Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 September – ‘ … What is this tomb? …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”– St Rose of Viterbo (c1233 – 1251) Virgin – Ferial Day – Galatians 5:16-24, Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… When the Lord … being moved with mercy towards her, He said to her: Weep not.” – Luke 7:13

REFLECTION – “God’s mercy quickly allows itself to be moved by this mother’s tears. She is a widow; the suffering or death of her only son have crushed her… It seems to me that this widow, surrounded by a crowd of people, is more than just a simple woman, deserving of her young and only son’s resurrection through her tears. She is the image itself of Holy Church, who, by her tears, in the midst of the funeral procession and on the brink of the grave, gains a restoration to life of the youthful people of the world … For, at God’s Word, the dead are raised (Jn 5:28), they regain their speech and the mother recovers her son. He is called back from the tomb, snatched from the sepulchre.

What is this tomb of yours, if not your evil behaviour? Your tomb is your lack of faith … Christ sets you free from this sepulchre. If you listen to God’s Word, you will come out of the tomb. And if your sin is too serious for the tears of your repentance to cleanse it, may the tears of your mother, the Church, intercede on your behalf. She is, indeed, full of compassion and feels a wholly maternal, spiritual sorrow when she sees her children dragged off to death by sin!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel V, 89).

PRAYER – Protect Thy Church by Thine abiding mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord and since all mortals fall without Thee, may Thy help keep them from danger and guide them to salvation. May the prayers of Thy virgin the blessed Rose, assist us on our journey to Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 4 September – I Will Love Thee, Lord By St Thomas of Villanova

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 4 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

I Will Love Thee, Lord
By St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

I will love Thee, Lord,
in every way
and without setting limits
to my love.
Thou set no limits to what Thou
hast done for me;
Thou hast not measured Thy gifts.
I will not measure my love.
I will love Thee, Lord,
with all my strength,
with all my powers,
as much as I am able.
Amen

Posted in NAPLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 September – Saint Candida of Naples (Died c78)

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Saint of the Day – 4 September – Saint Candida of Naples (Died c78) Virgin. Co-Patronage – of Naples. She was Baptised by St Peter. Also known as – Candida la Vecchia, Candida the Elder.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Naples, In Campagna, the Birthday of St Candida, who was the first to meet St Peter when he came to that City and being Baptised by him, afterwards ended her holy life in peace.”

The Patron Saints of Naples [Saints Baculus, Euphebius, Francis Borgia, Aspren, and Candida the Elder (kneeling)] adoring the Crucifix, 17th Century. Palazzo Reale, Naples by Luca Giordano. Since the time of this Painting there are many more Co-Patrons of Naples.

Candida was an elderly woman who hospitably welcomed St Peter the Apostle, when he was passing through Naples on his way to Rome. She was cured of an illness by St Peter and converted to Christianity, being Baptised by St Peter.

Candida later converted St Aspren, who became the first Bishop of Naples.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Consolazione / Our Lady of Consolation (1436), St Rose of Viterbo and all the Saints for 4 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Madonna della Consolazione / Our Lady of Consolation, or Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted, (from the Latin Consolatrix Afflictorum): (1436) – 4 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/04/madonna-della-consolazione-our-lady-of-consolation-or-mary-consoler-of-the-afflicted-1436-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-september/

More about Our Lady of Consolation here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/04/4-september-feast-of-our-lady-of-consolation/

And about The Augustinians, Our Lady of Consolation and The “Augustinian Rosary”
The “Corona (or Crown) of Our Mother of Consolation.”
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/04/second-thought-for-the-day-4-september-the-augustinians-our-lady-of-consolation-and-the-augustinian-rosary/

St Rose of Viterbo TOSF (c 1233 – 1251) Virgin, Preacher – Member of the Franciscan Third Order, Recluse, Miracle-Worker. Rose was quickly acclaimed a Saint by the people of Viterbo who brought her incorrupt body to the Poor Clare Monastery which had refused her entry in life. Pope Innocent IV immediately began the process for her Canonisation but, for various reasons, her cause did not proceed 1457 when she was Canonised.
Her Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-st-rose-of-viterbo-c-1233-1251/

St Ammianus the Martyr
St Caletricus of Chartres
St Candida of Naples (Died c78) Virgin
St Candida the Younger
St Castus of Ancyra

Blessed Catherine of Racconigi OP (1486-1547) Third Order Dominican, Mystic, Stigmatist. Pope Pius VII confirmed her holiness and cult in 1810 by naming her Blessed.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-blessed-catherine-of-racconigi-op-1486-1547/

St Fredaldo of Mende
St Hermione

St Ida of Herzfeld (c 770-825) Laywoman, Widow, Apostle of the poor.
About St Ida:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-saint-ida-of-herzfeld-c-770-c-825/

St Irmgard of Cologne (c1000-c1065 or c1082-1089) Countess, Recluse, Pilgrim, Founder of many Churches and Apostle of the poor.
Her Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-st-irmgard-of-cologne-c1000-c1065-or-c1082-1089-virgin/


St Julian the Martyr
St Magnus of Ancyra
St Marcellus of Chalon-sur-Saône
St Marcellus of Treves
St Maximus of Ancyra
St Monessa
St Moses the Prophet
St Oceanus the Martyr
Bl Peter of Saint James
St Rebecca of Alexandria
St Rhuddlad

St Rosalia (c1130-c1160) Sicilean Virgin, Recluse, known as “La Santuzza” – “The Little Saint” On 4 September, a tradition of Pilgrimage of walking barefoot from Palermo up to Mount Pellegrino is observed in honour of Rosalia.
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-saint-rosalia-c-1130-c-1160/

St Rufinus of Ancyra
St Salvinus of Verdun
St Silvanus of Ancyra
St Sulpicius of Bayeux
St Thamel
St Theodore the Martyr
St Ultan of Ardbraccan
St Victalicus

Posted in QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St Alphonsus de Liguori,

Thought for the Day – 3 September – CONSIDERATION III: First Point “For what is your life?”

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Thought for the Day – 3 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 III

“For what is your life?
It is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.”
(St James iv: 14)

FIRST POINT:
WHAT is your life?
It is like unto a vapour which is dispersed by a breath of wind and is no more.
All know they must die but, the mistake so many make, is, they imagine that death is so far off, it will never overtake them.
But no! for Job warns us that the life of man is short:
“ Man is of few days. …. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down.” (Job xiv: i, 2.)
The Lord commanded Isaiah to preach this same truth:
“Cry,” He said to him,
“All flesh is grass. ….
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth.” (Isa xl: 6, 7)
The life of man is like the life of a blade of grass; death comes, the blade is dried up and behold, life is finished and the flower of all grandeur and of all earthly possessions, is cut down.
“My days are swifter than a post.” (Job ix: 25).
Death comes to meet us more quickly than a messenger and we, at every moment, run towards death. At every step we take, at every breath we draw, we approach death.

“During the time I write,” observes St Jerome, “I am approaching death.”
“For we must needs die and are as water spilt on the ground which cannot be gathered up again.” (2 Sam xiv: 14).
Thou’seest how that stream flows to the sea and these running waters, they will never return again, thus, my brother, do thy days pass and thou drawest near to death, so do thy pleasures pass thy amusements, pomps, praises, acclamations and what remains?
“The graves are ready for me.” (Job xvii: I).
We shall be cast into a grave and there we shall have to lie deprived of everything. At the moment of death the remembrance of all the delights enjoyed in life, of all the honours we have acquired, will only serve to increase the grief and the mistrust which we shall feel as to obtaining eternal salvation. The miserable wordly one will then exclaim, ‘Alas! my house, my gardens, that furniture, those paintings, those garments, within a short time will no longer be mine!’
“The graves are ready for me.”

Alas! for at that time no earthly possession will be regarded, except with sorrow, by him who has loved it with such devotedness.
And this grief will only serve to place the salvation of the soul in greater danger; for we know that those who are so fond of the world, at the time of death, will only permit their infirmities, the physicians who are to be called in and the remedies which may relieve them, to be discussed and when the condition of their souls is spoken of, they immediately grow weary and desire that they maybe left to repose because they have a headache and they cannot bear the noise of conversation and when, sometimes they answer, they become confused, neither do they know what to say. Even so, do those die who think but little upon death.

Affections andPrayers

Ah, my God and Lord of Infinite greatness, I blush to appear before Thee. How often have I esteemed Thy friendship of less moment than a base pleasure, a passion of anger, a vain whim, a vapour?

I adore and kiss Thy holy Wounds which I, nevertheless, have inflicted on Thee by my sins but, through which, however, I hope for pardon and salvation.
Make me to feel, O my Jesus, the grievous wrong I have done Thee in leaving Thee, Thou Who art the Fountain of all good, to drink of waters which are putrid and poisonous. What do I now feel because of all my many offences against Thee, except remorse of conscience and fruits for hell?

“Father, …. lam unworthy to be called Thy son.” (St Luke xv: 21).
My Father, do not cast me from Thee. It is true I do not
deserve Thy Love, that I may become Thy son but Thou hast died to give me pardon. Thou hast said, “Turn ye unto Me, . . . and I will turn unto you.” (Zach i: 3) .
I leave every gratification, I renounce all the pleasures the world can give me and I turn to Thee.
Pardon me through that Blood which Thou hast shed for me, for I repent with all my heart, for all the offences which I have committed against Thee. I repent, for I love Thee beyond all other things. I am not worthy to love Thee but Thou art indeed worthy to be loved, let me love Thee, do
not turn from me, let this heart which once neglected Thee, now love Thee.
Thou didst not leave me to die, when I was living in sin, in order that I might come to love Thee yes, I do indeed desire to love Thee during the remainder of my life and, I would love none but Thee. Help me, give me holy perseverance and Thy most holy Love.

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, INDULGENCES, PARTIAL Indulgence, PLENARY Indulgences, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS

Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – St Pius X

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor

Ejaculation at the Elevation
in the Mass and
at the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

“Dominus meus, et Deus meus!
My Lord and my God!”

(These words are to be said with faith, piety, and love, while looking upon the Blessed Sacrament, either during the Elevation in the Mass, or when exposed on the Altar. Indulgence of 7 years — Pius X, 1907)

“JESUS, meek and humble of HEART, make my heart like unto Thine.”
INDULGENCE: 300 Days, EVERYTIME. (Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.)
St Pope Pius X, 15 September 1905

“Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in Thee.”

(300 Days Indulgence. St. Pius X 1906.)

“EUCHARISTIC Heart of JESUS, have mercy on us.”
INDULGENCE: 300 Days. TQ Toties Quoties = any number of times.
St Pius X, 26 July 1907; 26 December 1907 – Raccolta 176.

“Is it permitted for Catholics
to be present at, or to take part in,
conventions, gatherings, meetings,
or societies of non-Catholics
which aim to associate together
under a single agreement everyone who,
in any way, lays claim to the name of Christian?
IN THE NEGATIVE! …
It is clear, therefore,
why this Apostolic See
has never allowed its subjects,
to take part in
the assemblies of non-Catholics.”

MORE
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/03/quote-s-of-the-day-3-september-st-pius-x/

St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 September – ‘ … Love is not a miracle but a work! …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor – Thessalonians 2:2-8; John 21:15-17 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Thou knowest that I love Thee.
He said to him: Feed My sheep.” – John 21:17

REFLECTION – “Let us follow the manner of life of the Apostles and we will be their inferiors in nothing. For it was not their miracles which made them Apostles, it was the holiness of their lives. It is by this means, a disciple of Christ is recognised. The Lord Himself clearly gave us this sign. When He wanted to draw a portrait of His disciples and make known the sign that marked out His Apostles, He said: “This is how all will know thou art My disciples,” How? By working miracles? Raising the dead? Not at all! How, then? “This is how all will know thou art My disciples, if thou hast love for one another” (Jn 13:35).

Love is not a miracle but a work! “Love is the fulfillment of the Law” (Rm 13:10) … Therefore, have love among thyselves and thou wilt be counted among the Apostles, even amongst the first of them. Do thou want another proof of this teaching? See how Christ addressed Peter: “Peter, dost thou love me more than these?” There is nothing which enables us to win the Kingdom of Heaven more, than loving Christ as He deserves … What are we to do to love more than the Apostles did? … Listen to Christ, the very One we are to love: “If thou loves Me more than these, be the shepherd of My sheep”… Zeal, compassion, attentiveness are deeds, not miracles!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (2nd Sermon on the inscription to the Book of the Acts of the Apostles).

PRAYER – O God Who, for the defence of the Catholic faith and the restoration of all things in Christ, filled St Pius, the Supreme Pontiff, with heavenly wisdom and apostolic fearlessness, mercifully grant that, by following his teachings and examples, we may receive Thy eternal rewards. 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 CARPENTERS, WOODWORKERS, JOINERS, CABINETMMAKERS, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, SAINT of the DAY, WORKERS

Our Morning Offering – 3 September – O Glorious St Joseph, Model of Labour By St Pius X

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 3 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor and today, Wednesday, being St Joseph’s day. St Joseph continues his fatherly guardianship of Christ’s Body, the Holy Catholic Church. He is a very powerful intercessor for all of us. [Sorry friends, I got the days confused, thinking today was Wednesday – but no time to change this prayer and anyway we should pray it every day 😬😉]

O Glorious St Joseph,
Model of Labour
A Prayer to St Joseph, Daily Before Work
By St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor

O glorious St. Joseph,
model of all those who are devoted to labour,
obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously,
putting the call of duty above
my natural inclinations;
to work with gratitude and joy,
in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sins, considering it an honour to employ
and develop, by means of labour,
the gifts received from God,
to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking
from weariness and difficulties,
to work above all, with purity of intention
and detachment from self,
having always, death before my eyes
and the account which I must render of time lost,
of talents wasted, of good omitted,
of vain complacency in success,
so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all through Mary,
all after thine example, O Patriarch, St Joseph.
Such shall be my watchword in life and in death.
Amen

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, Of Catechists, Of First COMMUNICANTS, Of PILGRIMS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 September – Saint Pope Pius X (1835-1914)

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Saint of the Day – 3 September – Saint Pope Pius X (1835-1914) “Pope of the Blessed Sacrament” – born on 2 June 1835 at Riese, Diocese of Treviso, Venice, Austria (now Italy) as Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto (familiarly known as Joseph Sarto) and died on 20 August 1914 at Vatican City. He reigned from 4 August 1903 until his death in August 1914. Patronages – First Communicants, Catechists, Pilgrims, 7 Diocese, Patriarchy of Venice. His Incorrupt body lies at St Peter’s Basilica. He was Beatified on 3 June 1951 by Pope Pius XII and Canonised on 29 May 1954 by the same Pope.

Pope St Pius X
From the Roman Breviary

Pope Pius X, whose name previously was Joseph Sarto, was born in the Village of Riese in the Venetian Province, to humble parents remarkable for their Godliness and piety. He enrolled among the students in the Seminary of Padua, where he exhibited such piety and learning that he was, both an example to his fellow students and, the admiration of his teachers. Upon his Ordination to the Priesthood, he laboured for several years, first as Curate in the Town of Tombolo, then as Parish Priest at Salzano.

He applied himself to his duties with such a constant flow of charity and, such Priestly zeal and, was so distinguished by the holiness of his life, that the Bishop of Treviso appointed him as a Canon of the Cathedral Church and made him the Chancellor of the Bishop’s Curia, as well as Spiritual Director of the Diocesan Seminary. His performance in these duties was so outstanding and so highly impressed Pope Leo XIII that he appointed him as the Bishop of the Church of Mantua.

Lacking in nothing which maketh a good shepherd, he laboured particularly, to teach young men called to the Priesthood, as well as fostering the growth of devout associations and the beauty and dignity of Divine worship. He would ever affirm and promote, the laws upon which Christian civilisation depend and, while leading himself a life of poverty, never missed the opportunity to alleviate the burden of poverty in others.

Because of his great merits, he was made a Cardinal and created Patriarch of Venice. After the death of Pope Leo XIII, when the votes of the College of Cardinals began to increase in his favour, he tried in vain with supplications and tears, to be relieved of so heavy a burden. Finally he ceded to their persuasions, saying I accept the cross. Thus he accepted the Crown of the Supreme Pontificate as a cross, offering himself to God, with a resigned but stedfast spirit.

Placed upon the Chair of Peter, he gave up nothing of his former way of life. He shone, especially in humility, simplicity and poverty, so that he was able to write in his Last Testament: I was born in poverty, I lived in poverty and I wish to die in poverty. His humility, however, nourished his soul with strength, when it concerned the glory of God, the liberty of Holy Church and the salvation of souls.

A man of passionate temperament and of firm purpose, he ruled the Church firmly as it entered into the 20th Century and adorned it with brilliant teachings. He restored the Sacred music to its pristine glory and dignity; he established Rome as the principal centre for the study of the Holy Scripture; he ordered the reform of the Roman Curia with great wisdom; he restored the laws concerning the faithful for the instruction of the Catechism; he introduced the custom of more frequent and even daily reception of the Holy Eucharist, as well as permitting its reception by children as soon as they reach the age of reason; he zealously promoted the growth of Catholic Action; he provided for the sound education of Clerics and increased the number of Seminaries in their divers regions; he encouraged every Priest in the practice of the interior life; he brought the laws of the Church together into one body; he condemned and suppressed those most pernicious errors known collectively as Modernism; he suppressed the custom of civil veto at the Election of a Supreme Pontiff.


Finally, worn out with his labours and overcome with grief at the European War which had just begun, he went to his heavenly reward on the 20th day of August in the year 1914. Renowned throughout all the world for the fame of his holiness and miracles, Pope Pius XII, with the approbation of the whole world, numbered him among the Saints.

On 19 May 1944, the body of Pius X was exhumed for inspection as part of the Beatification process, during which the remains were found to be miraculously Incorrupt. On 29 May 1954, less than three years after his Beatification, Pius X was Canonised, following the recognition of two further miracles.

St Pius X Lying in State
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre Dame de Brebières / Mother of the Divine Shepherd, St Pius X and all the Saints for 3 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Notre Dame de Brebières / Mother of the Divine Shepherd, France (also known as Le Divine Bergère – The Divine Shepherdess) – 3 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/03/notre-dame-de-brebieres-mother-of-the-divine-shepherd-france-also-known-as-le-divine-bergere-the-divine-shepherdess-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-september/

St Pope Pius X (1835-1914) “Pope of the Blessed Sacrament” Feast Day pre-1969is today, the date of his election to the Pontificate
St Pius X:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/21/saint-of-the-day-21-august-st-pope-pius-x-1835-1914-pope-of-the-blessed-sacrament/

The Memorial of the Raising to the Pontificate of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor of the Church – St Gregory is celebrated on 12 March, the day of his death (Pre 1969 Feast Day). All about this Great Holy Father: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/saint-of-the-day-3-september-st-pope-gregory-the-great-540-604-father-doctor-of-the-church/

And The Eucharistic Miracle of St Pope Gregory:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/03/saint-of-the-day-3-september-st-pope-gregory-the-great-540-604-father-doctor-of-the-church-father-of-the-fathers/

St Aigulphus of Lérins
St Ambrose of Sens
St Ammon of Heraclea
Bl Andrew Dotti
St Auxanus
St Balin
St Basilissa of Nicomedia

St Chariton
St Chrodegang of Séez
St Frugentius the Martyr

Blessed Guala de Ronii of Brescia OP ( 1180-1244) Bishop and Friar of the Order of Preachers.
An Early Disciple of St Dominic:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/03/saint-of-the-day-3-september-blessed-guala-de-ronii-of-brescia-op-1180-1244-bishop/

St Hereswitha
Bl Herman of Heidelberg
St Macanisius
St Mansuetus of Toul
St Marinus (Died c 366)
St Martiniano of Como
St Natalis of Casale

St Phoebe (1st Century) Disciple of St Paul – Deaconess at Cenchrese, Matron and possibly a widow. She is mentioned by the Apostle St Paul in his Epistle to the Romans, verses 16:1-2.
About St Phoebe:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/03/saint-of-the-day-3-september-st-phoebe-1st-century/

St Regulus of Rheims
St Remaclus
St Sandila of Cordoba
St Vitalian of Capua (Died 699) Bishop

Martyrs of Aquileia – 4 Saints: Four young women, variously sisters and cousins, who were born to the nobility, the daughters of the pagans Valentinianus of Aquileia and Valentius of Aquileia. Each woman converted and made private vows, dedicating themselves to God. They were arrested, tortured and martyred by order of Valentius for becoming a Christian. We know little else but their names – Dorothy, Erasma, Euphemia and Thecla. They were martyred by beheaded in the 1st century in Aquileia, Italy and their bodies were thrown into a nearby river.

Martyrs of Nagasaki – 6 Beati: A group of Priests and Clerics, native and foreign, murdered together in the anti-Christian persecutions in Japan. They were scalded in boiling water and then burned alive on 3 September 1632 in Nishizaka, Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX. They are: Anthony Ishida, Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez, Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez, Gabriel Tarazona Rodríguez, Jerome of the Cross de Torres, Vicente Simões de Carvalho

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 2 September –CONSIDERATION II, Third Point: “An end, the end is come.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 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 II

“An end, the end is come.”
(Ezek vii: 2)

THIRD POINT:
David likened the happiness of this present life to a dream,
-when one awakens: “Yea, even like as a dream, when one
awaketh.” (Ps Ixxiii: 19) .
A certain author observes:
“In a dream, the senses being at rest, great things appear and are not and quickly vanish away. ”
The goods of this world appear great but in truth, they are nothing, like sleep, they last but a short time and then they all vanish away.

This thought, namely, that all things end with death, made St Francis Borgia give himself up entirely to God. This Saint was obliged to accompany the body of the Empress Isabella to Granada. When the coffin was opened, all those present fled because of the dreadful sight and smell but St Francis, led by Divine Light, remained to contemplate, in that body, the vanity of the world and looking upon it, he said:
“Art thou then my empress?
Art thou that great one to whom so many great ones bowed the knee?
O my mistress, Isabella, where is now thy majesty and
thy beauty?
Even thus,” he concluded within himself,
“do the grandeurs and the crowns of this world end.
From this day forward, I will, therefore, serve a Master Who can never die!”
Therefore, from that time, he gave himself entirely to the love of Jesus Crucified and then, he formed this resolution, that if his wife should die, he would become a religious which resolution he afterwards fulfilled by entering the Society of Jesus.
Truly, then, did one disabused of the world write these words on a skull:
“It is impossible for him who thinks upon death, to love the world and. therefore. are there so many unhappy lovers of this world because they do not think upon death.”

“O ye sons of men, how long will ye blaspheme mine honour and have such pleasure in vanity and seek after pleasing?” (Ps iv: 2) O miserable children of Adam, the Holy Ghost warns us. why, therefore, do you not drive away from your hearts, that affection for the world which causes you to love vanity and deceit? That which happened to your forefathers will one day happen to you, they, at one time were living in the same houses and many slept upon the same beds which you do now but now they are no more – the same will happen to you.

Therefore, my brother, give thyself now to God, before death shall come to Thee.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”(Eccles ix: 10) .
Whatsoever thou canst do to-day, do it and wait not until to-morrow because this day will pass away and will never return and to-morrow death might overtake you, so that you would then be able to do nothing at all.
Quickly remove yourself from all that separates, or that may separate you from God.
Let us now give up all our love for this world’s goods, before death takes them away from us by force!
“Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord.” (Rev xiv:13). Blessed are those, who, when dying, are found dead to the affection o fthis world.
By such as these, death is not feared, it is desired, it is joyfully embraced, for instead of separating them from all that they love, it then unites them to their Sovereign
Good, Who is alone loved by them and Who, will make them blessed for evermore.

Affections andPrayers

My dear Redeemer, I indeed thank Thee for having waited
for me. What would have become of me if I had died when I
was far from Thee? Forever blessed be Thy mercy and Thy
patience which Thou hast exercised towards me, during the
many years past.
I thank Thee for the light and grace with which Thou dost now assist me. At one time I did not love Thee and then, I cared little for being loved by Thee.

Now, I love Thee, with all my heart and now, I have no greater grief, than what I feel, for having once displeased a God so gracious. This grief torments me but the torment is sweet because, this grief gives me confidence that Thou hast indeed pardoned me.
My sweet Saviour, would that I had died over and over again, rather than once even, to have given Thee offence.
I tremble and fear, lest at any time, I should ever again displease Thee.
Ah, rather let me die a most painful death, than that I
should ever again lose Thy grace.
Once I was the slave of hell but now, I am Thy servant, O God of my soul.

Thou hast said that Thou wilt love those who love Thee.
I love them who love me.
I do love Thee, therefore, Thou art mine and I am Thine.
I might lose Thee at some time but this is the grace which I seek, namely, it would be better for me to die, than to lose Thee again. Thou hast given me so many graces that I have not asked Thee. for, therefore, I cannot fear that Thou wilt fail to grant me this grace, for which I am now asking Thee.

Never again let me lose Thee; give me Thy holy Love and nothing more can I desire!

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 September – St Stephen, King of Hungary

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 September – St Stephen, King of Hungary (c975- 1038) Confessor

“Do not look forward in fear
to the changes of life,
rather, look to them
with full hope that, as they arise,
God, Whose very Own you are,
will lead you safely through all things
and, when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His Arms.”

“Be merciful to all
who are suffering violence,
keeping always in your heart
the example of the Lord
who said:
‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-september-st-stephen-king-of-hungary/

St Stephen of Hungary (c975- 1038)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 September – ‘ … Let us be watchful to observe and to do, the Lord’s precepts … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 2 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Stephen King of Hungary (c975- 1038) Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Luke 19:12-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I say to you that to everyone who has, shall be given but from him, who does not have, even that which he has, shall be taken away.” – Luke 19;26

REFLECTION – “The Lord was looking to our days when He said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8) We see that what He foretold has come to pass. There is no faith in the fear of God, in the law of righteousness, in love, in good works …. That which our conscience would fear if it believed, it does not fear because it does not believe at all. If it believed, it would also take heed and if it took heed, it would be saved.

Therefore, beloved brothers, let us arouse ourselves as much as we can and break the slumber of our listlessness. Let us be watchful to observe and to do the Lord’s precepts. Let us be like He Himself, has bidden us to be, saying, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately, when He comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants, whom the Master finds vigilant on His arrival“.

We ought to be dressed for work, lest, when the day of setting forth comes, it should find us burdened and entangled. Let our light shine, in good works and glow, in such a way, as to lead us from the night of this world, to the daylight of eternal brightness. Let us always wait with solicitude and caution for the sudden coming of the Lord, so that when he knocks, our faith may be on the watch and receive from the Lord, the reward of our vigilance. If these commands be observed, if these warnings and precepts be kept, we will not be overtaken in slumber, by the deceit of the devil. But we shall reign with Christ in His Kingdom, as servants on the watch.” – St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200-258) Bishop of Carthage and Martyr, Father of the Church (Treatise on the unity of the Church, 26-27).

PRAYER – We beseech Thee, Almighty God, that Thy Church be worthy to have as her glorious defender in Heaven, the blessed Stephen, Thy Confessor, whom she had as her champion while he reigned on earth. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 2 September – To Our Lady of Sorrows By St Bonaventure

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Our Morning Offering – 2 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

To Our Lady of Sorrows
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O most holy Virgin,
Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
by the overwhelming grief thou experienced
when thou witnessed the Martyrdom,
the Crucifixion and the Death,
of Thy Divine Son,
look upon me, with eyes of compassion
and awaken in my heart,
a tender commiseration for those sufferings
and a sincere detestation of my sins,
in order that,
being disengaged from all undue affection
for the passing joys of this earth,
I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem
and that, henceforward, all my thoughts
and all my actions may be directed
towards this one most desirable object,
the honour, glory and love
of our divine Lord Jesus,
and to thee,
the Holy and Immaculate
Mother of God.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 September – Saint Lanfranco of Vercelli (5th Century) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 2 September – Saint Lanfranco of Vercelli (5th Century) Bishop of Vercelli in Italy. Most information regarding his life is unknown.

Lanfranco was the eleventh in the chronology of the Bishops of Vercelli, Italy, successor to Saint Emiliano I. He governed the Diocese for nine years, at the end of the 5th Century.

It is recorded: “After his death, he was canonically acclaimed as a Saint by all writers, both in Vercelli and foreign”.

The name of this holy Bishop of Vercelli has never been included in the Roman Martyrology but it does indicates how legitimate the cult as “Saints” and “Blessed” of those to whom these titles have been recognised for centuries, in the Diocesan calendars and catalogues.

Vercelli Cathedral High Altar
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Montagna / Our Lady of the Mountain, Italy (1144), St Stephen, King of Hungar and all the Saints for 2 September

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Madonna della Montagna / Our Lady of the Mountain, Polsi di San Luca, Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy (1144) – 2 September :
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/02/madonna-della-montagna-our-lady-of-the-mountain-polsi-di-san-luca-reggio-calabria-calabria-italy-1144-and-memorials-of-the-saints-2-september/

St Stephen King of Hungary (c975- 1038) Confessor, Apostle of Hungary, King and Marian devotee, Apostle of the Needy, Evangeliser and Missionary.
(Feast moved after Vatican II to 16 August).
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/16/saint-of-the-day-16-august-st-stephen-of-hungary-c-975-038-apostle-of-hungary/

Bl Albert of Pontida
St Antoninus of Pamiers
St Antoninus of Syria

Blessed Antonio Franco (1585-1626) Monsignor, Priest, Penitent, Ascetic.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/02/saint-of-the-day-2-september-blessed-antonio-franco-1585-1626/

St Brocard
St Castor of Apt
St Comus of Crete
St Eleazar the Patriarch
St Elpidius of Lyon
St Elpidius the Cappadocian
St Hieu

St Ingrid of Sweden OP (Died 1282) Dominican Religious and Mystic.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/02/saint-of-the-day-2-september-st-ingrid-of-sweden-o-p-died-1292/

St Justus of Lyons (Died c390) Bishop, Confessor
St Lanfranco of Vercelli (5th Century) Bishop
St Lolanus
St Margaret of Louvain
St Maxima

St Nonnossus (c500-c575) Monk, Abbot and Deacon.
Not to be confused with St Raymond Nonnatus:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/02/saint-of-the-day-2-september-saint-nonnosus-c500-c-575/

St Prospero of Tarragona
St Theodota of Bithynia
St Valentine of Strasbourg
St William of Roeskilde

Marytrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. No details about them but their names have survived – Concordius, Theodore and Zenone. They were martyrd in
Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).

The Holy Martyrs of September (Died 1792) – 191 beati: Also known as – Martyrs of Paris, Martyrs of Carmes. They were massacred by a mobs on 2 September and 3 September 1792 and Beatified on 17 October 1926 by Pope Pius XI.
THEIR LIVES AND DEATHS:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/02/saint-s-of-the-day-2-september-

Martyrs of 2 September – 10 Saints: A group of ten Martyrs; their names are on old Martyrologies but we have lost all record of their lives and deaths. They were Canonised: Antoninus, Diomedes, Eutychian, Hesychius, Julian, Leonides, Menalippus, Pantagapes, Philadelphus, Philip.

Holy Bishops of Rennes:
Honours all the Bishops of the Diocese of Rennes, France who have been recognised as Saints and Beati. They include
Saint Maximinus of Rennes
Saint Modéran of Rennes
Saint Rambert of Rennes
Saint Riotisme of Rennes
Saint Servius of Rennes
Saint Synchronius of Rennes

Posted in INDULGENCES, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The SIGN of the CROSS

SEPTEMBER – Month of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross

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SEPTEMBER

Month of The Seven Sorrows
of the Blessed Virgin Mary and
The Holy Cross

The Seven Sorrows of
the Blessed Virgin Mary

1, The prophecy of Simeon
2. The Flight to Egypt
3. Loss of Child Jesus for 3 days
4. Meeting Jesus carrying His Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
6. The Pieta – receiving Jesus’ Body
The Burial of Jesus

Bid me bear, O Mother Blest,
On my heart, the wounds imprest,
Suffered by the Crucified!

An Indulgence of 50 days each time.
Plenary Indulgence once a month under the usual conditions.

“Yet, after all, it is reasonable that the charitable should suffer when we remember that the Lord and model of all charity, suffered all things simply because of His charity. What else caused His Agony in the Garden, His cruel Scourging at the Pillar, and His dereliction on the Cross? It was all the result of His Divine Charity.
We, therefore,, if we are to follow in His steps, must expect to encounter the same results as a reward for any charity if it resembles His, however remotely. If we are wise, we shall rejoice in any sign that we are to be honoured by sharing our Master’s lot!” Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Relic of the Holy Cross
Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH

Thought for the Day – 1 September –CONSIDERATION II, Second Point: “An end, the end is come.”

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Thought for the Day – 1 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 II

“An end, the end is come.”
(Ezek vii: 2)

SECOND POINT:
Philip II, King of Spain, being near death, called his son to
him and casting aside his royal robe and showing him his
breast which was all gnawed by worms, said to him:
“Prince, see how we die and see how all the grandeur of this world is finished.” Theodoret spoke truly when he said, that “death fears neither riches nor guards, nor the purple; rottenness follows and health fails.”
So that everyone who dies, although he may be a Prince, takes nothing with him to the grave; all the glory remains upon the bed where he died.
“For he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth, neither shall his pomp follow him.” (Ps xlix: 17).

St Antoninus relates that when Alexander the Great was dead, a certain philosopher, exclaiming, said:
“Behold he who was treading upon the earth yesterday, now, by that same earth is possessed.
Yesterday, the whole earth was not enough for him, now, he lies in about seven spans thereof.
Yesterday, he conducted his armies over the earth and now, he is taken by a few men to be put under the earth.”

But rather let us listen to God, when He says: “Why are earth and ashes proud?” (Ecclus x: 9).
Man, dost thou not see, that thou art nothing but dust and ashes and of what, therefore, art thou proud ? Why, therefore, dost thou spend thy years and thy thoughts in seeking to make thyself great in this world? Death will soon come and then, all thy grandeur will come to an end and also all thy designs.
“And then, all his thoughts perish.” (Ps cxlvi: 3).

Oh how much happier was the death of St Paul the Hermit,
who lived for sixty years shut up in a cave, than the death of Nero, who was the Emperor of Rome?
How much happier was the death of Felix, a Capuchin Lay Brother, than the death of Henry VIII, who lived in Royal splendour but who was the enemy of God?
But we must consider, that these holy men, in order to die such a happy death, gave up everything – their country, the hopes and pleasures which the world offered them and they embraced a life which was poor and despised. They buried their lives in this world, so that they might not be buried when dead, in hell!

But how can the worldly, who are living in sin in worldly pleasure, in dangerous occasions, how can they, I repeat, hope to die a happy death? God now threatens those who are living in sin that when they are on the bed of death, they will seek Him but they will not find Him.
“Ye shall seek me and shall not find me.” (St John vii: 34)
God says, that that will be the time for vengeance but not for mercy.
“To Me belongetl vengeance and recompence.” (Deut xxxii: 35).
Reason tells us the same, for at the hour of death, a worldly man will find his mind fails him, his heart dark and hardened because of his evil habits, his temptations will be very strong; how can he, who in life has been wont to yield to sin and to let sin conquer him, how can such an one, I say, ever expect to be able to resist temptation at the hour of death?
An all-powerful Divine grace is then needed to change his heart but will God give him this Divine grace? Has he deserved it, during the unholy life he has led And does he deserve it now that he is dying? And yet, this is a question concerning his eternal happiness or his eternal misery! How is it then that he, who thinks upon this and believes in the Truths of Faith, does not give up everything, so as to give himself entirely to God, Who, according to our works, so will He judge us?

Affections andPrayers

Ah, Lord, how many nights have I, wretched one who I am,
laid me down to sleep at enmity with Thee!?
O God, what a wretched state was my soul then in!
It was hated by Thee and it did not ‘mind Thy hatred. Once I was condemned to hell, the sentence only remained to be executed. But Thou, my God, hast never ceased to seek me, and to invite me to pardon.
But who is it who can assure me that I am pardoned now?
Must I live, my Jesus, in this fear until the time shall come for me to be judged?
But the grief that I feel at having offended Thee; the desire which I have, to love Thee and much more, Thy great compassion, my Beloved Redeemer; make me hope to
remain in Thy blessed favour.
I am very sorry for having offended Thee, O Thou Sovereign Good and I love Thee beyond all things. I have resolved to lose all, rather than lose Thy grace and Thy holy Love.
Thou desirest that heart which seeks Thee to rejoice.
“Let the heart of them rejoice who seek the Lord.” (i Chron xvi: 10).
O Lord, I detest my offences against Thee; give me courage and confidence do not reproach me with my ingratitude, for I am very conscious of it, I detest it.
Thou hast said:
“I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” (Ezek xxxiii: 11).
Yes, my God, I will leave all and be converted to Thee.
I seek Thee, I desire Thee and I love Thee more than all things.
Give me Thy holy Love and I ask for nothing more.

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, St Francis de Sales, St PETER!, The WORD, VENIAL SIN

Quote/s of the Day – 1 September – Arise!

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Quote/s of the Day – 1 September – Pentecost XV – Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10; Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Young man,
I say to thee,
arise!”

Luke 7:14

“Rather blessed are those
who hear the Word of God
and keep it.’”

Luke 11:28

“She began to bathe His feet with her tears
and wiped them with the hair of her head
and kissed His feet
and anointed them with ointment.”

Luke 7:38

“Make ready then the vessel of your soul
that you may become a son of God
and an heir of God
and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17);
if, indeed, you are preparing yourself
that you may receive;
if you are drawing near in faith
that you may be made faithful;
if of set purpose,
you are putting off the old man!”

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Do not content yourself
with confessing your venial sins
merely as to the fact
but accuse yourself too,
of the motive which induced you
to commit them.”

(Introduction to the Devout Life,
Part II, Chapter 19).

“Christ was more concerned
with St. Peter’s repentance and remorse,
than with his sin.”

(The Spirit of St. François de Sales, VII, 8)

​St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 September – “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead and Christ will give you Light! ” (Eph 5:14)

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One Minute Reflection – 1 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Giles (c650 – c710) Abbot – Pentecost XV – Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10; Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Young man, I say to thee, arise!” – Luke 7:14

REFLECTION – “Let no-one who is Christian doubt that even now, dead people rise. Certainly, every human being has eyes, by which he can see dead people rising, in the way this widow’s son, whom we just heard about in the Gospel, arose. But not everyone can see people who are spiritually dead rise. For that, it is necessary to have already risen interiorly. It is greater to raise someone, who is to live forever than to raise someone, who will have to die again.

The young man’s mother, this widow, was transported with joy at seeing her son rise. Our Mother, the Church, also rejoices when she sees her children’s spiritual resurrection everyday. The widow’s son was dead with the death of the body but these latter, are dead with the death of the soul. People wept tears over the visible death of the former but people were not concerned by the invisible death of the latter – they did not even see it. The only One Who did not remain indifferent, is the One Who knew these deaths – only the One, Who could give life back to them, knew these deaths. For if the Lord had not come to raise the dead, the Apostle Paul would not have said: “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead and Christ will give you Light.” (Eph 5:14).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 98).

PRAYER – May the pleading of blessed Giles Abbo,t make us acceptable unto Thee O Lord, we pray that what we may not have through any merits of our own, we may gain by means of his patronage. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 1 September – What Can I Say? By St Anselm

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Our Morning Offering – 1 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

What Can I Say?
By St Anselm (1033-1109)
Magnificent Doctor
Marian Doctor

My most merciful Lady,
what can I say about the fountains
that flowed from your most pure eyes
when you saw your only Son before you,
bound, beaten and suffering?
What do I know of the flood
that drenched your matchless face,
when you beheld your Son,
your Lord and your God,
stretched on the Cross without guilt,
when the flesh of your flesh
was cruelly butchered by wicked men?
How can I judge, what sobs,
troubled your most pure breast,
when you heard, “Woman, behold your son,”
and the disciple, “Behold, your Mother,”
when you received as a son
the disciple in place of the Master,
the servant for the Lord?
Amen

From “The Prayers and Meditations of Saint Anselm with the Proslogion,” Benedicta Ward, trans,1973, Penguin classics, Penguin Group (UK).

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 1 September – St Constantius (Died c570) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 1 September – St Constantius (Died c570) Bishop of Aquino, Italy. Gifted with the charism of Prophecy, St Gregory the Great himself says, in particular, that our Saint shone through the gift of prophecy and miracles. Patronage -Co-Patron with St Thomas Aquinas of the City of Aquino and the Diocese of Sora-Cassino-Aquino-Pontecorvo, Italy, Also known as – Constance, Costantino… Constanzo…

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Aquino, Saint Constantius, a Bishop renowned for the gift of prophecy and many virtues.”

Aquino Cathedral dedicated to the Co-Patrons, St Constantius and St Thomas Aquinas

What we know about Constantius comes from two passages of St Gregory the Great, who reports that this holy Bishop of Aquino had died not long before, during the Pontificate of Pope John. Gifted with a prophetic spirit, when he was at the end of his life, his neighbours, who, mourning his imminent loss, anxiously asked him who they would have after him, Constantius replied: “After Constantius a muleteer and after the muleteer, a clothes washer, alas, miserable you, Aquino and let that be enough for you!”

Having said this, he died. His Deacon Andrew, who had previously governed mules and horses, succeeded him in the pastoral care and when he died, Giovinius, who had been a clothes washer in the same City, was elevated to the Episcopal dignity. He was still alive when Aquino was devastated by the Lombards, some of the inhabitants were killed by the invaders, some perished by a fierce pestilence, so that after his death, it was no longer known who the Bishop was bishop, nor for whom anyone should be the Bishop. Thus was fulfilled what the man of God had announced – after the death of his two successors, his Church would no longer have any Shepherd.

Already in narrating the deeds of Saint Benedict, St Gregory had recalled that a cleric of Aquino, tormented by the devil, had been directed by Bishop Costantius to many sanctuaries of Martyrs. These, however, did not want to restore his health, to demonstrate how much grace there was in Benedict, who, in fact, having had the cleric before him, with his prayers immediately freed him from the enemy.

We,, therefore, have from St Gregory the Great himself two certain data for the chronology of the life of St Constantius – he was already the Bishop of Aquino while Saint Benedict (Died 547) was still alive and he died during the Pontificate of John III (561-573). But although St Gregory does not expressly declare the identity of the person, this appears evident from the expressions he uses.

After the long period of abandonment following the Lombard devastation, the Episcopal See of Aquinas was reconstituted and sought the memories of its Patron Saint. Even if the legend, written by the Cassinese Deacon several centuries after the life of the Saint it deals with, could not have been very reliable, it is, nevertheless, for us evidence of the cult paid to Constantius in the reborn Diocese.

On 10 December 1742, Bishop Spadea proceeded to examine the Relics of the Patron Saint, found under the Altar of the ancient Cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter. After having honoUrably placed them in a new wooden urn, he had them translated to the new Cathedral dedicated to St Constantius, where they were placed under the High Altar. The same Bishop also informs us that, until 1644, the body of the Saint had been preserved in a Church dedicated to him, far from the City walls and no longer existing. The Cathedral of St Constantius, destroyed in May 1944, was rebuilt by Bishop Biagio Musto and dedicated, in October 1963, to Saints Constantius and St Thomas Aquinas, Co-Patron.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost XV, Collection of all the Feasts of Our Lady, celebrated at Louvain, Feast of St Giles, Twelve Holy Brothers: Martyrs and all the Saints celebrated on 1 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

PENTECOST XV

Collection of all the Feasts of Our Lady, celebrated at Louvain – 1 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/01/collection-of-all-the-feasts-of-our-lady-celebrated-at-louvain-and-memorials-of-the-saints-1-september/

Twelve Holy Brothers: Martyrs of the South – A group of Martyrs who died c303 at various places in southern Italy. In 760 their relics were brought together and enshrined in Benevento, Italy as a group.
Saint Arontius of Potenza, Saint Donatus of Sentianum, Saint Felix of Sentianum, Saint Felix of Venosa, Saint Fortunatus of Potenza, Saint Honoratus of Potenza, Saint Januarius of Venosa, Saint Repositus of Velleianum, Saint Sabinian of Potenza, Saint Sator of Velleianum, Saint Septiminus of Venosa, Saint Vitalis of Velleianum.
One tradition describes Saint Boniface of Hadrumetum and Saint Thecla of Hadrumetum as their parents.

St Giles (c650 – c 710) Monk, Hermit, Abbot.- One of the 14 Holy Helpers
About St Giles here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/01/saint-of-the-day-1-september-st-giles/
About the 14 Holy Helpers here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/07/25/thought-for-the-day-25-july-the-memorial-of-st-christopher-died-c-251-one-of-the-fourteen-holy-helpers/

St Abigail the Matriarch
St Aegidius
St Agia
St Anea
St Arcanus
St Arealdo of Brescia
Bl Colomba of Mount Brancastello
St Constantius (Died c570) Bishop of Aquino
St Donatus of Sentianum
St Felix of Sentianum

St Gideon the Judge

Blessed Giuliana of Collalto OSB (1186-1262) Benedictine Nun, Abbess, Thaumaturgist, Apostle of the poor.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/01/saint-of-the-day-1-september-blessed-giuliana-of-collalto-1186-1262/

Bl Giustino of Paris
Bl Giovanna Soderini
St Jane Soderini
St Joshua the Patriarch
St Laetus of Dax

St Lupus of Sens (Died 623) Bishop of Sens – France, Confessor, Monk, Missionary.
About St Lupus:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/01/saint-of-the-day-1-september-saint-lupus-of-sens-died-623-bishop/

St Lythan

St Nivard of Rheims (Died 673) Bishop. He served the Diocese for over 20 years becoming a Co-Founder and/or builder of many Monasteries and Churches, including the one where he retired and was buried at Hautvillers.
A Man of Many Talents:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/01/saint-of-the-day-1-septembert-saint-nivard-of-rheims-died-673/

St Priscus
St Regulus
St Sixtus of Rheims
St Terentian
St Verena
St Victorious
St Vincent of Xaintes

Exiles of Campania

Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DOCTORS of the Church, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 31 August –CONSIDERATION II, First Point: “An end, the end is come.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 31 August – 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 II

“An end, the end is come.”
(Ezek vii: 2)

FIRST POINT:
BY the worldly, those only are considered happy, who enjoy
the things of this world, its pleasures, its riches, its pomps
but death puts an end to all these joys of earth,
“For what is your life? it is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.” (St James iv:14).
The vapours which arise from the earth, sometimes when raised in the air and clothed with the light of the sun, cause a beautiful appearance but how long does it last?
It vanishes with a little wind.
Behold that great man, who to-day is courted, feared and almost adored, to-morrow, when he is dead, he will be despised, reviled and scorned.

When death comes, all must be left. The brother of that great servant of God, Thomas à Kempis, boasted of having built a beautiful house but a friend told him one day that there was one great defect. What is it? he demanded. “The defect,” replied the other, “is, that you have had a door made in it.”
“ Indeed!” exclaimed he “is the door a defect?”
“Yes,” replied the friend, “because one day you will have to be carried out of that door dead and thus will you have to leave your house and all which is in it.”

Death, in short, despoils man of all the things in this world.
What a sad sight it is to see a Prince carried forth from his
palace, never more to enter it and to see others take possession of his furniture, his money and of all his other goods! He is left in the grave with a garment on which will scarcely cover his body. There is no-one now to prize and to flatter him, neither are there any who take account of his last commands.
Saladin, who acquired many Kingdoms in Asia, when dying, said, that when his body was taken to be buried, a man should go before it, with his shirt suspended to a pole, crying:
“This is all which Saladin carries to the grave!”
When the body of that Prince is shut up in the grave, the flesh will soon fall off and his skeleton will no longer be distinguished from other skeletons.
St Basil crys:
“Contemplate the sepulchre and see whether you can distinguish who was the servant and who was the lord!?”

Diogenes was one day observed by Alexander the Great to be anxiously seeking for something amidst certain skulls.
“What dost thou seek?” inquired Alexander, with curiosity.
“ I am seeking,” he replied, “the skull of thy father, King Philip and I cannot distinguish it, if thou canst find it, show it to me.”
In this world, men are born of unequal rank but after death all will be equal, observes Seneca. And Horace said, that death makes the spade equal to the sceptre.

Finally, when death comes: “the end comes” everything is ended and everything must be left and nothing is taken to the grave, of all the things of this world.

Affections and Prayers

Since, my dear Lord, Thou dost grant me understanding to know that all that the world esteems, is but vanity and foolishness, give me strength to leave all its allurements before death may come to snatch me from them.
Alas ! wretched me, how often because of the miserable pleasures and possessions of this world, have I not offended and lost Thee.

O Thou Infinite Good, O my Jesus, O my Heavenly Physician, look upon my poor miserable soul and upon the heavy wounds I have made with my sins and do Thou have mercy upon me.
“If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”
I know Thou wilt make me clean but, in order to cleanse me, Thou desirest that I should repent of all the injuries I have done Thee. I do indeed repent!

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 31 August – Light your lamps and hope…!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 31 August – Ecclesiasticus Sir 31:8-1, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said to His disciples:
gird your loins
and light your lamps”

Luke 12:35

“ 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

“Hope, O my soul, hope!
You know neither the day, nor the hour.
Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly,
even though your impatience, makes doubtful,
what is certain and turns
a very short time, into a long one.”

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – ‘ Be ready … for at an hour you do not expect …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Raymond Nonnatus 1204-1240) Priest, Confessor, Cardinal, Friar of the Mercedarian Order. – Ecclesiasticus Sir 31:8-1, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You also must be ready, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Luke 12:40

REFLECTION – “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel, for He is coming!” (cf Am 4:12) And you too, my brothers, “be on guard. The Son of Man will come when you least expect Him.” Nothing is more certain than His coming but, nothing is more uncertain, than when He will come. For we know so little of the times and moments which the Father has determined in His Power, in such a way that even the Angels, who surround Him, do not know the day or the hour (Acts 1:7; Mt 24:36).

Our last day will also come, that is certain but when and how is very uncertain for us. As someone said before, all we know is that “face-to-face with the elderly, He stands on the threshold, whereas face-to-face with young people, He keeps Himself concealed.” (St Bernard) … That day must not seize us unexpectedly, unprepared, like a thief in the night. … May fear, remaining awake, make us ever ready until security follows upon the fear and not fear upon security. The person who is wise says, “I will be on my guard against guilt,” (Ps 18:24), since I cannot preserve myself from death. For he knows that “the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest.” (Wis 4:7) Even more, those who were not enslaved to sin during their lifetime, triumph over death. How beautiful this is, my brothers, what happiness to be not only in security when faced with death but even more, to triumph over it with glory, strong through the testimony of one’s conscience!” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (Liturgical Sermons Vol 1 the 3rd. Sermon for Advent, 1).

PRAYER – O God, Who made blessed Raymund, Thy Confessor, famous for delivering Thy faithful from the captivity of the infidels, grant us, by his intercession that, having been released from the bonds of our sins, we may with free minds, do what is pleasing to Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 31 August – O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 31 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” the Last Day and Mary’s Saturday

O Purest of Creatures,
Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid
By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-863)

O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid,
The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid!
Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we
Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world,
And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled;
And the tempest-tossed Church,—
all her eyes are on thee;
They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair,
For the empire of sin—it had never been there;
None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He.
And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast,
And God found a home where the sinner finds rest;
His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee,
He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 31 August – Saint Cuthburga of Wimborne (Died c725) Abbess

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 31 August – Saint Cuthburga of Wimborne (Died c725) the 1st Abbess and Founder of Wimborne double Monastery, Queen, Mother, Widow, Nun She was the sister of Ine, King of Wessex and was married to the Northumbrian King Aldfrith, thus she was also a Queen. Also known as – Cuthburg, Cuthburgh.

Cuthburga was the sister of King Ina of Wessex, a great King who, in about 726, went to Rome with his wife, Ethelburga, ending his days as a Monk.

She was given in marriage to King Aldfrith of Northumbria in around 688. There are different accounts of this marriage. Some say that it was short and was never consummated; others – that it was long and produced a son, who was around eight years old, when his father died.

In any case, with the approval of her husband, Cuthburga retired from the world and went first to the Monastery of Barking, near London which was ruled, at that time, by St Hildelitha.

In 705 King Aldfrith died, whereupon Cuthburga journeyed back to her native Wessex and asked her brother, King Ina, for some land on which to found a Monastery. In the year 713 she founded the Monastery of Wimborne.

She was reported to have been a beautiful woman, kind to others but severe to herself and assiduous in fasting and prayer. She reposed in about 725 and was buried in the Church at Wimborne, where her Sepulchre can still be seen.

NB: – PLEASE NOTE: the second image above which has been obtained on Google and was originally displayed on an Anglican Site for the Church below (obviously EX-Catholic since stolen by Henry VIII) contains a very disturbing motif on the top right corner. It is a Free Masonic Symbol indicating the Square and the Compass (a sexual symbol!). As you know, the head of the Church of England is the current reigning Monarch and also the Head of the Free Masons in the UK, with all the ‘Royal’ family holding senior degree Offices – hence, their ‘so-called’ Churches quite freely display our Saints with added Masonic symbols, having been ‘adopted by them as special Masonic friends!’

Wimborne Abbey
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of the Founders, Constantinople (5th Century), St Aidan of Lindisfarne, St Raymond Nonnatus and all the Saints for 31 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Lady of the Founders – The Relic of the Girdle of Our Lady, Constantinople (5th Century) – 31 August:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/31/our-lady-of-the-founders-5th-century-constantinople-and-memorials-of-the-saints-31-august/

St Aidan of Lindisfarne (Died 651) Apostle of Northumbria, Bishop, Monk, Missionary, Abbot, Ascetic.
St Aidan’s Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/31/saint-of-the-day-31-august-st-aidan-of-lindisfarne-died-651-apostle-of-northumbria/

St Raymond Nonnatus O.deM. (1204-1240) Religious Priest, Confessor, Cardinal, Friar of the Mercedarian Order. Beatified on
5 November 1625 by Pope Urban VIII and Canonised in 1657 by Pope Alexander VII. Raymond was delivered by Caesarean operation when his mother died during childbirth – hence the name: non natus = not born. Patronages – against gossip, of silence, against fever, of babies, infants, childbirth, children, pregnant women, falsely accused people, midwives, obstetricians, Baltoa, Dominican Republic, San Ramon, Costa Rica.
Biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/saint-of-the-day-31-august-st-raymond-nonnatus-o-dem/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/31/saint-of-the-day-31-august-st-raymond-nonnatus-1204-1240-priest-confessor/

St Ammi of Caesarea
St Aristides the Philosopher
St Barbolenus of Bobbio
St Bonajuncia OSM Confessor
St Caesidius
St Cuthburga of Wimborne (Died c725) Abbess
St Cwenburgh of Wimborne

St Joseph of Arimathea (Died 1st Century) “The Secret Disciple of
Jesus”
After the Resurrection:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/31/saint-of-the-day-31-august-saint-joseph-of-arimathea-died-1st-century/

St Mark of Milan
St Optatus of Auxerre

St Paulinus of Trier (Died 358) Bishop of Trier, Confessor, Missionary.
About this Saint Paulinus:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/31/saint-of-the-day-31-august-saint-paulinus-of-trier-died-358-or-359-bishop/

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Power – LESS

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Apologies dear friends, Breathing Catholic will be out of action for a while. Our entire area is in darkness due to a violent storm. Electricity Pylons have been uprooted and the lines supply quite a large area. It is almost precisely a year ago when we experienced a very similar storm and ensuing electricity disaster, leaving us for more than 3 days without power.
We are praying that it will not be as long this time. Please keep us in your prayers 🙏