Tag: antoniobacci

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 21 May – Holy Purity

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 21 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Holy Purity

“Since Mary excelled so much in this virtue and had so great a love for it, she will obtain for us from God, the grace necessary for us to preserve it, as long as we pray humbly to her, especially in times of temptation.

Let us remember, that at Baptism, we became members of the Mystical Body of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit (Cf 1 Cor 6:15-20).
We are obliged to avoid defiling this temple and making the Mystical Body of Christ a dwelling-place for the devil!
It is not true to say, that this is an impossible fight.
We know, from our own experience, that we can win.
We have often battled with, or fled from occasions of sin.
We have prayed and made sacrifices, in order to avoid sin and, with the help of God and the protection of the Blessed Virgin, we have won!
After our victory, we have felt elated and have experienced that peace, which only God’s grace can bestow.
If we have succeeded so many times, why cannot we do the same always?
There is no need to be afraid.
If we do all that we can, God’s grace will do the rest.
“I can do all things in Him, Who strengthens me,” Phil 4:12) says St Paul.
“God is faithful,” he writes elsewhere “and will not permit you to be tempted beyond your strength but, with the temptation, will also give you a way out, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).

If we remain pure, we shall see God.
We shall see Him in the work of His creation in this world and we shall see and enjoy Him forever in Heaven.
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/21/thought-for-the-day-21-may-holy-purity/

Posted in "Follow Me", MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 20 May – Mary, the Source of Holiness

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Thought for the Day – 20 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, the Source of Holiness

“Since we are Mary’s children, we should try and reproduce her holiness in ourselves.
Although, it is higher than that of the Angels, her sanctity is easy to imitate.
There is no record that she ever had ecstasies or worked miracles.
Her’s was a perfect internal sanctity, consisting of total conformity with the Will of God and an intense love for Him.
We must aspire to this kind of holiness and model our lives upon it.
There is no point in arguing that it is sufficient to be good Catholics and, that it is not necessary to be holy.
A Catholic, to be truly such, MUST be holy!

St Paul referred to the early faithful as saints (Eph 1:1).
“You are a chosen race,” said St Peter, “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people,” (1 Peter 1:16, Lev 11:44)
“You are to be perfect,” Jesus Himself had commanded, “even as your heavenly Father is perfect,” (Mt 5:48),
This was the reason, He indicated why He had come into the world – “that they may have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10).
This is the purpose of the Gospel and this must be the purpose of our lives.
Some day, we shall either be holy in Heaven, or we shall be damned.
We shall either be saints in Heaven or condemned forever in Hell.
This truth merits careful though – everything else is passing but this is something which will never pass away.
This command to sanctify ourselves is a reality which is present at every moment of our lives.
Let us do our best to obey it, at any cost!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/20/thought-for-the-day-20-may-mary-the-source-of-holiness-2/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 19 May – Mary, a Light in the Darkness

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Thought for the Day – 19 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, a Light in the Darkness

“Most Holy Mary, may I follow your example here on earth.
Please lead us, together with your Divine Son, Jesus, here in our earthly pilgrimage, for you never once lost sight of God.
May the darkness of this world not encompass me, for with you beside me and Christ around me, I will be safe.
For the beauty of the created things can be a snare of immense power.
May the Light of your Son, be my beacon and Light my path and intercede for me, that I may ever radiate His Light.
Grant that I may see, in all things, the Presence and Beauty of God alone, so that I may always continue to advance, nearer and nearer to Him.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/19/thought-for-the-day-19-may-mary-a-light-in-the-darkness/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/19/thought-for-the-day-19-may-mary-a-light-in-the-darkness-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE

Thought for the Day – 18 May – Mary, the Source of Peace

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Thought for the Day – 18 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, the Source of Peace

“Mary, my most sweet Mother, in your Immaculate soul there reigned that true peace which is nourished by God’s grace and by complete obedience to His Will.
Obtain for me from your Son, Jesus, victory over my evil inclinations and resignation to the sufferings of life and to death itself.
Then, following your holy example, may I also be able to acquire the interior peace which will one day be perfect and everlasting in Heaven.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/18/thought-for-the-day-18-may-mary-the-source-of-peace/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/18/thought-for-the-day-18-may-mary-the-source-of-peace-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 16 May – Prayer and Our Lady

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Thought for the Day – 16 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer and Our Lady

“O Mary, my Mother, obtain for me that spirit of prayer which will keep me always close to God.
I know that sin can never conquer me if I remain united to God.
I know if my heart is filled with the desire of Heavenly gifts, there will be no room in it for useless or sinful affections.
I wish to follow your example and live a life of prayer and recollection.
But, I am very weak and unstable.
Please obtain for me the gift of constant and persevering prayer and grant that I may never lose it.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/16/thought-for-the-day-16-may-prayer-and-our-lady/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/16/thought-for-the-day-16-may-prayer-and-our-lady-2/

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 15 May – The Power of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Power of Mary

“O Mary, my powerful and merciful Mother, my soul is constantly troubled by temptations.
I am standing on the edge of the chasm.
I promise to place myself, at once, under your maternal protection.
Grant that I may never fall into sin again.
Cast your merciful eyes upon me and save me when I am tempted.
Grant that temptations may never again endanger the purity of my soul, by obtaining for me from God, a lively spirit of faith, a burning love fo Him and for you, a constant watchfulness over my senses and over worldly dangers and the gift of fervent and persevering prayer, in union with you and your divine Son, Jesus, Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/15/thought-for-the-day-15-may-the-power-of-mary/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/15/thought-for-the-day-15-may-the-power-of-mary-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 14 May – The Refuge of Sinners

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Thought for the Day – 14 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Refuge of Sinners

“Mary, my merciful Mother, you see how wretched I am and how often I have fallen.
I wish to reform and sanctify myself but I am not able without your powerful assistance, the weakness of my nature is an insurmountable obstacle.
Come to my aid, O Mother of mercy.
Obtain for me, forgiveness from your Divine Son.
Obtain for me too, the grace of a complete change of heart, so that I may be truly your child here upon the earth and share in your glory in Heaven.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/14/thought-for-the-day-14-may-the-refuge-of-sinners/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/14/thought-for-the-day-14-may-the-refuge-of-sinners-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on SANCTITY

Thought for the Day – 13 May – Mary, Our Hope

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, Our Hope

“O Mary, my Mother, I place my trust in you because I know, that your intercession, is all-powerful with your Divine Son, Jesus.
Help me to detach myself completely from sin and, to conquer my rebellious inclinations.
Grant that I may imitate the shining example of your sanctity in such a way, that you may be truly my hope and my sure refuge, now and at the hour of my death.
Amen.”

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/13/thought-for-the-day-13-may-mary-our-hope/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/29/thought-for-the-day-29-october-mary-our-hope/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Thought for the Day – 12 May – “All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed”

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Thought for the Day – 12 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed”

“O Mary, my loving Mother, I wish to add my voice to the millions of voices which have proclaimed your blessedness, throughout the ages.
Grant that my recognition of your sanctity, may not be merely verbal but, may be prayed by deeds.
Let me do more than pray to you as my Mother, my Queen and my powerful Mediatrix with God.
Let me also acknowledge, that you are all this to me by a practical and filial imitation of your outstanding virtues.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/12/thought-for-the-day-12-may-all-generations-shall-call-me-blessed/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/12/thought-for-the-day-12-may-all-generations-shall-call-me-blessed-2/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Thought for the Day – 11 May – The Search for God

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Thought for the Day – 11 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Search for God

“Holy Mary, help me to aim at pleasing God throughout my life.
Help me to see Him in all things, to love Him in all my affections, to direct all my thoughts and desires towards Him.
This is the only way in which I can become like you, my Mother.
In this way, I shall find peace on earth, even in the midst of suffering and the happiness in Heaven, which will never pass away.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/11/thought-for-the-day-11-may-the-search-for-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/11/thought-for-the-day-11-may-the-search-for-god-2/

Posted in CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), St JOSEPH

Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – Octave Day of St Joseph

“I cannot call to mind
that I have ever asked him,
at any time for anything,
which he has not granted
and I am filled with amazement
when I consider the great favours
which God has given me,
through this blessed Saint;
the dangers from which he has delivered me,
both of body and of soul!”

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

“It is impossible, that he could be denied
the favours for which he asks
and which we should request him
to obtain for us.
Let us go to him trustingly
but, let us remember,
that the surest way of being heard by him,
is to imitate his wonderful virtues,
especially his humility,
his spirit of prayer,
his purity and his calm desire always,
to do God’s will.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail!
By Father Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863)

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Chaste spouse of Mary hail!
Pure as the lily flow’r
In Eden’s peaceful vale.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Prince of the house of God!
May His best graces be
By thy sweet hands bestowed.

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Comrade of Angels, hail!
Cheer thou the hearts that faint,
And guide the steps that fail.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
God’s choice wert thou alone!
To thee the Word made flesh,
Was subject as a Son.

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Teach us our flesh to tame
And, Mary, keep the hearts
That love thy husband’s name.
Mother of Jesus! bless,
And bless, ye Saints on high,
All meek and simple souls
That to Saint Joseph cry.
Amen.

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE

Thought for the Day – 9 May – The Cardinal Virtues of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Cardinal Virtues of Mary

“Holy Mary, make the cardinal virtues flourish in my soul, as they did in yours.
May they light my way through life and show me the way to Heaven.
Protect me my Mother, when I am in danger of losing any of these virtues and obtain for me, from your Divine Son, Jesus, the grace which will nourish and restore them.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/09/thought-for-the-day-9-may-the-cardinal-virtues-of-mary/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/09/thought-for-the-day-9-may-the-cardinal-virtues-of-mary-2/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, THEOLOGICAL

Thought for the Day – 8 May – The Theological Virtues of Our Lady

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 8 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Theological Virtues of Our Lady

“O Mary, my most holy Mother, grant that my life may be like yours, a continual act of faith, hope and charity towards God and my neighbour.
Grant that my faith may be active, that I may hope only for the Heavenly reward which awaits me and that my charity may never shrink, from whatever sacrifices the love of God and of my neighbours may demand.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/08/thought-for-the-day-8-may-the-theological-virtues-of-our-lady/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/08/thought-for-the-day-8-may-the-theological-virtues-of-our-lady-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY

Thought for the Day – 7 May – The Humility of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 7 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Humility of Mary

“O Holy Mary, you were humble in life, even though you were the Mother of God.
Obtain for me too, the difficult virtue of humility.
I know that it is the basis of all the virtues and draws the grace of God.
You see how much I need to be humble.
Grant that God may be the centre of my mind and of my heart.
Grant that His glory may be, the object of all my actions and desires and the chief purpose of my life.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/07/thought-for-the-day-7-may-the-humility-of-mary/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/07/thought-for-the-day-7-may-the-humility-of-mary-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUTH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 May – “Without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 May – Wisdom 5:1-5, John 15,1-7.

“Without Me
you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

“Whoever does not gather
with me, scatters.”

Luke 11:23

“We recognise a tree by its fruit
and we ought to be able to recognise
a Christian by his action.
The fruit of faith
should be evident in our lives,
for being a Christian,
is more than making
sound professions of faith.
It should reveal itself
in practical and visible ways.
Indeed, it is better to keep quiet
about our beliefs
and live them out,
than to talk eloquently
about what we believe
but fail, to live by it.”

St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35-c 108)
Father of the Church

“… Now is the time in this life of suffering,
when we journey apart from Him.
… So let us fast and pray now
because, we are in the days of childbirth!”

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

“Girded with faith
and the performance of good works,
let us follow in His paths
by the guidance of the Gospel.”

“For at all times, we must so serve Him,
with the good things He has given us,
that he may not, as an angry Father,
disinherit his children,
nor as a dread Lord,
provoked by our evil deeds,
deliver us to everlasting punishment,
as wicked servants,
who refuse to follow Him to glory.”

St Benedict (c 480-547)

“Each one of us has a thirst
for all that is infinite, eternal and perfect.
God alone can satisfy this thirst.
Just as we are created by God,
so we are created for Him.
Just as we came from God,
so we are gradually travelling back towards Him,
for He is the final goal of our earthly journey.
We should meditate on this great truth
which we were first taught in the Catechism,
namely, that we were created
to know, love and serve God
on this earth and to be happy with Him
forever in Heaven.
God alone is the eternal beauty
which will satisfy our hearts.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PURITY

Thought for the Day – 6 May – The Virginal Purity of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 6 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Virginal Purity of Mary

“O Mary, my Heavenly Mother,
I am so weak, yet the danger in which I find myself, is so great.
Turn your eyes of mercy upon me and come to my assistance.
Most of all, do not allow the demon of impurity to seduce my soul.
Grant that I may never yield to the temptations of the flesh.
Protect for me, the flower of my chastity, until I can deliver it, unsullied, into the hands of Jesus in Heaven.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/06/thought-for-the-day-6-may-the-virginal-purity-of-mary
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/06/thought-for-the-day-6-may-the-virginal-purity-of-mary-2/

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 5 May – Mary, Our Mother

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 5 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, Our Mother

“Holy Mary, it is consoling for me to know that you are my Mother, who loves and protects me and intercedes with God on my behalf, that I may obtain everlasting salvation.
I desire to be your child and to love you and your Son Jesus, more and more.
I wish to imitate your virtues, as far as possible, especially your complete acceptance in joy and in sorrow, of the Holy Will of God.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/05/thought-for-the-day-5-may-mary-our-mother/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/05/thought-for-the-day-5-may-mary-our-mother-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 4 May – Mary, the Mother of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 4 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, the Mother of God

“Most Holy Mary, not only were you raised to the dignity of Mother of God but, you carried out His holy Will, heroically on all occasions.
Obtain for me, from your divine Son, Jesus, the grace to co-operate always and at all costs, with His designs for me, both in life and in death, amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/04/thought-for-the-day-4-may-mary-the-mother-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/04/thought-for-the-day-4-may-mary-the-mother-of-god-2/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MARIAN PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 3 May – The Imitation of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 3 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Imitation of Mary

“O Holy Mary, ever ready to protect and assist me, grant that I may be as truly your child as you are my are my Heavenly Mother.
Grant that I may reproduce your most outstanding virtues, especially those which are most necessary for me to imitate.
Help me to be humble, pure and inflamed with love for God and for my neighbour.
Obtain for me a spirit of sacrifice and self-denial and, most of all, a complete and absolute acceptance of the will of God.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/03/thought-for-the-day-3-may-the-imitation-of-mary/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/03/thought-for-the-day-3-may-the-imitation-of-mary-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 2 May – The Intercession of Our Lady

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Intercession of Our Lady

“Holy Mary, my loving Mother, hear my supplications and obtain for me, from your Divine Son, all the graces of which I am in need.
Obtain for me, more of all the grace to become holy.
Grant that I may do always and in all circumstances, whatever Jesus tells me to do.
Grant that my will may be in harmony with His most Holy Will and, that my actions may be in accordance with His Divine Commandments,
Amen”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/02/thought-for-the-day-2-may-the-intercession-of-our-lady/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/02/thought-for-the-day-2-may-the-intercession-of-our-lady-2/

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Thought for the Day – 1 May – The Month of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 1 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Month of Mary

“Holy Mary, my most tender Mother, I love you and desire to love you more and more.
I realise that I am spiritually poor and imperfect.
You are close to the all-powerful God, please help me by your favour and intercession.
I know that Jesus will grant everything you ask of Him.
Obtain for me, therefore, during this month, the grace to eradicate all my vices and cause to flourish in my aoul, all the virtues of which I stand in need.
Set my heart on fire with the love of God and help me to grow more and more, like you and like your Divine Son,
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/01/thought-for-the-day-1-may-the-month-of-mary/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/01/thought-for-the-day-1-may-the-month-of-mary-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 30 April – The Three Grades of Perfection – The Third Grade

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Three Grades of Perfection – The Third Grade

“The Third Grade of perfection consists in preferring suffering to pleasure, humiliation to honours and the cross, to an easy life.
By these means, we imitate Christ better and show our love for Him.
The way of the cross, is the way of Jesus and is the only path to holiness.
It is easier for those who walk this path to be detached from sin and from the world and to remain close to Jesus.
This is the way which the Saints chose.

In which grade of perfection are we?
Even if we are still far from the peak of the third grade of perfection, we should, nevertheless, work hard to reach it,
It is particularly essential that we should stand firm in the first grade of being faithful to the motto of St Dominic Savio: “Death rather than sin!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/24/thought-for-the-day-24-april-the-three-grades-of-perfection-introduction/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/14/thought-for-the-day-14-february-the-three-grades-of-perfection-one-and-two/

Posted in QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 29 April – Faith and Charity

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Faith and Charity

“Our faith should be suffused by love of our neighbour , as well as, by the love of God.
We should love our neighbour as ourselves.
Does anybody really practise this fundamental Christian precept?
Once again, let us contrast the magnificent mansions and places of entertainment of the rich, with the slums and hovels where thousands are living, in conditions which are not fit for rational human beings.
Is this Christianity?
Is this the teaching of the Gospel?

What would Jesus say about such aspects of modern life?
It would seem, that the Gospel is still a closed book for many Christians.

Let us examine ourselves on this commandment, which is so generally ignored that the consequences are likely to be disastrous for everybody.
Let us investigate how much responsibility we bear for this sad and dangerous state of affairs.
Let us make appropriate resolutions, which will save us from the peril of God’s final and fearful condemnation – “Depart from me, accursed ones, into the everlasting fire… As long as you did not do it for one of these least ones, you did not do it for me!” (Cf Mt 25:41-46).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/23/thought-for-the-day-23-april-faith-and-charity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/19/thought-for-the-day-19-april-faith-and-charity/

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 29 April – ‘Wholly United to Christ’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 April – 2 Timothy 2:8-10; 3:10-12, John 15:1-7

“I am the vine, you the branches;
whoever remains in me and I in him,
the same bears much fruit;
for without Me
you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

“My sheep hear My Voice;
and I know them
and they follow Me.”

John 10:27

“He [Christ], protects their faith
and gives strength to believers,
in proportion to the TRUST,
that each man,
who receives that strength,
is willing to place in Him.”

St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200- c 258)
Martyr, Father of the Church

“The way to rest is through toil,
the way to life is through death.
Christ has taken on Himself
the whole weakness of our lowly human nature.
If then we are steadfast in our faith in Him
and in our love for Him,
we win the victory that He has won,
we receive what He has promised.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Place all your trust in God,
let Him be your fear and your love.
He will answer for you,
He will do what is best for you.
You have here no lasting home.
You are a stranger and a pilgrim
wherever you may be
and you shall have no rest,
until you are wholly united with Christ.
Why do you look about here
when this is not the place of your repose?”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

“For the branch,” says St Augustine,
“there can be no half-measures.
Either it remains united with the vine,
or it is thrown into the fire.”
The same holds true for each one of us.
We must choose, either close union with Jesus,
or separation and spiritual death.
We must decide between a life of fervour in Christ,
or a life of tepidity and sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Thought for the Day – 28 April – The Mercy of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 28 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Mercy of God

“Let us meditate, in particular, on certain passages in the Gospel in which God’s Mercy stands out most vividly and appealingly.
There is the incident of the adulteress who is brought before Our Lord by the hypocritical Pharisees.
According to the law, she should have been stoned to death.
Jesus looks at her accusers, who harbour, in the secrecy of their own hearts, God knows how many abominations but strut about in public with the mien of stern and impeccable judges.
Then He rivets His gaze upon the shamefaced woman, who is looking like a soiled rag thrown away on a dust-heap.
When Jesus addresses her relentless judges, His voice is steady: “Let him who is without sin among you, be the first to cast a stone at her.”
When they all drift away with lowered heads, Jesus says pityingly to the woman: “Has no-one condemned thee? … Neither do I condemn thee. Go thy way and from now on, sin no more” (Cf Jn 8:3-11).

Elsewhere, Jesus is called “the good shepherd” Who knows His sheep and calls them to Himself one by one.
If a poor sheep is lost, He leaves the other ninety-nine of His flock and searches for it, nor does He rest until it has been found.
When He sees that it has been injured, He carries it back to the fold upon His shoulders.

Who could forget the touching parable of the prodigal son?
He had left the home of his aging father and had gone to a distant country where he had squandered his inheritance in the course of a low and worldly life of pleasure.
When all his money had been spent, he was very much alone and was reduced to such circumstances, that he took a job looking after unclean animals.
One day, when he was weeping over his fare, he made a sudden resolution, “I will get up and go to my father and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee. I am no longer worthy to be called thy son.”
His father had been waiting for him for many years.
He met and embraced him and gave him the kiss of pardon.
Then he held a great feast because his son had repented and come home.
He “was dead and has come to life, he was lost and is found” (Cf Lk 15:11-32).

No matter how great our faults may be, let us trust in the infinite Mercy of God and when we go to Him repenting and sorrowful, He will grant us forgiveness and peace.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/11/thought-for-the-day-19-april-the-mercy-of-god-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 27 April – PRIDE

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

PRIDE

“Do you remember the occasion when the Apostles, their minds filled with ambitious speculation, approached Jesus and asked Him who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Our Lord called a little child and placed him in the centre of the group.
“Unless you turn and become like little children,” He said, “you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3).

How different are God’s designs from the desires of men!
His ways are full of simplicity and humility, in a sharp contrast with our pride and ostentation.
Jesus taught us this lesson, not only in His discourses but, also in His life.
He was God and He became man; He was rich and He became poor.
He left His heavenly mansion and came down ro live in a stable in Bethlehem and to the home of a poor carpenter in Nazareth.
For thirty years He performed a tradesman’s job in this obscure village in Galilee.
It was only when He had already spent thirty years teaching us His love of poverty, that He emerged to preach the Gospel in public.
After He had preached and worked miracles for three years, He sank back into the depths of lowliness and was even condemned to die upon the Cross.
This is a tremendous lesson for us.
This is the road which we must travel, if we ae to follow Jesus!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/20/thought-for-the-day-20-april-pride/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/29/thought-for-the-day-29-april-pride/

Posted in HOLY SATURDAY, INGRATITUDE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The PASSION, The SEVEN LAST WORDS of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 16 April – The Death of our Saviour

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 16 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Death of our Saviour

“Jesus had now come to the last morning of His earthly life.
The Blood had been drained from His Body as a result of His fatal Wounds and He felt a great thirst, “I thirst,” He murmured in a weak voice.
He expressed in these words, not only His physical thirst but also, His spiritual thirst for souls.
He had given everything for the eternal salvation of men, yet, He realised with Divine foresight, that many would refuse to co-operate with His infinite love,
His thirst was a burning love for us and it was answered, on the physical level, by the vinegar which was given to Him to drink and in the moral order, by our ingratitude.

Seeing that His mission was fulfilled with His last breath, Jesus entrusted His soul to His Heavenly Father, “Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My spirit” (Lk 23:46).
Then, in order to show that His Death was voluntary, He cried out in a loud Voice, “It is consummated!” (Jn 19:30).
Jesus was dead!

Let us prostrate ourselves before His lifeless Body covered with sores and furrowed with blood.
Let us vow, never to offend Him again.
Let us give Him our minds, our hearts, our souls, our whole being.
Let us love Him more and more!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/14/thought-for-the-day-14-april-the-death-of-our-saviour/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/03/thought-for-the-day-3-april-the-death-of-our-saviour/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SIN, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 14 April – The Night of the Passion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 14 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Night of the Passion

“Caiphas, the High Priest, could not gather any solid and unconflicting evidence which would convict Jesus and further his own evil plans.
At last, he solemnly commanded Jesus in the name of the living God, to say whether He was really the Christ, the Son of God.
“Thou hast said it,” Jesus replied: “Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming upon the clouds of heaven.”
At this, the High Priest tore his garments.
“He has blasphemed,” he cried, “He deserves to die” (Cf Mt 26:63-66).

The unjust sentence was met with general acclaim and Jesus was handed over to the soldiers, as if He were a common criminal.
For the rest of the night, these ruffians humiliated and ill-treated Him in the worst possible fashion.
Some spat in His face, others slapped and struck Him and still others, blindfolded Him and jeeringly asked: “Prophecy to us, O Christ! Who is it who struck thee?” (CF Mt 26:67-68)
Jesus suffered in silence.
He suffered because of the blows and insults but, most of all, because of the sad spectacle of so much sin and ingratitude.
He was offered as a Victim of expiation for us all.

When we realise tbe vast number of sins which are committed , what do we do about it?
Do we pray that poor sinners may repent and return to console the Heart of Jesus?
Do we offer our pain and sorrows on their behalf?
If we really love God, we should do this much.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/13/thought-for-the-day-13-april-the-night-of-the-passion/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on TRUTH, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 13 April – The Night of the Passion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Night of the Passion

“The night of the Passion of Jesus Christ began in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Here the tired Apostles left Him to pray alone and to endure the agonising pre-vision of the torments and death which awaited Him, as well as of the ingratitude with which men would repay His Infinite love.
Soon afterwards, abandoned by everyone, He was led before the Sanhedrin as a criminal and a disturber of the public peace.
Not only was the accusation false but, it was, of course, a complete inversion of the truth.

Jesus had, in fact, taught the noblest and most elevating of doctrines for all humanity.
He had proved the truth of His teaching by His miracles.
He restored sight to the blind, health to the lepers, to the lame and to the paralysed and even, life to the dead.
He had stated quite clearly, “Render to Caesar, the things that are Caesar’s and to God, the things that are God’s” (Mt 22:21).
Nevertheless, in the presence of His wicked judges, He showed Himself to be meek and humble.
But when He was confronted with an obvious falsehood, He spoke out in defence of the truth of His teaching.
For this, He was struck by one of the High Priests’s attendants , who said: “Is that the way thou dost answer the high priest?”
“If I have spoken ill,” Jesus replied quietly, “bear witness to the evil but if well, why dost thou strike me?” (Jn 18:19-23).

Let us learn from our Divine Redeemer to conquer self-love and to bear insults humbly and peacefully.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in OUR Cross, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 12 April – The Agony of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Agony of Jesus

“Jesus suffered willingly and generously for us.
First of all, He endured this near-fatal anguish of soul, which caused blood to ooze from the pores of His Body.
Then He suffered the cruelest of physical tortures.
What must our reaction be?

If we lack the heroic generosity of the Saints and are not prepared to look for suffering by scourging ourselves or by wearing hair-shirts or chains next to our flesh, let us at least accept our inevitable sorrows and trials, with perfect resignation.

Jesus was innocence itself, yet He suffered willingly for us.
Why should we, who are unworthy sinners, be unwilling to submit to the punishments due to our sins?

There are many who kiss the Crucifix and claim to love it but, they try as hard as possible, to reject the cross which God has given them.
This is an impossible state of affairs!

Let us remember, that if we wish to have a sincere love for the Crucifix, we must love our own cross as well, for this is the cross which God has given us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/22/thought-for-the-day-22-april-the-agony-of-jesus/