Who gives you these lights now because He wishes you to be saved. By living thus and trusting in Jesus, God gives us His assistance and our souls gain strength!
Therefore, make haste, dear reader and give yourself to God, Who thus calls you and you will begin to taste that peace, of which your sin until now has deprived you.
And what greater peace can anyone feel than being able to say, when lying down to rest at night: “If I should die this night, I hope to die in the grace of God,”
If we are awaiting death with resignation when it is God’s Will, it is even consoling to hear the thunders roaring and to feel the earth trembling.

Affections andPrayers

Ah, my Lord, how I thank Thee for the Light Thou givest
me. I have so often left Thee and turned away from Thee but
Thou hast never left me. If Thou hadst, I should have remained blind, as I was willing to be during the years past; I
should have remained obstinate in my sin; I should neither
have felt the wish to leave it, nor the desire to love Thee. Now
I feel very grieved for having offended Thee and a great desire
to remain in Thy grace.
I feel a great aversion to those wretched pleasures which caused me to lose Thy friendship.
All these feelings of sorrow for past sins are graces which come from Thee and make me hope that Thou art willing to pardon and to save me.

Since, therefore, with all my sins, Thou hast not abandoned me but hast wished to save me, behold, Lord, I give myself entirely to Thee. I repent beyond every other evil, of having offended Thee and I would give my life many times over, if it were possible, rather than lose Thy grace. I love Thee, my Highest Good; I love Thee, myJesus, Who died for me and I hope, through Thy Blood Thou wilt nevermore permit me to be separated from Thee. No, my Jesus, nevermore would I lose Thee. I would ever love Thee in life, I would love Thee in death and I would love Thee for all eternity.
Do Thou ever keep me and do Thou increase my love towards
Thee and this I ask through Thy merits.

Posted in "Follow Me", JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 25 September – St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824)

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824) Bishop

Prayer Before The Crucifix
(The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass)
By St Vincent Strambi (1745-1824)

Jesus, by this Saving Sign,
bless this listless soul of mine.
Jesus, by Thine Feet nailed fast,
mend the missteps of my past.
Jesus, with Thine riven Hands,
bend my will to Love’s demands.
Jesus, in Thine Heart laid bare,
warm my inner coldness there.
Jesus, by Thine thorn-crowned Head,
still my pride till it is dead.
Jesus, by Thine muted Tongue,
stay my words that hurt someone.
Jesus, by Thine tired Eyes,
open mine to faith’s surprise.
Jesus, by Thine fading Breath,
keep me faithful until death.
Yes, Lord, by this Saving Sign,
save this wayward soul of mine.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/25/quote-s-of-the-day-25-september-st-vincent-strambi/

St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “Seeing their faith …” – Matthew 9:2

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One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” –St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824) Bishop, Priest of the Passionist Order of St Paul of the Cross – Ferial Day –1 Corinthians 1:4-8; Matthew 9:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Seeing their faith …” – Matthew 9:2

REFLECTION – “He came into His own town and behold, they brought to Him one sick of the palsy, lying in a bed.” (Mt 9:1-2). Jesus, the Gospel tells us, seeing the faith of these people, said to the paralytic: “Courage, son, thy sins are forgiven thee.” The paralytic hears these words and remains silent. He offers no word of thanks. He wanted the healing of his body more than that of his soul. He lamented the transitory pain of his sick body but, the eternal torment of his soul, whose sickness was even greater, this he did not mourn. He judged his present life to be more precious to him than the life to come!

Christ was wise to take account of the faith of those who brought the sick man to Him and to pay no attention to the latter’s stupidity. Thanks to his neighbours’ faith, the paralytic’s soul would be cured before his body. “When He saw their faith,” the Gospel says. Take note here, my brethren, God is not concerned with what the foolish want; He does not expect to find faith among the ignorant; He does not analyse the foolish desires of a sick man. On the other hand, He does not refuse to come to the aid of another’s faith. Such faith is a gift of grace and is in harmony with the Will of God.” – St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father & Doctor of sermons of the Church (Sermon 50).

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and gloriosus Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, the blessed Vincent Strambi, Thy Confessor and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The LITTLE OFFICE of MARY, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Our Morning Offering – 25 September – Alma Redemptoris Mater

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Our Morning Offering – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast Day of Blessed Herman of Reichenau (1013–1054) Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Scholar, Scientist, Writer, Hymnist, Poet, Musical Composer, Teacher.

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 Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Blessed Herman is the Author of the Salve Regina, the Veni Sancte Spiritus and the Alma Redemptoris Mater amongst others.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 September – Saint Anathalon of Milan, Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 25 September – Saint Anathalon of Milan 1st Century Bishop of Milan, Italy, Consecrated by Saint Barnabas. Also known as – Anatalone, Anatelon, Anatalo, Anatolo, Anatolio, Anatalofle, Anatelofl, Anatolofle, Anatolius. Additional Memorial – 24 September in the Diocese of Brescia.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “St Anathalon, Bishop, who was a disciple of the blessed Apostle Barnabas and succeeded him in the See of Milan.”

This window resides in the Church of Ablis, Yvelines, France.

Anathalon is regarded as the first Bishop of Milan. Having been the assistant and disciple of St Barnabas, the Apostle, he was designated and Consecrated by the latter to become the Bishop of Milan.

A later tradition makes our Saint the first Bishop of Brescia too, as that City certainly came under the jurisdiction of Milan. In Brescia his Feast day is celebrated on 24 September.

Nothing is known about the life and Episcopate of Anathalon, except that he had a Greek name, that he was bishop of Milan and that he died during a pastoral trip to Brescia which was under his jurisdiction.

The older place of veneration for this Saint was the Basilica ad Concilia Sanctorum in Milan, today no more extant, near the present Church of San Babila. In 1268 his Relics were discovered in Brescia and translated to the Church of Saint Florian. In 1472 his Relics were translated to the Old Cathedral of Brescia where they still reside today (see the Cathedral below).

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Divina Pastora de las Almas ‘ The Divine Shepherdess of Souls, Spain (1703) and the Saints remembered on 25 September

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Divina Pastora de las Almas ‘ The Divine Shepherdess of Souls, Cantillana, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain (1703) – Fourth Saturday of September or 25 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/25/feasts-of-our-lady-and-memorials-of-the-saints-25-september/

Saint Cleopas (First Century) Disciple of Christ – one of the two Disciples of the Way to Emmaus. Martyr.
St Cleophas:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-saint-cleopas-first-century-disciple-of-christ/

Blessed Herman of Reichenau/the Cripple (1013–1054) Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Scholar, Scientist, Writer, Hymnist, Poet, Musical Composer, Teacher. In his own day, the heroic cripple who achieved learning and holiness was called ‘The Wonder of His Age.’
Composer of the “Salve Regina” Hail Holy Queen, “Veni Sancte Spiritus” Come Holy Spirit and “Alma Redemptoris Mater” amongst many others.
His Amazing Life and Works:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/25/saint-of-the-day-blessed-herman-of-reichenau-the-cripple-osb-1013-1054-the-wonder-of-his-age/

St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824) Bishop, Priest of the Passionist Order of St Paul of the Cross, Apostle of Charity, Preacher, Teacher, Writer. Beatified on 26 April 1925 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, by Pope Pius XI and Canonised on 11 June 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/25/23731/
AND MORE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-st-vincent-strambi-c-p-1745-1824/

St Anacharius of Auxerre
Saint Anathalon of Milan 1st Century Bishop of Milan, Italy, Consecrated by Saint Barnabas (see his name listed below).


St Aurelia of Macerata
St Caian of Tregaian

St Ceolfrid (642-716) Abbot and Guardian of the Venerable St Bede. CEOLFRID is the same Teutonic name as Geoffrey and signifies “Joyful.”
The Amazing St Coelfrid:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-saint-ceolfrid-642-716-abbot/

St Egelred of Crowland
St Ermenfridus of Luxeuil
St Firminus of Amiens

St Finbar (c550– 623) Bishop of Cork and Abbot
About St Finbar:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-saint-finbar-of-cork-c-550-623/

St Fymbert

Blessed Marco Criado Guelamo OSsT (1522-1569) Trinitarian Priest Martyr, renowned Preacher, Missionary. Born as Marcus Criado Guelamo on 25 April 1522 in Andujar, Spain and died by being stoned to death on 25 September 1569 (aged 47) near La Peza, Spain.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-blessed-marco-criado-osst-1522-1569-trinitarian-priest-and-martyr/

St Mewrog
St Neomisia of Mecerata
St Paphnutius of Alexandria
St Principius of Soissons
St Solemnis of Chartres

Martyrs of Damascus: A Christian family of six who were tortured to death in a persecution by Roman authorities. They were: Eugenia, Maximus, Paul, Rufus, Sabinian and Tatta. They were tortured to death in Damascus, Syria, date unknown.

The Holy Bishops of Milan: Imagine being part of a Diocese in which 36 of your past Bishops are Saints and some are also Doctors of the Church and Popes (and others being considered for Sainthood)!
Today, the Church in Milan commemorates these holy Bishops.
They are:
Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster
Blessed Andrea Carlo Ferrari
Pope Pius XI
Saint Ambrose of Milan
Saint Ampelius of Milan
Saint Anathalon of Milan
Saint Antoninus of Milan
Saint Auxanus of Milan
Saint Benedict Crispus of Milan
Saint Benignus of Milan
Saint Calimerius of Milan
Saint Castritian of Milan
Saint Charles Borromeo
Saint Datius of Milan
Saint Dionysius of Milan
Saint Eugene of Milan
Saint Eusebius of Milan
Saint Eustorgius II of Milan
Saint Eustorgius of Milan
Saint Gaius of Milan
Saint Galdinus of Milan
Saint Geruntius of Milan
Saint Glycerius of Milan
Saint Honoratus of Milan
Saint John Camillus the Good
Saint Lazarus of Milan
Saint Magnus of Milan
Saint Mansuetus of Milan
Saint Marolus of Milan
Saint Martinian of Milan
Saint Mirocles of Milan
Saint Mona of Milan
Saint Natalis of Milan
Saint Protasius of Milan
Saint Senator of Milan
Saint Simplician of Milan
Saint Venerius of Milan

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 24 September – CONSIDERATION X – How We Must Prepare for Death

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Thought for the Day – 24 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION X

How We Must Prepare for Death
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
(Amos iv.:12)

FIRST POINT:
ALL confess that they must die and die but once and that there is nothing of greater consequence than this; for our eternal happiness, or our eternal unhappiness, depends upon the moment of death.
We all know a happy or an unhappy death depends upon the life we have led. And yet, how is it, nearly all Christians live as if they would never have to die and, as if dying a happy or an unhappy death, could be of little importance?

Truly we lead a wicked life because we think not upon death. “In all thy works remember thy last end and thou shalt never sin.” (Ecclus vii: 40).
We must be persuaded that the hour of death is not the proper time to set our accounts in order, nor to make the great concern of our eternal salvation secure. The wise ones of this world, in worldly matters, take every precaution at the proper time towards obtaining that gain, that post, that matrimonial alliance; when the health of their body is concerned, they lose no time before applying the needful remedies. What would you say of anyone who, having undertaken an academic contest, would defer preparing himself for it until the time had arrived?
Would not that general indeed be mad, who should wait until besieged, to lay in stores of provisions and arms?
Would not that pilot be mad, who should forget to provide himself with cable and anchors, until the time of the tempest?

That Christian is even in this state, to whom the hour of death arrives before his conscience is made clean in the sight of God.
“When your fear cometh as desolation … then shall they call upon Me but I will not answer, therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way.” (Prov i: 27, 28, 31).
The time of death is a time of tempest and confusion; then will
sinners call upon God to help them but only for fear of hell, to
which they see themselves so near and without a sincere conversion and, therefore, God will not hear them.
Therefore, also, very justly, they shall then reap the fruits of their evil life! Alas for them, it will not be enough to take the Sacraments.
It is necessary to die hating sin and loving God beyond all things but how can he hate forbidden pleasures, who, until that time, has loved them, so much? and how can he love God beyond all things, who, until that time, has loved the creature more than God?
The Lord called those virgins foolish and, indeed, they were so, who wished to prepare their lamps when the bridegroom was nigh.

A sudden death is dreaded by all because there is then no time to settle our accounts. All confess that the Saints were indeed wise because they prepared for death before it came.
And what are we doing? Do we wish to find ourselves in danger of being obliged to prepare for death when death is already near? therefore, now is the time in which we must do that which we shall wish we had done, when death is nigh.
Oh, what anguish will the memory of the time we have lost, and even more, the time that has been badly spent, then cause us – a time given by God to make ourselves worthy,but a time that is past and will never return!
What anguish will it then give us to hear: “Thou canst be no longer steward.”
There will be no more time for repentance, to frequent the
Sacraments, to hear sermons and to pray. What will be done, will be done. We shall then require a sounder mind, a quieter time, to make our confession as it should be made, in order to resolve many points of grave scruple and thus to ease our conscience but, “time will be no longer.”

Affections andPrayers

Ah, my God, if I had died during one of those nights, of which Thou knowest, where now should I have been?
I thank Thee for having waited for me and I also thank Thee for all those moments which would have been spent in everlasting punishment from that time when I first offended Thee.

Ah, give me Thy Light and make me to understand the great wrong I have done Thee, by willingly losing Thy grace which Thou hast merited for me, in sacrificing Thyself upon the Cross for me.
Ah, my Jesus, pardon me, for I repent with my whole heart, above every other evil, of having despised Thy Infinite Goodness. I hope that Thou hast already pardoned me. Ah, help me, O my Saviour, so that I may never lose Thee more.

Ah, my Lord, if again I should offend Thee as I used to do, after having received so many lights and graces from Thee, should I not deserve a special place of torment? Ah, through the merits of that Blood which Thou hast shed through love of me, never permit this. Give me holy perseverance, give me Thy Love.
I love Thee, O my Sovereign Good and I wish never to cease to love Thee, even until my death.
My God, have mercy upon me for the love of Jesus Christ.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MERCY

Quote/s of the Day – 24 September – Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 September – Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom

“She is Virgin and Mother,
what will she not be hereafter?
Holy in body, all beautiful in soul,
pure of mind, upright in intelligence,
perfect in feeling, chaste and faithful,
pure of heart and filled with virtue.
… Mary is the new tree of life who,
instead of the bitter fruit picked by Eve,
gives to mankind that sweet fruit
on which the whole world is fed!”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Deacon in Syria,
Father and Doctor of the Church

“I want, very much, to have a little house
built here for me, in which I will show Him,
I will exalt Him and make Him manifest.
I will give Him to the people
in all my personal love,
in my compassion,
in my help, in my protection
because, I am truly your merciful Mother,
yours and all the people who live
united in this land and of all the other people
of different ancestries, my lovers,
who love me, those who seek me,
those who trust in me.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe
to Juan Diego
1531

O Mary, Twice Mother of Mercy
By St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)

O Mary,
thou art twice Mother of Mercy
because thou hast been made
Mother of our most merciful Saviour,
and, furthermore because,
thou hast given to us
so many signs
of thy maternal care and love.
Turn upon us, we beseech thee,
thy glance of compassion
and grant, that we may always
live free from sin,
which is the only impediment
to receiving the fruits
of the Divine Mercies.
Amen.