Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS

August – The Month of theImmaculate Heart of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

August – The Month of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary

Messenger of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 1876

Excerpt from – “Object Of This Devotion”

The object of the Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is twofold, material and spiritual; the former secondary, the latter primary. The material object is the material heart of the Mother of the Word Incarnate. The spiritual object is her spiritual heart, that is to say, the ardent charity with which she was inflamed for God, as well as that, which she bore towards men. There is neither distance, separation nor opposition between these two loves; it is precisely because she loves God that Mary loves us and, the more perfectly she loves God, the greater her affection for us.

The love which Mary bears us is similar to that manifested towards us by her Divine Son, when, while on earth, He sought sinners rather than the just; our condition as sinners, far from opposing an obstacle, is rather a claim upon her. In this point, as in all others, Mary walks faithfully in the footsteps of her Son and model and, if she loves the just with a love of complacency because of their virtues, the love of compassion and mercy which she feels for sinners, is still greater, not because they are worthy of it but because, of their greater necessities. Finally the material heart of Mary, by means of which we should raise our thoughts to the spiritual, is ordinarily represented, not only with flames escaping from it which figure her love and crowned with flowers, emblems of her virtues but also, pierced with a sword, to call our attention to her sorrows.

The end proposed by devotion to the Immaculate Heart, is to urge us to a greater love towards Mary; for this object we are invited to consider her heart which is the most perfect masterpiece which nature and grace combined, have ever formed of a simple creature – besides this, in our regard, it is the heart of the most tender of mothers who loves us far better than we love ourselves. In these two considerations is to be found her claim upon our love –can we refuse it?
This general end contains several partial ones, some of which it will be well to indicate – such as gratitude towards Mary, confidence in her, lively compassion for her sufferings and imitation of her virtues.

Note: The Messenger of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Jesuit periodical of the Apostleship of Prayer.
It is printed in Dublin, Ireland and with monthly sales of around 52,000, it is still one of the largest-selling magazines in Ireland and I believe there are versions in various countries around the world.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Thought for the Day – 1 August – The Spirit of Charity

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Thought for the Day – 1 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

The Spirit of Charity

The spirit of charity is none other than the Holy Spirit of God, the Third Person of the Ever-Blessed Trinity. He not only is the Spirit of Charity but Charity itself. The personal Love of the Eternal Father for His Co-Equal Son is identical with the Holy Ghost, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son. All these Persons are consubstantial and co-equal, united together by Infinite Love. This Infinite Love is itself One of the Divine Persons. Adore this Mystery and pray for the humble faith which believes what it cannot comprehend.

It is from and through the Holy Ghost that the Charity of God is imparted to us. The Charity of God is poured into our hearts by the Holy Ghost. When we receive the gift of supernatural charity, we also receive, into our hearts, the Holy Spirit Himself, Who is actually present with us. His presence produces all the graces which flow from His seven-fold gifts.
Reflect on the exceeding honour we thus enjoy and pray that you may never grieve the Holy Ghost by your want of charity.

Charity is also mentioned as the first and foremost of the fruits which the Holy Spirit causes to ripen in our hearts.
“The fruits of the Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continence, and chastity.” (Galatians 5:22,23) All these fruits are but the effects of charity. Charity brings joy because it unites us to God. It brings peace because it prevents our will from rebelling against His.
Pray that the Holy Ghost may impart these fruits of His presence to you; above all, the charity whence the rest proceed.

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, IMMACULATE HEART Quotes, MARIAN QUOTES, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 1 August – The Blessed Virgin Mary

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Quote/s of the Day – 1 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

“Mary is the new Tree of Life,
who, instead of the bitter fruit picked by Eve,
gives to mankind that Sweet Fruit
on which the whole world is fed.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Gracious Lady,
thou art a Mother and Virgin,
thou art the Mother
of the body and soul
of our Head and Redeemer,
thou art too, truly Mother
of all the members of Christ’s Mystical Body.
For through thy love,
thou hast co-operated
in the begetting of the faithful in the Church.
Unique among women,
thou art Mother and Virgin,
Mother of Christ and Virgin of Christ.
Thou art the beauty and charm of earth, O Virgin.
Thou art, forever, the image of the holy Church.
Through a woman came death,
through a woman came Life,
yes, through thee, O Mother of God.“

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

“In the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I trust.
Look to the Star, call upon Mary!
In danger, in difficulty or in doubt,
think of Mary, call upon Mary.
Keep her name on your lips,
never let it pass out of your heart.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

“The most efficacious means
to foster devotion
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
is through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690
Visionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 August – Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

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One Minute Reflection – 1 August – St Peter’s Chains – Acts 12:1-11, Matthew16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

REFLECTION – “Peter did not say “Thou are a Christ” or “a son of God” but “the Christ, the Son of God.” For there are many christs by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons] but [there is] only One Who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, THE Christ, THE Son of God. And in calling Him, Son of the LIVING God, Peter indicates that Christ Himself is Life and that death has no authority over Him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless, it rose again, since the Word, Who dwelled in it, could not be held under the bonds of death.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor Incarnationis (Doctor of the Incarnation) (Fragment 190).

PRAYER – O God, Who didst loose the blessed Apostle, Peter, from his chains and didst make him go forth unharmed, loose, we pray, the chains of our sins and in Thy Merc, ward off from us every evil.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 AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, HYMNS, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 1 August – INVIOLATA!

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Our Morning Offering – 1 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

INVIOLATA!
INVIOLATE!
Unknown Author
(11th Century)

Thou art inviolate, undefiled and chaste, O Mary.
Thou has been made the resplendent Gate of Heaven,

O loving and dearest Mother of Christ,
Accept our devout acclamations in praise of thee.

That our minds and bodies may be pure,
Devoted hearts and lips now implore thee.

Through thy sweet sounding prayers,
Gain us pardon forever.
O kind one, who alone didst remain inviolate.

The Hymn Inviolata has been claimed by the Carmelite Order, as a Traditional Hymn originating within their ranks. The Hymn is also used by Dominican Friars in the chanting of Compline. Its origins trace to the 11th century. It appears in Hymnals from 1860 to 1920.

Inviolata, integra, et casta es Maria,
quae es effecta fulgida caeli porta.

O Mater alma Christi carissima,
suscipe pia laudum praeconia.

Te nunc flagitant devota corda et ora,
nostra ut pura pectora sint et corpora.

Tua per precata dulcisona,
nobis concedas veniam per saecula.

O benigna! O Regina! O Maria,
quae sola inviolata permansisti.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 1 August – St Felix of Gerona (Died c304) Deacon Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 1 August – St Felix of Gerona (Died c304) Deacon Martyr, Missionary, Preacher and courageous Evangeliser heading directly into the Diocletian persecutions. Born in Carthage in Africa and died by horrific torture at Gerona in Spain. Also known as – Feliu, Felice.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Gerona in Spain, the birthday of the holy Martyr Felix. After enduring various torments, by order of Daciall, he was cut with knives, until he gave his undaunted soul to Christ.”

Felix, originally from Carthage of a noble and rich family. He studied in Caesarea where he was Baptised., During the persecution of the Christians by Diocletianus at the end of the 3rd Century, he left Africa and travelled to Spain with St Cugat, the latter going to Barcelona and Felix to Gerona. (We celebrated St Cugat on 25 July).

There he converted so many heathens that his activities soon attracted the attention of the authorities and he was thrown into prison. As he refused to deny Christ, he was tortured, although he was saved from death by angelic intervention several times.

On one occasion, he was thrown into the sea with a millstone attached to his neck and a gentle breeze guided him back to shore. Eventually, he was flayed alive with iron hooks and died on the same day, in the same year, as his fellow Missionary St Cugat.

The Sarcophagus of the Saint, in St Felix Church, dating from the 4th Century, indicates that by then, the Christian community was entrenched and powerful as the marble, from which it was created is of the finest quality and were worked in Rome.

St Felix Sarcophagus

Spain became a Catholic Nation in 589, when the Spanish King, Recaredo I and all his Court, converted to Christianity. Subsequently, the King travelled to Gerona to offer a Golden Crown at the Tomb of the our Saint.

St Felix Basilica in Gerona
Posted in franciscan OFM, INDULGENCES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, St PETER!

St Peter’s Chains, Portiuncula Indulgence, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy, Barcelona, Spain (1218) and Memorials of the Saints – 1 August

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“The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

The Portiuncula Indulgence:
An Indulgence which may be gained in any Church so designated by the Bishop, by all the faithful who, after Confession and Holy Communion, visit such Churches between noon of 1 August and midnight of 2 August, or on the Sunday following. The Indulgence is toties quoties and is applicable to the souls in Purgatory.

St Peter’s Chains
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/01/1-august-the-feast-of-saint-peter-in-chains/

Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy, Barcelona, Spain (1218,) Founding of the Mercedarian Order – 1 August, 24 September :
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/01/feast-saint-peter-in-chains-the-portiuncula-indulgence-nuestra-senora-de-las-mercedes-our-lady-of-mercy-barcelona-spain-1218-and-memorials-of-the-saints-1-august/

St Adela Mardosewicz
St Alexander of Perga
St Almedha
St Arcadius
St Attius of Perga
St Buono
St Brogan
Bl Emericus

St Ethelwold of Winchester (c 912-984) Bishop of Winchester, Monk, Abbot, Reformer, Founder and restorer of many Monasteries and Convents.
St Ethelwold’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/01/saint-of-the-day-1-august-saint-ethelwold-of-winchester-c-912-984/

St Exuperius of Bayeux
St Faustus
St Felix of Gerona (Died c304) Deacon Martyr
St Friard

Blessed Giovanni Bufalari OSA (c 1318-c 1350) Friar of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, Porter at his Monastery, Apostle of the poor and sick. Brother of Blessed Lucia Bufalari.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/01/saint-of-the-day-1-august-blessed-giovanni-bufalari-osa-c-1318-c-1350/
AND His Sister here:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/27/saint-of-the-day-27-july-blessed-lucy-bufalari-of-amelia-osa-died-1350-virgin/


St Jonatus
St Justin of Paris
St Kenneth of Wales
St Leontius of Perga
St Maur
St Nemesius of Lisieux
Bl Orlando of Vallombrosa
St Peregrinus of Modena
St Rioch
Bl Rudolph
St Secundel
St Secundus of Palestrina
St Sophia
St Verus of Vienne

Seven Holy Machabees – 8 Saints: “At Antioch, the Martyrdom of the Seven Holy Brothers, the Machabees and thei mother, who suffered under King Antiochus Epiphanes. Their relics were transferred to Rome and placed in the Church of St Peter in Chains.”

Saints Faith, Hope and Charity: The daughters of Saint Sophia. While still children, they were tortured and Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of Hadrian. They were scourged, thrown into a fire, and then beheaded.

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, GOD ALONE!, HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY

Thought for the Day – 31 July – Humility in Heaven

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Thought for the Day – 31 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month
Today is the Last Meditation

Humility in Heaven

Is there any place for humility among the Saints in Heaven? Or is it, like faith and hope, a virtue limited to this vale of tears? It might seem that in Heaven, there are no motives for humility – no sins, no imperfections, no defects of any kind, for which to humble ourselves. Yet, only in Heaven will our humility be perfected, for only in Heaven shall we have a thorough knowledge of God and a thorough knowledge of ourselves. This knowledge will make us recognise, even more than ever, our own nothingness and God’s Infinite Perfections. Our recognition of this, will make us forget ourselves, as we never can do on earth, therefore, God will be all in all to us.

Will this appreciation of our own nothingness be painful?
No, it will be a source of eternal joy!
For then we shall be able to rejoice in God. Our happiness will be unclouded by any interfering thought of self. Our admiration of His perfect Beauty will absorb all our faculties. Our absolute dependence upon Him, will be the truest independence. It will make us conformed to the Image of the Son of God, the chief glory, in Whose Sacred Humanity will be the result of its dependence on His Divine Nature.

Hence, in Heaven, the Angels and Saints are represented as casting down their crowns before the Throne of God, as falling on their faces and crying continually, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of hosts.”
If the highest dignity and greatest joy of the Saints, is to be prostrate before the Throne of God, we can never humble ourselves enough on earth, since those acts of humility will make our life like the life of Heaven and will fill us with a joy which will be a foretaste of the joy of the redeemed.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, JESUIT SJ, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the POOR, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 31 July – St Ignatius Loyola

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Quote/s of the Day – 31 July – St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic.

“Be generous to the poor orphans
and those in need.
The man to whom our Lord
has been liberal
ought not to be stingy.
We shall one day find in Heaven,
as much rest and joy
as we ourselves have dispensed in this life.”

“If our Church is not marked
by caring for the poor,
the oppressed, the hungry,
we are guilty of heresy!”

“After we experience the great peace
of knowing God’s Love for us
which quiets our anxieties and insecurities,
we find another deep desire stirring within us.
We desire greatness
because we are made for greatness!”

Teach Us Good Lord
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Teach us, good Lord,
to serve Thee as Thou deserves
to give and not
to count the cost,
to fight and not
to heed the wounds,
to toil and not
to seek for rest,
to labour and not
to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing
that we do Thy Will.
Amen

Eternal Lord of All
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Eternal Lord of all things,
I come before Thine Infinite Goodness
and before Thy glorious Mother
and all the Saints of the heavenly court,
to make my offering, with Thy grace and favour,
it is my wish, desire and determination,
provided that it would be
for Thy greater service and praise,
to imitate Thee in suffering injury,
insults and poverty,
actual, as well as spiritual,
should Thine most Holy Majesty
choose to receive me,
in such a way of life.
Amen

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

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

One Minute Reflection – 31 July – ‘ … This greeting with its hidden power … is amply sufficient for us all. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 31 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Confessor – 2 Timothy 2:8-10; 3:10-12; Luke 10:1-9. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.
And, if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him but if not, it shall return to you.” – Luke 10:5-7

REFLECTION – “As you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house,‘” (Lk 10:5) so that the Lord Himself might enter and remain there, as with Mary. … This greeting is the Mystery of Faith which shines forth in the world. Through it, enmity is stifled, war is ended and people acknowledge one another. The effect of that greeting was hidden by a veil in spite of the fact that it prefigures the Mystery of the Resurrection … when the light rises and dawn chases night away. From the moment Christ sent out His disciples, people began to give and receive this greeting, a source of healing and blessing. …

This greeting with its hidden power … is amply sufficient for us all. That is why Our Lord sent it out, together with His disciples, as forerunner, so that it might bring about peace and, carried by the voice of the Apostles whom He sent, prepare the way before them. It was sown in every dwelling … it entered into all who heard it, so as to separate and set apart, the children it recognised as its own. It remained in them but it denounced those who were alien to it, for they did not welcome it.

This greeting of peace did not dry up; it began in the Apostles and then sprang up in their brethren, revealing the Lord’s inexhaustible treasures. … Present in those who offered greetings in this way and in those who welcomed the greeting, this announcement of peace was neither diminished nor divided. It announced that the Father is near and is in everyone; it revealed that the Son’s mission is bound up with all, even if its object is to be with His Father. It will not cease to proclaim that images are now brought to completion and Truth will cast all shadows away at last.” – St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church (Diatessaron 8: 3-4).

PRAYER – O God, Who, to spread abroad the greater glory of Thy Name through St Ignatius, strengthened the Church militant with new power; grant that we ,who are struggling on earth, may, by his help and after his example, be found worthy to be crowned with him in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 31 July – Revisiting St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 31 July – Revisiting St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic. Born in 1491 at Loyola, Guipuzcoa, Spain as Inigo Lopez de Loyola and died on 31 July 1556 at Rome, Italy of fever. Also known as- Inigo Lopez de Loyola. The name Ignatius = of fire, igneous, from the Latin

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the birthday of St Ignatius Loyola, Confessor and Founder of the Society of Jesus, renowned for sanctity and miracles and most zealous in propagating the Catholic Religion in all parts of the world.”

The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune, when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand to assist in passing the time, during his convalescence, Ignatius spent the time reading The Golden Legend, a collection of biographies of the Saints and the Life of Christ by Ludolph the Carthusian. His conscience was deeply touched and a long, painful turning to Christ began.

Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, on his recovery he took a vow of chastity, hung his sword before the Altar of the Virgin of Montserrat and donned a pilgrim‘s robes. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper’s Hospice, often in a cave in the hills, praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, the Sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned by the grace of Gpd.

It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write the material which would later become his greatest work, “The Spiritual Exercises.” In 1523, he finally achieved his desire of visiting the Holy Land but could not remain, as he planned because of the hostility of the Turks.

In 1528 he began studying Theology in Barcelona and Alcala in Spain, and Paris, France receiving his degree on 14 March 1534. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European Universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods.

In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the Pope. The latter became the only choice. During this time he was also Ordained to the Priesthood. In 1537, Ignatius had one of the decisive experiences of his life. He related to his companions that on a certain day, while in prayer, he seemed to see Christ with the Cross on His shoulder and beside Him, the Eternal Father, Who said, “I wish Thee to take this man for Thy servant,” and Jesus took him and said, “My will is that you should serve Us.” On Christmas Day 1538 Ignatius said his first Holy Mass at the Church of St Mary Major in Rome.

Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first General. Ignatius himself, never used the term ‘Jesuit’ which was coined as an insult by his opponents. The Society today uses the term with pride.

When companions were sent on various missions by the Pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new Order, instructing new members but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society.

While General of the Order, Ignatius was frequently ill. In January 1551 he became so ill that he begged his associates, though to no purpose, to accept his resignation as Superior. Despite his condition, he continued to direct the Order until his death in July 1556. Since his days at Manresa, Ignatius had practiced a form of prayer which was later published in The Spiritual Exercises and appears to have rivaled that of the greatest Mystics. Before his death, aged 65, Saint Ignatius was nearly blind.

Ignatius Loyola was Beatified by Pope Paul V on 27 July 1609 and Canonised by Pope Gregory XV on 12 March 1622. His achievements and those of his followers form a Chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church that cannot be neglected by those who desire to understand this glorious Church of Christ..

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 31 July – Suscipe By St Ignatius Loyola

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Our Morning Offering – 31 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Confessor

Suscipe
“Receive”
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Receive, O Lord,
all my liberty.
Take my memory, understanding
and entire will.
Whatsoever I have or hold,
Thou hast given it – I give all back to Thee
and commit it wholly to be governed by Thy Will.
Thy Love and Thy Grace give unto me
and I am rich enough
and ask for nothing more!
Amen

Posted in JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY

St Ignatius Loyola and all the Saints celebrated on 31 July

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St Ignatius of Loyola SJ (1491-1556) Inigo Lopez de Loyola – Confessor, Priest, Mystic Founder of the Society of Jesus and Theologian, Author of the Spiritual Exercises.
Biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-st-ignatius-loyola-founder-of-the-society-of-jesusthe-jesuits/
AND:
More on St Ignatius:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/31/31-july-st-ignatius-loyola/

St Calimerius of Milan

Blessed Everard Hanse (Died 1581) Priest Martyr.
His Life and Gruesome Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-blessed-everard-hanse-died-1581-priest-martyr/

St Fabius of Caesarea
St Firmus of Tagaste

St Germanus of Auxerre (c 378 – c 448) Bishop of Auxerre (c 378 – c 448) Lawyer, Missionary, Reformer, Exorcist, Miracle-Worker.
St Germanus’ Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-st-germanus-dauxerre-c-378-c-448/

Blessed Giovanni Colombini (1300-1367) Confessor, Layman, Husband and Father, Founder of the Apostolic Clerics of Saint Jerome (the Jesuati), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Penitent, Missionary, Miracle-worker. After many miracles had occurred at his tomb, Pope Gregory XIII inserted Giovanni Colombini’s name in the Roman Martyrology, fixing 31 July for the celebration of his feast
His Life
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-blessed-giovanni-colombini-1300-1367/

St Helen of Skofde
St Neot

Martyrs of Syria – 350 Saints: 350 monks massacred by heretics for their adherence to orthodox Christianity and the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon. 517 in Syria.

Martyrs of Synnada: 3 Saints
Democritus
Dionysius the Martyr
Secundus

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VIRTUE

Thought for the Day – 30 July – The Fruit of Humility

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Thought for the Day – 30 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

The Fruit of Humility

There is nothing which gives such a solid peace as humility. At the beginning it is difficult and we smart under the wounds which our pride has to suffer before it can be destroyed in ourselves.
But a holy perseverance in the practice of humility will spread over the soul such a sweet and calm tranquility that even in this life, the soul begins to taste the joys of the heavenly paradise. Troubles, disappointments, unkindness, injustice, insults, do not disturb the quiet happiness of one, who is really humble. One who is truly humble appreciates, continually, the truth of our Lord’s Words:
“Learn of Me, for I Am meek and humble of heart and you shall find rest for your souls. … For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Humility is also the best possible safeguard against the attacks of the devil. The humble man can say, as our Lord did: “The prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in Me.”
Or as Saint Martin said when dying: “Why art thou here, O evil one? No malice wilt thou find in me.”
Nor has the devil any chance of success in tempting the humble. Their continual disposition is one of dependence on God and, therefore, no temptation has power to lead them astray.

Humility is also the root, from whence all the other virtues spring.
A humble man is always charitable – for he never thinks of himself but always, of doing something for God.
For the same reason, he is full of zeal, he is prudent – for he always relies on God, never on himself; he is a man of prayer because he looks to God for everything; he is pure in heart because he never, in anything, desires to please himself but always to please God.
Are these points of humility to be found in me?

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SUFFERING, St Francis de Sales, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The RESURRECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 July – Heaven

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 30 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Abdon and St Senen (Died c250) Martyrs – 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward
will be great in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:12

“I know a man in Christ—
whether he was in or outside the body,
I do not know, God knows—
who was snatched up to the third heaven. . .
and heard secret words,
words which it is not granted to man to utter.”

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

“Our Lord Jesus Christ
Has appeared to us from the bosom of the Father.
He has come and drawn us out of the shadows
And enlightened us with His joyful Light.

Day has dawned for humankind,
Cast out the power of darkness.
For us, a Light from His Light has arisen
That has enlightened our darkened eyes.

Over the world He has made His glory arise
And has lit up the deepest depths.
Death is no more, darkness has ended,
The gates of hell are shattered.

He has illumined every creature,
All the shades from times long past.
He has brought about salvation and given us Life;
Next He will come in glory.

Our King is coming in His great glory:
Let us light our lamps
and go out to meet Him (Mt 25,6);
Let us be glad in Him, as He has been glad in us
And gives us gladness, with His glorious Light.

My friends, arise! make yourselves ready
To give thanks to our Saviour King,
Who will come in His glory and make us joyful
With His joyous Light in the Kingdom.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father of the Church
(Hymn I on the Resurrection)

“You will begin to taste, even in this life,
a foretaste of eternal life,
for the principal beatitude of the soul in Heaven,
is to be confirmed forever in the Will of the Father.
Thus, it tastes the divine sweetness.
But it will never taste it in Heaven,
if it is not clothed with it on earth,
where we are pilgrims and travellers.
When it is clothed with it, it tastes God
by grace in its troubles; its memory will be full
of the Blood of the Lamb without blemish;
its mind will be opened and contemplate
the ineffable love that God has made known
in the Wisdom of His Son and the love it finds,
in the Holy Spirit’s goodness, casts out self-love
and love for created things, to love only God.
So do not be afraid … but suffer with joy,
so as to conform yourself to the Will of God.””

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“Let us not strive for the rewards of Heaven,
valuable though they may be
but live, so as to please the God of Heaven.
If God were not in Heaven,
all its beauty, riches and sweetness,
would be dull rather than delightful.
By faith, we know, God already dwells within us.
But in Heaven, we will see God face-to-face.
May we so live that one day,
we will be in Heaven praising
and praying eternally,
before our Lord and Saviour!”

St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, The BEATITUDES, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 July – ‘ … The vision of God is promised ONLY to people with a pure heart. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Abdon and St Senen (Died c250) Martyrs – 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“They shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

REFLECTION – “We want to see God, we seek to see Him, we ardently desire to see Him. Who does not desire this? But note what the Gospel says: “Blest are the pure of heart, they shall see God.” Do what is necessary in order to see Him! To compare it with something from material reality, how can you want to contemplate the rising sun if your eyes are sick? If your eyes are healthy that light will be a pleasure for you; if they are sick, it will be torture for you. You will surely not be allowed to see, with an impure heart, that which one can only see with a pure heart. You will be moved away, put at a distance, you will not see!

How often did the Lord proclaim people to be ‘blest‘? What reasons for eternal happiness did He cite, what good works, what gifts, what merits and what rewards? No other! the beatitude says, “They shall see God.” This is what the others say: “How blest are the poor in spirit, the reign of God is theirs. Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land. Blest are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled. Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill. Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.” So none other asserts, “They shall see God.”

The vision of God is promised ONLY to those with a pure heart. This is not without a reason, since the eyes which allow us to see God are in the heart. Those are the eyes the Apostle Paul was speaking of when he said: “May He enlighten your innermost vision” (Eph 1:18). So, at the present time because of their weakness, those eyes are enlightened by faith; later, because of their strength, they will be enlightened by vision… “Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face.” (1 Cor 13:12).” (1 Cor 13:12).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 53).

PRAYER – O God, Who bestowed upon Thy Saints, Abdon and Sennen, an abundance of grace to bring them to this glory, grant to Thy servants forgiveness of their sins, so they may be found worthy to be freed from all harm, through the interceding merits of Thy Saints. 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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The REDEMPTION

Our Morning Offering – 30 July – A devout Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ,

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Our Morning Offering – 30 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Glory, Honour and Praise,
To Our Lord Jesus Christ!
A devout Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ,
to be said both Morning and Evening
By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Doctor of the Church
(From His “A Brief Christian Doctrine”)

GLory, Honour and Praise Be,
May all the world adore Thee,
blessed be Thy Holy Name,
Who for us sinners,
vouchsafest to be born of a humble Virgin
and blessed be Thine infinite goodness,
Who died upon the Cross for our Redemption.
O Jesu, Son of God
and Saviour of mankind,
have mercy upon us
and so dispose our lives here,
by Thy Grace
that we may, hereafter,
rejoice with Thee forever
in Thy Heavenly Kingdom,
Amen.

Posted in CHILDREN / YOUTH, EYES - Diseases, of the BLIND, Of GARDENERS, Horticulturists, Farmers, SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 30 July – Saint Abdon and Saint Senen (Died c250) Martyrs.

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Saint/s of the Day – 30 July – Saint Abdon and Saint Senen (Died c250) Martyrs. Both our Martyrs were born in Persia and died in Rome by tortures and finally beheading around 250 under the persecutions of Emperor Decius. Patronages – against eye diseases, against rickets, against vermin, of barrel and cask makers, of blind children and children in general, of farmers and gardeners, of Arles and the Diocese of Perpignan in France, of Calasparra, in Murcia, Spain. Unfortunately, I can find no English text explaining the reasons for their various Patronages. They would naturally have related to miracles granted by the intercession of Sts Abdon and Senen before or after death. Also known as – Abdo, Abdus and Sennes, Sennis, Zennen. Additional Memorials – 20 March, and the first Sunday of May on some calendars.

The two Saints have been the privileged object of many artistic works in various Churches and Cathedrals, in Italy and around Europe. In addition to the richness of their clothes is shown to indicate their Persian origin. They often wear a royal diadem like the one sometimes attributed to the Three Wise Men who were in fact oriental but the constant presence, is the sword, with which they were beheaded.

Saints Abdó and Senen – Diocesan Museum of the Cathedral of Tarragona – Cataloni, Spain.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome in the reign of Dec ius, the holy Persian Martyrs, Abdon and Sennen, who were bound with chains, brought to Rome, scourged with leaded whips for the Faith of Christ and then put to the sword.”

The Acts of Abdon and Sennen written for the most part prior to the 9th Century, describe them as Persian nobles, captured and taken to Rome in the 3rd Century, during a Roman army military campaign.

In Rome they converted to Christianity and helped bury the Christian dead. They came to the attention of Emperor Decius who had them taken in chains before the Roman Senate, where they refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods. They were condemned to death and taken to the Amphitheater where the Colossus of Nero stood, between the Flavian Amphitheater and the Temple of Venus, to be devoured by wild beasts. But they miraculously tamed the animals which avoided them. Abdon and Sennen were then beheaded by gladiators. Their bodies were thrown in front of the statue of the Sun, where they remained for three days, until the Deacon, Quirinius, picked them up and hid them in his house, where they remained for a very long time.

St Abdon and St Senen carrying the early Christian martyrs off for burial, Guillaume Courtois

Later, during the reign of the blessed Constantine the Great (reigned 306–337), translated to the Cemetery of Pontianus on the way to Porto, near the gates of Rome. In this Cemetery there is a 6th Century Fresco which depicts them with beards, dressed in tunics, with the Phrygian cap worn by natives of Phrygia. Above the Fresco, a Latin inscription names them unequivocally. In the Fresco, Abdon appears more mature with a short, round beard, while Sennen has a pointed beard and is certainly younger.

Still in the same Cemetery, a terracotta lamp of the 5th Century was found, with the image of a praying figure, covered by a rich Persian cloak with a short, round beard, in which Abdon was immediately identified.

Another Fresco found on a 6th Century Sarcophagus contaning their remains represents them receiving crowns from Christ.

Several Cities, notably Florence and Soissons, claim possession of their bodies but the Acta Sanctorum insist that they rest in the Basilica of San Marco Evangelista al Campidoglio, Rome, having been brought there in 1474 and where there is now an Altar dedicated to them. . The Benedictine Abbey of Sainte-Marie in Arles-sur-Tech, France also claims their Tomb but it does seem that portion of their Relics have been shared in those Cities of which they are Patrons.

The Basilica of St Mark the Evangelist in Rome where Sts Abdon and Senen rest
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-de-Gray / Our Lady of Gray, France (1602), Sts Abdon and Senen, Martyrs and the Saints – 30 July

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Notre-Dame-de-Gray / Our Lady of Gray, France (1602) – 30 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/30/notre-dame-de-gray-our-lady-of-gray-france-1602-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-july/

* St Abdon and St Senen (Died c250) Martyrs

Bl Antonio di San Pietro
Bl Edward Powell
St Ermengyth

St Godelieve (c 1049-1070) Flemish Laywoma. Born in c 1049 at Londefort-lez-Boulogne, France and died by murder by being strangled by her mother-in-law’s and husband’s servants on 6 July 1070 at Gistel, Belgium. Patronages – difficult marriages, against abuse and spousal abuse, against throat diseases, in-law problems, for good weather and against storms.
Her Life and Sad Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-saint-godelieve-c-1049-1070/

St Hatebrand
St Julitta of Caesarea

Blessed Manés de Guzmán OP (c 1168-1235) Dominican Priest and Friar, Brother of Saint Dominic. He was Beatified on 2 June 1834 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-blessed-manes-de-guzman-op-c-1168-1235/

Bl Richard Featherstone
St Rufinus of Assisi
* St Senen
St Tatwine of Canterbury
St Terenzio of Imola
Bl Thomas Abel
St Ursus of Auxerre

Martyrs of Tebourba – 3 Saints: Three girls Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little else about them but the names – Donatilla, Maxima and Secunda. 304 at Tebourba in North Africa.

Posted in HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, INGRATITUDE, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 29 July – Models of Humility: The Saints

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Thought for the Day – 29 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

Models of Humility:
The Saints

Some Saints excelled in one virtue, some in another but all were pre-eminent in humility.
The heroes of the Church of God, whether under the Old or the New Dispensation, were marked off from the heroes of paganism by their humility. Thus, Abraham described himself as dust and ashes. Job, in the presence of God, expressed his abhorrence of himself. David, when visited by the Hand of God, thanks Him for having humbled him. Daniel declares that to him belongs shame and confusion of face.
If, even without the example of Jesus and Mary before them, these Saints were so humble, what ought you to be? !

The Saints of the New Testament are still more conspicuous for their humility. Saint Paul believed and declared himself to be the chief of sinners. Saint Bernard expressed his astonishment that God should work miracles by the hands of one so vile as he. Saint Dominic, before entering a City, used to pray that he might not bring down judgements upon it for his sins.
Saint Philip Neri used to invent ingenious methods of drawing down ridicule upon himself!
Saint Francis Borgia, when someone by accident, spat in his face, merely remarked that he could not have found a more suitable place to spit upon.
Compare the humility of these saints with your pride and humble yourself before God.

The Saints were not exaggerated in their sentiments. They said, with truth that, if God had given to the greatest of sinners the graces given to them, they might perhaps have been far holier than they.
Think of the graces given you. How often you have abused and rejected them!
If the Saints could lament over graces lost, how ought you to humble yourself for your ingratitude?

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – The better part …

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – St Martha, Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2, Luke 10:38-42

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious
and troubled about many things
and yet, only one thing is needful.
Mary has chosen the best part
and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42

“Do not lay up for yourselves
treasures on earth,
where rust and moth consume
and where thieves break in and steal
but lay up for yourselves,
treasures in Heaven …”

Matthew 6:19-20

“Sell what you possess and give alms.
Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old,
a treasure unfailing in Heaven,
where neither thief draws near,
nor moth destroys.”

Luke 12:33

“Pray in the spirit and sentiment of love,
in which the royal Prophet said to Him,
‘Thou, O Lord, art my portion.’
Let others choose to themselves,
portions among creatures,
for my part, Thou art my portion,
Thou alone I have chosen
for my whole inheritance.”

St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c605)
“The Apostle to the English”

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.”

St Isidore of Seville (c 560-636)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“Man, my friends, was created
and placed upon this earth,
chiefly and exclusively,
in order to reach God;
the rest of creation helps him
reach that goal.”

St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – ‘ … Martha’s life is our own world; Mary’s life, the world we are waiting for…. ,

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One Minute Reflection – 29 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Martha, Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Luke 10:38-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things and yet, only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the best part and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42

REFLECTION – “You already know, I believe that these two women, both of whom were dear to our Lord, both worthy of His Love and both His disciples. .., These two women then, are an image of two forms of life: the life of this world and the life of the world to come; the life of work and the life of rest; the life of care and life in blessedness; life in time and life in eternity.

Two forms of life – let us reflect on them at greater length. Consider what this life here below is composed of – I am not referring to a blameworthy life .., a life of debauchery and impiousness; no, that which I am talking of, is a life of work, burdened by trials, troubles and temptations, of a life without blame, the life that was very much like that of Martha … Evil was wholly absent from this house, with Martha as with Mary and, if there had been any, our Lord’s arrival would have dispersed it. And so, two women lived there, both of whom welcomed the Lord, two admirable, upright lives, one composed of work, the other of rest … One was a life of work but free from compromise – the hazard of a life devoted to action; the other, was free from indolence – the hazard of a life of rest. There, we have two lives and the very Source of Life …

Martha’s life is our own world; Mary’s life, the world we are waiting for. Let us live this one in uprightness, so that we may gain the other, in its fullness. What do we already possess of that life here below? … At this moment precisely, we are leading the life to come to a certain extent – you have gathered together, away from matters of business, apart from family cares and are present here to listen. When you act like this, then you resemble Mary. And that is easier for you than for me, who has to speak! What I am saying, however, I am drawing from Christ and this food is Christ’s Food. For He is the Bread shared by all of us and, for this reason, I am living in communion with you.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 104).

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, God our Saviour, that as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Martha, Thy Virgin, so may we be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching as to be enlightened by the fervour of her dedicated holiness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Our Morning Offering – 29 July – Grant Me, My God By St Thomas Aquinas

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Our Morning Offering – 29 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Grant Me, My God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor, Common Doctor

Make my heart watchful, O God,
so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee.
Make it noble,
so that it may never be seduced by any base affection.
Make it steadfast,
so that troubles may not dismay it.
Make it free,
so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion.
Grant me, my God,
the intelligence, to understand Thee,
the love, to seek Thee,
the wisdom, to find Thee,
words, to please Thee,
the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee
and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last.
Grant that I, a repentant sinner,
may bear Thy chastisements with resignation.
Poor pilgrim which I am,
may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace
and may I one day,
be eternally happy with Thee in Heavenly glory!
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 July – Saint Lupus of Troyes (c383-c479) Bishop and Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 29 July – Saint Lupus of Troyes (c383-c479) Bishop and Confessor, Defender – defended the City from the devastating fury of the Huns and strenuously fought the rampant heretical climate. He was also a friend of Bishop St Euphronius of Autun (Died c473). Born in Toulouse, Alsace, around 383 and died c479 in Troyes of natural causes. Patronages – against demonic possession, against epilepsy, against paralysis, of Benevento, and San Lupo, Italy and of Troyes, France. Also known as – Leu, Lou, Loup, Lupo.

St Sidonius Apollinaris (c430 – 489) called him “The Father of Fathers and Bishop of Bishops, the Chief of the Gallican Prelates, the Rule of Manners, the Pillar of Truth, the Friend of God and the Intercessor to Him for men.”

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Troyes, in France, St Lupus, Bishop and Confessor who accomopanied the blessed St Germanus to England to combat the Pelagian heresy and by assiduous prayers, defencded the City of Troyes from the fury of Attila, who was debastating all of France.”

Lupus was the son of a wealthy nobleman, Epirocus of Toul. It is believed that Lupus was the brother of St Vincent of Lérins (Died c445) Monk, Ecclesiatical Writer. Having lost his parents when he was an infant, Lupus was brought up by his uncle Alistocus. He was brother-in-law to St Hilary of Arles (c400-449), as he had married one of Hilary’s sisters, Pimeniola. He held a number of estates in Maxima Sequanorum and worked as a lawyer. After six years of marriage, he and his wife parted by mutual consent to dedicate themselves to God’s service.

Lupus sold his estate and gave the money to the poor. He entered Lérins Abbey, a community founded and led by St Honoratus of Arles (c350-c429), where he stayed about a year. In 427 Honoratus was named as the Archbishop of Arles and St Hilary accompanied him to his new See. Lupus then retired to Macon where he came to the attention of St Germanus of Auxerre (c378 – c448) , who appointed him as the Bishop of Troyes. He was reluctant to assume this high and demanding office and at first declined but eventually relented.

In the autumn of 429, the Council of Arles, at the request of the Bishops of Britain, sent Lupus and Germanus to combat Pelagianism. As such, Lupus is remembered in Wales as Bleiddian and appears in early Welsh Literature. He is particularly venerated at Llanblethian in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The two Saints returned to Gaul just after Easter in the spring of 430 having achieved great success in countering and instruction against the Pelagianist heresy.

In 451, hearing of the advancing Huns, after praying for many days, Lupus, dressed in full Episcopal regalia, went to meet Attila at the head of a procession of the Clergy. Attila was so impressed with Lupus that he spared the City. Attila went onto lose the Battle of Châlons. Lupus then encountered an extremely fraught and difficult problem, when Attila asked the Bishop to accompany him and his army afterthe loss at Châlons, believing that Lupus’ presence would spare his army from extermination. Of course, Lupus had to decline. Many doubt the veracity of the account of the Attila incident. However, the historical kernel it contains is that Troyes was spared being sacked by Attila’s army and that its inhabitants considered this a miraculous deliverance by the intercession and bravery of St Lupus!

St Lupus was the Bishop of Troyes for fifty-two years and died at Troyes in c479. His Relics are enshrined in Troyes Cathedral.

His cult in Benevento, Italy and in his own Diocese, dates to at least the 9th-10th Centuries. Already in the 9th Century, there existed in Benevento a Benedictine Abbey named after him, whose Abbots exercised spiritual and temporal jurisdiction over the fortified village of San Lupo (Archdiocese and Province of Benevento). When, in 1450, Pope Nicholas V suppressed the Abbey, its assets and jurisdiction were annexed to the metropolitan Chapter which, since then, has honoured our holy Bishop as its illustrious Patron.

Statue in Troyes

In San Lupo, Italy, our Saint is celebrated from 27-29 July each year with processions, Holy Mass and many festivities.

St Vincent of Lérins:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/24/saint-of-the-day-24-may-saint-vincent-of-lerins-died-c445-confessor/
QUOTES by St Vincent:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/24/quote-s-of-the-day-24-may-st-vincent-of-lerins/
https://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/91806

St Hilary of Arles:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/05/saint-of-the-day-5-may-saint-hilary-of-arles-c-400-449-hilary-of-holy-memory/

St Honoratus of Arles:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/16/saint-of-the-day-16-january-saint-honoratus-of-arles-c350-c429-bishop-and-confessor/

St Germanus d’Auxerre:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-st-germanus-dauxerre-c-378-c-448/

St Sidonius Apollinaris (c430 – 489) Bishop, Copnfessor, Poet, Diplomat, Writer, Scholar, Apostle of the poor and of exiles – Sidonius is “the single most important surviving author of 5th Century Gaul.”
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/21/saint-of-the-day-21-august-saint-sidonius-apollinaris-c-430-489/

St Lupis Relics in Troyes Cathedral
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna dei Miracoli / Holy Mary of Miracles, Morbio Inferiore, Ticino, Switzerland (1594), St Martha and Memorials of the Saints – 29 July

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Madonna dei Miracoli / Holy Mary of Miracles, Morbio Inferiore, Ticino, Switzerland (1594) – 29 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/29/madonna-dei-miracoli-holy-mary-of-miracles-morbio-inferiore-ticino-switzerland-1594-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Martha – Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany. Friend of Jesus and hostess to Him in her house. May have been part of an early mission to France.
St Martha:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-st-martha-virgin-1st-century/
More on St Martha here:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-st-martha/

St Antony
St Beatrix of Rome
Bl Beatrix of Valfleury
St Callinicus of Paphlagonia
St Faustinus of Rome
St Faustinus of Spello
St Felix of Rome
St John the Soldier
Bl José Calasanz Marqués
St Kilian of Inishcaltra
St Lek Sirdani

Blessed Luis Bertran OP (1594-1627) Martyr, Spanish Priest and Missionary of the Order of Preachers. Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/29/saint-s-of-the-day-29-july-blessed-luis-bertran-op-1594-1627-and-companions-martyrs/

St Lupus of Troyes (c383-c479) Bishop and Confessor
Bl Mancius of the Cross
St Olaf II
St Olaus of Sweden
Bl Petrus of Saint Mary
St Pjetër Çuni
St Prosper of Orleans
St Rufo of Rome
St Seraphina
St Serapia of Syria
St Sulian

St William Pinchon of Saint Brieuc (1180-1234) Bishop of Saint Brieuc, Confessor. William was a champion for the poor and defended the rights and privileges of the Church against secular intervention.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-st-william-pinchon-of-saint-brieuc-1180-1234/

Four Anonymous Martyrs

Martyrs of Rome – 23 Saints
Eugene
Flora the Martyr
Lucilla
Theodore

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUOTES on HUMILITY

Thought for the Day – 28 July – Models of Humility: The Blessed Virgin

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Thought for the Day – 28 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

Models of Humility:
The Blessed Virgin

No-one of all the children of Adam ever approached the Blessed Virgin Mary in humility. What had she to make her humble? She had no sin or imperfection for which to humble herself before God. Yet the greatest of sinners never humbled himself as did Mary. How was this? It was because no-one, save she, ever recognised her own nothingness in God’s sight. This is the surest basis for humility.
We are so wanting in humility because we do not recognise our utter insignificance and the absence of any good in us, save that which, is the gift of God.

Thus, it was that, because Mary had a right to the highest place, she always sought the lowest.
This is the law, which everywhere prevails. Those who deserve the lowest place, seek the highest and those who deserve the highest, seek the lowest. The enemies of God do not like to lower themselves. But, His friends recognise the lowest place as the place most suitable for them
Am I, in this respect, one of God’s friends or one of His enemies?

Mary’s humility was also the result of her desire to be like to her Divine Son in all things.
When she saw Him stoop from the highest Heaven to earth, she longed to stoop to the very dust. She placed herself in spirit beneath the feet of all and, would have placed herself lower still, if it had been possible.
For what humiliation could even Mary endure which was in any way comparable to that of her Son?
If Mary, then, is my Queen and Mother, I will seek to imitate her in this. If the Immaculate Mother of God loved to humble herself, how much more should I, who am but a miserable worm of earth?

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day – 28 July – ‘… He who humbles himself,shall be exalted.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 28 July – Pentecost X – 1 Corinthians 12:2-11; Luke 18:9-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Everyone who exalts himself,
shall be humbled
and he who humbles himself,
shall be exalted.”

Luke 18:14

“The most perfect degree of humility
is to take pleasure in contempt and humiliations.
Contempt suffered patiently,
is worth more before God,
for love of Him, than
a thousand fastings and disciplines.”

“Let us not lower our eyes
without humiliating the heart , at the same time;
let others not think
we want the last place,
without truly desiring it!”

“Humility makes our lives,
acceptable to God,
meekness, makes us
acceptable to men.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – ‘ … For man’s lowliness, is his gratitude and, God’s greatness, is His Mercy.

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One Minute Reflection – 28 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Sts Nazarius and Celus, Martyrs and St Pope Innocent I (Died 417) Confessor – Pentecost X – 1 Corinthians 12:2-11; Luke 18:9-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled and he who humbles himself, shall be exalted.” – Luke 18:14

REFLECTION – “Before the Lord Jesus’ coming, people drew all their glory from themselves. But He came as man that the glory of man might grow less and the glory of God grow greater. For He came without sin and found us all to be sinners. If He came to loose our sins it is because God is merciful, so let man take note of it. For man’s lowliness, is his gratitude and, God’s greatness, is His Mercy.

If He came to forgive us our sins, then let man take thought of his lowliness and God exercise His Mercy. “He must increase but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). That is to say, He it is Who must give and it is for me to receive. He must have the glory and I must acknowledge it. Man should understand his place, let him acknowledge God and hear what the Apostle Paul says to the high-minded and proud man, who claims to be exalted: “What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as though you have not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7). So, let the man who would call his own that which is not his own, understand that he has received it and make himself small, for it is good for him that God should be glorified in him. Therefore, let him grow less in himself that, in him, God may grow greater.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermons on Saint John’s Gospel 14:5)

PRAYER – May the Martyrdom of Thy Saints Nazarius, Celsus and Victor, give us courage, O Lord and may it give us a help to counter our weakness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ACT of LOVE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, Our MORNING Offering, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Our Morning Offering – 28 July – O Love Eternal! An Act of Love

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Our Morning Offering – 28 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost X

O Love Eternal!
An Act of Love
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church
(From his “A Treatise on the Love of God”)

O Love Eternal,
my soul needs and chooses Thee eternally!
Ah, come Holy Ghost
and inflame our hearts with Thine Love!
To love — or to die!
To die — and to love!
To die to all other love
in order to live in Jesus’ Love,
so that we may not die eternally
but that we may live in Thine Eternal Love,
O Saviour of our souls,
we eternally sing,
“Live, Jesus! Jesus, I love!
Live Jesus, Whom I love!
Jesus, I love, Jesus Who lives
and reigns forever and ever.”
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 28 July – Saint Nazarius (Died c68) and Saint Celsus (Died c68) Martyrs

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Saint/s of the Day – 28 July – Saint Nazarius (Died c68) and Saint Celsus (Died c68) Martyrs, Missionaries and disciples of St Peter the Apostle, whose bodies were found by St Ambrose in Milan. Additional Memorial on 10 May of the finding of the Relics by St Ambrose. They were born in Rome and died by beheading in c68 in Milan under Nero. Patronages – the City and Diocese of Carcassone, (et Narbonne) in France; the Cities of Arenzano, Bareggio, Bellano, Collio, Stagno Lombardo, and the Diocese of Trivento, all in Italy.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, the birthday of the holy Martyrs, Nazarius and a boy named Celsus. While the persecution excited by Nero was raging, they were beheaded by Anolinus, after long sufferings and afflictions endured in prison.”

Nazarius’ father was a heathen who held a considerable post in the Roman army. His mother, Perpetua, was a zealous Christian and was instructed by St Peter and his disciples, in the most perfect maxims of our holy Faith. Nazarius embraced ithe Faith with so much ardour that he copied in his life, all the great virtues he saw in his teachers and, out of zeal for the salvation of others, he left Rome, his native City and preached the Faith in many places, with a fervour, thus becoming a disciple of the Apostles.

Arriving at Milan, he was there beheaded for Christ, together with Celsus, a youth whom he carried with him to assist him in his holy mission.

These Martyrs suffered soon after Nero had raised the first persecution. Their bodies were buried separately in a garden without the City, where they were discovered and exhumed by St Ambrose, in 395. In the Tomb of St Nazarius, a phial of the Saint’s blood was found as fresh and red as if it had been spilt that day. The faithful stained their handkerchiefs with some drops and also formed a paste, a portion of which Relic St Ambrose sent to St Gaudentius, Bishop of Brescia. St Ambrose also sent some of the 2 Saints’ Relics to St Paulinus of Nola, who received them, with great respect, as a most valuable gift, as he testifies.

St Ambrose conveyed the bodies of the two Martyrs into the new Church of the Apostles which he had just built. A woman was delivered of an evil spirit in their presence.

Sts Nazarius and Celsus are venerated along with Popes Victor I (Died c100) Martyr and Innocent I (Died 417) Confessor, today, 28 July.