Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, LENT 2023, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face – The Fourth Day – 16 February

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday,
The Feast of the Holy Face

All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.” … (Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude the Great)

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

Psalm 51:8-9:

Indeed you love truth in the heart,
then in the secret of my heart,
teach me Wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean,
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity,
through the intercession of Holy Mary,
whose soul was pierced through
by a sword of sorrow
at the sight of the Passion of her Divine Son,
we ask Thy help,
in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus,
united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints
to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena
to the Most Holy Face of Jesus
and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

THE FOURTH DAY:

O Lord Jesus, Who has said,
learn of Me for I am meek and gentle of heart
and Who didst manifest upon Thy Holy Face,
the sentiments of Thy Divine Heart,
grant that we may love
to meditate upon Thy Divine Countenance,
that we may read there,
Thy gentleness and Thy humility
and learn from Thee to form our hearts
in the practice of these two virtues,
which Thou desires to see shine in Thy servants.

Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph help us.

Through the merits of Thy Precious Blood
and Thy Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Prayer in Honour of the Dolours
of the Blessed Virgin
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Doctor of the Church

O most holy Virgin,
Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by the overwhelming grief you experienced
when you witnessed the Martyrdom,
the Crucifixion
and the Death,
of your Divine Son,
look upon me with eyes of compassion
and awaken in my heart a tender
commiseration for those sufferings,
as well as a sincere detestation of my sins,
in order that,
being disengaged from all undue affection
for the passing joys of this earth,
I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem
and that henceforward, all my thoughts
and all my actions, may be directed
towards this one most desirable object,
the honour, glory and love
to our Divine Lord Jesus,
and to you,
the Holy and Immaculate
Mother of God.
Amen

Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Marys, one (1) Glory Be.

O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine,
be every Adoration Thine

(Three times)

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Posted in "Follow Me", ARMOUR of CHRIST, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – ‘The Armour of Light.’

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Behold, the star
which they had seen in the east,
went before them
until it came and stood
over where the Child was…

Matthew 2:9

The night is passed and the day is at hand.
Let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of Light.

Romans 12:12

I implore you to live with me and,
by believing, to run with me;
let us long for our Heavenly Country,
let us sigh for our Heavenly Home,
let us truly feel that here, we are strangers.
What shall we then see?
Let the gospel tell us:
In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
You will come to the fountain,
with whose dew you have already been sprinkled.
Instead of the ray of Light
which was sent through slanting
and winding ways, into the heart of your darkness,
you will see the Light Itself,
in all its purity and brightness.
It is to see and experience this Light
that you are now being cleansed. …
It has been good for us to share
the common Light,
good to have enjoyed ourselves,
good to have been glad together.
When we part from one another,
let us not depart from Him!

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

Prayer of Blessed Severinus Boethius
(c 475-524) Martyr

O Father, enable our minds,
to rise to Thy ineffable dwelling place.
Let us find the light
and direct the eyes of our soul to Thee.
Dispel the mists and the opaqueness
of the earthly mass
and shine out with Thy splendour.
Thou art the serene and tranquil abode
of those who persevere
in their goal of seeing Thee.
Thou art, at the same time,
the Beginning, the Vehicle,
the Guide, the Way and the Goal.
Amen.

Run with eager desire
to this Source of Life and Light,
all you who are vowed to God’s service.
Come, whoever you may be
and cry out to Him,
with all the strength of your heart.
O indescribable Beauty of the most high God
and purest Radiance of Eternal Light!
Life that gives all life,
Light that is the Source of every other light,
preserving, in everlasting splendour,
the myriad flames that have shone
before the throne of Thy Divinity
from the dawn of time!

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, ON the SAINTS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – ‘He who loses his life, for My sake will find it.’ – Matthew 16:25

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – Friday of Ember Week in Advent – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

For he who would save his life
will lose it but he who loses his life,
for My sake will find it
.”

Matthew 16:25

Take nothing for your journey,
neither staff, nor bag,
nor bread, nor money;
neither have two tunics
.”

Luke 9:3

Since happiness is nothing else
than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good
and the Supreme Good is above us,
no-one can enjoy happiness,
unless he rises above himself.

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O you souls who wish to go on
with so much safety and consolation,
if you knew how pleasing to God, is suffering
and how much it helps,
in acquiring other good things,
you would never seek consolation in anything;
but. you would rather look upon it,
as a great happiness, to bear the Cross of the Lord.

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

Perfection consists in one thing alone,
which is doing the will of God.
For, according to Our Lord’s words,
it suffices for perfection to deny self,
to take up the cross and to follow Him.
Now who denies himself
and takes up his cross
and follows Christ better,
than he who seeks not to do his own will
but always that of God?
Behold, now, how little is needed
to become a Saint?
Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing,
on every occasion,
what God wills.

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Entrust yourself entirely to God.
He is a Father
and a most loving Father at that,
Who would rather let Heaven
and earth collapse,
than abandon anyone
who trusted in Him.

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 25 October – Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit By St Bonaventure

Our Morning Offering – 25 October

Prayer for the Gifts
of the Holy Spirit
By St Bonaventure (1221-1274)

Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We beg the All-Merciful Father through You,
His Only-Begotten Son made Man for our sake,
Crucified and Glorified for us,
to send upon us, from His treasure-house,
the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace,
Who rested upon You in all His fullness.

The Spirit of Wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life,
which is indeed Yourself.
The Gift of Understanding:
to enlighten our perceptions.
The Gift of Prudence,
enabling us to follow in Your Footsteps.
The Gift of Strength:
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught.
The Gift of Knowledge,
to distinguish good from evil
by the light of Your holy teaching.
The Gift of Piety,
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy.
The Gift of Fear,
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe
of Your Eternal Majesty.

These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Your Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown
and Lordship forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM

Saints of the Day – 2 October – The Holy Guardian Angels

Saints of the Day – 2 October – The Holy Guardian Angels

The Twelve Works of our Guardian Angel
By St Bonaventure of Bagnoregio OFM (1217-1274)
Confessor, Cardinal Bishop of Albano, Theologian,
Franciscan Minister General
Doctor of the Church

According to Sacred Scripture
there are twelve works of charity
which our guardian Angel does for us.

THE FIRST is to rebuke us for our faults. According to the Book of Judges, Chapter 2, verse 1 – The Angel of the Lord ascends from Galgala to the place of those weeping and says: “I have led you forth from the land of Egypt . . . And you have not heard my voice.

THE SECOND is to absolve us from the bonds of our sins. According to Book of Acts, Chapter 12, verse 7 – The Angel stood by . . . and the chains fell from his hands; yet this must be understood as disposing this to happen.

THE THIRD is to take away from us, those things impeding our progress in goodness, which is signified in the Book of Exodus, Chapter 12, verse 12 – where the Angel struck the first born of Egypt.

THE FOURTH is to constrain those demons afflicting us, according to the Book of Tobias, Chapter 12, verse 3 – “He chased the demon from my wife,” says Tobias of the Archangel St. Raphael.

THE FIFTH is to teach us, according to the Book of Daniel, Chapter 9, verse 22: – Now I have entered, to teach you and so that you might understand.

THE SIXTH is to reveal secrets, for according to the Book of Genesis, Chapter 18, verse 17 – the three Angels expressed the Mystery of the Trinity and Unity, after which God said: Can I conceal from Abraham what I am about to do?

THE SEVENTH is to console, according to the Book of Tobias, Chapter 5, verse 13 – Be of a strong spirit, it is nigh, that you are to be cured by God etc..

THE EIGHTH is to comfort us on the way to God, according to Third Book of Kings, Chapter 19, verse 7 – Rise and eat, for a grand way remains for you.

THE NINTH is to lead us forth on this way and to conduct us back to God, according to the Book of Tobias, Chapter 5, verse 15 – I shall lead and I shall lead him back etc..

THE TENTH is to cast down our enemies, according to the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 37, verse 36 – Having entered, the Angel of the Lord struck upon the camps of the Assyrians etc..

THE ELEVENTH to mitigate our temptations; and this is signified in the Book of Genesis, Chapter 32, verse 24 – where Jacob wrestled with the Angel and was comforted after the match, having accepted his blessing, the nerve of his femur withered up.

THE TWELFTH is to pray for us and to carry our prayers to God, according to the Book of Tobias, Chapter 12, verse 12 – When you were praying with tears . . . I offered your prayer etc.. All of these are the effects of our Guardian Angel’s care of us, on account of which, we ought to be submissive and grateful both to God and the Holy Angels.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FRANCISCAN OFM, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on HYPROCRISY/HYPOCRITES, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – ‘ … He who humbles himself shall be exalted.’ Luke 18:14

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – The 10th Sunday after Pentecost – 1 Cor.inthians 12:2-11, Luke 18:9-14

“… For everyone who exalts himself
shall be humbled and he who
humbles himself shall be exalted.

Luke 18:14

Let him who is greatest among you,
become as the youngest
and he who is the leader,
as the servant.

Luke 22:25

As “pride, is the beginning
of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15)
so humility, is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance
.”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Once humility is acquired,
charity will come to life
like a burning flame devouring
the corruption of vice
and filling the heart so full,
that there is no place for vanity.

St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

True humility
scarcely ever
utters words
of humility.

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

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTRINE, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, Hail MARY!, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN QUOTES, MARY'S MONTH, QUOTES on GRACE, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY NAME of MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 5 August – Mary!

Quote/s of the Day – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Santa Mariæ ad Nives, Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows

“Mary, Mother of Grace,
it becomes you to be mindful of us,
as you stand near Him who granted you
all graces, for you are the Mother of God
and our Queen.
Help us for the sake of the King,
the Lord God and Master,
Who was born of you.”

St Athanasius (297-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“Mary was placed by God
in the centre of history
and we can say
that everything was made
through her
and with her
and in her.”

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

Mary is the divine Page
on which God the Father
wrote the Word of God, His Son.
Let us draw near to her and read her!

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Doctor of the Church

Mary seeks for those
who approach her devoutly and with reverence,
for such she loves, nourishes,
and adopts as her children.

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Blessed Shall be Her Name
Anonymous Author

Praise we the Lord this day,
This day so long foretold,
Whose promise shone with cheering ray
On waiting saints of old.

The prophet gave the sign
That those with faith might read;
A Virgin, born of David’s line
Shall bear the promised Seed.

Ask not how this should be,
But worship and adore;
Like her whom Heaven’s majesty
Came down to shadow o’er.

She meekly bowed her head
To hear the gracious word,
Mary, the pure and lowly maid,
The favoured of the Lord.

Blessed shall be her name
In all the Church on earth,
Through whom that wondrous Mercy came,
The Incarnate Saviour’s Birth.

Jesus, the Virgin’s Son,
We praise You and adore,
Who are with God the Father One
And Spirit evermore.

Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, NOTES to Followers, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – “The Month of the Precious Blood” – The Memorial of St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
(No images until later. We are being subjected to constant Power Cuts again – they can be up to 8 hours per day.)

Since happiness is nothing else
than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good
and the Supreme Good is above us,
no-one can enjoy happiness,
unless he rises above himself.

As “pride, is the beginning
of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15)
so humility, is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/quote-s-of-the-day-15-july-st-bonaventure-2/

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", ARMOUR of CHRIST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – ‘A good soldier of Christ Jesus’

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “The Month of the Precious Blood” – The Memorial of St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19

You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lighted by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lighted, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.

Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed, was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: Thus command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people, blessed Bonaventure, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY SPIRIT

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit By St Bonaventure

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” and the Memorial of St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Prayer for the Gifts
of the Holy Spirit
By St Bonaventure (1221-1274)

Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We beg the All-Merciful Father through You,
His Only-Begotten Son made Man for our sake,
Crucified and Glorified for us,
to send upon us, from His treasure-house,
the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace,
Who rested upon You in all His fullness.

The Spirit of Wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life,
which is indeed Yourself.
The Gift of Understanding:
to enlighten our perceptions.
The Gift of Prudence,
enabling us to follow in Your Footsteps.
The Gift of Strength:
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught.
The Gift of Knowledge,
to distinguish good from evil
by the light of Your holy teaching.
The Gift of Piety,
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy.
The Gift of Fear,
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe
of Your Eternal Majesty.

These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Your Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown
and Lordship forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Mare de Déu de Canòlich / Mother of God of Canòlich, Canòlich, Spain, (1223) and Memorials of the Saints – 14 July

Mare de Déu de Canòlich / Mother of God of Canòlich, Canòlich, Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra, Spain (1223) – 14 July and 4th Saturda\y of May:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/mare-de-deu-de-canolich-mother-of-god-of-canolich-canolich-sant-julia-de-loria-andorra-spain-1223-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-july/

St Bonaventure of Bagnoregio OFM (1221-1274) – Seraphic Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Friar of the Friars Minor Order of St Francis, Bishop, Cardinal, Theologian, Philosopher, Writer, Mystic, Preacher, Teacher. One of the eaqrly Biographers of St Francis.(Memorial)
St Bonaventure!

https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-bonaventure-o-f-m-1221-1274-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-bonaventure-seraphic-doctor/

Blessed Angelina di Marsciano
Blessed Boniface of Canterbury O.Cart. (c 1207-1270) Carthusian Monk and Prior, Archbishop of Canterbury. Beatified on 7 September 1838 by Pope Gregory XVI. His body is incorrupt.

St Colman of Killeroran
St Cyrus of Carthage
St Deusdedit of Canterbury
St Donatus of Africa

St Francisco Solano y Jiménez OFM (1549 – 1610) Priest , Spanish Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, Missionary, Musician, Preacher, Miracle worker, Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Virgin Mother and of Prayer, Polyglot – “The Wonder Worker of Whe New World.” Canonised on 27 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.
A wonderful Saint:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-saint-francisco-solano-ofm-1549-1610-the-wonder-worker-of-the-new-world/

Blessed Gaspar de Bono OM (1530– 1604) Spanish Priest, Friar of the Order of Minims, Vicar Provincial of the Order. He was noted for his particular devotion to the Passion of Christ, carrying his Crucifix everywhere as a means of evangelisation and to be able to constantly immerse himself in his Saviour’s sufferings.
His Loving Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-gaspar-de-bono-om-1530-1604/

Bl Giorgio of Lauria
Bl Hroznata of Bohemia
Bl Humberto of Romans
St Idus of Ath Fadha
St Just
St Justus of Rome
St Liebert
St Marciano of Frigento
St Marchelm
Bl Michael Ghebre
St Optatian of Brescia
St Papias of Africa
Bl Richard Langhorne
Bl Toscana of Verona
St Ulric of Zell
St Vincent Madelgaire

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – ‘ … Run with eager desire to this Source of Life …’

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – “The Month of the Precious Blood” – The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost and the Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood – Hebrews 9:11-15, John 19:30-35

But one of the soldiers opened His side with a lance and immediately there came forth, Blood and water.” – John 19:34

REFLECTION – “Take thought now, redeemed man and consider how great and worthy is He, Who hangs on the Cross for you… Arise, then, beloved of Christ! Imitate the dove ‘that nests in a hole in the cliff’ (Jr 48:28), keeping watch at the entrance ‘like the sparrow that finds a home’(Ps 84:4). There, like the turtledove, hide your little ones, the fruit of your chaste love. Press your lips to the Fountain, draw water from the wells of your Saviour; for this is the spring flowing out of the middle of paradise, dividing into four rivers, inundating devout hearts, watering the whole earth and making it fertile.

Run with eager desire to this Source of Life and Light, all you who are vowed to God’s service. Come, whoever you maybe and cry out to Him, with all the strength of your heart. O indescribable Beauty of the most high God and purest Radiance of Eternal Light! Life that gives all life, Light that is the Source of every other light, preserving, in everlasting splendour, the myriad flames that have shone before the throne of Your Divinity from the dawn of time!

Eternal and inaccessible Fountain, clear and sweet stream, flowing from a hidden spring, unseen by mortal eye! None can fathom Your depths nor survey Your boundaries, none can measure Your breadth, nothing can sully Your purity. From You flows ‘the river which gladdens the city of God’ (Ps 46:5) and makes us cry out with joy and thanksgiving, in hymns of praise to You, for we know, by our own experience, that ‘with You is the Source of Life and in Your Light we see light’ (Ps 36:10).” – St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Doctor of the Church (The Tree of Life, 29-30, 47, – Breviary)

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who made Thy Only Begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and willed to be reconciled by His Blood, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to worship in this Sacred rite the price of our salvation and to be so protected by its power against the evils of the present life on earth, that we may enjoy its everlasting fruit in Heaven. 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).
Aspiration: Precious Blood, ocean of Divine Mercy, Flow upon us.

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – ‘They know His Voice

Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – Pentecost Tuesday – Acts 8:14-17, John 10:1-10.

… He goes before them
and the sheep follow Him
because they know His Voice.

John 10:4

And as for that in the good ground
they are those who, hearing the word,
hold it fast in an honest and good heart
and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15

“… Scripture, as a whole,
is God’s one perfect and complete instrument,
giving forth, to those who wish to learn …
It is one Saving Music…”

Origen (c 185-253)
Theologian, Father of the Church

If you believe what you like in the Gospels
and reject what you don’t like,
it is not the Gospel you believe
but yourself.

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

The more you devote yourself,
to study of the Sacred utterances,
the richer will be your understanding of them,
just as the more the soil is tilled,,
the richer is the harvest.

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

He is the origin of all wisdom.
The Word of God in the heights,
is the source of wisdom.
Christ is the source of all true knowledge,
for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). …
As way, Christ is the teacher
and origin of knowledge …
Without this Light,
which is Christ,
no-one can penetrate
the secrets of faith.

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, MARY'S MONTH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, To JESUS through MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 1 May – Mary

Quote/s of the Day – 1 May – “The Month of The Blessed Virgin Mary”

“Mary seeks for those
who approach her devoutly and with reverence,
for such she loves, nourishes,
and adopts as her childre
n. ”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We may seek graces
but shall never find them
without the intercession of Mary.

St Cajetan (1480-1547)

Truly we are passing through disastrous times,
when we may well make our own,
the lamentation of the Prophet:
“There is no truth and there is no mercy
and there is no knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1).
Yet in the midst of this tide of evil,
the Virgin Most Merciful rises before our eyes
like a rainbow, as the arbiter of peace
between God and man.

St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, HOLY SATURDAY, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 April – He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.

One Minute Reflection – 16 April – Holy Saturday (Vigil Mass of Easter) – Matthew 28,1-7.

And the Angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you, for I know that you seek Jesus Who was Crucified, He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.” – Matthew 28:5-6

REFLECTION – “When the third day dawned of the Lord’s sacred repose in the tomb (…) Christ, the “power and Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24), with the author of death lying prostrate, conquered even death itself and opened to us access to eternity, when He raised Himself from the dead by His divine power in order to make known to us the paths of life.

Then there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, with raiment like snow and his countenance like lightening.   He appeared attractive to the devout and severe to the wicked – for he terrified the soldiers and comforted the timid women, to whom the Lord Himself first appeared after rising, because their intense devotion so merited.   Then He was seen by Peter, then by the disciples going to Emmaus, then by all the apostles except Thomas.   Later He presented Himself to be touched by Thomas, who proclaimed his faith:  “My Lord and my God.”   And thus, during forty days, He appeared in many ways to His disciples, both eating and drinking with them.

He enlightened our faith with proofs and lifted up our hope with promises, so as finally to enkindle our love with gifts from heaven.” … St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O God, Who dost illuminate this most holy night by the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, preserve in the new children of Thy family, the spirit of adoption which Thou hast given, that renewed in body and mind, they may render to Thee a pure service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, HOLY WEEK, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – To You, O Jesus, Hosanna!

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – Palm Sunday

To You, O Jesus, Hosanna!
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

To You, O Jesus,
do I turn as my true and last end.
You are the River of Life
which alone can satisfy my thirst.
Without You, all else is barren and void.
Without all else, You alone are enough for me.
You are the Redeemer of those that are lost,
the sweet Consoler of the sorrowful,
the Crown of Glory of the victors,
the recompense of the Blessed.
One day I hope to receive of Your fullness
and to sing the song of praise, in my true home.
Give me only on earth, some few drops of consolation
and I will patiently await Your coming,
when I hope to enter into the joy of my Lord.
Hosanna!

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 7 April – O Holy Lord

Our Morning Offering – 7 April – Thursday in Passion Week, the Fifth Week of Lent

O Holy Lord
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O Holy Lord,
Father Almighty, everlasting God,
for the sake of Your bounty
and that of Your Son,
Who for me,
endured suffering and death;
for the sake of the most excellent
holiness of His Mother
and the merits of all His Saints,
grant unto me, a sinner,
unworthy of Your blessings,
that I may love You only,
may ever thirst for Your love,
may have continually
in my heart the benefits of
Your Passion,
may acknowledge my own wretchedness
and, may desire to be trampled upon
and to be despised by all men.
Let nothing grieve me, save my guilt.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The PASSION, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 April – “The Jews sought to kill Him.” – John 7:1

One Minute Reflection – 5 April – Tuesday in Passion Week – Daniel 14:27-42, John 7:1-13 and the Memorial of St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419)

The Jews sought to kill Him.” – John 7:1

REFLECTION –I am the true vine,” Jesus says (Jn 15,1)… People dig trenches around this vine; that is to say, cunningly dig traps. When they plot to make someone fall into a snare. it is as if they dug a pit in front of Him. That is why He mourns about it, saying: “They have dug a pit before me” (Ps 56[57],7)…

However, they discovered that these traps caused no harm to the vine. To the contrary, in digging these pits they themselves fell into them (Ps 56[57],7)… Then they kept on digging: not just His Hands and His Feet (Ps 21[22],17) but they pierced His side with a lance (Jn 19,34) and uncovered the interior of that Sacred Heart, which had already been wounded by the spear of love. The Bridegroom says in the song of His love that: “You have wounded my heart, my sister, my spouse” (Sg 4,9 Vg.). O Lord Jesus, Your Heart has been wounded with love by Your spouse, Your friend, Your sister. Why, then, was it necessary for your enemies to wound you again? O you enemies, what are You doing?… Do You not know that this Heart of our Lord Jesus’,already pierced, is already dead, already open and cannot be touched by any other suffering? The Heart of the Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus, has already received the wound of love, the death of love. What other death could touch Him?… The martyrs also laugh when they are threatened, rejoice when they are struck, triumph, when they are killed. Why? Because they have already died through love in their hearts, “dead to sin” (Rm 6,2) and to the world!

Thus Jesus’ Heart has been wounded and put to death for our sake… Physical death triumphed for a moment but only to be conquered forever. It was blotted out when Christ rose from the dead because “death has no power over Him anymore” (Rm 6,9). – St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Doctor of the Church (The Mystical Vine, ch. 3, § 5-10).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously enlightened Your Church by the virtues and preaching of blessed Vincent, Your Confessor, grant that we, Your servants, may be taught by his example and delivered from all harm by his intercession. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 March – The Light of Life

Quote/s of the Day – 30 March – Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – Isaias 1:16-19, John 9:1-38

“I Am the Light of the world.”

John 9:5

“I am the Light of the world;
he who follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life
.”

John 8:12

“The Light of Christ
is an endless day
that knows no night.

St Maximus of Truin (Died 420)
Bishop, Father

Lord, Kindle our Lamps
By St Columban (543-615)

Lord, kindle our lamps,
Saviour most dear to us,
that we may always shine
in Your presence
and always receive Light
from You,
the Light Perpetual,
so that our own
personal darkness,
may be overcome
and the world’s darkness
driven from us.
Amen

“He is the origin of all wisdom.
The Word of God in the heights,
is the source of wisdom.
Christ is the source of all true knowledge,
for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). …
As way, Christ is the teacher
and origin of knowledge …
Without this Light,
which is Christ,
no-one can penetrate
the secrets of faith.

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 March – “They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”- Matthew 21:39

One Minute Reflection – 18 March – Friday of the Second Week of Lent – Genesis 37:6-22Matthew 21:33-46 and the Memorial of St Cyril of Jerusalem (c 313-386) Bishop of Jerusalem, Confessor and Father & Doctor of the Church

They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”– Matthew 21:39

REFLECTION – “I am the true vine,” Jesus says (Jn 15,1)… People dig trenches around this Vine, that is to say, cunningly dig traps. When they plot to make someone fall into a snare, it is as if they dug a pit in front of him. That is why He mourns about it, saying: “They have dug a pit before me” (Ps 56[57],7)… Here is one example of these snares: “They brought a woman who had been caught in adultery” to our Lord Jesus, “saying: ‘Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ ” (Jn 8,3f.)… And here is another: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to the Emperor or not?” (cf. Mt 22,17)…

However, they discovered, that these traps caused no harm to the Vine. To the contrary, in digging these pits, they themselves fell into them (Ps 56[57],7)… Then they kept on digging, not just His Hands and His Feet (Ps 21[22],17) but they pierced His Side with a lance (Jn 19,34) and uncovered the interior of that Sacred Heart, which had already been wounded by the spear of love. The Bridegroom says in the song of His love that: “You have wounded my heart, my sister, my spouse” (Sg 4,9 Vg.). O Lord Jesus, Your Heart has been wounded with love by Your spouse, Your friend, Your sister. Why, then, was it necessary for Your enemies to wound You again? O you enemies, what are you doing?… Do you not know that this Heart of Our Lord Jesus,’,already pierced, is already dead, already open and cannot be touched by any other suffering? The Heart of the Bridegroom, Our Lord Jesus, has already received the wound of love, the death of love. What other death could touch Him?… The Martyrs also laugh when they are threatened, rejoice when they are struck, triumph when they are killed. Why? Because they have already died through love in their hearts, “dead to sin” (Rm 6,2) and to the world…

Thus Jesus’ Heart has been wounded and put to death for our sake… Physical death triumphed for a moment but only to be conquered forever. It was blotted out when Christ rose from the dead because “death has no power over him any more” (Rm 6,9). – St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (The Mystical Vine, ch. 3, § 5-10)

PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech You, Almighty God, through the intercession of the blessed Bishop Cyril, so to acknowledge You, the only true God,and Jesus Christ Whom You have sent, that we may be found worthy to be forever numbered among the sheep who hear His Voice. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on WISDOM, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – Good ground

Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – Sexagesima Sunday – 2 Cor. 11:19-33; 12:1-9, Luke 8:4-15

And as for that in the good ground
they are those who, hearing the word,
hold it fast in an honest and good heart
and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15

Those who are my sheep
hear my voice
and follow me

John 10:27

… Scripture, as a whole,
is God’s one perfect and complete instrument,
giving forth, to those who wish to learn …
It is one Saving Music…

Origen (c 185-253)
Theologian, Father of the Church

He is the origin of all wisdom.
The Word of God in the heights,
is the source of wisdom.
Christ is the source of all true knowledge,
for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). …
As way, Christ is the teacher
and origin of knowledge …
Without this Light,
which is Christ,
no-one can penetrate
the secrets of faith.

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

Not content with sending His servants,
He came Himself,
He marked out the way we should take,
He came to make known His holy Word.
… Brethren, it is absolutely impossible
to love and please God,
unless we are fed by this divine Word.

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

Cultivate your vineyard
together with Jesus.
To you the task of removing stones
and pulling up brambles.
To Jesus, that of sowing, planting,
cultivating and watering.
But even in your work,
it is still He who acts.
Because, without Christ,
you could do nothing at all.

St Pio of Pietrelcina
“Padre Pio” (1887-1968)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The WORD, THOMAS a KEMPIS

Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – I Am, the Door, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Light, the Track, the Staircase, the Vehicle, the Treasure, the Reward!

Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – The Memorial of St John of Matha (1160-1213) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Matthew 12:35-40

Open the door to him, at once,
when he comes and knocks
.”

Luke 12:36

“I am the Light of the world;
he who follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life.

John 8:12

I am the door.
Whoever enters through me
will be saved….”

John 10:9

“I am the way
and the truth
and the life.
No-one comes to the Father
except through me.
If you know me,
then you will also know my Father.
From now on,
you do know him
and have seen him.

John 14:6-7

Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice
and opens the door,
[then] I will enter his house
and dine with him and he with me.

Apocalypse 3:20

Let your door stand open
to receive Him,
unlock your soul to Him,
offer Him a welcome in your mind
and then you will see
the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the joy of grace.
Throw wide the gate of your heart,
stand before the Sun
of the everlasting Light.”

St Ambrose (c 340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

May He,
Who is the Track of the runners
and the Reward of the winners,
lead and guide you along it –
He, Christ Jesus!

Bl Guerric of Igny O.Cist (c 1080-1157)

“Christ is both the way and the door.
Christ is the staircase and the vehicle
…”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

He who finds Jesus, finds a rare treasure,
indeed, a good above every good,
whereas he who loses Him,
loses more than the whole world.
The man who lives without Jesus,
is the poorest of the poor,
whereas no-one is so rich,
as the man who lives in His grace.
… Let all things be loved, for the sake of Jesus
but Jesus, for His own sake.

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, HOLY COMMUNION, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST

Our Morning Offering –7 November – My Lord, I am Unworthy!

Our Morning Offering –7 November – Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

My Lord, I am Unworthy!
Prayer before Holy Communion
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

My Lord,
Who are You
and who am I,
that I should dare to take You
into my body and soul?
A thousand years
of penance and tears,
would not be sufficient
to make me worthy
to receive so royal a Sacrament even once!
How much more am I unworthy of it,
who fall into sin daily,
I, the incorrigible,
who approach You so often
without due preparation!
Nevertheless, Your mercy
infinitely surpasses my unworthiness.
Therefore, I make bold
to receive this Sacrament,
trusting in Your love.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on HYPROCRISY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The BEATITUDES, The WORD, THOMAS a KEMPIS

Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – ‘… he who humbles himself will be exalted’ Luke 14:11

Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – “Month of the Holy Rosary” and Mary’s Day – Readings: Romans 11: 1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Psalm 94: 12-15, 17-18; Luke 14: 1, 7-11

For everyone who exalts himself
will be humbled
but he who humbles himself
will be exalted.

Luke 14:11

The servant is not greater
than his Master

John 13:16

How can you become a sharer,
in His glory (1 Pt 5:1)
if you will not consent,
to become a sharer,
in His humiliating death?

St Simeon the New Theologian (949-1022)

As “pride is the beginning of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15)
so humility is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.

St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

… If you die with Him,
you shall also likewise
live with Him.
If you are His companion in punishment,
so shall you be in glory.

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Humility and charity
are the two master chords –
one, the lowest;
the other, the highest;
all the others are dependent on them.
Therefore, it is necessary, above all.
to maintain ourselves in these two virtues,
for observe well,
that the preservation of the whole edifice
depends on the foundation and the roof!

If humble souls are contradicted,
they remain calm;
if they are calumniated,
they suffer with patience;
if they are little esteemed,
neglected, or forgotten,
they consider this their due;
if they are weighed down
with occupations,
they perform them cheerfully.

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

St Ambrose describes virtue,
as a slow martyrdom.
In this sense, we must all be martyrs.
… Our martyrdom, … will be prolonged.
It will last all our lives
and will end only when we accept death
with resignation from the hands of God.
Ours is the martyrdom of virtue.
… It is necessary, then,
to descend into the mire of humility
and to remain there until we die.
Only after we have died to ourselves,
shall we rise again in God.
After the death of our lower instincts and vices,
we shall find a new life
.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on HYPROCRISY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 13 October – Hypocrisy

Quote/s of the Day – 13 October – The 104th Anniversary of the Last Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun – Readings: Romans 2: 1-11; Psalm 62: 2-3, 6-7,9; Luke 11:42-46

But woe to you Pharisees!
For you tithe mint and rue and every herb
and neglect justice and the love of God.

Luke 11:42

Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,
which is hypocrisy.

Luke 12:1

Mint and dill and cumin are only spices for food
but are not themselves, substantial food.
What substantive food would mean in conversion,
would be that which is necessary
for the justification of our souls—faith and love—
unlike these legalisms,
which are more like condiments and flavourings.
It is as if, a meal might be thought to consist,
more of condiments and flavourings,
than the food itself.
The seriousness of judgement is neglected,
while great attention is given to minor matters
.”

Origen (c 185-253)
Priest, Theologian, Father

Grace is given,
not to those who
speak [their faith]
but to those,
who live their faith
.”

St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

As “pride is the beginning of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15)
so humility is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Our lADY of FATIMA speaks – here:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/13/quote-s-of-the-day-13-october-our-lady-of-fatima/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – Christ the Light

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – “Month of the Seven Sorrows of Mary” – Readings: Ezra 1: 1-6; Psalm 126: 1b-6; Luke 8: 16-18

Christ the Light

“In You is the source of life
and in Your Light Lord, we see light”

Psalm 35(36)

You are the salt of the earth …
You are the light of the world.”

Matthew 5:13,14

“Light came into the world.”

John 3:19

“I am the light of the world
he who follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

“This, beloved, is the way
in which we found our salvation,
Jesus Christ, the High Priest
Who offers our gifts,
the Patron and Helper
in our weakness (Heb 10:20; 7:27; 4:15).
It is through Him,
that we look straight at the heavens above.
Through Him, we see mirrored,
God’s faultless and transcendent countenance.
Through Him, the eyes of our heart were opened.
Through Him, our unintelligent
and darkened mind
shoots up into the light.
Through Him, the Master was pleased
to let us taste the knowledge
that never fades,”

St Pope Clement I (c 35 – c 99)

“He wants you to become
a living force for all mankind,
lights shining in the world.
You are to be radiant lights
as you stand beside Christ,
the Great Light,
bathed in the glory of Him
who is the Light of Heaven.”

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“It is no advantage
to be near the light,
if the eyes are closed.”

“Proclaim the Good News!
What good news is that?
Day is born from Day…
Light from Light –
the Son from the Father,
the saving power of God!”

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

“He is the Light of Truth,
the Path of life,
the Power and Mind,
Hand and Strength of the Father.
He is the Sun of Justice,
Source of Blessings,
Flower of God,
God’s Son, Creator of the world,
Life of our mortality
and Death to our death.
He is the Master of the virtues.
He is God to us …!”

St Paulinus of Nola (c 354-431)
Father of the Church

“Run with eager desire
to this Source of Life and Light,
all you who are vowed
to God’s service.”

St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on WISDOM, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 September – Being good ground

Quote/s of the Day – 18 September – Readings: Timothy 6: 13-16; Psalm 100: 1b-2-5; Luke 8: 4-15

“And as for that in the good ground
they are those who, hearing the word,
hold it fast in an honest and good heart
and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Luke 8:15

“For the one whom God sent
speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit…
he who does not obey the Son,
shall not see life.”

John 3:34,36

“And Simon Peter answered him:
Lord, to whom shall we go?
you have the words of eternal life.”

John 6:68

Scripture brought me to the Gate of Paradise
and the mind stood in wonder as it entered.”

When you begin to read or listen to the Holy Scriptures,
pray to God thus:
“Lord Jesus Christ,
open the ears and eyes of my heart
so that I may hear Thy words
and understand them
and may fulfill Thy will.”
Always pray to God like this,
that He might illumine your mind
and open to you,
the power of His words.
Many, having trusted in their own reason,
have turned away into deception.”

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

“When it comes to obeying the commandments
or enduring adversity,
the words uttered by the Father
should always echo in our ears –
“This is my Son, the beloved,
in whom I am well pleased,
listen to Him.”

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

“He is the origin of all wisdom.
The Word of God in the heights,
is the source of wisdom.
Christ is the source of all true knowledge,
for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). …
As way, Christ is the teacher
and origin of knowledge …
Without this Light,
which is Christ,
no-one can penetrate
the secrets of faith.”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

“Not content with sending His servants,
He came Himself,
He marked out the way we should take,
He came to make known His holy Word.
… Brethren, it is absolutely impossible
to love and please God,
unless we are fed by this divine Word.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, IMMACULATE HEART Quotes, MARIAN QUOTES, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The HEART, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 8 September – Mary, Mother of Grace

Quote/s of the Day – 8 September – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“Mary, Mother of Grace,
it becomes you to be mindful of us,
as you stand near Him who granted you
all graces, for you are the Mother of God
and our Queen.
Help us for the sake of the King,
the Lord God and Master,
Who was born of you.”

St Athanasius (297-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“Go to Mary and sing her praises
and you will be enlightened.
For it is through her,
that the true Light
shines on the
sea of this life.”

St Ildephonsus (607-670)

“Mary seeks for those
who approach her devoutly and with reverence,
for such she loves, nourishes,
and adopts as her children. ”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

“We may seek graces
but shall never find them
without the intercession of Mary.”

St Cajetan (1480-1547)

“If you put all the love, of all the mothers into one heart,
it still would not equal the love
of the Heart of Mary for her children.”

St Louis de Montfort (1673-1716)

“Never do anything
that your heart tells you,
is displeasing to Mary
and, in addition,
never deny her anything
that you know she would welcome
and desire from you.”

St Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)

Mary, Mother of Grace
St Athanasius (297-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church

It becomes you to be mindful of us,
as you stand near Him who granted you all graces,
for you are the Mother of God and our Queen.
Help us for the sake of the King,
the Lord God and Master, Who was born of you.
For this reason,
you are called full of grace.
Remember us, most holy Virgin,
and bestow on us gifts
from the riches of your graces,
Virgin full of graces.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 4 September – To Our Lady of Sorrows By St Bonaventure

Our Morning Offering – 4 September – “Month of the Seven Sorrows of Mary” and Mary’s Saturday

To Our Lady of Sorrows
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O most holy Virgin,
Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by the overwhelming grief you experienced
when you witnessed the Martyrdom,
the Crucifixion and the Death,
of your Divine Son,
look upon me, with eyes of compassion
and awaken in my heart,
a tender commiseration for those sufferings
and a sincere detestation of my sins,
in order that,
being disengaged from all undue affection
for the passing joys of this earth,
I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem
and that, henceforward, all my thoughts
and all my actions may be directed
towards this one most desirable object,
the honour, glory and love
of our divine Lord Jesus,
and to you,
the Holy and Immaculate
Mother of God.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on WISDOM, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 31 August – ‘He is the Word of God …’

Quote/s of the Day – 31 August – “Month of the Immaculate Heart” – Readings: Thessalonians 5: 1-6, 9-11; Psalms 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Luke 4: 31-37

And they were all amazed
and said to one another,
“What is this word?
For with authority and power
he commands the unclean spirits
and they come out.”

Luke 4:36

“Your all-powerful Word leapt down from heaven’s royal throne”

Wisdom 18:15

“He is the Word of God
who dwelt with man
and became the Son of Man,
to open the way for man, to receive God,
for God to dwell with man,
according to the will of the Father.”

St Irenaeus (c 130 – c 202)
Bishop & Martyr, Father of the Church

“He is the Light of Truth,
the Path of life,
the Power and Mind,
Hand and Strength of the Father.
He is the Sun of Justice,
Source of Blessings,
Flower of God,
God’s Son, Creator of the world,
Life of our mortality
and Death to our death.
He is the Master of the virtues.
He is God to us …!”

St Paulinus of Nola (c 354-431)
Father of the Church

“For this all-powerful Physician,
nothing is incurable.
He heals without charge!
With one word, He restores to health!
I would have despaired of my wound were it not,
that I placed my trust in the Almighty.”

St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father, Doctor of the Church

“He is the origin of all wisdom.
The Word of God in the heights,
is the source of wisdom.
Christ is the source of all true knowledge,
for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). …
As way, Christ is the teacher
and origin of knowledge …
Without this Light,
which is Christ,
no-one can penetrate
the secrets of faith.”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor