St Abel of Rheims (Died c770 Bishop St Addai St Aggai of Edessa Bl Arnaldo Pons St Cantidianus St Cantidius St Cassian of Autun St Casto of Teano Bl Corrado of Laodicea
St Eusignius St Gormeal of Ardoilen Bl James Gerius St Margaret the Barefooted (1335-1395) Married Laywoman St Mari St Memmius of Châlons-sur-Marne
St Nonna of Nazianzen (c305-c374) Widow. Mother– Widow. Mother – Widow of St Gregory Nazianzen the Elder, (c276-374) the saintly Bishop of Nazianzen and Mother of St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Doctor of the Church, his younger brother St Caesarius Nazianzen (c331-368) a Physician and St Gorgonia (Died c375) Married, Mother. St Gregory Nazianzen’s Mother: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/05/saint-of-the-day-5-august-st-nonna-of-nazianzen-c305-374-widow/
St Sobel St Theodoric of Cambrai-Arras St Venantius of Viviers St Viator
Martyrs of the Salarian Way: Twenty-three Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. Died in 303 on the Salarian Way in Rome, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 4 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
CHARITY Meditations for a Month
The Kindness of Charity “Charity is kind”
All appreciate kindness and are drawn towards those who are kind. Even natural kindness is very precious and beautiful. Kindness is one of the marks of a noble and generous character. We feel the lack of kindness most keenly, when we believe others have not been kind to us. Yet, we overlook our own many acts of unkindness to others. Should I not reproach myself for omitting many little acts of kindness which I might have done? Should I not reproach myself for sometimes being positively unkind?
Natural kindness is a sort of foundation for supernatural kindness but the two are very distinct from each other. Natural kindness has some natural motive – our own inclinations, love for the individual to whom we are kind, or a natural benevolence. Supernatural kindness always has a supernatural motive and is directed to the glory of God. It is kindness to others for Christ’s sake and for the others’ sake, chiefly as they are His brethren and friends and, therefore, ours. Do I seek to supernaturalise the kindnesses I do for others, to earn an eternal reward, by means of them?
If we are kind to others for God’s sake, He will be kind to us in our turn. Yet, our kindness must not have any advantage to ourselves, for, its chief motive, is to be the kindness of charity. We must not only have love of God in our hearts but, we also must have the thought of God present to us. The kind action must be done because it is a happiness to please Him, Who is, in Himself, so kind and good. Does my kindness stand this test?
One Minute Reflection – 4 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Pentecost XI – St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) Confessor, Founder –1 Corinthians 15:1-10; Mark 7:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears and, after spitting. touched his tongue.” – Mark 7:33
REFLECTION – “The Lord heals all your ills” (Ps 102:3). Never fear, all your ills will healed. You say they are big ones but the Doctor is even greater. For an all-powerful Doctor there is no such thing as an incurable sickness. Simply let yourself be cared for, do not push away His hand, He knows what to do. Do not be happy only when He acts with gentleness but bear with it, too, when He prunes. Accept the unpleasantness of the cure, by thinking of the healing it will bring you. Notice all those things, brethren which people put up with in their physical ills, so as to prolong their lives a few days … You, at least, are not suffering for an uncertain result – He, Who has promised you your health,, cannot be mistaken. Why is it that doctors are sometimes mistaken? Because they have not created the body they are treating. But God has made your body, God has made your soul. He knows how to re-create that which He has created; He knows how to re-fashion that which He has formed. You have only to abandon yourself into His Doctor’s Hand! … Endure His Hands, then, O soul who “blesses Him and forgets not all His benefits – He heals all your ills” (P2 102:2-3). He who had made you never to become sick, if you would keep His precepts, will He not heal you? He who made the Angels and, in re-creating you, will make you equal to the Angels – will He not heal you? He who made Heaven and earth, will He not heal you, after having made you, in His Image? (Gn 1:26) He will heal you but you must consent to be healed. He heals every sickness perfectly but He does not heal it, in spite of Himself … Your health is Christ!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church – Sermon on the Psalms, Ps 102[103]: 5-6; PL 37, 1319
PRAYER – O God, Who graciously enlightened Thy Church by the good works and teaching of St Dominic, Thy Confessor, grant by his intercession, that she may never be deprived of temporal helps and may ever advance in spiritual growth. 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 – 4 August – Blessed William Horne O.Cart. (Died 1540) Martyr, Carthusian Lay Brother of the Charterhouse in London. William was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn Tree, London, for treason for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church. Additional Memorial – 4 May as one of the Carthusian Martyrs of London.
William was the last of the Carthusians who died for Christ and His Church. He was one of 18 Carthusian Monks murdered between May 1535 and August 1540. Some were hanged, drawn and quartered, some were hanged in chains and others were starved to death.
We have no personal information of Blessed William escept relating to his Martyrdom. He was arrested for opposing the religious policies of King Henry VIII (reign 1509-1547) which included the imprisonment of Catholics and the destruction of Monasteries. William was executed at Tyburn with two companions.
In the great persecution against Catholics decreed by Henry VIII, King of England, each religious Order of the time, together with the Diocesan Clergy, left a tribute of blood and Martyrdom for the defence of the Catholic Church.
He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) Confessor, Founder of the Dominicans – The Order of Preachers – Priest, Founder, Teacher, Preacher, Mystic, Miracle-Worker, Apostle of the Holy Rosary. At Dominic’s Baptism, Blessed Joan, his Mother, saw a star shining from his chest, which became another of his symbols in art and led to his patronage of astronomy. https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/saint-of-the-day-8-august-st-dominic-de-guzman-founder-of-the-dominican-order-of-preachers/ A lovely personal description of St Dominic here: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/04/saint-of-the-day-4-august-st-dominic-confessor/ The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Bologna, St Dominic, Confessor, Founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, most renowned for sanctity and learning. He preserved his chastity unsullied to the end of his life and by his great merits, raised three persons from the dead. After having repressed heresies by his preaching and instructed many in the religious and Godly life, he rested in peace on the 6th of this month. His Feast, however, is celebrated on this day by decree of Pope Paul IV.”
Thought for the Day – 3 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
CHARITY Meditations for a Month
The Patience of Charity “Charity is patient”
Patience consists in supporting (without murmuring or complaint), injuries hardships, ill-treatment, whether they are deserved or undeserved. It is thus, a most difficult virtue and cannot be practiced in its perfection, except by those who have attained a high degree of charity. We are naturally eager to defend ourselves, resentful when accused, angry when some wrong is done us and anxious to take revenge on our impugner. Yet, all this is forbidden by patience and is inconsistent with charity! Can I stand this test?
Every form of patience is especially difficult for some people. Active, energetic, eager natures, cannot endure to be thwarted or contradicted. Even being kept waiting irritates them. For them, a careful practice of patience is necessary,, if they are to rise high in virtue. They must begin by suppressing the outward expressions. This will help them overcome the internal movement of impatience. They must school themselves carefully in little things with a persevering determination to conquer their natural inclination towards impatience, or they will offend continually against charity.
Patience, like all the virtues, brings its own reward. How much the impatient suffer when corrected! The inward struggle and desire to be rid of the obstacle in their path, or the person who hinders and annoys them, is painful to them. How they chafe under the restraint which hampers their activity! On the contrary, how full of tranquil peace is one, who allows nothing to make him impatient and who, takes everything as coming from God. Do I act that way?
Quote/s of the Day – 3August – The Finding of the Relics of St Stephen, Protomartyr: – Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 23:34-39 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”
Acts 7:60
“Leave there thy offering before the Altar and go first to be reconciled to thy brother and then, coming, thou shalt offer thy gift.”
Matthew 5:24
“But I say to you, love your enemies …”
Matthew 5:44
“Whoever says he abides in Christ, ought to walk, even as Christ walked …”
1 John 2:6
“Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be, therefore, wise as serpents and simple as doves. ” Matthew – 10:16
“So that you might follow in His Footsteps,” writes St Peter. The blessed Evangelist John also says the same thing: “Whoever claims to abide in Christ ought to walk as He has walked,” (1 Jn 2:6). And how has Christ walked? He prayed for His enemies on the Cross, saying: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” (Lk 23:34). They have actually lost their senses and are possessed by an evil spirit and while they are persecuting us, they themselves are undergoing a far greater persecution from the devil. Hence, we should be praying more for their deliverance, than for their condemnation.”
St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Father of the Church, Bishop
“To the extent that you pray, with all your soul, for the person who slanders you, God will make the truth known to those who have been scandalised by the slander.”
One Minute Reflection – 3 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Finding of the Relics of St Stephen, Protomartyr: – Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 23:34-39 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” – Acts 7:60
REFLECTION – “Let us imitate our Lord and pray for our enemies … He was Crucified yet, at the same time, prayed to His Father for the sake of those who were crucifying Him. But how could I possibly imitate our Lord, one might ask? If you wish to, you will be able to. If you were not able to do it, how could He have said: “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart”? (Mt 11:29) …
If you have difficulty in imitating our Lord, at least imitate him who is also His servant, His Deacon – I would speak of Stephen. Just as Christ, in the midst of those crucifying Him, without considering the Cross, without considering His own predicament, pleaded with the Father on behalf of His tormentors (Lk 23:34), so His servant, surrounded by those who were stoning him, attacked by all, crushed beneath a hail of stones and, without taking any account of the suffering they were causing him, said: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Do you see how the Son spoke and how His servant prayed? The former said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” and the latter said: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Moreover, to make us better realise, the fervour with which he was praying, he did not just pray, as he stood beneath the blows of the stones but, he spoke on his knees with sincerity and compassion …
Christ said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Stephen cried out: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Paul, in his turn, said: “I offer up this sacrifice for my brethren, my kin according to race” (cf.Rm 9:3). Moses said: “If you would only forgive their sin! And if you will not, then strike me out of the book that you have written!” (Ex 32:32). David said: “May your hand fall on me and my kindred,” (2 Sam 24:17). … What kind of forgiveness do we think we shall receive if we ourselves do the opposite of what is asked of us and pray against our enemies, when the Lord Himself and His servants of both Old and New Testaments, direct us to pray on their behalf?” – St John Chrysostom (345-407) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon for Good Friday “The Cross and the bandit”).
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to imitate what we celebrate, so that we may learn to love even our enemies because we keep the anniversary of the death of him, who knew how to plead, even for his persecutors with our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son. 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 – 3 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and Mary’s Saturday
Hail Mary! Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary By St John Eudes (1601-1680) “The Apostle of Two Hearts”
Hail Mary! Mother of God the Son. Hail Mary! Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary! Temple of the Most Blessed Trinity. Hail Mary! Pure Lily of the Effulgent Trinity. Hail Mary! Celestial Rose of the Ineffable Love of God. Hail Mary! Virgin pure and humble, of whom the King of Heaven willed to be born and, with thy milk to be nourished. Hail Mary! Virgin of Virgins, Hail Mary! Queen of Martyrs, whose soul a sword transfixed. Hail Mary! Lady most blessed! unto whom all power in Heaven and earth is given. Hail Mary! My Queen and my Mother! my Life, my Sweetness and my Hope, Hail Mary! Mother Most Amiable, Hail Mary! Mother of Divine Love, Hail Mary! Immaculate! Conceived Without Sin! Hail Mary! Full of Grace! The Lord is with Thee! Blessed art thou among women! And blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus! Blessed be thy spouse, Saint Joseph, Blessed be thy father, Saint Joachim, Blessed be thy mother, Saint Anne, Blessed be thy guardian, Saint John, Blessed be thy holy Angel, Saint Gabriel, Glory be to God the Father, Who chose thee, Glory be to God the Son, Who loved thee, Glory be to God the Holy Spirit, Who espoused thee. AMEN,
Saint of the Day – 3 August – Saint Euphronius of Autun (Died after 472) Bishop and Confessor, Founder and builder of a Basilica and a Monastery. Also known as – Euphromius, Eufronio. Additional Memorial – 3 June in Autun.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Autun, the demise of St Euphromious, Bishop and Confessor.”
Autun Cathedral
Euphronius, Priest of the Church of Autun, while still young, built a Basilica on the Tomb of the Martyr Saint Symphorian (Died c180) which would later become a famous Monastery.
In 453, Euphronius composed a letter, now lost, to the Bishop of Angers, Talasius. Around 470, when Bishop Perpetuus of Tours was building a new Church to house the remains of St Martin of Tours, Euphronius sent the marble for the covering of the Saint’s Tomb.
The letters of St Sidonius Apollinaris the Bishop of Clermont, notes that around the year 470 our Saint Euphronius, accompanied his great friend, St Lupus of Troyes, whom we celebrated on 29 July, together with the Bishop of Lyons and other Prelates, to Chalon-sur-Saône to Consecrate a new Bishop there.
Also in 472, Sidonius wrote to Euphronius to invite him to attend the Consecration of the new Bishop of Bourges.
Euphronius’ name appears in the Martyrology of Hieronymus but his cult in Autun does not seem to date further backwards beyond the 11th Century. He was celebrated on 3 June in Saint Symphorian’s Basilica and Monastery of Autun where he was buried and in the Church Consecrated and dedicated to him (now disappeared) in the village of Saint-Euphròne (Còte d’Or) mentioned from 865.
Blessed Augustine Gazotich OP (1262-1323) Bishop of Lucera, Croatia, of the Order of Preachers. He was also noted for being the guide for Dante Alighieri as the poet travelled through Croatia. His reputation for personal holiness remained noted long after his death; this resulted in Pope Innocent XII confirming the late Bishop’s Beatification in 1700. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/03/saint-of-the-day-3-august-blessed-augustine-gazotich-o-p-1262-1323/
St Dalmatius St Euphronius of Autun (Died after 472) Bishop and Confessor St Gamaliel St Gaudentia Bl Godfrey of Le Mans Bl Gregory of Nonantula St Hermellus St Nicodemus
St Senach of Clonard (Died 6th Century) One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland
Thought for the Day – 2 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
CHARITY Meditations for a Month
Charity in Our Actions
We have seen that charity must influence all our actions if they are to be meritorious in the sight of God. However, this does not mean that the conscious motive of promoting God’s glory must be present in our every thought but, we should aim for this end. The Saints always had God before their eyes. Their every movement and every act, however trifling, was done with the intention to please Him. Ordinary Christians can attain this only after long years practicing a close union with God. They must begin by offering up their actions to Him from time to time and by renewing the offering as often as they can. Am I striving to do this? Am I advancing in this practice of charity?
One thing we must always remember. We must always offer our actions to God when we rise in the morning. We should make the Sign of the Cross, repeat some little ejaculation consecrating the day to God. Here is an example. “O my God, I offer Thee all my actions, thoughts, words, deeds and sufferings of this day in union with those of Thy beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.” I say this little prayer intending that it will last throughout the day, even though I may forget it. I will also pray that all I do may be influenced by it.
This single offering can scarcely continue to have any controlling power over our actions, unless it is renewed. Its influence fades away. We not only forget it but we also become so absorbed in our various occupations that we are in danger of ceasing to do them, in any sense, for God. It is necessary to renew the intention to do all for God and, to renew it frequently. Do I renew my intentions at Holy Mass, when I say grace at meals, when the Angelus rings or the clock strikes, at mid-day and in the evening, and at other times?
Quote/s of the Day – 2 August – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
As you most probably are aware, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games were marred by some degrading and horrible blasphemies. A parody of the Last Supper was enacted and broadcast with incredible obscenity. Let us pray St Alphonsus Act of Reparation on our knees with tears and love to Our Saviour:
Act of Reparation By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church Indulgence of 3 Years – Once a Day
O Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer, Son of the living God, behold we kneel before Thee and offer Thee our reparation; we would make amends, for all the blasphemies uttered against Thy Holy Name, for all the injuries done to Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, for all the irreverence shown toward Thine Immaculate Virgin Mother, for all the calumnies and slanders, spoken against Thy Spouse, the Holy Catholic and Roman Church. O Jesus, Who hast said: “If you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will give it you,” we pray and beseech Thee, for all our brethren who are in danger of sin; shield them from every temptation to fall away from the true faith; save those who are even now standing on the brink of the abyss; to all of them, give light and knowledge of the truth, courage and strength, for the conflict with evil, perseverance in faith and active charity! For this do we pray, most merciful Jesus, in Thy Name, unto God the Father, with Whom Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
“Lord it is good for us to be here” Matthew 17:4
“Lord, let us remain here; let us never more depart from this place; for, the sight of Thine Beauty consoles us more than all the delights of the earth! Let us, then, brethren, courageously resolve to bear patiently with all the sufferings which shall come upon us during the remaining days of our lives: to secure Heaven, they are all little and nothing. “Your sorrows shall be turned into joy.” (John 16:20) When, then, the crosses of this life afflict us, let us raise our eyes to Heaven and console ourselves with the hope of Paradise. Have courage! Let us love God and labour for Heaven. There the Saints expect us, Mary expects us, Jesus Christ expects us – He holds in His Hand a Crown, to make each of us a king in that eternal Kingdom!”
“Let us read the lives of the Saints; let us consider the penances which they performed and blush to be so effeminate and so fearful of mortifying our flesh.”
O Jesus, My Sweet Love! (I too have kept Thee suffering)
Prayer of Contrition By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
O Jesus, my sweet Love! I too have kept Thee suffering through all Thy life. Tell me, then, what I must do in order to win Thy forgiveness. I am ready to do all Thou askest of me. I am sorry, O sovereign Good, for all the offences I have committed against Thee. I love Thee more than myself, or at least, I feel a great desire to love Thee. Since it is Thou Who hast given me this desire, do Thou also give me the strength to love Thee exceedingly.
It is only right that I, who have offended Thee so much, should love Thee very much. Always remind me of the love Thou hast borne me, in order that my soul may ever burn with love of Thee and long to please Thee alone. O God of love, I, who was once a slave of hell, now give myself all to Thee. Graciously accept me and bind me to Thee with the bonds of Thy love. My Jesus, from this day and forever, in loving Thee will I live and in loving Thee will I die.
O Mary, my Mother and my hope, help me to love Thy dear God and mine. This is the only favour I ask of thee and through thee, I hope to receive it. Amen
Act of Spiritual Communion By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
I desire, good Jesus, to receive Thee in Holy Communion and since I cannot now receive Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness. Come, my Lord, my God and my All! Come to me and never let me ever again be separated from Thee by sin. Teach me Thy blessed ways, help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example, to practise meekness, humility, charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart. My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will and to love Thee, more and more. Help me, that I may be faithful to the end, in Thy service. Bless me in life and in death, that I may praise Thee, forever in heaven, Amen
One Minute Reflection –2 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feast of St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church – – 2 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Lord appointed seventy two others and sent them forth, two-by-two before Him, into every town and place, where He, Himself was about to come.” – Luke 10:1
REFLECTION – “The names of the Apostles of the Saviour, are clear to everyone from the Gospels but no list of the seventy [two] disciples is in circulation anywhere. Some have said, to be sure, that Barnabas was one of them and the Acts of the Apostles and Paul writing to the Galatians, have made special mention of him. They say Sosthenes was of these too. Together with Paul, he wrote to the Corinthians. Tradition also holds that Matthias, who was listed among the Apostles in place of Judas and Joseph Justus, who was honoured with him at the same casting of lots, were considered worthy of the same calling among the seventy [two]. They say that Thaddaeus was also one of them, about whom I shall presently relate a story which has come down to us. On observation, you would find that the disciples of the Saviour appear to have been more than the seventy (two). Paul says that after the Resurrection from the dead, Cephas saw Him first, then the Twelve. After these saw Him, He was seen by more than five hundred brothers all at once, some of whom he says, had fallen asleep, although the majority were still alive at the time that this account was being composed by him.” – St Eusebius of Caesarea (c 260-339) Bishop of Caesarea, Historian, Theologian, Father (Ecclesiastical History 1.)”
PRAYER – O God, Who through blessed Alphonsus Maria, Thy Confessor and Bishop, fired with love for souls, enriched Thy Church with a new family; we beseech Thee that, taught by his saving counsels and strengthened by his example, we may be enabled, happily to come to 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).
Our Morning Offering – 2 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church and a Friday of the Passion
Act of Contrition By St Alphonsus Maria Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
My Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast made this journey to die for me, with love unutterable and I have so many times unworthily abandoned Thee but now, I love Thee with my whole heart and because I love Thee,, I repent sincerely for having ever offended Thee. Pardon me, my God and permit me to accompany Thee on this journey. Thou goest to die for love of me, I wish also, my beloved Redeemer, to die for love of Thee. My Jesus, I will live and die always united to Thee. Amen
Saint of the Day – 2 August – Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Religious of the Third Order of the Friars Minor and Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker, Exorcist. Born in c1255 in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy and died on 2 August 1335 of natural causes. Also known as – Frederico, Frederick.
Federic was born in Syracuse to the noble Campisani family, between 1250 and 1260. Since boyhood, he was attracted to listening to the Word of God and, as soon as he could, he wore the Franciscan Habit as a penitent.
He retired as a solitary hermit in the Maddalena Peninsula, so called by a small Church dedicated to the holy penitent St Mary Magdalene which later became the place where Blessed Federic lived.
With the view of the immense sea, he lived a life full of virtue and full of miracles which occurred through his intercession. It is said that various possessed people were freed from the devil, various illnesses were cured and a dead man was resurrected. Frederic had been granted the gift of prophecy too and many came to him seeking spiritual advice and assistance.
On 2 August 1335, the solitary of the Magdalene fell asleep in the Lord, full of merits and amid the mourning of those who turned to him for help for their body and spirit.
The first canonical process in 1336 was desired by the Bishop of Syracuse, Pietro De Montecateno and in 1761, Bishop Giuseppe Antonio De Requesens ordered the canonical recognition of the the blessed Fredric’s Relics.
The devotion and cult fof Blessed Federic has had ups and downs over the Centuries and has resurfaced in our times, almost as if to show us the path of perfection to be sought in silence, in the immense noise of modern life. But if we manage to create silence around us, the contemplation of nature will return and we will still be able to listen to the Word of God as our Blessed Frederic did from childhood until death..
St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church, Founder of the Redemptorists, Spiritual Writer, Composer, Musician, Artist, Poet, Lawyer, Scholastic Philosopher and Theologian.
St Auspicius of Apt St Betharius of Chartres (Died c623) Bishop St Etheldritha of of Croyland Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Third Order Religious of the Friar s Minor, Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker. Bl Gundekar of Eichstätt Bl Joanna of Aza Bl John of Rieti St Maximus of Padua St Pedro de Osma St Plegmund St Rutilius
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 Irelandand I believe there are versions in various countries around the world.
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.
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
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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).
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..
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
AnaStpaul 
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