Tag: catholic

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart, Pentecost III, Madonna, Madre delle Grazie / Our Lady, Mother of Grace (1610), Madonna della Fontenuova / Our Lady of the Plain , (1573), St Felicianus and St Primus Brother Martyrs and the Saints for 9 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart

Pentecost III

Madonna, Madre delle Grazie / Our Lady, Mother of Grace (1610) (Also known as Our Lady of the Bowed Head) – 9 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/09/saint-of-the-day-9-june-st-baithen-of-iona-c-536-c-599/

Madonna della Fontenuova / Our Lady of the Plain , Monsummano Terme, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy, (1573) – 9 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/09/madonna-della-fontenuova-our-lady-of-the-plain-monsummano-terme-pistoia-tuscany-italy-1573-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-june/

St Felicianus and St Primus * (Died c304) Brothers, Confessors, Lay Martyrs.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, on Mount Caelius, the birthday of the holy Martyrs, Primus and Felician, under the Emperor Diocletian and Maximian. These glorious Martyrs lived long in the service of the Lord and endured sometimes together, sometimes separately, various cruel torments. They were finally beheaded by Promotus, Governor of Nomentum and thus happily ended their combat.”
Their Lives and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/09/saints-of-the-day-9-june-saints-primus-and-felicianus-died-c304-martyrs-confessors/

St Alexander of Prusa
St Arnulf of Velseca

St Baithen of Iona (c 536-c 599) Abbot, the first successor of St Columba of Iona. An Irish Monk, especially selected by St Columba, as one of the band of Missionaries who set sail for Scotland in 563. St Baithen of Iona is generally known as Baithen Mor, to distinguish him from eight other Saints of the same name — the affix mor meaning “the Great.” This holy man was closely related to the great St Columba.
His Illustrious Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/09/saint-of-the-day-9-june-st-baithen-of-iona-c-536-c-599/

St Columba of Iona (521-597) Confessor, Apostle of the Picts, Apostle to Scotland, Abbot, Missionary, Evangelist, Poet, Scholar and Writer .
He should not be confused with St Columban/us (543-615) – see here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/23/saint-of-the-day-23-november-st-columban-543-615/
THE WONDROUS ST COLUMBA OF IONA:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/09/saint-of-the-day-9-june-saint-columba-of-iona-521-597-apostle-of-the-picts-apostle-to-scotland/

St Comus of Scotland
St Cumian of Bobbio
St Cyrus
Bl Diana d’Andalo OP
St Diomedes of Tarsus
St Julian of Mesopotamia
St Luciano Verdejo Acuña
St Maximian of Syracuse (Died 594) Bishop
St Pelagia of Antioch
St Primus *
St Richard of Andria
Bl Robert Salt
Bl Sylvester Ventura
St Valerius of Milan
St Vincent of Agen

Martyrs of Arbil – 5 Saints: Five Nuns who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Tamsabur for refusing to renounce Christianity for sun-worship – Amai, Mariamne, Martha, Mary and Tecla. They were beheaded on 31 May 347 at Arbil, Assyria (in modern Kurdistan, Iraq).

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 8 June – Aids to Humility

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Thought for the Day – 8 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

Aids to Humility

To foster in ourselves a spirit of humility, we must not only look back but also look forward.
When we appear before our Lord to be judged, what reason we shall have for shame and for dismay! How can I, who am so full of sin, venture to face Him, Who sees through every disguise and recognises the true nature of every action?
How can I meet Him who has witnessed deeds of evil hidden from the eyes of men and wicked and uncharitable thoughts, indulged in secret!?
When I think of that day, I must be humble.

Nothing will then be such a cause of shame to me as my pride.
Nothing will so turn away the Face of my Judge from me in anger.
If God abhors the proud, how can I look forward to that day without trembling? St Teresa said that when she had the privilege of seeing our Blessed Lord in a vision, the prevailing thought in her mind was, what a terrible thing it would be, if He were to be angry with her.
He will be angry with me, then, unless I learn more humility!
O my God, make me humble at any cost!

What will be the punishment of pride? Will it be the fire of Hell that was prepared for the devil and his angels, simply and solely because of their pride?
None will endure such misery as the proud; not the gluttonous, or the impure, or the covetous, except, so far as their other vices fostered pride in them.
O my God, if nothing else will make me humble, grant that the thought of the lowest Hell, reserved for the proud, may conquer in me that hateful vice of pride!

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOCTRINE, DOGMA, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUEENSHIP of MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – The Queenship of Mary

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – The Queenship of Mary

“She is the eldest daughter of the Great King.
If you enjoy her favour,
she will introduce you
to the Monarch of the Universe.
No-one has so great an interest with Him than Mary,
who was the occasion of His coming down from Heaven
to become man, for the redemption of mankind.”

St John the Merciful (c 552-c 616)

“And as Queen,
she possesses, by right,
the whole Kingdom of her Son.”

Rupert of Deutz OSB (c 1075- c 1130)
Benedictine Abbot

“The Angels rejoiced to see their Queen,
the Apostles rejoiced to see their lady
and both obeyed her, with loving devotion.
… Therefore, when the Virgin of virgins
was led forth by God and her Son,
the King of kings. amid the company of exulting Angels
and rejoicing Archangels,
with the Heavens ringing with praise,
the prophecy of the psalmist was fulfilled,
in which he said to the Lord:
At your right hand stands the Queen,
clothed in gold of Ophir.”

St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist (1108-1159)

“So Mary is a Queen.
And, for our consolation,
we ought to remember
that she is a most tender and kind Queen,
eager to help us in our miseries.
So much so, that the Church wants us
to call her in this prayer, a Queen of Mercy.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy!”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-17

“O Queen of Angels and of Saints,
my most powerful and most loving Mother,
have pity on me, for I am surrounded
by such great perils and need so much
to advance in virtue.
Although I am weak and weary,
I desire ardently to imitate
the shining example of thy holidness.
Obtain for me, from thy Divine Son,
the grace to imitate thee,
as far as I am able on earth,
so that one day I may share thy happiness
in the Presence of God for all eternity.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUEENSHIP of MARY, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The ANNUNCIATION, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 June – ‘ … the perfect model, worthy of God … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 8 June – The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Ecclesiasticus 24:5; 14:7; 14:9-11; 24:30-31; Luke 1:26-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace!”– Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “The degeneration caused by sin had obscured the beauty of our original nobility. But when the mother of supreme Beauty is born, our nature finds its purity once more and sees itself moulded according to the perfect model, worthy of God (Gn 1:26)… We had all preferred the world below to that above. There no longer remained any hope of salvation. The state of our nature cried aloud to Heaven to come to the rescue… Then, at last, in His good pleasure, the world’s Divine Artificer determined to make a new world appear, a different world full of harmony and youth.

Now, was it not fitting, that a most pure virgin without stain, should place herself at the service of this mysterious plan, first of all?… And where was this virgin to be found if not in this woman, alone of her kind, chosen by the world’s Creator before all generations? Yes, she indeed is Mother of God, divinely named Mary, whose womb gave birth to God Incarnate and whom, He Himself, had supernaturally prepared as His temple…

In this way, then, the design of the Redeemer of our race was to bring about a birth and, as it were, a new creation to replace the one that went before. Therefore, just as in Paradise He had taken a little clay, out of the pure and spotless earth, to fashion the first Adam (Gn 2:7), so, at the moment of bringing about His own Incarnation, He made use of another earth, so to speak, namely this pure and immaculate Virgin, chosen from among all other beings He had created. It is in her that He, Adam’s Creator, has remade us in our very substance and become a new Adam (1 Cor 15:45) that the old might be saved by the new and eternal.” – St Andrew of Crete (660-740) Bishop, Father (Sermon 1 for the Nativity of the Mother of God).

PRAYER – Grant we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we who keep the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Queen, safe under her protection, may be worthy to have peace now and glory, in the future. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

All praise, honour and glory to the divine HEART of JESUS. – Indulgence 50 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.

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Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT

Our Morning Offering – 8 June – Hail Mary, Queen of Our Hearts, Our Mother

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Our Morning Offering – 8 June – The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Hail Mary, Queen of Our Hearts, Our Mother
Prayer in Honour of Mary
By St Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716)

Hail Mary,
Daughter of God the Father!
Hail Mary,
Mother of God the Son!
Hail Mary,
Spouse of the Holy Spirit!
Hail Mary,
Temple of the Most Holy Trinity!
Hail Mary, our mistress,
our wealth, our mystic rose.
Queen of our hearts, our Mother,
our life, our sweetness
and our dearest hope!
We are all Thine
and all we have is thine.
O Virgin, blessed above all things,
may thy soul be in us,
to magnify the Lord,
may thy spirit be in us,
to rejoice in God.
Place thyself, O faithful Virgin,
as a seal upon our hearts,
that in thee and through thee,
we may be found faithful to God.
Grant, most gracious Virgin,
that we may be numbered
among those, whom thou art
pleased to love, to teach and to guide,
to favour and to protect, as thy children.
Grant that with the help of thy love,
we may despise all earthly consolations
and cling to heavenly things,
until through the Holy Spirit,
thy faithful Spouse and through thee,
His faithful Spouse,
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us
for the glory of the Father.
Amen

Posted in MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 8 June – Blessed John Davy O.Cart. (c1490-1535) Deacon, Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 8 June – Blessed John Davy O.Cart. (c1490-1535) Deacon of the Carthusian Order, Martyr, Born in York in c1490 and died by being chained to a wall in the Tower prison, London and starved, until his death on 8 June 1535. Also known as – John Davies. Additional Memorial – 4 May as one of the Carthusian Martyrs of London. Blessed John was Beatified on 20 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.

Vicente Carducho c 1626 – The Martyrdom of the Carthusians Friars

The figure of Blessed John Davy is located in the stormy landscape of 16th Century England. A Carthusian Deacon, John faced the persecutions of Henry VIII with stoic firmness, remaining faithful to the Church and the Roman Pontiff until his last breath. His story, steeped in heroism and sacrifice, makes him a shining example for all those who find themselves facing similar trials. You might think we are not facing such trials today but think again, they are mounting and growing in intensity, all over the world, by dedicated persecution.

Information on John Davy’s birth and youth is fragmentary. He is presumed to have been born in York, England, around 1490. Attracted to the contemplative life and strict discipline of the Charterhouse, he joined the Carthusian community of London in 1514. There, he distinguished himself by his piety, his zeal and his profound knowledge of tSacred Scripture and heology.

The reign of Henry VIII marked a period of profound and diabolical upheaval for the Catholic Church in England. The Sovereign, animated by political and personal aims, separated from the Holy See and proclaimed the Church of England as the sole state religion. Catholics, who did not bend to his will were persecuted ferociously.
John Davy, as a Carthusian Deacon and fervent supporter of the Catholic Church, could not remain indifferent to this dramatic scenario. Together with his Brothers, he firmly opposed royal supremacy and the new doctrine imposed by the Sovereign. Their intransigence exposed them to harsh reprisals.

In 1534, Davy was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London. Subjected to cruel torture and a regime of extreme deprivation, he was firm to the end, never breaking under extreme torments. His will and his Faith remained fixed on Christ and His Church, Blessed John never renounced his Faith. His unwavering resistance and unswerving loyalty to the Church, further irritated his captors.
On 8 June 1535, after months of torment, John Davy died in prison, exhausted by hunger and mistreatment. His death was a silent but eloquent Martyrdom, a tangible testimony of his unshakable Faith and his unshakable attachment to the his Lord and His Catholic Church.

Vicente Carducho c 1626 – The Martyrdom of the Carthusians Friars

John Davy’s reputation for sanctity quickly spread among English Catholics, who venerated him as a Martyr of the Faith. In 1888, Pope Leo XIII Beatified him, confirming his status as a heroic example for the faithful.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, SAINT of the DAY

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Notre-Dame du Dimanche/ Our Lady of Sunday, France (1873) and the Saints for 8 June

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The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary –
Queen of Heaven and Earth, Holy Queen:
Pope Pius XII established this Feast in 1954
with a Feast Day of 31 May.
However, this year, 31 May fell within the Corpus Christi Octave and, therefore, the Feast has been transferred until today, a week later.
In his 1954 Encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam – To the Queen of Heaven, Pope Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection and because, of her intercessory power
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/31/the-queenship-of-mary-and-memorials-of-the-saints-31-may/

Notre-Dame du Dimanche/ Our Lady of Sunday, Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, l’Hérault, France (1873) – 8 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/08/notre-dame-du-dimanche-our-lady-of-sunday-saint-bauzille-de-la-sylve-lherault-france-1873-and-memorials-of-the-saints-8-june/

Blessed Armand of Zierikzee OFM (Died c1524) Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor, renowned Scriptural Scholar.
St Bron of Cassel Bishop, Spiritual student of Saint Patrick.
St Calliope
St Clodulf of Metz
Bl Engelbert of Schäftlarn
St Eustadiola of Moyen-Moutier
St Fortunatus of Fano Bishop

St Gildard of Rouen (c 456-c 545 Bishop of Rouen, Confessor * Twin Brother of St Medard below.
The Roman Martyrology states of St Medard and his twin brother, St Gildard, today: “At Soissons, in France, the birthday of St Gildard, Bishop of Rouen, whose life and precios death are illustrated by glorios miracles – at Rouen, St Gildard, Bishop, twin brother of St Medard,who was born with his brother on the same day, Consecrated Bishops at the same time and being taken away from this life, also on the same day, they entered Heaven together!”
About St Gildard:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-st-gildard-of-rouen-c-456-c-545/

Bl Giorgio Porta
Bl Giselbert of Cappenberg
St Heraclius of Sens
Blessed John Davy O.Cart. (c1490-1535) Deacon of the Carthusian Order, Martyr
Bl essedJohn Rainuzzi
Bl Maddallena of the Conception

St Maximinus of Aix (1st Century) The first Bishop of Aix-en-Provence, France, in the 1st Century. One of Christ’s seventy-two disciples and a companion of Sts Mary Magdalen, Mary Cleopas, Martha and Lazarus. In one account, Maximinus is called “the man who had been blind from birth.”
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Aix-en-Provence in France, Saint Maximinus, who is believed to have been a disciple of Our Lord and to whom the beginnings of Christianity in this City are attributed.”
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-st-maximinus-of-aix-1st-century-bishop-one-of-christs-seventy-two-disciples-and-possibly-the-man-who-had-been-blind-from-birth/

St Medard (c 456-545) Bishop and Confessor * Twin Brother of St Gildard above.
About this iluustrious Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-saint-medard-c-456-545-bishop/
The Roman Martyrology states of St Medard and his twin brother, St Gildard, today: “At Soissons, in France, the birthday of St Medard, Bishop of Novon, whose life and precios death are illustrated by glorious miracles – at Rouen, St Gildard, Bishop, twin brother of St Medard,who was born with his brother on the same day, Consecrated Bishops at the same time and being taken away from this life, also on the same day, they entered Heaven together!”

St Melania the Elder
St Muirchu
St Pacificus of Cerano
Bl Peter de Amer
Bl Robert of Frassinoro
St Sallustian
St Syra of Troyes
St Victorinus of Camerino

St William of York (Died 1154) Archbishop of York, Monk
St William’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-saint-william-of-york-died-1154/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, QUOTES on HUMILITY

Thought for the Day – 7 June – What Humility Is

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Thought for the Day – 7 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

What Humility Is

Humility is a realisation of our own nothingness before Almighty God. It is defined by St Bernard, as the virtue by which a man becomes vile in his own eyes, through a thorough knowledge of himself and by St Thomas, as a virtue by which a man, considering his own defects, keeps himself in the lowest place according to his degree.
Think over these definitions and examine yourself whether you are humble, as judged by them.

It is not enough to be conscious of our own vileness or to esteem ourselves as nothing. We must acquiesce in and, be satisfied with, our own nothingness. Humility is not perfect until self is so obliterated, that we are willing to be esteemed according to our deserts. When we can honestly say that what we look to in all our thoughts, words and actions, is not our own advantage and interest but simply, the honour of God, quite independently of what will further our own profit, then! we may begin to thank God that we are in the way of humility.

If this is really the case, we shall not only esteem ourselves as vile but we shall desire to be treated accordingly. We shall not shrink from being humbled in the eyes of men but shall court humiliation, as it will be a satisfaction to us to be treated as we deserve. This is difficult for human nature but, it is possible for all, with the grace of God. It will not come at once but we may hope to reach it someday.
Have I attained it? Do I desire it? Do I even accept humiliations, or do I chafe under them and resent them?

Posted in CONSECRATION Prayers, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, papal ENCYCLICALS, PAPAL PRAYERS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART QUOTES

Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which
is celebrated on the second Friday after Trinity Sunday:

“Announce it and let it be announced
to the whole world,
that I set neither limit, nor measure,
to My gifts of grace,
for those who seek them
in My Heart.”

The words of the Our Lord Jesus Christ
to St Margaret Mary Alacoque

Consecration to the Sacred Heart
By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
Pope from 1878-1903

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us
humbly prostrate before Thine altar.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be
but, to be more surely united with Thee,
behold each one of us,
freely consecrates himself today
to Thy most Sacred Heart.
Many indeed have never known Thee,
many too, despising Thy precepts,
have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus
and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart.
Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful,
who have never forsaken Thee
but also of the prodigal children,
who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they may quickly return
to Thy Father’s house
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those
who are deceived by erroneous opinions,
or whom discord keeps aloof
and call them back
to the harbour of truth
and unity of faith,
so that there may be
but one flock and one Shepherd.
Be Thou, King of all those.
who are still involved
in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism
and refuse not, to draw them
into the light and kingdom of God.
Turn Thine eyes of mercy
towards the children of the race,
once Thy chosen people –
of old they called down upon themselves
the Blood of the Saviour;
may it now descend upon them,
a laver of redemption and of life.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church,
assurance of freedom
and immunity from harm;
give peace and order to all nations
and make the earth resound
from pole to pole, with one cry:
“Praise be to the Divine Heart
that wrought our salvation;
to It be glory and honour forever.”
Amen

The above prayer, composed by Pope Leo XIII was included in the 1899 Encyclical Annum Sacrum issued by Leo XIII as he Consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The consecration was influenced by two letters written to the Holy Father by Blessed Sister Mary of the Divine Heart, who stated that in visions of Jesus Christ, she had been told to request the Consecration.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The NINE FIRST FRIDAYS

Our Morning Offering – 7 June – Act of Love to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Our Morning Offering – 7 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – First Friday of the Sacred Heart

Act of Love to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
By Servant of God
Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val (1865-1930)

Reveal Thy Sacred Heart to me, O Jesus
and show me Its attractions.
Unite me to It forever.
Grant that all my aspirations
and all the beats of my heart,
which cease, not even while I sleep,
may be a testimonial to Thee,
of my love for Thee
and may it say to Thee –
“Yes, Lord, I am all Thine”
the pledge of my allegiance to Thee,
rests forever in my heart
and will never cease to be there.
May Thou accept,
the slight amount of good that I do
and be graciously pleased,
to repair all my wrong-doing –
so that I may be able,
to bless Thee,
in time and in eternity.
Amen

Posted in MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 June – Saint Gottschalk and his Companions (Died 1066) Lay Missionary Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 7 June – Saint Gottschalk and his Companions (Died 1066) Lay Missionary Martyr, Prince of the Wends (Wends is a historical name for Slavs who inhabited present-day northeast Germany). Died by being murdered at the Altar with 29 fellow missionaries on 7 June 1066 in Lenzen, Pomerania, by pagan assassins. Patronages – of linguists, lost vocations, princes, translators. Also known as – Godescalcus, Godeschalc, Gotteschalk,
Gotteschalc.

Son of Duke Udo, who still governed the Obodrites and the Vagris, in the early years of Emperor Conrad II, Gottschalk was educated in the Christian religion from birth, first in his family, then in the Monastery of St Michael in Liineburg. Upon the death of his father, murdered at the hands of a Saxon, who wanted to take revenge on the tyranny and cruelty of Udo, described by the chronicler Adam of Bremen, Godescalco, sacrificing his Faith to revenge, renounced Christianity and, at the head of his people, he joined other pagan Princes to go against the Saxons.

He fought against them for a long time, bringing destruction and death to their land, until, succumbing to remorse for so much pain and ruin he had caused, he surrendered to the Duke of Saxony, Bernard II, who, after holding him prisoner for some time, sent him to Denmark.

Having placed himself there in the service of King Cnut II the Great, he went with him to fight in England (c1030), where he behaved bravely, also being admired for his excellent qualities, so as to win all the esteem and consideration of the King , whose great-grand-daughter, Syritha, Gottschalk later married.

After the death of Cnut in 1035 and his son, Harold Hanfoot in 1040, Gottschalk returned to his native land and, raising an army with his people, undertook the conquest of the other Slavic populations who soon subjected them all to his dominion. At the same time, Gottschalk made himself recognised as their Lord also by a large section of the Saxon community.

By 1043, with this conquests, Gottschalk managed to form a vast and well-organised Kingdom . There was then, no ruler among the Slavs more powerful than himself, as the aforementioned Adam of Bremen wrote.

Returning again to his lapsed Faith, since the time of his first residence in Denmark, Gottschalk greatly favoured the evangelisation of the people, having many Churches built in his dominions and Ordaining Priests, always working tirelessly for the conversion of his still idolatrous subjects. To then preserve the fervour of the Christian Faith among them, he founded the Bishoprics of Oldenburg, Mecklenburg and Ratzenburg, established numerous Monasteries in various other Cities and sent armies of Missionaries to the most distant regions of his vast state., among whom John the Scot stood out for his apostolic zeal, who alone baptised thousands of pagans!

Gottschalk himself often travelled with these Missionaries, sometimes even acting as an interpreter during their preaching.
Such ardent zeal in favour of the spread of the Christian Faith could not obtain a better reward than the crown of Martyrdom, hich Gottschalk, the pious King, in fact wore on 7 June 1066, when he fell victim to a violent pagan reaction and was killed out of hatred for the Catholic Faith in Lenzen on the Elbe, while he was attending Mass. With him the Priest Ebbo (or Eppone) suffered the same glorious fate, who was even murdered on the Altar, and many other Ecclesiastics and lay faithful.

Immediately venerated as a Saint, Gottschalk had a strong public cult in many Churches in northern Europe. His Feast is celebrated on 7 June, the commemorative day of his Martyrdom.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, St JOSEPH

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, First Friday, Madonna della Quercia / Our Lady of the Oak, Italy (1578), Apparition de St José / Apparition of St Joseph at Cotignac – (1660) and the Saints for 5 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

First Friday

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
is celebrated on the second Friday after Trinity Sunday:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/24/feast-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-24-june/

Madonna della Quercia / Our Lady of the Oak – Visora di Conflenti, Italy (1578) – 7 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/07/madonna-della-quercia-our-lady-of-the-oak-visora-di-conflenti-italy-1578-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-june/

Apparition de St José / Apparition of St Joseph at Cotignac – (1660): 7 June:
Oh Wonderful St Joseph, Pray for Us!:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/07/apparition-of-st-joseph-at-cotignac-france-1660-7-june/

Blessed Ana of Saint Bartholomew OCD (1550-1626) Blessed Ana was an early member of St Teresa of Àvila’s Discalced Carmelite Order, Mystic, Spiritual writer. Beatified on 6 May 1917 by Pope Benedict XV.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-blessed-ana-of-st-bartholomew-ocd-1550-1626/

St Anthony Mary Gianelli (1789-1846) Bishop, Founder of the Missionaries of the Oblates of St Alphonsus and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Garden. – Canonised in on 25 October 1951 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-st-anthony-mary-gianelli-1789-1846/

St Aventinus of Larboust
Bl Basilissa Fernandez
St Colman of Dromore
Bl Demosthenes Ranzi

St Deochar OSB (Died 847) Monk, Abbot, Hermit, (another Patron of the Blind and those with Eye Diseases) – Monk, Abbot, Hermit, Disciple and Spiritual Student of St Alcuin, Founder of a Monastery and first Abbot in Herrieden, in modern Bavaria, Germany., Royal Messenger and as such, translated the Relics of the great St Boniface to Fulda, Germany.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-saint-deochar-osb-died-847-another-patron-of-the-blind-and-those-with-eye-diseases/

St Gottschalk and Companions (Died 1066) Lay Missionary Martyr
St Justus of Condat
St Landulf of Yariglia
St Lycarion of Egypt

Venerable Matt Talbot (1856 – 1925) (born Matthew Talbot) – Layman, Ascetic, Mystic – known as the “Saint in Overalls” and “the Workers’ Saint” disciple of Eucharistic Adoration and the Blessed Virgin – Patron of Struggling and Recovering Addicts and Alcoholics and many addiction treatment programs, retreats and centres throughout the world bear his name. On 6 November 1931, Edward Joseph Byrne, Archbishop of Dublin, opened a sworn inquiry into the alleged claims of holiness of the former dock worker. He was declared Venerable in 1975.
The Matt Talbot Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-venerable-matt-talbot-ofs/

St Meriadoc I of Vannes
St Meriadoc II of Vannes
St Odo of Massay
St Potamiaena of Alexandria the Younger
St Quirinus of Cluny Martyr. No other information has survived.

St Robert of Newminster O.Cist. (c 1100–1159) English Priest, Abbot, Apostle of the poor, Miracle-worker. He was one of the Monks who founded Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire, England, another at Newminster, Northumbria and 3 other Monasteries Robert ruled and directed the Monks at Newminster for 21 years.
St Robert’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-saint-robert-newminster-o-cist-c-1100-1159/

St Sergius of Cluny
St Vulflagius of Abbeville

Martyrs of Africa – 7 Saints: A group of seven Christians who were Martyred together. No details about them have survived except the names – Donata, Evasius, Guirillus, Januaria, Privata, Spisinna, Victurus. The precise location in Africa and date are unknown.

Martyred in Córdoba, Spain:
Habentius of Córdoba
Jeremiah of Córdoba
Peter of Córdoba
Sabinian of Córdoba
Wallabonsus of Córdoba
Wistremundus of Córdoba

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The ADORABLE HEART of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 6 June – On the Nature of the Devotion (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 6 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Little Extracts from The Adorable Heart of Jesus

On the Nature of the Devotion (Part Two)

Having made these observations, it will be easy to give a clear and precise idea of the nature of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.
We may define it in this manner.:
“It is an exercise of religion which has, for its object, the Adorable Heart of our Lord, inflamed with Love for men and outraged by the ingratitude of these same men and, for its motive, the honouring of this Divine Heart , by rendering It all the homage which love and gratitude can inspire and, more particularly, to offer reparation for the insults It receives in the Sacrament of love.”

Let us explain this definition and try to put it in the clearest
light possible. …
The Devotion of which we speak here, concerns His Heart. Certainly, this Divine Heart is not, in Itself, an object less worthy
of the Devotion of the faithful, than the others we have named and, no objection can be brought to bear against the Devotion to the Heart which would not apply equally and with even more force , to the Devotion to the Wounds, the Cross, the Name of Jesus, as anybody will admit who is capable of judging in these matters.

But, that we may leave no occasion of error to simple, uninstructed persons and that , we may forestall any doubts which may arise, we will add another observation to those we have already made.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus in this Devotion must not be considered apart from those things, both spiritual and Divine, with which it is indissolubly connected.
We must, on the contrary, consider it as intimately united to the Soul and to the Person of our Lord, full of life, of feeling and of knowledge.

From this follows a consequence worthy of remark which is, that all the honours which are paid to this Adorable Heart, do not terminate precisely and solely in the material Heart ; they terminate equally and indivisibly, in the Soul and the Person united to this Heart – as the honours rendered to a living man are not actually confined to the body or the soul but comprise, the two together, forming thus a whole which is honoured without any division.

From this we deduce two other consequences – one is that we may reasonably and in a very accurate sense say, of the Heart of our Lord that It Loves, Suffers, is Afflicted, Outraged etc.
And the other is, that we may address to this Divine Heart, prayers, acts, affections, praises, in a word, all that can be addressed to the Person – since, in fact, it is the Person united to this Heart Who really receives them.
This has been overlooked by those who have seemed to disapprove of this Devotion towards the Heart of Jesus and, who thus appeared to have regarded this Divine Heart as only an inanimate and insensible portion of the Body of Jesus Christ, setting aside the Intelligent and spiritual adjuncts which are united to It, as we have already observed.

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/06/02/thought-for-the-day-2-june-on-the-nature-of-the-devotion/

Posted in QUOTES on PATIENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 6 June – St Norbert

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 June – St Norbert O. Praem. (c 1080-1134) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of the Premonstratensians

“Calumny,
is the test of a patient
and generous heart
which bears with it,
rather than to give up
working for God.”

“The Word of God
is enflamed with the fire
of the Holy Ghost.
It consumes lives
and promotes virtue.”

MORE
And a Prayer to St Nporbert
for a Safe Childbirth:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/06/quote-s-of-the-day-6-june-st-norbert/

St Norbert (c1080-1134)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HOLY COMMUNION, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The INCARNATION, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 June – Could anything be of more intrinsic value? St Thomas Aquinas

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One Minute Reflection – 6 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” –St Norbert O. Praem. (c 1080-1134) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of the Premonstratensians –The Octave Day of Corpus Christi – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He who eats this Bread shall live forever.” – John 6:59

REFLECTION – “Since it was the Will of God’s Only-Begotten Son that men should share in His Divinity, He assumed our nature in order that, by becoming Man. He might make men gods . Moreover, when He took our flesh. He dedicated the whole of its substance to our salvation. He offered His Body to God the Father, on the Altar of the Cross, as a sacrifice for our reconciliation. He shed His Blood for our ransom and purification, so that we might be redeemed, from our wretched state of bondage and cleansed from all sin. But to ensure that the memory of so great a gift would abide with us forever, He left His Body as food and His Blood as drink, for the faithful to consume in the form of bread and wine.

O precious and wonderful banquet which brings us salvation and contains all sweetness! Could anything be of more intrinsic value? Under the old law, it was the flesh of calves and goats, which was offered but here, Christ Himself, the True God, is set before us as our food! What could be more wonderful than this? No other Sacrament has greater healing power; through it, sins are purged away, virtues are increased and the soul is enriched with an abundance of every spiritual gift. It is offered in the Church for the living and the dead, so that what was instituted for the salvation of all, may be for the benefit of all. Yet, in the end, no-one can fully express the sweetness of this Sacrament, in which spiritual delight is tasted at its very source, and in which, we renew the memory, of that surpassing love for us, which Christ revealed in His Passion.

It was to impress the vastness of this Love, more firmly upon the hearts of the faithful, that our Lord instituted this Sacrament at the Last Supper. As He was on the point of leaving the world to go to the Father, after celebrating the Passover with His disciples, He left it as a perpetual memorial of His Passion. It was the fulfilment of ancient figures and the greatest of all His Miracles, while, for those who were to experience the sorrow of His departure, it was destined to be a unique and abiding consolation.” – St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Dominican Priest and Theologian, Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from On the Feast of the Body of Christ).

PRAYER – To God, Who made blessed Norbert, Thy Confessor and Bishop, a brilliant preacher of Thy Word and through him, enriched Thy Church with a new religious family, grant, we beseech Thee, that by his prayerful intercession and Thy help, we may be able to do what he has taught us by his words and deeds. 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).

O HEART of love, I place all my trust in Thee; for though I fear all things from my weakness, I hope all things from Thy mercies. – Ejaculation of Saint Margaret Mary – Indulgence 300 Days, Everytime – Raccolta 180 St Pius X, 3 June 1908.

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 6 June – The Golden Arrow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 6 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Octave Day of Corpus Christi

The Golden Arrow

This prayer was revealed by Jesus Himself to a Carmelite Nun of Tours in 1843 as a Reparation for Blasphemy. “This Golden Arrow will wound My Heart delightfully” He said “and heal the wounds, inflicted by blasphemy.”

May the Most Holy,
Most Sacred,
Most Adorable,
Most Mysterious
and Unutterable Name of God
be always praised,
blessed, loved, adored
and glorified in Heaven.
on earth and under the earth,
by all the creatures of God
and by the Sacred Heart
of our Lord Jesus Christ
in the most Holy Sacrament
of the Altar.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 June – Saint Gilbert of Neufontaines O.Praem. (c1076-1152) Abbo

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Saint of the Day – 6 June – Saint Gilbert of Neufontaines O.Praem. (c1076-1152) Abbot, a French Knight and Military Leader, Crusader in the 2nd Crusade , Founder of Neufontaines Monastery and Hospital for the poor ( which he populated with Canons from the Premonstratensian Abbey of Notre-Dame de Dilo), Apostle of the sick especially of ill children, Miracle-worker. Born in c1076 and died on 6 June 1152 at Neufontaines of natural causes. Patronages – of Neuffons and of Auvergne. Also known as – Gilbert of Auvergne, Gilbert of Neuffers. Additional Memorial – 26 October (in Neufontaines and Aubeterre, France).

The Knight Gilbert belonged to the high nobility of Auvergne. Following the advice of Ornifius, the Norbertine Abbot of Dilo, he participated in the Second Crusade (1147-1149) which was preached by St Bernard at Vezelay and led by the French King, Louis VII. This Crusade ended in military disaster.

Having survived this dangerous endeavour, Gilbert decided, together with his wife, Petronilla and his daughter, Ponzia, to dedicate himself to God and enter the monastic life. He distributed a portion of his considerable wealth to the poor and also founded a Convent which his wife and daughter entered. At first, Gilbert himself lived as a Hermit. After completing his novitiate in the Norbertine Abbey of Dilo, in around 1150, he founded the Abbey of Neuffontaines and became its first Abbot. Following the example of St Norbert, he also built a hospital attached to the Abbey which soon became famous because of the many miracles which occurred there.

Penitent and filled with compassion, he cared for a great number of sick and sinful people, whom he wished to cure both spiritually and physically. Children with severe illnesses were brought to him from all over , his compassion so overwhelmed him that he was able to heal with his tears. He laid his hands upon them and gave them back to their parents cured This gave rise to the later custom of parents bringing their sick children to Neuffontaines, clothed in white, seeking the intercession of St Gilbert for cures and miracles..

Gilbert died on 6 June 1152, consumed by penance and hard toil. He had expressed his desire to be buried in the cemetery of the poor who died at the Abbey. But because of the many miracles which God worked through his intercession, his earthly remains were eventually transferred to the Abbey Church of Neuffontaines and, after being lost for a time, were later rediscovered in the Abbey in October 1645. In 1791, the Relics were transferred, for greater safety, to St Didier and, nevertheless, were lost during the tumult and desecration of the French Revolution. St. Gilbert’s Feast Day (26 October) falls on the anniversary of his translation of the 17th Century. Pope Benedict XIII confirmed the veneration of St Gilbert on 22 January and 8 March 1728.

O God, who called Thy Abbot St Gilbert away from the riches of the world that he might enter into the way of poverty, grant, we beseech Thee, that entering into the way of humility, we may strive to serve our brothers. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God forever and ever. Amen.

St Gilbert Abbey

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

The Octave Day of Corpus Christi, Panna Mária,/ Blessed Virgin Mary, Slovakia (1512 ), St Norbert and all the Saints for 6 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Octave Day of Corpus Christi

Panna Mária,/ Blessed Virgin Mary, Pozba, Nové Zámky, Nitra, Slovakia (1512 ) – Second Sunday after Feast of the Ascension:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/06/solemnity-of-corpus-christi-panna-maria-blessed-virgin-mary-pozba-nove-zamky-nitra-slovakia-1512-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-june/

St Norbert O. Praem. (c 1080-1134) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of the Premonstratensian or the Norbertine Canons and Sisters, “Defender of the Eucharist” and “Apostle of the Eucharist,” Exorcist, Reformer, Preacher
His amazing life:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/06/saint-of-the-day-6-june-st-norbert/

St Agobard of Lyon
St Alexander of Fiesole
St Alexander of Noyon
St Amantius of Noyon
St Anoub of Skete
St Artemius of Rome
St Bazalota of Abyssinia

St Bertrand of Aquileia (c 1260– 1350) Bishop Martyr Confessor, Lawyer, Teacher, Papal Chaplain and Legate, Reformer. Apostle of the poor, Social Reformer, Founder of Monasteries and Protector of the Monks.
His Lfe and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/06/saint-of-the-day-6-june-saint-bertrand-of-aquileia-c-1260-1350-martyr/

St Candida of Rome
St Ceratius of Grenoble
St Claudius of Besançon
St Cocca
St Colmán of Orkney
Bl Daniel of Bergamo
St Euphemia of Abyssinia
St Eustorgius II of Milan
Bl Falco of La Cava
St Gilbert of Neufontaines O.Praem. (c1076-1152) Abbot
St Grazia of Germagno
St Gudwall (6th Century) Bishop
Bl Gundisalvus of Azebeyro
St Hilarion the Younger

St Jarlath of Tuam (c 445-c 540) Bishop, Abbot, Scholar, Founder of the Monastic School of Tuam and of the Archdiocese of Tuam, in Galway, Ireland.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/06/saint-of-the-day-6-june-saint-jarlath-of-tuam-c-445-c-540/

St John of Verona
Bl Lorenzo de Masculis

St Paulina of Rome

Blessed William Greenwood O.Cart. (Died 1537) Carthusian Lay Friar, Martyr. Blessed William died by being starved to death on 6 June 1537 at Newgate Prison, London, for opposing the policies of Henry VIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/06/saint-of-the-day-6-june-blessed-william-greenwood-o-cart-died-1537-martyr/

Marytrs of Tarsus: A group of 20 Martyrs who were Martyred together during the persecutions of Diocletian. They were martyred in Tarsus (in modern Turkey).

Mercedarian Fathers of Avignon: Several Mercedarians from the Santa Maria Convent of Avignon, France who worked with plague victims in that city and died of the disease themselves. They died in Avignon, France of plague and are remembered together today for their great charity and commitment to their people.

Posted in "Follow Me", PATIENCE - Fr Richard CLARKE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 5 June – The Third Degree of Patience

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 5 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

PATIENCE
Meditations for a Month

The Third Degree of Patience

  1. When we have succeeded in suppressing all outward impatience and inward resentment, as far as it is voluntary and deliberate, we shall begin to reap the reward of our efforts. We shall find that the treatment which we once regarded as intolerable, has certain advantages resulting from it. We may hope, at last, to find a positive pleasure in being overlooked or unfairly treated, in being humbled in the eyes of men, or blamed for what we did with all good intention.
    I must try to aim at this. It is not out of my reach!
  2. How am I to gain this willingness to be misunderstood and harshly judged, this desire for rebuffs and disappointments? I must bring my commonsense to bear on them. I must keep before myself how useful, how necessary for the beating down of pride. They are a most effectual means of making satisfaction for sin, if I offer them up to God in the Name of Jesus Christ. When I remember all this, I ought to be quite anxious for what is a bitter but most salutary medicine.
  3. When I read the lives of Saints and holy men, I find there the true estimate of all things. Now, what was their attitude towards those who despised, persecuted, ill-treated them? They looked upon them as their greatest benefactors. How did they regard the reproaches, the neglect, the unkindness they had to undergo? They thanked God for them, rejoiced in them, considered it a misfortune if these were absent. If we want to resemble the Saints, we must take their view of obloquy and misunderstanding. We must strive, not only to put up with them but actually, to welcome them, rejoice in them, consider them as our greatest privilege!
Posted in GOD ALONE!, MARTYRS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, SAINT of the DAY, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 5 June – St Boniface

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 5 June – St Boniface (672-754) Bishop, Martyr “The Apostle of Germany,” Confessor, Bishop

“Let us continue the fight on the Day of the Lord.
The days of anguish and of tribulation
have overtaken us; if God so wills,
let us die for the holy laws of our fathers,
so that we may deserve to obtain
an eternal inheritance with them.”

“Let us be neither dogs which do not bark,
nor silent onlookers,
nor paid servants who run away before the wolf!”

Eternal God, Our Refuge
By St Boniface (672-754)
Martyr

Eternal God,
the refuge and help of all Thy children,
we praise Thee for all Thou hast given us,
for all Thou hast done for us,
for all that Thou art to us.
In our weakness, Thou art strength,
in our darkness, Thou art light,
in our sorrow, Thou art comfort and peace.
We cannot number Thy blessings,
we cannot declare Thy love –
for all Thy graces, we bless Thee.
May we live as in Thy presence,
and love the things that Thou loves
and serve Thee in our daily lives,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-june-st-boniface-3/

St Boniface (c672-754)
Martyr, Confessor, Bishop
“The Apostle of Germany”

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 June – ‘… With Him, we form a Unity, which is in God! …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Boniface (672-754) Martyr “The Apostle of Germany,” Confessor, Bishop – Within the Corpus Christu Octave – – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59.– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“As the living Father has sent Me and as I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also shall live because of Me.” – John 6:58

REFLECTION – “We believe that the Word became Flesh and that we receive His Flesh in the Lord’s Supper. How then can we fail to believe, that He really dwells within us? When He became Man, He actually clothed Himself in our flesh, uniting it to Himself forever. In the Sacrament of His Body, He actually gives us His own Flesh, which He has united to His Divinity. This is why we are all one because the Father is in Christ and Christ is in us. He is in us through His Flesh and we are in Him. With Him, we form a Unity, which is in God.

The manner of our indwelling in Him through the Sacrament of His Body and Blood, is evident from the Lord’s own Words: This world will see Me no longer but you shall see Me. Because I live ,you shall live also, for I am in My Father, you are in Me and I am in you. If it had been a question of mere unity of will, why should He have given us this explanation of the steps, by which it is achieved? He is in the Father by reason of His Divine Nature, we are in Him by reason of His Human Birth and He is in us, through the Mystery of the Sacraments. This, surely, is what He wished us to believe; this is how He wanted us to understand the perfect Unity that is achieved through our Mediator, Who lives in the Father, while we live in Him and Who,, while living in the Father, lives also in us. This is how we attain to Unity with the Father. Christ is in very truth in the Father by His Eternal Generation; we are in very truth, in Christ and He likewise is in us.

Christ Himself bore witness to the reality of His Unity, when He said: He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood, lives in Me and I in him. No-one will be in Christ, unless Christ Himself has been in him; Christ will take to Himself only the Flesh of those who have received His Flesh.

He had already explained the Mystery of this perfect Unity, when He said: As the living Father sent Me and I draw life from the Father, so he who eats My Flesh will draw life from Me. We draw life from His Flesh, just as He draws life from the Father. Such comparisons aid our understanding, since we can grasp a point more easily, when we have an analogy. And the point is that Christ is the well-spring of our life. Since we, who are in the flesh, have Christ dwelling in us through His Flesh, we shall draw life from Him in the same way, in which He draws life from the Father.” – St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) Bishop of Poitiers , Father and Doctor of the Divinity of Christ (An excerpt from his On the Trinity).

PRAYER – O God, Who, through the zeal of blessed Boniface, Thy Martyr and Bishop, graciously called a multitude of people to the knowledge of Thine Name, mercifully grant that we, who keep his feast, may also enjoy his patronage.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

HEART of JESUS burning with love of us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee. – 100 Days, once a day. (See Instructions. – Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) [169 Raccolta or Collection of Indulgences, 1910] Pope Leo XIII, 16 July 1893.

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 5 June – O Heart of Jesus! By St Gertrude

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 5 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

O Heart of Jesus!
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

Sanctity of the Heart of Jesus,
consecrate my heart;
Providence of the Heart of Jesus,
watch over my heart;
Unchangeableness of the Heart of Jesus,
strengthen my heart;
Purity of the Heart of Jesus,
purify my heart;
Obedience of the Heart of Jesus,
subjugate my heart;
Amiability of the Heart of Jesus,
make Thyself known to my heart;
Divine attractions of the Heart of Jesus,
captivate my heart;
Riches of the Heart of Jesus,
do ye suffice for my heart;
Floods of grace and blessing
which flow from the Heart of Jesus,
inundate my heart.
O Heart of Jesus! be Thou my joy,
my peace, my repose in this world
and in the next.
O Heart of Jesus! adored in Heaven,
Invoked on earth, feared in hell,
Reign over all hearts,
Reign throughout all ages,
Reign forever in celestial glory.
Amen

Posted in MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 June – St Eoban of Utrecht (Died 754) Bishop Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 5 June – St Eoban of Utrecht (Died 754) Bishop Martyr, Missionary as a Disciple of St Boniface, who also shared in the Martyrdom of his master. Born in England or Ireland and died on 5 June 754 at Dokkum, Freisland (modern Netherlands). Also known as – Eobáno, Eobánus. Additional Memorial – 7 July in Fulda, Germany and 19 December, the date of St Eoban’s arrival in Germany.

St Boniface and Companions attacked

We know almost nothing about Eoban’s early life except that he was a Monk and Priest in either Ireland or England and was selected by St Boniface to accompany him on his mission to Gerrmany.

Eoban was also chosen by St Boniface to be his assistant Bishop for Frisia and installed in 753 in Utrecht, according to the Life of Saint Boniface, written in 765 by Willibaldus.

According to the Vita Bonifatii auctore Willibaldo, on the morning of 5 June 754, Boniface and 50 others, presumably including Eoban (none of the companions are mentioned by name in the Vita), were killed at Dokkum (The Netherlands) by pagan Frisians.

The Martyrdom of St Boniface. After the fresco by Carl Hesse.

After his Martyrdom, St Eoban was buried in Utrecht, whilst the many other companions were buring in Dokkum and various places. After 756, the Relics of the Bishops of Utrecht, Eoban and Adalar, were transferred to Fulda and buried next to St Boniface.

St Boniface and his disciples cutting down the pagan tree

Their Feast was initially celebrated in Mainz, Erfurt and Fulda on 26 July then, since 1915, on 7 July with the title Sts Eoban and Companion Martyrs. Eoban seems to have always had a special cult in Fulda, where an ancient calendar commemorates his arrival on 19 December. Adalar, however, is particularly honoured in Erfurt, where his own festival has been celebrated on 20 April since 1250.

The memory of Eobao’s other companions is remembered by all Martyrologists together with that of Saint Boniface on 5 June.
A large Statue of St Eoban dominates the crypt of Saint Boniface’s Church in Fulda. The Sarcophagus containing some Relics of the Saints Eoban and Adalat in the Erfurt Cathedral is dated about 1350.

St Boniface Cathedral in Fulda
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Corpus Christi Octave, Beata Vergine dell’Aiuto, / Our Lady of Help, Bobbio, Italy 15th Century, St Boniface and the Saints for 5 June

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Within the Corpus Christi Octave

Beata Vergine dell’Aiuto, / Our Lady of Help, Bobbio, Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, Italy 15th Century – 5 June :
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/05/beata-vergine-dellaiuto-our-lady-of-help-bobbio-piacenza-emilia-romagna-italy-15th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-june/

St Boniface (672-754) Martyr and his Martyred Companions “The Apostle of Germany,” Bishop, Missionary and Evangelist, Teacher, Writer, Preacher, Theologian, Founder of Schools, Convents, Monasteries and Churches.
The Life and Death of St Boniface:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/05/saint-of-the-day-5-june-st-boniface-672-754-martyr-the-apostle-of-germany/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/05/saint-of-the-day-5-june-st-boniface/

St Adalar of Erfurt
Bl Adalbert Radiouski
Bl Adam Arakawa
St Austrebertus of Vienne
St Claudius of Egypt and Companions
St Ðaminh Huyen
St Ðaminh Toai
St Dorotheus of Tyre
St Elleher
St Eoban of Utrecht (Died 754) Bishop Martyr, Disciple of St Boniface
St Eutichius of Como
St Evasius of Africa
St Felix of Fritzlar

Blessed Ferdinand of Portugal (1402-1443) “The Holy Prince” Blessed Ferdinand spent as much time as he could in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament especially during the Easter Triduum when his habit was to be constantly in adoration, from Holy Thursday to Easter. He was the youngest of the “Illustrious Generation” of 15th-century Portuguese Princes of the House of Aviz and lay Master of the Knightly Order of Aviz. The Holy Prince’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/05/saint-of-the-day-5-june-blessed-ferdinand-of-portugal-1402-1443-the-holy-prince/

St Franco of Assergi

St Genesius (Died 725) Layman, Count of Clermont and Count of Auvergne, renowned as a Miracle-worker, benefactor of the Church. Known as “the Holy Count.”
The Holy Count:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/05/saint-of-the-day-5-june-st-genesius-died-725-the-holy-count/

St Gregory of Lilybaeum
St Gundekar
St Hadulph
St Luke Loan
Bl Meinwerk of Paderborn
St Privatus of Africa
St Sanctius of Córdoba
St Tudno of Caernarvon
St Waccar

Martyrs of Caesarea: A group of Christians who converted together, were imprisoned together, tortured together, and Martyred together. We know nothing more about them but their names – Cyria, Marcia, Valeria and Zenaides. Died Caesarea, Palestine, date unknown.

Martyrs of Egypt: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Galerius Maximian. The only other information was have is three of their names – Apollonius, Marcian and Nicanor.
Died in Egypt, date unknown.

Martyrs of Perugia: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius. We know little more than their names – Cyriacus, Faustinus, Florentius, Julian and Marcellinus.
Died beheaded in 250 in Perugia, Italy

Martyrs of Rome: 26 Christians Martyred together. We have no details about them but their names – Candida, Castula, Fappa, Felician, Felicitas (2 of), Felicula, Fortunatus, Gagus, Gregor, Hilarius, Ingenuus, Juliana, Martialis, Maurus, Mustilus, Nicander, Prima, Rogata, Rutianus, Sacrinus, Saturnin, Secundian, Secundus, Urbicus, Victurus.
Died • Rome, Italy, date unknown. Relics transferred to Antwerp, Belgium, date unknown.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, St PETER!

Quote of the Day – 4 June – Saint Optatus

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Quote of the Day – 4 June – Saint Optatus of Milevis (4th Century) Bishop, Father of the Church

“You cannot deny that you know
that in the City of Rome, upon Peter first,
the Chair of the Bishop was conferred,
in which sat the Head of all the Apostles, Peter,
whence also, he was called Cephas,
in which One Chair unity should be preserved by all,
lest the other Apostles should each stand up
for his own chair, so that now,
he should be a schismatic and a sinner
who should, against this One Chair,
set up another!”

St Optatus (4th Century)
Bishop of Milevis
Father of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HOLY COMMUNION, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY GHOST, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 June –  ‘ … They clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ …’

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One Minute Reflection – 4 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Francis Caracciolo CRM (1563-1608) Confessor –Within the Corpus Christi Octave – 1 Corinthians 23-29; John 6:56-59.– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For as often as you shall eat this Bread and drink the Cup, you proclaim the Death of the Lord, until He comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26

REFLECTION – “In our offering of the Holy Sacrifice we fulfil the Command of our Saviour, as recorded by the Apostle Paul: The Lord Jesus, on the night in which He was betrayed, took bread and after He had given thanks, broke it and said: This is My Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me. The same way, after the supper, He took the Cup saying: This Cup is the New Covenant in My Blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, you shall proclaim the Death of the Lord until He comes.

This Sacrifice is offered, then, to proclaim the Lord’s Death; it is offered in remembrance of Him, Who laid down His Life for our sake. As He says: Greater love than this no man has, that he lay down his life for his friends. Because Christ died for us out of love, we ask, when we make remembrance of His Death, at the time of Sacrifice that we too may be granted love through the coming of the Holy Ghost. We pray, that by the Love which Christ had for us, when He braved the Cross, we may receive the grace of the Spirit and be crucified to the world and the world to us. The Death Christ died, He died to sin, once for all but the Life He lives, He lives to God. Let us imitate our Lord’s Death and also live a new life. Strengthened with the gift of His Love, let us die to sin and live for God.

For God’s Love has been poured out in our hearts, through the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us. Indeed our sharing in the Lord’s Body and Blood, when we eat His Bread and drink His Cup, teaches us, that we should die to the world and that we should keep our life hidden with Christ in God, crucifying our flesh with its vices and evil desires.

That is why all the faithful who love God and their neighbour, truly drink the Cup of the Lord’s Love even though, they may not drink the cup of His Bodily Suffering. And becoming inebriated from it, they put to death, whatever in their nature is rooted in earth. They clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not indulge fleshly desires. They do not fix their gaze on visible things but contemplate things, which the eye cannot see. Thus they drink the Lord’s Cup by preserving the holy bond of love – without it, even if a man should deliver his body to be burned, he gains nothing. But the gift of love enables us to become, in reality, what we celebrate as Mystery in the Sacrifice.” – St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c462 – 533) Bishop, Father (An excerpt from Against Fabianus).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Thou Who have given Thy servants, in the confession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of that Majesty, to adore its unity, grant, we beseech Thee, that in the firmness of this faith, we may ever be protected from all harm. And may the example and intercession of Thy Confessor, St Francis Caracciolo ever assist us on our journey to our eternal home. 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).

MAY the HEART of JESUS be loved everywhere. 100 Days, Indulgence Once a day – Bl Pope Pius IX 23 September 1860

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 June – Saint Optatus of Milevis (4th Century) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 4 June – Saint Optatus of Milevis (4th Century) Bishop of Milevis, Numidia, in Africa, Father of the Church, the first fierce opponent of Donatism, Writer against heresy, Scholar. Also known as – Optate, Ottato.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milevis, in Numidia, in Africa, Saint Optatus, Bishop of that place, celebrated for learning and holiness.”

Optatus was a convert, as we learn from St Augustine. He is perhaps the least known of all the Fathers of the Church. He was learned with a solid cultural preparation which ranged from Scriptural exegesis to Theology, without disdaining the profane disciplines, such as rhetoric and jurisprudence. All this must have supported Optatus as he ventured into his literary and pastoral activity.

He is best known for his opposition to the heresy of Donatism and his six treatises composed against them. One of these, “Against Parmenian”, is still extant and was mentioned by St Jerome in his “De Viris Illustrius” as having been composed in six books.

The treatise stresses the need for unity and is conciliatory in tone but it criticises Donatist teachings on Baptism and stresses that the Church cannot be limited to Africa but is ‘Catholic.’

Optatus was much praised by such contemporaries as St Augustine and St Fulgentius of Ruspe.

“His treatise against the Donatists was translated into French in 1564. It is extremely improbable that, but for this exception, it has, until now, ever appeared in any language save Latin. It is quite certain that it has never yet been clothed in an English dress.

Indeed it is not too much to say that the very name of Optatus is barely known, even to many students of Theology and Ecclesiastical history. Yet his is no mean name and he cannot be ignored with safety, for he has bequeathed to the Church, material of no small value.”

The above excerpt was written by Fr O R Vassali-Phililips CSSR in his Introduction to his translation of our Saints works. His translation was published in 1917. Here is a link to the Treatise: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/optatus_00_intro.htm

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Corpus Christi Octave, Virgen María Sembradora / Virgin Mary the Planter, Argentina, St Francis Caracciola and the Saints for 4 June

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Within the Corpus Christi Octave

Virgen María Sembradora / Virgin Mary the Planter, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina – 4 June :
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/04/virgen-maria-sembradora-virgin-mary-the-planter-hurlingham-buenos-aires-argentina-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-june/

St Francis Caracciolo CRM (1563-1608) Confessor, Priest, Co-Founder of the Congregation of the Clerics Regular Minor with Venerable John Augustine (1551-1587) the “Adorno Fathers,” Apostle of the Eucharistic Adoration.
His body was given enough preparation for a long journey to Naples. Truly, God has left His own sign on him. When the body was lanced, the blood spouted a red and scented fluid and his vital organs were incorrupt. Around his heart were printed the words of the Psalm: “The zeal of Thy House consumes me” (Ps 69:10).
Wow!:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-saint-francis-caracciolo-crm-1563-1608/

St Aldegrin of Baume
St Alexander of Verona Bishop
St Alonio
St Aretius of Rome
Bl Boniface of Villers
St Breaca of Cornwall
St Buriana of Cornwall

St Christa of Sicily Martyr. No further information has survived.

St Clateus of Brescia
St Cornelius McConchailleach OSA (Died 1176) Archbishop of Armagh
St Croidan
St Cyrinus of Aquileia
St Dacian of Rome
St Degan
St Edfrith of Lindisfarne Bishop
St Elsiar of Lavedan
St Ernin of Cluain
Blessed Francis Ronci (1223-1294)
Bl Margaret of Vau-le-Duc
St Medan
Bl Menda Isategui
St Metrophanes of Constantinople Bishop and Confessot
St Nennoc
St Nicolo of Sardinia
St Optatus of Milevis (4th Century) Bishop

Blessed Pacificus of Cerano OFM (c 1424-1482) Priest of the Order of the Friars Minor of St Francis, renowned Preacher, called the “very famous apostolic orator,” Writer of spiritual works.
His Lifestory:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-blessed-pacificus-of-cerano-ofm-c-1424-1482/

St Petroc of Cornwall (Died c 594) Confessor, Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Prince. Petroc also had a great affinity with all animals and had a permanet wolf companion.
About St Petroc:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-saint-petroc-of-cornwall-died-c-594-confessor/

St Quirinus of Croatia
St Quirinus of Tivoli
St Rutilus of Sabaria
St Saturnina of Arras
St Trano of Sardinia
St Walter of Fontenelle
St Walter of Serviliano

Blessed Werner von Ellerbach (11th-12th Century) Abbot
The Life of this Holy Abbot:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-blessed-werner-von-ellerbach-died-1126-abbot/

Martyrs of Cilicia – 13 Saints: A group of 13 Christians who were Martyred together. The only details about them that have survived are their names – Cama• Christa• Crescentia• Eiagonus• Expergentus• Fortunus• Italius • Jucundian• Julia• Momna• Philip• Rustulus• Saturnin
They were Martyred in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey), date unknown

Martyrs of Nyon – 41 Saints: A group of 41 Christians Martyred together for refusing to sacrifice to imperial Roman idols. We know the names of some but no other details. Amatus• Attalus• Camasus• Cirinus• Dinocus• Ebustus• Euticus• Eutychius • Fortunius• Galdunus• Julia• Quirinus• Rusticus• Saturnina• Saturninus • Silvius• Uinnita• Zoticus Martyred by being beheaded in Noviodunum (modern Nyon, Switzerland).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, PATIENCE - Fr Richard CLARKE, QUOTES on PATIENCE

Thought for the Day – 3 June – First Degree of Patience

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Thought for the Day – 3 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

PATIENCE
Meditations for a Month

First Degree of Patience

  1. When we are studying to acquire a virtue, it is generally the better plan to begin with external actions and thence, to proceed to the interior dispositions whence those actions proceed. In accordance with this rule, we must begin by repressing all signs of resentment and anger, when we are offended, or when someone crosses our path, or hinders some work in which we are engaged. If under all this, we can keep an unmoved and tranquil countenance and avoid all expression of personal feeling and annoyance, this is a great point gained.
    Am I able to do this?
  2. Why is it important to begin with exterior patience?
    Firstly because, this helps enormously to calm the feelings within us, just as we can work ourselves up into a fury by raging externally. Peace will soon return if we keep a serene face and quiet demeanour.
    Secondly because, exterior calmness, under ill-usage, edifies others and honours Christ our Lord, just as impatience and irritability disedify and dishonour the Name of Christian. I must remember this when I am tempted to yield to my injured pride and to retaliate on those who have offended me.
  3. Our Lord Himself points out exterior patience as the very first thing in which we should imitate Him, for He says:
    ‘Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of heart.’ Meekness is but patience in its exterior manifestation. If I am sincere in my wish to follow in the footsteps of Christ my Lord, here is the best point with which to begin. I must, for His sake and for love of Him, be more gentle to those who give me pain, more tranquil under words and actions which wound or hurt me.
Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, HOLY COMMUNION, I BELIEVE!, INDULGENCES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 June – He who eats this Bread shall live forever. John 6:59

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One Minute Reflection – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi – 1 Corinthians 23-29; John 6:56-59– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This is the Bread that has come down from Heaven; not as your fathers ate the manna and died. He who eats this Bread shall live forever.” – John 6:59

REFLECTION – Christ is “the bread of life” for those who believe in Him: to believe in Christ is to eat the Bread of Life, to possess Christ within one, is to possess eternal life…
“I am the Bread of Life,” He says; “your fathers ate manna in the wilderness and they are dead” (Jn 6:48f). By this is to be understood ,spiritual death. Why are they dead? Because they believed in what they saw and did not understand what they could not see… Moses ate manna, Aaron ate it and many others, too, who pleased God and are not dead. Why are they not dead? Because they understood, in a spiritual fashion, they were spiritually hungry, they tasted the manna spiritually, so that they might be spiritually satisfied. “This is the Bread that came down from Heaven: whoever eats It will never die” (v.50).
This manna – that is to say, Christ, who Himself spoke like this … was prefigured by the manna but was able to do more than manna could. For manna could not, of itself, prevent dying spiritually… But the righteous saw Christ in the manna, they believed in His coming and Christ, of Whom manna was the symbol, grants to all who believe in Him that they should not spiritually die. Hence He says: “This is the Bread come down from Heaven; whoever eats it will never see death.” Here on earth, here now, before your eyes, your eyes of flesh: here is to be found the “Bread from Heaven” (v.51). The “Bread of Life” we spoke of a moment ago is now called “Living Bread.” Living Bread because it contains, within Itself, the life which abides and can deliver from spiritual death and bestow life. First He said: “Whoever eats It will never die” now He speaks clearly, concerning the life He gives: “Whoever eats this bread will live for ever” (v.58). Archbishop Baldwin of Canterbury (c 1125-1190) Cistercian – The Sacrament of the Altar II

PRAYER – Grant, O Lord, that we may always fear and love Thy holy Name, for Thou never fail to guide those whom Thou firmly establishes in Thine Love. 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).

SACRED Heart of JESUS, Thy Kingdom come!
Indulgence 300 Days. Everytime Raccolta 178 St Pius X, 4 May 1906.