Our Morning Offering – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of the the “Divisio Apostolorum – the Division of the Apostles” also known as (‘Dispersion’)
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen
Saint of the Day – 15 July – Blessed Ceslas Odrowaz OP (c1180-1242) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, receiving the Habit from St Dominic himself. Ceslas was almost certainly Saint Hyacinth’s (1185-1257) older brother. Doctor of Divinity and Law, Missionary, in time, Ceslas became the Provincial Father of the Order for all of Poland. Born in c1180 at Krakow, Upper Silesia (modern Poland) and died on 15 or 17 July 1242 at Wroclaw, Poland of natural causes. Patronage – of Wroclaw, Poland. Also known as – Ceslas of Cracow, Ceslaus of Krakow, Ceslas of Poland, Ceslas of Wroclaw, Ceslaus…Czeslaw…Ceslao… Additional Memorials – 17 July (Dominicans), 20 July (Wroclaw, Poland), 4 July on some calendars, 16 July on some calendars.
Painting by Tomasz Jan Muszyński (1665)
Ceslas was born in Silesia probably in 1180. He spent his youth in Krakow in a Poland which had recovered from the Mongol invasions, growing again in that Christianity introduced two centuries earlier by King Mieszko I and which would then have had its great flourish under King Casimir the Great.
His studies began in Krakow and continued at the Universities of Paris and Bologna, the major and renowned places of study at that time. Ceslas was Ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Vincent Kadlubek of Krakow, iwhere he had matured in his intellectual and spiritual vocation. Ceslas was then entrusted with the Collegiate Church of Sandomierz.
In 1220, the great opportunity of his life arose. Divine Providence desired that he should accompany, together with St Hyacinth, the Bishop of Krakow, Ivo Odrowaz to Rome. There, he met St Dominicand witnessed the miraculous resurrection of the young Napoleon, nephew of Cardinal Stephen, by the intercession of St Dominic himself.
Both Ceslas and Hyacinth decided to enter St Dominic’s Order of Preachers. , They were sent to Bologna where they remained for a certain time in the Dominican Convent there.
In 1221 his Superiors in Bologna sent Ceslas, together with other Friars, to Poland to erect new foundations. On the return journey, he stopped in Prague where he founded the Dominican House at the Church of St Clement. Returning to Krakow, he worked for many years at the Church of the Holy Trinity, in the Monastery recently founded there.
From there he went to Wroclaw, where he remained for 7 years and thereafter Ceslas was appointed as the Superior. In 1232 he was honoured with the Office of Provincial Father of Poland.
He travelled for another four years throughout Silesia and Poland founding Houses, until in 1236 he resigned, forced by exhaustion, from all his responsibilities. In 1241, upon returned to Wroclaw, Ceslas took part in the liberation of the City from the siege of the Tartars. He died on 15 or 17 July 1242 and was buried in the Church of St Adalbert. Pope Clement XI confirmed the cult on 27 August 1712 and, in 1748, Pope Benedict XIV set the day of his celebration on 20 July. The Dominican Order remembers him on 17 July while the Martyrologium Romanum indicates it on 15 July.
St Henry II (972-1024) Holy Roman Emperor. Henry was well known for his Missionary spirit and for his protection of the Pope in times of trouble. Henry ruled with a spirit of great humility and always sought to give the glory to God. He used his position to promote the work of the Church and the peace and happiness of the people. Another Saints whose Feast was moved in 1969 from today, 15 July to 13 July. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-st-henry-ii-holy-roman-emperor/
St Abundantia of Spoleto St Abudemius of Bozcaada St Adalard the Younger
Blessed Anne-Mary Javouhey (1779-1851) “The Mother of the Slaves,” Religious Sister, Missionary and Founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny. Imagine a Mother Teresa in the France of Napoleon’s day and you will have a picture of Anne-Marie Javouhey. Nanette, as she was called, was a “velvet brick,” a thin layer of gentleness covering her determined core. A competent leader, Nanette dominated every scene in her adventurous life. Blessed Anne-Marie was Beatified on 15 October 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-anne-mary-javouhey-1779-1851/
St Apronia
St Athanasius of Naples (c830-c 872) Confessor, Bishop of Naples from 849 until his death, Papal Legate, Reformer and restoring of Monasteries, he built a Hospice for pilgrims and a new Monastery, a man of austerity and prayer. This Athanasius should not be confused with his nephew, Athanasius II, also the Bishop of Naples. About this St Athanasius, a Patron of Naples among +70 Patrons: https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-athanasius-of-naples-c-830-c-872/
St Antiochus of Sebaste St Benedict of Angers
Blessed Bernard of Baden TOSF (1428-1458) Margrave of Baden, Germany (Margrave was originally the medieval title for the military commander assigned to maintain the defence of one of the border provinces of the Holy Roman Empire.) Tertiary of the Order of St Francis, Apostle of the poor and the needy. Bernard was Beatified on 16 September 1769 by Pope Clement XIV. His Canonisation process continues, at present, the second miracle required is being investigated. Blessed Bernard’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-bernard-of-baden-tosf-1428-1458/
St David of Sweden St Donivald St Eberhard of Luzy St Edith of Tamworth St Eternus St Felix of Pavia St Gumbert of Ansbach St Haruch of Werden St Jacob of Nisibis St Joseph Studita of Thessalonica Bl Peter Aymillo St Plechelm of Guelderland Bl Roland of Chézery St Valentina of Nevers St Vladimir I of Kiev
Martyred Jesuit Missionaries of Brazil – 40 Beati: A band of forty Spanish, Portugese and French Jesuit Missionaries Martyred by the Huguenot pirate Jacques Sourie while en route to Brazil. They are – Aleixo Delgado • Alonso de Baena • álvaro Borralho Mendes • Amaro Vaz • André Gonçalves • António Correia • Antônio Fernandes • António Soares • Bento de Castro • Brás Ribeiro • Diogo de Andrade • Diogo Pires Mimoso • Domingos Fernandes • Esteban Zuraire • Fernando Sánchez • Francisco Alvares • Francisco de Magalhães • Francisco Pérez Godoy • Gaspar Alvares • Gonçalo Henriques • Gregorio Escribano • Ignatius de Azevedo • Iõao • João Fernandes • João Fernandes • Juan de Mayorga • Juan de San Martín • Juan de Zafra • Luís Correia • Luís Rodrigues • Manuel Alvares • Manuel Fernandes • Manuel Pacheco • Manuel Rodrigues • Marcos Caldeira • Nicolau Dinis • Pedro de Fontoura • Pedro Nunes • Simão da Costa • Simão Lopes • They were Martyed on 15 and 16 July 1570 on the ship Santiago near Palma, Canary Islands. They were Beatified on 11 May 1854 by Pope Pius IX.
Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christians who were Martyred together. We know the names of three, no details about them and the other ten were all children. – Narseus, Philip and Zeno. Martyred in the early 4th-century in Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Carthage – 9 Saints: A group of nine Christians who were Martyred together. We know nothing else but their names – Adautto, Catulinus, Felice, Florentius, Fortunanziano, Januarius, Julia, Justa and Settimino. They were Martyred in Carthaginian and their relics at the Basilica of Fausta at Carthage.
Martyrs of Pannonia – 5 Saints: Five 4th-century Martyrs killed together. No information about them has survived except the names – Agrippinus, Fortunatus, Martialis, Maximus and Secundinus.
Thought for the Day – 14 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
CHARITY Meditations for a Month
Charity, a Love of Friendship
Charity is primarily a love for God and a love of friendship which is the highest kind of love. All true friendship implies that the love exists on both sides. Men are not friends unless each of them possesses and recognises the love of the other. If we are really the friends of God, we shall recognise His Love and find, in all which happens to us, a proof of His Love and Friendship, not complaining nor wishing He had acted otherwise but, being fully convinced that He never does anything, nor permits anything which is not intended for our good. Until we do this, our friendship is an imperfect one.
Friendship also requires that we declare our love to God. He knows if we have declared our love for Him and the exact degree in which it is present in our hearts. However, He likes to listen to our assurance of the love we bear Him. Our love is prone to wax cold unless it finds expression in words and, it is a pleasure to those who are close friends, to share their mutual sentiments of friendship. God does not spare, in His written Word, to give us the strongest assurances of His undying love to man. Do we in return, assure Him of our grateful love for Him, the best and dearest Friend we have in Heaven or on earth?!
Whatever words we use, they cannot surpass God’s Messages of Love to us. He says, ‘if a woman can forget the son of her womb, He will not forget us‘ (Isaias 49:1). He says ‘He loves us so dearly that He spared not even His own Son but delivered Him up for us‘ (Romans 8:32) and, therefore, can ‘refuse us nothing for which we ask.’ (John 16:23,24) What have we to say to Him, as a counterpart of loving words like these?
Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
“As “pride is the beginning of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15) so humility is the foundation of all virtue. Learn to be really humble and not, as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.”
“When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard , more than that proceeding from the mouth.”
“The best perfection of a religious man, is to do common things, in a perfect manner. A constant fidelity, in small things, is a great and heroic virtue.”
“Every creature is a Divine Word because it proclaims God.”
“Chastity without charity is a lamp without oil.”
“In beautiful things St Francis saw Beauty itself and through His vestiges imprinted on creation, he followed his Beloved everywhere, making, from all things, a ladder, by which he could climb up and embrace Him, Who is utterly desirable.”
One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church – Pentecost VIII – – Romans 8:12-17; Luke 16:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves with deceitful wealth, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwellings.” – Lukr 16:9
REFLECTION – “A servant cannot serve two masters.” Not that there are two; there is only one Master. For, even if there are some, who serve money, it has no inherent right to be a master; they themselves, are the ones who assume the yoke of this slavery. In fact, money has no rightful authority but constitutes an unjust bondage. That is why Jesus says: “Make friends for yourselves with deceitful money,” so that, by generosity to the poor, we will win the favour of Angels and Saints.
The steward is not blamed. By this we learn that we are not masters but rather stewards of other’s wealth. He was praised, even though he was in the wrong because, in paying out to others in his master’s name ,he won support for himself. And how rightly Jesus spoke of “deceitful wealth” because love of money so tempts our desires with its various seductions that we consent to become its slaves. That is why He said: “If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours?” Riches are alien to us because they exist outside of our nature; they are not born with us, they do not follow us in death. But Christ, to the contrary, belongs to us because He is Life! … So do not let us become slaves of exterior goods because Christ is the only One we should acknowledge as our Lord.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel No 7).
PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people, blessed Bonaventure, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost VIII – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
My Lord, I am Unworthy! Prayer before Holy Communion By St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
My Lord, Who art Thou and who am I, that I should dare to take Thee into my body and soul? A thousand years of penance and tears, would not be sufficient to make me worthy to receive, so Royal a Sacrament even once! How much more am I unworthy of it, who fall into sin daily, I, the incorrigible, who approach Thee so often without due preparation! Nevertheless, Thy mercy infinitely surpasses my unworthiness. Therefore, I make bold to receive this Sacrament, trusting in Thy love. Amen
Saint of the Day – 14 July – Blessed Richard Langhorne (c1624-1679) Martyr Layman, Barrister. Born in c1624 in Little Wymondley, Hertfordshire, England and died on 14 July 1679 (aged 54–55) at Tyburn Tree, London, England by being hanged on a false charge of treason as part of the fabricated Popish Plot. He fell under suspicion because he was a Roman Catholic and because, he had acted as legal adviser to the Jesuits at a time of acute anti-Catholic hysteria.
Richard was the third son of William Langhorne, a Barrister and his wife, Lettice Needham, of Little Wymondley in Hertfordshire. He was admitted to the Inner Temple in May 1647 and called to the Bar in November 1654. He was a Catholic and provided legal and financial advice to the Society of Jesus in London. During the wave of anti-Catholic hysteria which followed the Great Fire of London of 1666, he was briefly arrested but quickly released.
His wife, Dorothy Legatt, was a Protestant from Havering in Essex. His sons, Charles and Francis were both Priests. When, in October 1677, Titus Oates was expelled from the English College at St Omer “for serious moral lapses” Charles Langhorne nevertheless, entrusted Oates with a letter to his father. Oates returned to St Omer with a letter from Richard thanking the Jesuits for all they had done for his sons.
When Oates and Israel Tonge, one of his accomplice, in September 1678, unleashed their entirely fictitious Popish Plot, a non-existent Catholic conspiracy to kill King Charles II, three Jesuits and a Benedictine were arrested. Following a detailed search of their papers (which failed to uncover any evidence of treason), Langhorne’s role as legal adviser to the Jesuits was discovered almost at once – he was arrested a week after the four Priests, although there was no evidence in the Priests’ papers that he had committed any crime. He was imprisoned at Newgate and charged with treason. Oates claimed and was corroborated by the notorious informer and confidence trickster, William Bedloe, that Langhorne’s earlier correspondence dealt with the conspiracy to kill the King.
He was tried on 14 June 1679. He was forced to defend himself, as a person charged with treason had no right then to Defence Counsel (this rule was not changed until the passage of the Treason Act in 1695). His main defence consisted of an attack on the character of the Crown’s principal Witnesses, Oates and Bedloe but since the Judges were well aware of the deplorable past lives of both men, this seems to have made little impression.He also called a number of students from St Omer to prove that Oates had been at the College on the crucial dates when he claimed to be in London but the public mood was so hostile to Catholics that the Witnesses were barely able to make themselves heard above the roar of the crowd and some of them were assaulted as they left the Court. Ironically, some of the same Witnesses appeared for the prosecution at Oates’ own trial for perjury in 1685, where the crowd treated them courteously and the Jury was told to weigh their evidence with the greatest seriousness. (Such evil contradicitions and treachery within the Courst of Justic [!] within the space of 6 years!)
William Scroggs, the Lord Chief Justice, although violently prejudiced against Catholic Priests, was relatively tolerant of Catholic laymen. His summary was reasonably fair, by the standards of the time and he did warn the Jury that on no account should an innocent man’s life be taken away. Nonetheles, Langhorne was found guilty of High Treason.
As the result of a petition by his wife, a ‘true Protestant’ he received a month’s reprieve to tidy the affairs of his clients. Some suggest that the Crown was still hoping that he would confess and it seems he was offered a Royal Pardon if he did so. Langhorne was prepared, presumably with the consent of the Jesuit Fathers, to give the Crown a list of all the Jesuit properties in England, (which turned out to be much less extensive than the Crown, misled by Oates’s wild exaggeration of the Jesuits’ wealth, had expected) but, he steadily maintained his innocence.
Richard wrote a lengthy Devotion of Prayers and Meditations in verse, which was later published. He was executed at Tyburn Tree, London, on 14 July 1679.
His last words to his Executioner were:
“I am desirous to be with my Jesus. I am ready and you need stay no longer for me.”
Public opinion was slowly turning against the Plot and Langhorne’s courageous death made a favourable impression on the watching crowd.
The Martyr’s wife, Dorothy, although a militant Protestant, who even sometimes provided information against the Catholics, remained faithful to her husband until the end and perhaps later converted to Catholicism, as suggested by Burnet in his emorandum of the Popish Conspiracy.
Langhorne’s Memorial remains, containing the story of his arrest and imprisonment, written in Newgate and published, by his son, Father Richard, three months after his death, together with the Prayers and Meditations he composed while awaiting the supreme hour, (London 1679). Father Richard later also published , written by his father in defence of Charles II’s declaration of 15 March 1672. We also have some letters of the Martyr preserved by two of his friends, the Protestant Lord Christopher Hatton and the Catholic William Blundell.
Begun in Rome on 9 December 1886 by order of Pope Leo XIII, the cause for Langhorne’s Beatification was concluded under the Pontificate of Pope Pius XI, with his inscription in the catalogue of the Blesseds on 15 December. 1929
Blessed Gaspar de Bono OM (1530– 1604) Spanish Priest, Friar of the Order of Minims, Vicar Provincial of the Order. He was noted for his particular devotion to the Passion of Christ, carrying his Crucifix everywhere as a means of evangelisation and to be able to constantly immerse himself in his Saviour’s sufferings. His Loving Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-gaspar-de-bono-om-1530-1604/
Bl Giorgio of Lauria Bl Hroznata of Bohemia Bl Humberto of Romans St Idus of Ath Fadha St Just St Justus of Rome St Liebert St Marciano of Frigento St Marchelm Bl Michael Ghebre St Optatian of Brescia St Papias of Africa Blessed Richard Langhorne (c1624-1679) Martyr Layman Bl Toscana of Verona St Ulric of Zell St Vincent Madelgaire
Thought for the Day – 13 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Today we begin a new seriest with Fr Clarke having completed “Patience.” I believe we still have a week or so of “Humility” to complete.
CHARITY Meditations for a Month
The Definition of Charity What is Charity?
Charity is an infused virtue, by which we love God for His own sake and above all things and our neighbour as ourselves, for the love of God. It is the best gift which God Himself can give, the gift compared to which, all other gifts are insignificant and worthless. It is the end and aim, the perfection and the crown of the Christian life. If we possess it, we have all things; if we possess it not, we have nothing; we are miserable and wretched and poor and blind and naked before God. Pray that God may teach you to know and to love His Divine gift.
Charity is called an infused virtue, because we can only obtain it, if God shall please to pour it into our soul. No amount of practice can make it ours. No natural benevolence will develop into charity, unless God adds that supernatural character which alone can render it pleasing in His sight and meritorious of eternal life. We must carefully distinguish natural from supernatural charity and we must beware of being satisfied with the former.
Charity is one of the virtues called “Christian virtues,” inasmuch, as their model and type, is the Life of Christ upon earth because, they unite us to Christ and make us like unto Him. It is true that charity is, in itself, pre-eminently the Christian virtue and when Saint Paul says, “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14), he refers alone to the virtue of charity, with which we must be clothed, if we are to be the servants and followers of our Lord. Can I say I am clothed with charity, so all around me see it? Do they not too often detect in me, a lamentable want of this virtue?
Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Anacletus (c25-c89) 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr – 1 Petet 5:1-4; 5:10-11: Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And I say to thee: That thou art Peter and upon this rock, I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18
“… About the fourth watch of the night, He came towards them, walking upon the sea …”
Mark 6:48
“In the expression “fourth watch of the night” we find the number corresponding to the signs of His care. Thus, the first watch was that of the Law; the second, that of the Prophets; the third, that of His coming in the flesh; the fourth is situated in His return in glory. But He will find the Church declining and hemmed in by the spirit of the Antichrist and all the distresses of this world. He will come when anxieties and afflictions are at their height … The disciples will be terrified even by the coming of the Lord, fearing the images of a reality distorted by Antichrist and by the deceitful imaginations infiltrating their sight. But our good Lord will speak to them directly, casting out their fear and saying: “It is I”, dispersing their fear of imminent shipwreck by faith in His coming! ”
St Hilary (315-368) Bishop of Poitiers, Father & Doctor of the Church
“We, as Catholics, are not permitted to believe anything of our own will, nor to choose, what someone has believed, of his [own will]. We have God’s Apostles as authorities, who did not themselves, of their own wills, choose anything of what they wanted to believe but faithfully transmitted, to the nations, the teachings of Christ.”
St Isidore of Seville (c560-636) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Let us trust in Him. Who has placed this burden upon us. What we ourselves cannot bear, let us bear, with the help of Christ. For He is All-powerful and He tells us: ‘My yoke is easy and my burden light.’”
St Boniface (c672-754) Martyr
“Thus we do not say that the Pope cannot err in his private opinions, as did John XXII; or be altogether a heretic, as perhaps Honorius was. Now, when he, [the Pope], is explicitly a heretic, he falls ipso facto, from his dignity and OUT of the Church! …
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection –13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Anacletus (c25-c89) 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr – 1 Petet 5:1-4; 5:10-11: Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And I say to thee that thou art Peter and upon this rock I sgall build My Church …” – Matthew 16:18
REFLECTION – “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I shall build My Church.” He was given this name of ‘Peter’ because he was the first to set the foundations of the faith among the nations and because, he is the indestructible rock on which rests the judgement seat and the whole edifice, belonging to Christ Jesus. It was on account of his faithfulness that he was called Peter, whereas our Lord receives the same Name on account of His power according to Saint Paul’s words: “They drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them and that Rock ,was the Christ” (1 Cor 10:4). Yes, the Apostle chosen to be His co-worker merited to share the same Name as Christ. They built the same building together – Peter does the planting, the Lord gives the increase and it is the Lord, too, Who sends those who will do the watering (cf 1 Cor 3:6).
As you know, my beloved, it was following on from his own failure, when our Saviour suffered that blessed Peter was raised up. It was after he had denied the Lord that he became the first next to Him. Rendered more faithful when he wept over the faith he had betrayed, he received a still greater grace than the one he had lost. To him, Christ confided his flock, so that he might guide it like a good shepherd and he, who had been so weak, would now become the support of all. He, who had fallen, when questioned about his faith, must now establish the others on the unshakeable foundations of faith. Hence, he is called the foundation-stone of the piety of the Church.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon attributed to Saint Augustine).
PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Anacletus thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.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).
Saint of the Day – 13 July – Saint Arno of Würzburg (Died 892) Bishop Martyr. Born at an unknown location in the 9th Century and died on 13 July 892 at Chemnitz, Saxony (in modern Germany). Also known as – Artno, Arn. His name means ‘the eagle‘ in old high German.
Arno was a student of the Bishop of Würzburg, Gozbald. In 855 he was made Bishop of Würzburg by the King of the East Frankish Empire, Louis the German.
Arno had the Cathedral built there which was then dedicated to St Kilian and was constructed on the site of the the Cathedral of the Saviour which had burned down in 855.
Under Arno’s Episcopal leadership, 9 new Churches were built in 10 years, mostly situate in the east of his Diocese, . He repeatedly took part in Imperial conferences and Imperial Synods and also participated in four of the King’s military campaigns: against the Bohemians , the Moravians , the Normans and against the Sorbs. During the latter campaign he was killed by pagan Sorbs – during the celebration of Holy Mass.
Würzburg Cathedral
Arno died near Chemnitz in Saxony, in the district of Klaffenbach an old Stone Cross marks the possible place of death. Another possible place is Herrenhaide – a district of Burgstädt near Chemnitz – where a Memorial was erected in 2006. According to tradition, his Grave was in the – now demolished – Jacobi Church near the Castle in Colditz. Today his Gravestone is kept in the nearby Church of St Aegidien. Formal recognition of his cult was finally approved in the 18th Century although it had been highly active especially in the Franconia region for centuries.
Our Morning Offering – 13 July – Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
Mother Mary, Queen Most Sweet! Attrib. to St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor Italian Hymn Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughan CSSR (1827-1908)
Mother Mary, Queen most sweet! Joy and love my heart inflame; Gladly shall my lips repeat Every moment thy dear name.
Ah! that name, to God so dear, Has my heart and soul enslaved; Like a seal it shall appear Deep on heart and soul engraved.
When the morning gilds the skies, I will call on Mary’s name; When at evening twilight dies, Mary, still will I exclaim.
Sweetest Mary, bend thine ear: Thou my own dear mother art; Therefore, shall thy name so dear Never from my lips depart.
If my soul is sore oppress’d By a load of anxious care, Peace once more will fill my breast When thy name re-echoes there.
Waves of doubt disturb my peace, And my heart is faint with fear; At thy name the billows cease, All my’terrors disappear.
When the demon hosts invade,— When temptation rages high, Crying, “Mary, Mother! aid!” I will make the tempter fly.
This shall be my comfort sweet, When the hand of death is nigh, Mary! Mary! to repeat Once again—and then, to die.
This Hymn is an Anonymous Hymn belonging to the Redemptorist tradition but Hymnary.org attributes it to St Alphonsus Liguori. “Hymns and Verses on Spiritual Subjects” (1863) notes that this is one of two Hymns, translated in that book, mentioned above, which come from a Neapolitan published collection of Mission Hymns which are attributed to St Alphonsus.
Bl Anne-Andrée Minutte St Arno of Würzburg (Died 892) Bishop Martyr Bl Berthold of Scheide St Dogfan Bl Élisabeth Verchière St Esdras the Prophet St Eugene of Carthage St Giustina of Arzano
St Iosephus Wang Kuiju
Blessed James of Voragine OP (c1226 – 3 or 16 July 1298) Italian Archbishop of Genoa, Author of the ‘Golden Legend’ (a collection of lives of Saints and treatises on Christian festivals, one of the most popular religious works of the Middle Ages and is still published and referred to today – completed 1265), Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic, Writer, Scholar of great genius, Prior and Provincial General of the Order. Blessed James was Beatified on 11 May 1816 by Pope Pius VII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-blessed-james-of-voragine-op-c-1226-1298-author-of-the-golden-legend/
Bl Jean of France St Joel the Prophet Bl Marie-Anastasie de Roquard Bl Marie-Anne Depeyre Bl Marie-Anne Lambert
St Muritta of Carthage St Myrope St Salutaris of Carthage St Sarra of Egypt St Serapion of Alexandria Serapion of Macedonia St Silas (1st Century) Disciple of Sts Paul and Barnabas Bl Thérèse-Henriette Faurie Bl Thomas Tunstal
Martyrs of Cyprus – 300 Saints: 300 Christians who retired to Cyprus to live as cave Hermits, devoting themselves to prayer and an ascetic life devoted to God. Tortured and Martyred for their faith and their bodies thrown into the various caves in which they had lived. We know the names of five of them but no other details even about them – Ammon, Choulélaios, Epaphroditus, Eusthénios and Héliophotos. They were beheaded in the 12th century on Cyprus and their bodies dumped in the cave where they had lived and only rediscovered long afterwards.
Martyrs of Philomelio – 31 Saints: 31 soldiers Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of prefect Magno, date unknown. The only name that has come down to us is Alexander. In Philomelio, Phrygia (in modern Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 12 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
PATIENCE Meditations for a Month Today is the Last Meditation
The Third Fruit of Patience: – Joy
‘As it were, sorrowing yet always rejoicing.‘ (2 Cor 6 : 10) This is St Paul’s description of the ministers of Christ, labouring for the salvation of souls. What is true of them, is true of all faithful servants of God. On the surface ,apparent misery but down in the depths of the soul, intense joy. Of this joy, St Paul says: ‘I am filled with comfort and exceedingly abound with joy. in all our tribulation. (2 Cor 7 : 4) What is it that works this charm? Patience!. Patient endurance, humble submission to the Will of God, resignation to His Providence.
How is it that out of sorrow, joy can come? The reason is that if we are living for God and in dependence upon Him and seeking to promote His glory, then, although in the natural order we may be crushed down with pain and suffering, we shall be full of joy by reason of the supernatural gladness which God bestows upon us. ‘Your joy,‘ says our Lord to His Apostles, ‘no man shall take from you.’ (St John 16 : 22) Have I any experience of this joy? If so, I shall thank God for it; if not, I must wait patiently and see whether there may not be some hindrance to it, on my part.
Whence comes this joy? From Heaven. This is why it surpasses all earthly joy and makes earthly sufferings sweet. It is the first faint reflection of the Light of Heaven, amid the clouds and darkness of earth – the first foretaste of the joy into which the just will be welcomed by their Lord at the Gate of Heaven. If one drop of it sweetens all bitterness on earth and makes all sufferings light, what must be the intensity of joy which will inebriate all those who have here endured tribulation and suffering for Christ’s sake?
Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot, “The Merciful Knight”– Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But I say to you, love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44
St John Gualbert said to his enemy, “I cannot refuse what you ask in Christ’s Name. I grant you your life and I give you my friendship. Pray that God may forgive me my sin.”
St John Gualbert (c985-1073) “The Merciful Knight”
“What is the surest kind of witness? “Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came among us in the flesh” (cf 1 Jn 4:2) and who keeps the commands of the Gospel… How many there are, each day, of these hidden martyrs of Christ who confess the Lord Jesus! … So be faithful and courageous in interior persecutions, so that you may also win the victory in exterior persecutions.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctor of the Church
“… Every man is both debtor and creditor… A beggar asks you for alms but you, too, are God’s beggar, for when we pray we are all beggars of God. We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves – at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5); we beseech Him with groans, anxious to receive a grace from Him and this grace is God Himself! What does the beggar ask of you? Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God but Christ, Who said: “I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven” (Jn 6:51).”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“You must be reconciled to your enemies, speak to them, as if they had never done you anything but good, all your life, keeping nothing in your heart but the charity, which the good Christian should have, for everyone, so that we may all appear with confidence, before the tribunal of God.”
One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But I say to you, Love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44
REFLECTION – “Let us pay attention, all my brothers, to what the Lord says: “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you,” for our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose footprints we must follow (cf 1 Pt 2:21), called His betrayer “friend” (Mt 26:50) and gave Himself willingly to those who Crucified Him. Our friends, then, are all those who, unjustly afflict upon us, trials and ordeals, shame and injuries, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death! We must love them greatly, for we will possess eternal life because of what they bring upon us.” – St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor (Earlier Rule, #22).
PRAYER – May the intercession of the blessed Abbot John commend us to Thee, O Lord, so that through his merits we may obtain that which we cannot accomplish by our own. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”and a Friday of the Passion
Constant Prayer to the Precious Blood of Jesus By St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church
Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy, Flow upon us! Precious Blood, Most Pure Offering, Procure us every grace! Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of sinners, Atone for us! Precious Blood, Delight of holy souls, Draw us! Amen
Saint of the Day – 12 July – Saint Viventiolus of Lyons (c460–524) Bishop, Scholar, Spiritual Writer, Monk of Condat, an Abbey which boasted an important school. He was a teacher there and his knowledge was great. Born in Lyons in c460 and died there in 524 of natural causes. Also known as – Juventiole, Vivientol, Viventiole, Vivenziolo.
Lyons Cathedral Basilica
Viventiolus and his brother Rusticus were the sons of Aquilinus (c430-c470), a nobleman of Lyons and friend of St Sidonius Apollinaris. Aquilinus was a Priest of a Province in Gaul between 423 and 448 under Apollinaris, the father of Sidonius.
Through his paternal grandmother, Tullia, Viventiolus was the great-grandson of Saint Eucherius.
Viventiolus was a Monk in Jura, where he was elected Prior. Due to our Saint’s great learning and leadership abilities, St Avitus the Archbishopof Vienne, recommended him for the See of Lyons and his own Episcopal school there.
The Interior of the Apse of Lyons Cathedral Basilica
In 516-517, he and St Avitus presided over the Council of Agaune. From this Council we have received a large part of the speech he made there. Viventiolus speaks, with great finesse and great mystical depth, of the cloisters from which he desired reform, in order to eradicate the ignorance prevalent amongst the Monks.
He is also the Author of a book “The Lives of the Jura Fathers” which described the beginnings of monasticism in that region.
Bl Conrad of Maleville Bl David Gonson St Epiphana St Faustus the Soldier St Felix of Milan * Commemorated with St Nabor St Fortunatus of Aquileia (1st Century – Died c66) Deacon St Hermagorus of Aquileia (1st Century – Died c 66) Bishop, Disciple of St Mark the Evangelist Bl Guy Vignotelli St Hilarion of Ancyra St Jason of Tarsus Bl Jeanne-Marie de Romillon
Bl Madeleine-Thérèse Talieu Bl Marguerite-Eléonore de Justamond Bl Marie Cluse St Menas the Soldier St Menulphus of Quimper St Nabor of Milan * Commemorated with St Felix St Paternian of Bologna St Paulinus of Antioch St Phêrô Khan St Proclus of Ancyra St Proculus of Bologna St Uguzo of Carvagna St Ultán
St Viventiolus of Lyons (c460–524) Bishop
Three Holy Exiles: Three Christian men who became Benedictine Monks at the Saint James Abbey in Regensburg, Germany, then Hermits at Griestatten and whose lives and piety are celebrated together. – Marinus, Vimius and Zimius.
Martyrs of Rome – Four members of the Imperial Roman nobility. They were all soldiers, one or more may have been officers, and all were Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian – Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius. Died in c 304 outside Rome, Italy and were buried there along the Aurelian Way.
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 8 Beati: Additional Memorial – 10 September as one of the 205 Martyrs of Japan Eight lay people, many them related to each other, who were martyred together: Catharina Tanaka, Ioannes Onizuka Naizen, Ioannes Tanaka, Ludovicus Onizuka, Matthias Araki Hyozaemon, Monica Onizuka, Petrus Araki Chobyoe, Susanna Chobyoe, 12 July 1626 in Nagasaki, Japan. Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Blessed Pius IX.
Thought for the Day – 11 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
PATIENCE Meditations for a Month
The Second Fruit of Patience: – Hope
‘Patience,’ says St Paul, ‘works out our trial and trial, hope.‘ (Romans 5 : 4) If we humbly accept the sufferings God sends us without rebellion or complaint, then, we reap the reward in rapid growth of hope within our heart. Through the darkness, we descry a bright light in the distance and, although our path be a dreary and a painful one, this prospect cheers us and makes us go on our way, rejoicing. In the earlier part of the time of trial, hope was dim and faint but, when we have been proved faithful servants, hope begins to anticipate the future and to fill us with a happiness which makes the present sufferings comparatively light. Have I attained that happy state?
Joined to this prospect of the future, is a great confidence in God, in the present! Confidence is part of hope. When we have learned, by patience, to trust Him amid sorrow, tribulation, disappointment, then, we have a solid foundation for trusting Him, all the rest of our lives, not only with a sort of blind assurance that all He does is best but, with a consciousness of the happy results to come, from all that patience bids us bear, results, too which we begin to experience even here. I must then aim at this confidence and pray that I may gain it, by patience.
St Paul tells us that if we hope for that which we see not, we have to wait for it, for the perfect ,work of patience, is to wait contentedly for the time, when God will give us the good things He has promised us. This was the Apostle’s frame of mind when he said: ‘I have fought a good fight, have kept the faith, at the last there is laid up for me, a crown of justice.’ (2 Timothy 4 : 7) So, too, for me, if I persevere to the end, there is laid up a like crown. The thought of it shall animate me to fresh patience.
Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16
“But the God of all grace, Who hath called us into His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will Himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you. To Him be glory and empire forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11
“Wake up then, believer and note whatis stated here: “In My Name.” That [Name] is Christ Jesus. Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour. Therefore, whatever we ask for that would hinder our salvation, we do not ask in our Saviour’s Name and yet, He is our Saviour, not only when He does what we ask but also, when He does not. When He sees us ask anything to the disadvantage of our salvation, He shows Himself our Saviour by not doing it. The physician knows whether what the sick person asks for, is to the advantage or disadvantage of his health. And [the physician] does not allow what would be harmful to him, although the sick person himself, desires it. But the physician looks to his final cure.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church
“The Kingdom of Heaven, says the Gospel, is like a mustard seed … Christ is the Kingdom of Heaven! Sown like a mustard seed in the garden of the Virgin’s womb, He grew up into the Tree of the Cross, whose branches, stretch across the world … Christ is the Kingdom because all the glory of His Kingdom, is within Him. Christ is a Man because all humanity is restored in Him. Christ is a Mustard Seed because the infinitude of Divine greatness, is accommodated to the littleness of flesh and blood!”
St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) “Golden Words” Father & Doctor of the Church
“May Christ be heard in our language, may Christ be seen in our life, may He be perceived in our hearts”
St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Doctor of the Church
“He is the origin of all wisdom. The Word of God in the heights, is the source of wisdom. Christ is the source of all true knowledge, for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). … As way, Christ is the teacher and origin of knowledge … Without this Light, which is Christ, no-one can penetrate the secrets of faith.”
One Minute Reflection – 11 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11; Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18
REFLECTION – “Brothers, when it comes to fulfilling my duties as Bishop, I discover that I am weak and slack, weighed down by the weakness of my own condition, while at the same time, I want to act generously and courageously. However, I draw my strength from the untiring intercession of the almighty and eternal Priest, Who, like us but equal to the Father, lowered His Divinity to the level of man and raised humankind to the level of God. The decisions He made, give me a just and holy joy. For, when He delegated many shepherds to care for His flock, He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. Thanks to that fundamental and eternal assistance, I in turn, have received the protection and support of the Apostle Peter, who also does not abandon his function. This solid foundation, on which the whole of the Church is built, never grows tired of carrying the whole weight, of the building which rests upon it.
The firmness of faith, for which the first of the Apostles was praised, never fails. Just as everything which Peter professed in Christ remains, so that which Christ established in Peter, remains … The order willed by God’s Truth remains. Saint Peter perseveres in the solidity which he received; he has not abandoned the governance of the Church which was placed in his hands. That, my brothers, is what that profession of faith, inspired by God the Father, obtained in the heart of the Apostle. He received the solidity of a rock which no assault can shake. In the entire Church, Peter says everyday: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the anniversary of his Consecration as Bishop).
PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Pius thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.. 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).
Almighty God, Open Thou My Heart A Prayer for Guidance By St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church
ALMIGHTY God, open Thou my heart and enlighten me with the grace of the Holy Spirit, to see those things which are well-pleasing to Thy will. Direct my thoughts and understanding to those things which it is proper to meditate upon and to take in hand; in such fashion, as by fitting character and deeds, I might be found worthy of the eternal joy of heavenly life. Direct my acts to Thy commandments, that I might, by labour so unbrokenly study to bring them to fulfilment, as to attain to an everlasting reward. Amen
Saint of the Day – 11 July – Saint Berthevin of Laval (10th Century) Deacon Martyr, Hermit, Teacher. We believe he was born in Parigny, in the region of Lisieux, France and died in Laval by being murdered. Also known as – Berthevin of Laval, Berthevin of Parigny, Berthevin of Vicoin, Berthevin of Val-Guidon, Bertevin, Bertewin, Bertewinusn Berthvinn Berthwinus, Bertininus, Bertivinus, Bertunius, Bertunus, Bertuwinus, Bertuwius, Bertwin, Brévin. Additional Memorials – 11 June (translation of Relics) and 8 September on some calendars.
Berthevin was a member of the noble family of Argence. He is said to be the son of Pierre d’Argence. A village of the same name St Berthevin, still exists in Parigny today.
What we know about Saint-Berthevin was transcribed by a Monk of Mont Saint-Michel in the 12th or 14th Century.
Saint-Berthevin, a Cleric from Parigny in Normandy, became a Hermit to escape the Norman invaders. The Lord of Laval , noticed his virtues and he charged him with ensuring the education of his children. Berthevin carried out his new function with zeal. As soon as he had the leisure, he would retire to his old Hermit’s cave to pray and instruct thimself and he children of the surrounding area.
His Vita tells us that, while carrying out his duties with prudence and justice, he studied Sacred Scripture and spiritual literature and went to pray every day in a Church dedicated to Saint Nicholas .
Having gained the full trust of his Master, other servants killed him out of jealousy and threw his body into a river near which he was accustomed to pray. But then, fearing that his body would be discovered, they hid it, in turn, in a fountain in the Vicoin, before hoisting it into the crevice of a cliff overlooking the Vicoin. It was there that his godmother, warned by a heavenly voice, came to collect his body and brought it to Parigny.
St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – The Ninth Successor of St Peter. Papal Ascension c 142. Born at Aquileia, Italy and died in Rome. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Rome, the blessed Pius, Pope and Martyr, who was crowned with Martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-pope-pius-i-died-c-154/
St Abundius of Ananelos St Amabilis of Rouen St Anna An Jiaoshi St Anna An Xingshi Bl Antonio Muller St Berthevin of Laval (Died 10th Century) Deacon Martyr St Cindeus St Cowair St Cyprian of Brescia St Cyriacus the Executioner St Hidulf of Moyenmoutier St Januarius St John of Bergamo
St Leontius the Younger St Marcian of Lycaonia St Marciana of Caesarea Bl Maria An Guoshi Bl Maria An Linghua Bl Marie-Clotilde Blanc Bl Marie-Marguerite de Barbégie d’Albrède
St Olga Queen of Kiev (c 890-969) She was known as a ruthless and effective ruler but “when Olga was enlightened, she rejoiced in soul and body. The Bishop, who instructed her in the faith, said to her, ‘Blessed art thou among the women of Rus,’,for thou hast loved the light and quit the darkness. The sons of Rus’ shall bless thee to the last generation of thy descendants.” About St Olga: https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-olga-queen-of-kiev-c-890-969/
St Placidus of Disentis * (7th Century) Monk (see below)
Bl Rosalie-Clotilde Bes St Sabinus of Brescia St Sabinus of Poitiers St Sidronius
Thought for the Day – 10 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
PATIENCE Meditations for a Month
The First Fruit of Patience: – Peace
We all long after peace; we are anxious, not for inactivity, nor indeed that we should have nothing against which to fight but, for the absence of that conflict within us which is the source of all our misery. It is the struggle, in our own hearts, between two opposing forces of duty and inclination, which troubles and disturbs us. I f this struggle is to cease, one of these two forces must be crushed. It is the process of crushing our corrupt inclinations which we dread. We have not the necessary courage, although we know that the only way to peace is to mortify our members which are upon the earth. This is the story of my troubles, I have not conquered my lower nature and my self-will!
How is the victory to be gained and peace restored to our hearts? It is impossible without suffering. Nothing else has the power to break our proud wills and make us put our stubborn necks beneath the yoke. We speak of those who have suffered, as having a chastened look and it always attracts us. There is in suffering a sort of supernatural force which ought to commend it to us, or at least, to reconcile us to it. If I have to suffer, I will think of this and console myself with knowing that God will bring peace and happiness out of it.
But, it is not all suffering which has this wholesome effect but only suffering borne with patience. If we are impatient, rebellious, unresigned – our suffering maybe an occasion of fresh trouble, rather than of peace. I must accept it from the Hand of God, if it is to bring with it that quiet tranquillity which I have never yet attained as I fight. I must bow my head and place myself in God’s Hands to suffer, as He pleases, whatever He pleases, as long as He pleases. This is the only road to solid peace!
Quote/s of the Day –10 July – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For whoever does the Will of My Father in Heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.”
Matthew 12:50
“Unfurl the sails and let God steer us where He will.”
St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
“No-one will have any other desire in Heaven than what God wills and the desire of one, will be the desire of all and the desire of all and of each one, will also be the desire of God.”
St Anselm (1033-1109) Archbishop of Canterbury
“Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you.”
St Angelica de Merici (1474-1540) Virgin
“It is impossible, that he could be denied the favours for which he asks and which we should request him to obtain for us. Let us go to him trustingly but, let us remember, that the surest way of being heard by him, is to imitate his wonderful virtues, especially his humility, his spirit of prayer, his purity and his calm desire always, to do God’s will.”
One Minute Reflection – 10 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Rufina and St Secunda of Rome (3rd Century) Virgin Martyrs – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – Matthew 12:50
REFLECTION – “I beg you to listen to what the Lord had to say when He stretched out His hand towards His disciples: “Here are My mother and My brethren” and, “whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.”Are we to take it from this that the Virgin Mary did not do the will of the Father, she who by faith believed, by faith conceived; she who was chosen to bring forth salvation on our behalf and who, was by Christ created that Christ in her, might be created? Indeed and indeed, she did the Father’s will and it is a greater thing for Mary that she was Christ’s disciple, than that she was His Mother. It is a happier thing to be His disciple, than to be His Mother. Blessed then is Mary, who bore her Lord in her body, before she gave Him birth…
Mary is holy. Mary is blessed. Yet the Church is greater than she is. What reason do I bring? Mary is part of the Church. She is a holy member of the Church; she is THE holy member; she is the member above all member hut, she is still one member of the whole body… Brothers, listen very closely – you are members of Christ’s body and you are the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). And this is how you are what He said: “Here are My mother and My brothers.” But how does this prove you are Christ’s mother? He goes on: “Whoever hears and whoever does the will of my heavenly Father, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 25 on Saint Matthew).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who know how courageously Thy holy Martyrs have confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us with Thee.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
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