Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – The Memorial of St Benedict OSB (c 480-547) Abbot
“Prayer ought to be short and pure,
unless it be prolonged
by the inspiration of Divine grace. ”
“ Whenever you begin any good work,
you should first of all,
make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord,
to bring it to perfection.”
“It is time now for us to rise from sleep!”
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-march-st-benedict/
One Minute Reflection – 21 March – Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent and the Memorial of St Benedict OSB (c 480-547) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29
REFLECTION – “No-one should say to himself, even when he regards others who have left a great deal behind: “I want to imitate those who despise this world but I have nothing to leave behind.” You leave a great deal behind, my friends, if you renounce your desires. Our external possessions, no matter how small, are enough for the Lord, He weighs the heart and not the substance and does not measure the amount we sacrifice for Him but the effort with which we bring it…. The Kingdom of God has no assessment value put on it but it is worth everything you have… To Peter and Andrew it was worth the nets and boat they gave up; to the widow it was worth two small coins (Lk 21:2); to another person it was worth a cup of cold water (Mt 10:42). The Kingdom of God, as I said, is worth everything you have. Think about it, my friends, what has less value when you purchase it, what is more precious when you possess it?
But perhaps a cup of cold water offered to someone who needs it, is not enough, even then the Word of God gives us assurance…: “Peace on earth to men of goodwill!” (Lk 2:4). In the sight of God, no hand is ever empty of a gift, if the deep places of the heart are filled with goodwill… Although I have no gifts to offer outwardly, yet I find within myself something to place on the Altar of Thou praise…: Thou art better pleased with an offering of our heart! (cf. Ps 55:13).” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermons on the Gospel no 5).
PRAYER – May the intercession of the blessed Abbot Benedict, commend us to Thee, O Lord, so that through his merits we may obtain that which we cannot accomplish by our own. T hrough Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 21 March – St Benedict OSB (c480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism
O God, Be With Us
By St Benedict (c480-547)
O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise,
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever.
Grant us in all our duties, Thy help,
in all our perplexities, Thy guidance,
in all our dangers, Thy protection,
and in all our sorrows, Thy peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Saint of the Day – 21 March – St Benedict OSB (c480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism. Born in c480, at Nursia, Umbria, Italy – as the twin brother of a sister, St Scholastica and died on 21 March 547 of a fever while in prayer at Monte Cassino, Italy. Patronages – of Europe, against Poison, against Witchcraft, agriculture, Cavers, Civil Engineers, Coppersmiths, Dying People, Farmers, Fevers, Inflammatory Diseases, Kidney Disease, Monks, Religious Orders, Schoolchildren, Temptations.
“Of the Letters which are Inscribed on the Medal
Besides the two figures of the Cross and of St Benedict, there are also inscribed on the Medal, a certain number of letters, each of which is the initial of a Latin word.
These words compose one or two sentences, which explain the Medal and its object.
They express the relationship existing between the holy Patriarch of the Monks of the West and the Sacred Sign of the salvation of mankind, at the same time that they offer the faithful a formula, which they may make use of, for employing the virtue of the Holy Cross against the evil spirits.
These mysterious letters are arranged on that side of the Medal on which the Cross is shown.
Let us begin by noticing the four which are placed in the angles formed by the arms of the Cross.
C. S.P. B:
They signify: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti – in English: The Cross of Holy Father Benedict. These words explain the nature of the Medal.
On the perpendicular line of the Cross itself are these letters:–
C.S.S.M.L:
They stand for these words: Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux – in English: May the Holy Cross be my Light.
On the horizontal line of the Cross are these letters:–
N. D. S. M. D:
The words which they imply are: Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux – in English: Let not the Dragon be my Guide.
These two lines put together form a pentameter verse, containing the Christian’s protestation that he confides in the Holy Cross and refuses to bear the yoke which the devil would put upon him.
On the rim of the Medal there are inscribed several other letters and first the well-known monogram of the Holy Name of Jesus, I. H. S.
Faith and our own experience convince us of the all-powerfulness of this Divine Name. Then follow, beginning at the right hand, the following letters: —
V. R. S. N. S. M. V. S. M. Q. L. I. V. B:
These initials stand for the two following verses:– VADE RETRO, SATANA; NUNQUAM SUADE MIHI VANA. SUNT MALA QUAE LIBAS; IPSE VENENA BIBAS – in English: Begone, Satan! and suggest not to me thy vain things: the cup thou profferest me is evil;
drink thou thyself poison.
These words are believed to be uttered by St Benedict; those of the first verse when he was suffering the temptation in his cave and which he overcame by the Sign of the Cross and those of the second verse, at the moment of his enemies offering him the draught of death, which he discovered by his making over the poisoned cup, the Sign of Life.
The Christian may make use of these same words as often as he finds himself tormented by the temptations and insults of the invisible enemy of our salvation.
Our Saviour sanctified the first of these words by Himself making use of them:
“Begone, Satan!“ Vade retro, Satana.
Their efficacy has thus been tested and the very Gospel is the guarantee of their power.
The vain things to which the devil incites us are disobedience to the law of God.
They are also the pomps and false maxims of the world.
The cup proffered us by this angel of darkness is evil, that is, sin, which brings death to the soul.
And now, applying these considerations to the Medal which is the subject of these pages, we come to this conclusion, that it must be profitable to us, to use with faith the Medal of St Benedict on occasions when we have reason to fear the snares of the enemy.
Its protection will infallibly prove efficacious in every kind of temptation.
Numerous and undeniable facts attest its powerful efficacy on a thousand different occasions, in which the faithful had reason to apprehend a danger, either from the direct agency of Satan, or from the effects of certain evil practices.
We may also employ it in favour of others as a means of preserving or delivering them from dangers, which we foresee are threatening them.
Unforeseen accidents may happen to us on land or on sea; let us carry about us this holy Medal with faith and we shall be protected. Even in the most trivial circumstances and in those interests which regard solely man’s temporal wellbeing, the efficacy of the Holy Cross and the power of St Benedict, have been felt.
For example, the wicked spirits, in their hatred of man, sometimes molest the animals which God has created for our service, or infest the various articles of nourishment which the same Providence has given to us.
Or again, it is not unfrequently the case that our bodily sufferings are caused or protracted by the influence of these our cruel enemies. Experience has proved that the Medal of St Benedict, made use of with a proper intention and with prayer, has frequently broken the snares of the devil, procured a visible improvement in cases of sickness and sometimes, even effected a complete cure.”
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent – FAST
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bruges / Our Lady of Bruges, Flanders (1150), where a lock of Our Lady’s hair is preserved – 21 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/passion-sunday-or-the-fifth-suday-of-lent-2021-our-lady-of-bruges-flanders-1150-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-march/
St Benedict OSB (c 480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism.
His Feast Day was moved in 1969.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-osb-c-480-547-patron-of-europe-and-founder-of-western-monasticism/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-o-s-b-abbot-patron-of-europe-patronus-europae/
St Alfonso de Rojas
St Birillus of Catania
St Christian of Cologne
St Domninus of Rome
St Enda of Aran (c 450 – c 530) Monk, Abbot of Aran “Father of Irish Monasticism” and Aran is known as “Aran of the Saints.”
About St Enda:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-enda-of-aran-c-450-c-530-patriarch-of-irish-monasticism/
St Isenger of Verdun
St James the Confessor
St John of Valence (Died 1146) Bishop, Founder of the Abbey of Bonnevaux, Monk, Abbot, Apostle of the poor, Social Reformer.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Valence in the territory of Vienne in France, St John, Bishop, who, at first Abbot of Bonnevaux, suffered many adversities for the defence of justice and with charity took care of the peasants, the poor and the merchants ruined by debts.”
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-john-of-valence-died-1146/
Bl Lucia of Verona (1514-1574) Laywoman, Apostle of the Sick
St Lupicinus of Condat
St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487) Swiss Hermit and Ascetic who is the Patron Saint of Switzerland. He is sometimes invoked as Brother Klaus. A husband and father, a Mystic, a Writer, farmer, military leader, Member of the assembly, Councillor, Judge, he was respected as a man of complete moral integrity. He was Canonised on 15 May 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
About St Nicholas:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-nicholas-of-flue-1417-1487/St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487)
St Serapion the Scolastic (Died c 354-370) Bishop of Thmuis, near Diospolis in the Nile delta of Egypt, Monk and Hermit, Confessor, brilliant Scholar of great learning, Theologian, Writer, a companion to St Anthony, the Desert and a close friend of St Athanasius and gave support to him against the heretic Arians in Egypt, for which action he was exiled.
St Serapion’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-serapion-the-scolastic-died-c-354-370-bishop/
St Philemon of Rome
Bl Santuccia Terrebotti
Martyrs of Alexandria: A large but unknown number of Catholics massacred in several Churches during Good Friday services in Alexandria, Egypt by Arian heretics during the persecutions of Constantius and Philagrio. They were Martyred on Good Friday in 342 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Quote of the Day – 10 February – St Scholastica (c482-543) Twin sister of St Benedict (c482-547)
“When she heard her brother refuse her request, the holy woman joined her hands on the table, laid her head on them and began to pray. As she raised her head from the table, there were such brilliant flashes of lightning, such great peals of thunder and such a heavy downpour of rain that neither Benedict nor his brethren could stir across the threshold of the place where they had been seated. Sadly he began to complain: “May God forgive you, sister. What have you done?” “Well,” she answered, “I asked you and you would not listen, so I asked my God and He did listen. So now go off, if you can, leave me and return to your Monastery.” …
(St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) on St Scholastica)
Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – St Fabian, Pope, and St Sebastian – Martyrs – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the Kingdom of God.”
“If the poison of pride is swelling up in you,
turn to the Eucharist and that Bread,
Which is your God humbling and disguising Himself,
will teach you humility.
If the fever of selfish greed rages in you,
feed on this Bread and you will learn generosity.
If the cold wind of coveting withers you,
hasten to the Bread of Angels and charity
will come to blossom in your heart.
If you feel the itch of intemperance,
nourish yourself with the Flesh and Blood of Christ,
Who practiced heroic self-control during His earthly life
and you will become temperate.
If you are lazy and sluggish about spiritual things,
strengthen yourself with this heavenly Food
and you will grow fervent.
Lastly, if you feel scorched by the fever of impurity,
go to the banquet of the Angels
and the spotless Flesh of Christ,
will make you pure and chaste.”
“For everyone who exalts himself,
shall be humbled and he
who humbles himself, shall be exalted.”
“We must erect the mystical ladder of Jacob,
where Angels, ascending and descending,
appeared to him.
Ascent and descent means,
that we go downward when we exalt ourselves
and rise, when we are humbled.
The ladder represents our life in this world,
which our Lord erects to Heaven,
when our heart is humbled.
The sides of the ladder represent our soul and body,
sides between which,
God has placed several rungs of humility and, discipline,
whereby we are to ascend
if we would answer His call.”
(Rule of Benedict #7)
“If you seek an example of humility,
look upon Him Who is Crucified,
although He was God, He chose to be judged
by Pontius Pilate and put to death. …
If you seek an example of obedience,
imitate Him Who was obedient to the Father
“even to death” (Phil 2:8).
“For just as through the disobedience
of one person, Adam,
the many were made sinners,
so through the obedience of One,
the many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:19). .
If you seek an example of contempt
for earthly things,
imitate Him Who is “King of kings
and Lord of lords” (1 Tm 6:15),
“in whom are hidden
all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge” (Col 2:3).
On the Cross He was stripped naked,
ridiculed, spat upon, bruised,
crowned with thorns,
given to drink of vinegar and gall.”
“When he Canonised St Thomas,
John XXII declared that
“every article he wrote was a miracle!”
One might say that St Thomas Aquinas
was raised up by God, for he gathered together,
the whole of human knowledge up to his own time
and interpreted it in the new light of Christianity.
… In spite of his greatness, however,
Thomas of Aquin, was a very humble man.
There is a good deal of truth
in Pascal’s remark
that a little knowledge makes the mind proud
but real wisdom, makes it humble.
We cannot all imitate the knowledge
of St Thomas Aquinas but we should all
imitate his humility.”
Quote/s of the Day – 14 October – – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19
“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”
“Without Me
you can do nothing.”
“… May grace and peace
be yours in abundance,
through knowledge of God
and of Jesus Our Lord…”
“… There is one Road
and one only,
well secured against all possibility
of going astray
and, this Road is provided
by One Who is Himself
both God and man.
As God, He is the Goal,
as man, He is the Way.”
“Be Thou our Joy and Strong Defence,
Who art our future Recompense.
Alleluia, alleluia.
So shall the Light that spring from Thee
Be ours through all eternity.
Alleluia, Alleluia.”
“Girded with faith
and the performance of good works,
let us follow in His paths
by the guidance of the Gospel.”
“For Him all things were created
and to Him, all things must be subject
and God loves all creature,
in and because of Christ.”
One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “The Month of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Cross” – Ephesians 3:13-21, Luke 14:1-11 – Seardh Scripture here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For everyone who exalts himself, shall be humbled and he who humbles himself, shall be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
REFLECTION – “The Scripture asserts that “everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” If we want to attain to true humility and come quickly to the top of that heavenly ascent, to which we can only mount, by lowliness in this present life, we must ascend by good works.
We must erect the mystical ladder of Jacob, where Angels, ascending and descending, appeared to him. Ascent and descent means, that we go downward when we exalt ourselves and rise, when we are humbled. The ladder represents our life in this world, which our Lord erects to Heaven, when our heart is humbled. The sides of the ladder represent our soul and body, sides between which, God has placed several rungs of humility and, discipline, whereby we are to ascend if we would answer His call.”– St Benedict (480-547) Father of the Church (Rule of Benedict #7)
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, our sorrowful Mother, may be delivered from present sadnes, and enter into the joy of thine eternal gladness.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).
Quote/s of the Day – 7 May – Wisdom 5:1-5, John 15,1-7.
“Without Me
you can do nothing.”
“Whoever does not gather
with me, scatters.”
“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.”
“… 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!”
“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.”
“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.”
Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – Monday of the Third Week of Lent – The Memorial of St Benedict OSB (c 480-547)
“Girded with faith
and the performance of good works,
let us follow in His paths
by the guidance of the Gospel.”
“There exists an evil fervour,
a bitter spirit, which divides us from God
and leads us to hell.
Similarly, there is a good fervour,
which sets us apart from evil inclinations
and leads us toward God and eternal life.”
“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.”
“The first degree of humility,
is prompt obedience.”
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/quote-s-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-2/
Our Morning Offering – 21 March – Monday of the Third Week of Lent and the Memorial of St Benedict OSB (c 480-547)
O God, Be With Us
By St Benedict (c480-547)
O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise,
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever.
Grant us in all our duties, Thy help,
in all our perplexities, Thy guidance,
in all our dangers, Thy protection,
and in all our sorrows, Thy peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Monday of the Third Week of Lent +2022
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bruges / Our Lady of Bruges, Flanders (1150), where a lock of Our Lady’s hair is preserved – 21 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/passion-sunday-or-the-fifth-suday-of-lent-2021-our-lady-of-bruges-flanders-1150-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-march/
St Benedict OSB (c 480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism.
His Feast Day was moved in 1969.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-osb-c-480-547-patron-of-europe-and-founder-of-western-monasticism/
Alfonso de Rojas
St Augustine Tchao
St Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello (1791 – 1858) Wife, Religious and Foundress of the Benedictine Sisters of Providence.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-benedetta-cambiagio-frassinello-1791-1858/
St Birillus of Catania
St Christian of Cologne
St Domninus of Rome
St Enda of Aran (c 450 – c 530) Monk, Abbot of Aran “Father of Irish Monasticism” and Aran is known as “Aran of the Saints.”
About St Enda:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-enda-of-aran-c-450-c-530-patriarch-of-irish-monasticism/
St Isenger of Verdun
St James the Confessor
St John of Valence (Died 1146) Bishop
Bl Lucia of Verona
St Lupicinus of Condat
Bl Mark Gjani
Bl Matthew Flathers
St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487) Swiss Hermit and Ascetic who is the Patron Saint of Switzerland. He is sometimes invoked as Brother Klaus. A husband and father, a Mystic, a Writer, farmer, military leader, Member of the assembly, Councillor, Judge, he was respected as a man of complete moral integrity.
About St Nicholas:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-nicholas-of-flue-1417-1487/
St Serapion the Scolastic (Died c 354-370) Bishop of Thmuis, near Diospolis in the Nile delta of Egypt, Monk and Hermit, Confessor, brilliant Scholar of great learning, Theologian, Writer, a companion to St Anthony, the Desert and a close friend of St Athanasius and gave support to him against the heretic Arians in Egypt, for which action he was exiled.
St Serapion’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-serapion-the-scolastic-died-c-354-370-bishop/
St Philemon of Rome
Bl Santuccia Terrebotti
Bl Thomas Pilcher
Bl William Pike
Martyrs of Alexandria: A large but unknown number of Catholics massacred in several Churches during Good Friday services in Alexandria, Egypt by Arian heretics during the persecutions of Constantius and Philagrio. They were Martyred on Good Friday in 342 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Traditional Calendar) +2021
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time +2021
Madonna del Carmine / Our Lady of Carmine, Combarbio di Anghiari, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy, (1536) – 11 July:
A 12-year-old shepherdess, Marietta Del Mazza, reported apparitions of the Virgin on 11 July 1536 and days following. When news spread through the region, along with reports of miracles attributed to the Virgin’s intercession, the Bishops of Arezzo and Sansepolcro, conducted an investigation and authorised a Shrine at the apparition site.
The Shrine was completed in 1539. The Sanctuary was staffed by the Franciscan order at first, then by the Carmelites until 1782. Since 1987 it has been under the jurisdiction of the local Bishop.
The Sanctuary took the name of Our Lady of Carmel and over the centuries, it has continued uninterruptedly to recall the devotion of the people of the surrounding area. A fervent testimony of trust and love to Our Lady of Carmel occurred on the evening of 11 July 1986, 450 years anniversary from the date of the first apparition.
On the main Altar you can admire a beautiful Florentine school painting representing the Madonna and the Child with Saint John the Baptist pointing to the Lord, from the 16th century.
St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547) (Memorial) Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism
St Benedict, His Medal, His Monastery:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-osb-c-480-547-patron-of-europe-and-founder-of-western-monasticism/
And more here:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-o-s-b-abbot-patron-of-europe-patronus-europae/
St Abundius of Ananelos
St Amabilis of Rouen
St Anna An Jiaoshi
St Anna An Xingshi
Bl Antonio Muller
St Berthevin of Lisieux
St Cindeus
St Cowair
St Cyprian of Brescia
St Cyriacus the Executioner
St Hidulf of Moyenmoutier
St Januarius
St John of Bergamo
Bl Kjeld of Viborg
St Leontius the Younger
St Marcian of Lycaonia
St Marciana of Caesarea
Bl Maria An Guoshi
Maria An Linghua
Bl Marie-Clotilde Blanc
Bl Marie-Elisabeth Pélissier
Bl Marie-Marguerite de Barbégie d’Albrède
St Olga Queen of Kiev (c 890-969) She was known as a ruthless and effective ruler but “when Olga was enlightened, she rejoiced in soul and body. The Bishop, who instructed her in the faith, said to her, ‘Blessed art thou among the women of Rus,’,for thou hast loved the light and quit the darkness. The sons of Rus’ shall bless thee to the last generation of thy descendants.”
About St Olga:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-olga-queen-of-kiev-c-890-969/
St Pelagia
St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) (Martyr?) The ninth successor of St Peter.
St Placid of Dissentis
Bl Rosalie-Clotilde Bes
St Sabinus of Brescia
St Sabinus of Poitiers
St Sidronius
St Sigisbert of Dissentis
Bl Thomas Hunt
Bl Thomas Sprott
St Thurketyl
Blessed Valeriu Traian Frentiu (1875-1952) Martyr Bishop of the Greek-Catholic Rite.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/11/saint-of-the-day-blessed-valeriu-traian-frentiu-1875-1952-bishop-and-martyr/
Our Morning Offering – 2 July – “Month of the Precious Blood”
O God, Be With Us
By St Benedict (c 480-547)
O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever,
grant us in all our duties,
Your help,
in all our perplexities,
Your guidance,
in all our dangers,
Your protection,
and in all our sorrows,
Your peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Our Morning Offering – 13 July – “Month of the Precious Blood” – Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
O God, Be With Us
By St Benedict (c 480-547)
O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise,
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever,
grant us in all our duties,
Your help,
in all our perplexities,
Your guidance,
in all our dangers,
Your protection,
and in all our sorrows,
Your peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – The Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)
“It is time now for us to rise from sleep!”
“Listen and attend
with the ear of your heart.”
“He should know,
that whoever undertakes,
the government of souls,
must prepare himself
to account for them.”
“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.”
“He, who labours as he prays,
lifts his heart to God,
with his hands.”
“Run, while you have the light of life!”
One Minute Reflection – 11 July – “Month of the Precious Blood” – Saturday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 93:1-2, 5, Matthew 10:24-33 and the Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547) Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism and St Olga Queen of Kiev (c 890-969)
“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted.” … Matthew 10:29-30
REFLECTION – “If God shows such a solicitous care even for things of modest value (grass and flowers, for example), how can He forget you, that you are the most excellent of His creatures? Why then did He create such beautiful things? To manifest His wisdom and the greatness of His power, so that we might know all His glory.
Not only the heavens narrate the glory of God (Ps 18,2) but also the earth, as David points out, when he sang: Praise the Lord, fruit trees and all cedars (Ps 148,9). In fact, some creatures praise the Creator with their fruits, others with their greatness, still others with their beauty.
Another demonstration of the great wisdom and power of God resides in the fact that He adorns even the most vile objects of such beauty (what is, in fact, more vile than what exists today but tomorrow will no longer be?) If, then, God has also given hay to what was not necessary at all (what good is it, in fact, it’s beauty? To feed the fire?) how can He not give you what you need? If the Lord has generously decorated the most vile thing of all and not for some purpose but only for beauty, much more He will honour you, the most precious of His creatures, in those things that are necessary to you. ” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church – Commentary on the Gospel of St Matthew, 22.1
PRAYER – Loving Father, grant me to have a true fervour in Your service. Let me never tire of following Your Son’s example and avoiding evil. Teach me to reside in total peace in Your wisdom and power and thus to trust You above all. Grant that by the intercession of St Benedict and St Olga, we may grow in holiness and attain our eternal home with You. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.
St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547) (Memorial) Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism
St Benedict, His Medal, His Monastery:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-osb-c-480-547-patron-of-europe-and-founder-of-western-monasticism/
And more here:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-o-s-b-abbot-patron-of-europe-patronus-europae/
St Abundius of Ananelos
St Amabilis of Rouen
St Anna An Jiaoshi
St Anna An Xingshi
Bl Antonio Muller
St Berthevin of Lisieux
St Cindeus
St Cowair
St Cyprian of Brescia
St Cyriacus the Executioner
St Hidulf of Moyenmoutier
St Januarius
St John of Bergamo
Bl Kjeld of Viborg
St Leontius the Younger
St Marcian of Lycaonia
St Marciana of Caesarea
Maria An Guoshi
Maria An Linghua
Bl Marie-Clotilde Blanc
Bl Marie-Elisabeth Pélissier
Bl Marie-Marguerite de Barbégie d’Albrède
St Olga Queen of Kiev (c 890-969)
St Pelagia
St Pius I, Pope
St Placid of Dissentis
Bl Rosalie-Clotilde Bes
St Sabinus of Brescia
St Sabinus of Poitiers
St Sidronius
St Sigisbert of Dissentis
Bl Thomas Hunt
Bl Thomas Sprott
St Thurketyl
Blessed Valeriu Traian Frentiu (1875-1952) Martyr
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/11/saint-of-the-day-blessed-valeriu-traian-frentiu-1875-1952-bishop-and-martyr/
Quote/s of the Day – 11 June – Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Acts: 11:21b-26; 12:1-3, Psalm 98(97),1.2-3ab.3cd-4.5-6, Matthew 10:7-13 and the Memorial of St Barnabas, Apostle of Christ
“Freely you have received,
freely you are to give.”
“So everyone who acknowledges me before men,
I also will acknowledge before my Father,
who is in heaven…”
“Pray as though everything depended on God.
Work as though everything depended on you.”
“He should first
show them,
in deeds,
rather than words,
all that is good and holy.”
“Someone who truly follows the Lord
wants everyone to follow Him,
which is why he turns to his neighbour
with kind attentions, prayers
and proclamation of the Gospel.
… Jesus loves the one who follows Him.”
“Teach us to give
and not to count the cost.”
“It is not hard to obey
when we love the one,
whom we obey.”
“Christ has no body on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which, the compassion of Christ, looks out to the world.
Yours are the feet,
with which, He is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands,
with which, He is to bless others now.”
“Let us renew our faith in Him
and put all our hope in His promises!
… Working to enrich … society and culture
with the beauty and truth of the Gospel
and never losing sight of that great hope
which gives meaning and value
to all the other hopes which inspire our lives.”
“God will put someone in your path today
who doesn’t necessarily need you…
but who desperately needs Christ in you.”
Executive Vice President for Life Teen International.
Thought for the Day – 11 July – The Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)
Benedict’s name means “blessed.” His most famous monastery, Monte Cassino, has been destroyed and rebuilt three times. His monks follow the motto Ora et labora, which means “Pray and work.”
It is unfortunate that no contemporary biography has been written of a man who has exercised the greatest influence on monasticism in the West. Benedict is well recognised in the later Dialogues of Saint Gregory but these are sketches to illustrate miraculous elements of his career. Pope Benedict did a great Catechesis on him, excerpt here and at the end, is a link to the Rule: https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-the-memorial-of-st-benedict-of-nursia-osb-c-480-547/
The Rule that gradually developed prescribed a life of liturgical prayer, study, manual labour and living together in community under a common abbot. Benedictine asceticism is known for its moderation and Benedictine charity has always shown concern for the people in the surrounding countryside. In the course of the Middle Ages, all monasticism in the West was gradually brought under the Rule of St Benedict.
Today the Benedictine family is represented by two branches: the Benedictine Federation encompassing the men and women of the Order of St Benedict and the Cistercians, men and women of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance.
The Church has been greatly blessed through Benedictine devotion to the liturgy, not only in its actual celebration with rich and proper ceremony in the great abbeys but also through the scholarly studies of many of its members. Liturgy is sometimes confused with guitars or choirs, Latin or Bach. We should be grateful to those who both preserve and adapt the genuine tradition in the Church, our great act of worship!
O God, Be With Us
St Benedict (c 480-547)
O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise,
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever,
grant us in all our duties,
Your help,
in all our perplexities,
Your guidance,
in all our dangers,
Your protection,
and in all our sorrows,
Your peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – The Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)
“Ora et labora.”
“Before all
and above all,
attention shall be paid
to the care of the sick,
so that they shall be served,
as if they were Christ Himself.”
“Be careful to be gentle,
lest in removing the rust,
you break the whole instrument.”
“He should first
show them,
in deeds,
rather than words,
all that is good and holy.”
“Let them put
Christ
before all else
and may He lead us all,
to everlasting life.”
One Minute Reflection – 11 July – Thursday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:7–15 and the Memorial of St Benedict and Bl Valeriu Traian Frentiu (1875-1952)
“Without cost you have received,
without cost you are to give.”…Matthew 10:8
REFLECTION – “To undertake the discipleship of Jesus means to take up your cross — we all have one — to accompany Him on His path, an uncomfortable path that is not of success or of fleeting glory but one which takes us to true freedom, to that which frees us from selfishness and sin. It is necessary to clearly reject that worldly mentality which places one’s “I” and one’s own interests at the centre of existence. That is not what Jesus wants from us! Instead Jesus invites us to lose our life for Him and for the Gospel, to receive it renewed, fulfilled and authentic. We are certain, thanks to Jesus, that this path leads us to the resurrection, to the full and definitive life with God. Choosing to follow Him, our Master and Lord who made Himself the Servant of all, one to walk behind and to listen attentively to His Word — remember to read a passage from the Gospel every day — and in the Sacraments.”… Pope Francis (Angelus, 13 September 2015)
PRAYER – Lord God, You appointed St Benedict to be a wise master in the school of Your service, give us the grace to put Your love before all else and so to run with joy in the way of Your commandments. Listen we pray to the intercession of St Benedict as we ask him for his prayers. Through Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.
Thought for the Day – 11 July – The Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)
“Today, I would like to speak about Benedict, the Founder of Western Monasticism and also the Patron of my Pontificate.
I begin with words that St Gregory the Great wrote about St Benedict: “The man of God who shone on this earth among so many miracles was just as brilliant in the eloquent exposition of his teaching” (cf. Dialogues II, 36). The great Pope wrote these words in 592 AD. The holy monk, who had died barely 50 years earlier, lived on in people’s memories and especially in the flourishing religious Order he had founded. St Benedict of Nursia/Norcia, with his life and his work, had a fundamental influence on the development of European civilisation and culture. The most important source on Benedict’s life is the second book of St Gregory the Great’s Dialogues. It is not a biography in the classical sense. In accordance with the ideas of his time, by giving the example of a real man – St Benedict, in this case – Gregory wished to illustrate the ascent to the peak of contemplation which can be achieved by those who abandon themselves to God. He therefore gives us a model for human life in the climb towards the summit of perfection. St Gregory the Great also tells in this book of the Dialogues of many miracles worked by the Saint and here too he does not merely wish to recount something curious but rather to show how God, by admonishing, helping and even punishing, intervenes in the practical situations of man’s life. Gregory’s aim was to demonstrate that God is not a distant hypothesis placed at the origin of the world but is present in the life of man, of every man.
Throughout the second book of his Dialogues, Gregory shows us how St Benedict’s life was steeped in an atmosphere of prayer, the foundation of his existence. Without prayer there is no experience of God. Yet Benedict’s spirituality was not an interiority removed from reality. In the anxiety and confusion of his day, he lived under God’s gaze and in this very way never lost sight of the duties of daily life and of man with his practical needs. Seeing God, he understood the reality of man and his mission. In his Rule he describes monastic life as “a school for the service of the Lord” (Prol. 45) and advises his monks, “let nothing be preferred to the Work of God” [that is, the Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours] (43, 3).
However, Benedict states that in the first place prayer is an act of listening (Prol. 9-11), which must then be expressed in action. “The Lord is waiting every day for us to respond to his holy admonitions by our deeds” (Prol. 35). Thus, the monk’s life becomes a fruitful symbiosis between action and contemplation, “so that God may be glorified in all things” (57, 9). In contrast with a facile and egocentric self-fulfilment, today often exalted, the first and indispensable commitment of a disciple of St Benedict is the sincere search for God (58, 7) on the path mapped out by the humble and obedient Christ (5, 13), whose love he must put before all else (4, 21; 72, 11) and in this way, in the service of the other, he becomes a man of service and peace . In the exercise of obedience practised by faith inspired by love (5, 2), the monk achieves humility (5, 1), to which the Rule dedicates an entire chapter (7). In this way, man conforms ever more to Christ and attains true self-fulfilment as a creature in the image and likeness of God.
Benedict describes the Rule he wrote as “minimal, just an initial outline” (cf. 73, 8); in fact, however, he offers useful guidelines not only for monks but for all who seek guidance on their journey toward God. For its moderation, humanity and sober discernment between the essential and the secondary in spiritual life, his Rule has retained its illuminating power even to today.
By proclaiming St Benedict Patron of Europe on 24 October 1964, Paul VI intended to recognise the marvellous work the Saint achieved with his Rule for the formation of the civilisation and culture of Europe.
Having recently emerged from a century that was deeply wounded by two World Wars and the collapse of the great ideologies, now revealed as tragic utopias, Europe today is in search of its own identity. Of course, in order to create new and lasting unity, political, economic and juridical instruments are important, but it is also necessary to awaken an ethical and spiritual renewal which draws on the Christian roots of the Continent, otherwise a new Europe cannot be built. Without this vital sap, man is exposed to the danger of succumbing to the ancient temptation of seeking to redeem himself by himself – a utopia which in different ways, in 20th-century Europe, as Pope John Paul II pointed out, has caused “a regression without precedent in the tormented history of humanity” (Address to the Pontifical Council for Culture, 12 January 1990).
Today, in seeking true progress, let us also listen to the Rule of St Benedict as a guiding light on our journey. The great monk is still a true master at whose school we can learn to become proficient in true humanism.
Here is a PDF of the Rule for downloading: http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/03d/0480-0547,_Benedictus_Nursinus,_Regola,_EN.pdf
Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – The Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)
“Ora et labora.”
“Be careful to be gentle,
lest in removing the rust,
you break the whole instrument.”
“He should first show them,
in deeds,
rather than words,
all that is good and holy.”
“Before all
and above all,
attention shall be paid
to the care of the sick,
so that they shall be served,
as if they were Christ Himself.”
“He who labours as he prays,
lifts his heart to God with his hands.”
“Whenever you begin any good work,
you should first of all,
make a most pressing appeal
to Christ our Lord,
to bring it to perfection.”
One Minute Reflection – 11 July – The Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)
Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; he whom you serve is the Lord…….Romans 12:11
REFLECTION – “There exists an evil fervour, a bitter spirit, which divides us from God and leads us to hell. Similarly, there is a good fervour, which sets us apart from evil inclinations and leads us toward God and eternal life.”…St Benedict
PRAYER – Loving Father, grant me to have a true fervour in Your service. Let me never tire of following Your Son’s example and avoiding evil. Grant that by the intercession of St Benedict, we may grow in holiness and attain our eternal home with You. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.
Our Morning Offering – 11 July – St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)
O God, Be With Us
St Benedict (c480-547)
O God,
from Whom to be turned, is to fall,
to Whom to be turned, is to rise,
and in Whom to stand, is to abide forever,
grant us in all our duties, Your help,
in all our perplexities, Your guidance,
in all our dangers, Your protection,
and in all our sorrows, Your peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Saint of the Day – 11 July – St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547) Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism. Some of his many Patronages – of Europe, Against Poison, Against Witchcraft, Agriculture, Cavers, Civil Engineers, Coppersmiths, Dying People, Farmers, Fevers, Inflammatory Diseases, Kidney Disease, Monks, Religious Orders, Schoolchildren, Temptations.
St Benedict founded twelve communities for monks about 40 miles east of Rome, before moving to Monte Cassino, in the mountains of southern Italy. St Benedict’s main achievement is his “Rule”, containing precepts for his monks. The unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness influences it and this persuaded most religious communities founded throughout Middle Ages, to adopt it. As a result, the Rule of St Benedict became one of the most influential religious rules in western Christendom. For this reason, Benedict is often called the “founder” of western Christian Monasticism. 
St Benedict is the twin brother of St Scholastica and is considered patron of many things. He was born in Nursia, Italy and educated in Rome.
He was repelled by the vices of the city and around 500, fled to Enfide – thirty miles away. He decided to live the life of a hermit and lived in a cave for three years. Despite Benedict’s desire for solitude, his holiness became known and he was asked to be the Abbot by a community of monks at Vicovaro. He accepted but when the monks resisted his strict rule and tried to poison him, he returned to Subiaco and became a centre of spirituality and learning. 
He eventually moved back to Monte Cassino and destroyed a temple to Apollo on its crest and brought the people of the neighbouring area back to Christianity. In 530 he began to build the monastery that was to be the birthplace of western monasticism. 
Soon, disciples again flocked to him as his reputation for holiness, wisdom and miracles spread far and wide. It wasn’t long and he organised his monks into a single monastic community and wrote his official Rule, prescribing common sense, a life of moderate asceticism, prayer, study, work and community under one superior. It stressed obedience, stability, zeal and had the Divine Office as the centre of monastic life. While ruling his monks, most of whom – including Benedict, were not ordained, he counselled rulers and Popes and ministered to the poor and destitute. He died at Monte Cassino on 21 March 547 and was named patron protector of Europe by Pope Paul VI in 1964. The Universal Church celebrates his feast day today. 
The St Benedict medal is very popular among Christians to this day and are hung above doors and windows, for protection against evil. It is believed that evil cannot enter your house if you protect every opening with a St Benedict medal and Crucifix. The medal has an image of St Benedict, holding the Holy Rule in his left hand and a cross in his right. There is a raven on one side of him, with a cup on the other side. Around the medal’s outer margin are the words “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur” – “May we, at our death, be fortified by His presence”. The other side of the medal has a cross with the initials CSSML on the vertical bar which signify “Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux” “May the Holy Cross be my light” and on the horizontal bar are the initials NDSMD which stand for “Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux” “Let not the dragon be my overlord”. The initials CSPB stand for “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” “The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict” and are located on the interior angles of the cross. Either the inscription “PAX” Peace or the Christogram “HIS” may be found at the top of the cross in most cases. Around the medal’s margin on this side are the initials VRSNSMV which stand for “Vade Retro Satana, Nonquam Suade Mihi Vana” ”Begone Satan, do not suggest to me thy vanities” then a space followed by the initials SMQLIVB which signify “Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas” “Evil are the things thou profferest, drink thou thy own poison”.
The Medal of St Benedict can serve as a constant reminder of the need for us to take up our cross daily and “follow the true King, Christ our Lord,” and thus learn “to share in his heavenly kingdom,” as St. Benedict urges us in the Prologue of his Rule.
More on St Benedict, his Rule and the Medal here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-o-s-b-abbot-patron-of-europe-patronus-europae/
One Minute Reflection – 12 February – The Memorial of St Julian the Hospitaller (unknown date of birth and death)
I was ill and you comforted me…..
As often as you did it for one
of my least brothers, you did it for me…….Matthew 25:26,40
REFLECTION – “Before all things and above all things, care must be taken of the sick. They must be served in every deed as Christ Himself.”…………….St Benedict
PRAYER – Jesus, infinite Healer, teach me to visit and comfort the sick. Help me always to see You in them and not count the cost. St Julian, you were a perfect example of giving your utmost love to the sick, please pray for us, amen!
Our Morning Offering – 10 February – The Memorial of St Scholastica (c 480-543), the Twin Sister of St Benedict (480-547)
Father, in Your Goodness, Grant Me ….
St Benedict
Father, in Your goodness,
grant me
the intellect to comprehend You,
the perception to discern You,
and the reason to appreciate You.
In Your kindness
endow me with
the diligence to look for You,
the wisdom to discover You
and the spirit to apprehend You.
In Your graciousness
bestow on me
a heart to contemplate You,
ears to hear You,
eyes to see You,
and a tongue to speak of You.
In Your mercy confer on me
a conversation pleasing to You,
the patience to wait for You,
and the perseverance to long for You.
Grant me a perfect end,
Your holy presence.
Amen.
AnaStpaul 
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