Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church (315-386)
by VP
Posted on Monday March 18, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"The accomplishment of Prophecies: St. Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem, is one of the greatest prelates that the Church has ever possessed; pious and learned in all sciences human and divine; inflexible in the doctrines of faith, and, for that reason, twice sent into exile; benevolent and charitable beyond measure, abounding with a zeal truly apostolic, such, in brief, was this holy bishop.
His episcopate was marked by two great events, first, the appearance of a luminous cross above Mount Calvary, which was visible to the whole of Judea and Samaria; and next, the accomplishment of the prophecy of Jesus Christ relative to the temple of Jerusalem.
Julian the Apostate, having wished to rebuild it in order to set the Gospel at naught, the Jews were all jubilant and the Christians borne down with dread; but Cyril reassured them, and scoffed at the enterprise. In fact, on the last stone being torn from the foundations, flames burst forth, which trice consumed the separate relays of workmen. The apostate having died, the undertaking was suspended, and since then never has there been a stone upon a stone. St. Cyril died in 386.
Moral reflection: If our faith grow timid, those words of the Divine Master should suffice to calm our disquietude, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not fail." (Matt. XXIV. 35) Source: Pictorial half hours with the saints, by Rev. Fr. Auguste François Lecanu 1865
Saint Patrick, Bishop and Confessor, Apostle of Ireland, A.D. 464
by VP
Posted on Sunday March 17, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
Saint Patrick, Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC
Pray for all those, who like this prelate, engage in the apostolic life; that the blessing of heaven may ever attend their labours in the conversion of souls from the darkness of vice and error, to the light of virtue and truth. Pray for that people of Ireland, who received their faith by the preaching of this saint; that God would give them patience under all calamities, and a Christian zeal for reforming all abuses, and living up to that truth which they have been taught.
Pray in your own behalf, for a docile and humble spirit; that no humour or self-love may render the endeavours of those fruitless, who labour for your good; that no ill habit, no authority of custom or practice may harden your heart against those impressions, which are the effects of the divine goodness, and designed to bring you to the level of the gospel. Reflect on yourself seriously, and see whether the want of this holy disposition be not the true reason of your receiving so little benefit from what you hear or read.
However, raise up your soul to God by hope, and believe that grace and
power, by which whole nations have been converted, to be sufficient also
for you. Deliver us, O God, from an obstinate and obdurate heart." The Catholic Year with Rev. Fr. John Gother
Prayer to St. Patrick:
O glorious St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, who left father and mother, and all earthly things, to bring our forefathers from the valley of sin and the shades of death, to the admirable light of Jesus Christ; intercede with our Divine Lord and Master, "who came to seek the lost sheep" that we may obtain the grace of conversion; that we may receive pardon of our past sins, which we here acknowledge before him, and promise to confess with due disposition to his appointed Ministers, that we never more offend him; but perform His will in all things, during the remainder of our lives, through the merits of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Litany of St. Patrick
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father, Creator of Heaven and earth, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of mankind, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, Three Persons in one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
All ye holy Angels, pray for us.
All ye Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.
All ye holy Saints and Doctors, pray for us.
All ye Bishops and Confessors, pray for us.
St. Patrick, our Apostle and Patron, pray for us.
St. Patrick, vessel of election, pray for us.
St. Patrick, model of Penitents, pray for us.
St. Patrick, example of mortification, pray for us.
St. Patrick, profoundly humble, pray for us.
St. Patrick, meek and patient, pray for us.
St. Patrick, pure and patient, pray for us.
St. Patrick, pure and chaste, pray for us.
St. Patrick, temperate and abstemious, pray for us.
St. Patrick, zealous pastor of souls, pray for us.
St. Patrick, ardent lover of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.
St. Patrick, true lover of thy neighbor, pray for us.
St. Patrick, example of perfect charity, pray for us.
St. Patrick, glory of Ireland, pray for us.
St. Patrick, our powerful protector, pray for us.
St. Patrick, pillar of Catholicity, pray for us.
St. Patrick, confessor of the faith, pray for us.
St. Patrick, enemy of Satan, pray for us.
St. Patrick, herald of salvation, pray for us.
St. Patrick, our Father in Christ, pray for us.
Lord Jesus, we beseech thee, hear us.
That it would please thee, through the intercession of thy servant Patrick, to make thy name glorious to those who know it not, we beseech thee, hear us.
Thou thou wilt protect our Bishops and Clergy, and all who labor in Thy Holy Church, we beseech thee, hear us.
That thou wilt preserve and increase the Faith in Ireland, and re-establish it in the sister country, we beseech thee, hear us.
That thou vouchsafe to preserve the Pope, and all Ecclesiastical orders in Religion, we beseech thee, hear us.
That thou wilt enlighten all those who are in error and bring them to the knowledge of thy truth, we beseech thee, hear us.
That thou wilt deliver us from all sin, we beseech thee, hear us.
From all intemperance, Deliver us, O Lord.
From all impurity, Deliver us, O Lord.
From all hatred and ill-will, Deliver us, O Lord.
From a sudden and unprovided death, Deliver us, O Lord.
In the day of judgement, Lord, deliver us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Prayer: O God, who hast vouchsafe to send thy Confessor and Bishop, the blessed St. Patrick, to preach thy glory to nations, grant by his merits and intercession, that we may accomplish in thy mercy, what thou commandest to be done; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Source: Loretto's Manual, Ireland, 1852
St. Abraham, Hermit. A.D. 370
by VP
Posted on Saturday March 16, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"In his youth, his parents importuning him to marry, though he knew not how to contradict them, yet when the appointed time was come, he withdrew from them in disguise, and entering into a solitude, was so charmed with it, that no persuasions could oblige him to quit it. He spent his whole time in adoring and praising God, and imploring his mercy. He possessed no other goods but a cloak and a piece of sackcloth which he wore, and a little vessel out of which he both eat and drank. For fifty years he was never wearied with his austere penance, and holy exercises, and seemed to draw from them every day fresh vigour.
When he had lived thus many years, a neighbouring bishop, knowing his sanctity, importuned him from his cell to go and preach to a town, whose obstinacy in idolatry had rendered all the endeavours of the bishop fruitless. Being called to this combat, he preached to that people repentance and faith in Christ; and they seeing no hopes of being delivered from his importunity, resolved to stone him to death. Having done it, as they thought, he yet outlived that storm, and soon appeared repeating the same lesson to them, and they repeated their cruelty; and so a third time, when they left him for dead. But God miraculously preserving his life, he came again with a new zeal. Upon which, being touched from heaven, they received the faith of Christ, and were baptized. But he, returning to his solitude, after many years of great sanctity, there ended his days.
May not his persevering charity be an encouragement to all pastors, in their endeavours to reclaim the lost sheep? May it not be a direction to you, not to be too hasty in despairing of the amendment of those, who seem as yet deaf to all advice? Have then a true compassion for all in sin and error; let your charity to them be untired. Perseverance is a force upon heaven, and the most powerful persuasive upon the hearts of men. And if at last they hear you not, remember that your charity is not lost: it will be fruitful to you, if not to them." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
"The Conversion of Sinners: Abraham, the solitary, after having disposed of his vast property and distributed the proceeds to the poor, was living in a deep retreat near Edessa, in Mesopotamia, when the bishop of Edessa consecrated him as bishop, and invested him with the mission of converting the inhabitants of a neighboring town, who were still pagans. Abraham undertook this out of a spirit of obedience, and, God aiding, succeeded in the undertaking, but not without vast efforts, and not without having been thrice on the eve of martyrdom.
He then withdrew to
this beloved solitude, but was obliged to leave it once again. A niece
whom he tenderly love had abandoned her home, and given herself up to
evil courses. When, after two years' seeking and prayer, the pious
solitary had at length discovered her abode, he assumed a disguise, and
went to visit her. So soon as he made himself known she gave way, while
pouring out her sorrow, and, of her own accord, imposed on herself rude
austerities which were only to end with her life. St. Abraham died towards 370.
Moral reflection:
It is the duty of every Christian to labor for the conversion of
sinners, because all partake of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, says the
apostle St. Peter: "To declare His virtues, who hath called us out of
darkness into His marvelous light. " (1 Peter ii. 9.)" Source: Pictorial Half Hours with the Saints by Fr. Auguste François Lecanu
"O
that we realized the omnipotence of prayer! Every soul was created to
glorify God eternally; and it is in the power of every one to add by the
salvation of his neighbor to the glory of God. Let us make good of
this talent of prayer, lest our brother's blood be required of us at the
last. "I affectionately entreat you to pray assiduously for the
salvation of sinners, for whom I ask of you wrestlings and tearful
prayers, that I may satisfy My longing to show them grace and mercy." Revelation to St. Catherine of Siena" Source: Miniatures Lives of the Saints, for Every Day in the Year, 1883
Novena Prayer for the Return of Lapsed Catholics
O
Good Shepherd, you never cease to seek out the lost, to call home the
stray, to comfort the frightened, and to bind up the wounded. I ask you
to bring (mention names) back to the practice of the Faith, and to
remove all obstacles that prevent them from receiving your abundant
mercy, which flows sacramentally through the heart of your holy Church.
Prayers for the return of a lapsed Catholic should also be accompanied by sacrificial and secret acts of fasting and almsgiving done in their name.
Saint Zachary, Pope (91rst pope)
by VP
Posted on Friday March 15, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"St. Zachary succeeded Gregory III., in 741, and was a man of singular meekness and goodness. He loved the clergy and people of Rome to that degree that he hazarded his life for them on occasion of the troubles which Italy fell into by the rebellion of the Dukes of Spoleto and Benevento agaisnt King Luitprand. Out of respect to his sanctity and dignity, that king restored to the Church of Rome all the places which belonged to it, and sent back the captives without ransom. The Lombards were moved to tears at the devotion with which they heard him perform the divine service. The zeal and prudence of this holy Pope appeared in many wholesome regulations which he had made to reform or settle the discipline and peace of several churches. Saint Boniface, the Apostles of Germany, wrote to him against a certain priest named Virgilius, that he labored to sow the seeds of discord between him and Odilo, Duke of Bavaria, and taught, besides, many errors. Zachary ordered that Virgilius should be sent to Rome, that his doctrine might be examined. It seems that he cleared himself; for we find this same Virgilius soon after made Bishop of Salzburg. Certain Venetian merchants having bought at Rome many slaves to sell to the Moors in Africa, Saint Zachary forbade such an iniquitous traffic, and, paying the merchants their price, gave the slaves their liberty. He adorned Rome with sacred buildings, and with great foundations in favor of the poor and pilgrims, and gave every year a considerable sum to furnish oil for the lamps in Saint Peter's Church. He died in 752, in the month of March.
Reflection: Oh, That we realized the omnipotence of prayer! Every soul was created to glorify God eternally; and it is the power of every one to add by the salvation of his neighbor to the glory of God. Let us make good use of this talent of prayer, lest our brother's blood be required of us at the last."
Source: Lives of the Saints, with reflections for every day in the year.
To God the Father.
Be mindful, O Eternal Father, of Thy Church, which Thou hast possessed
from the beginning; recognize in her the unspotted bride, for whom Thy
Adorable Son shed His Precious Blood. Vouchsafe to exalt her, to
sanctify and replenish her with such an abundance of Thy graces, that
she may be worthy of her Divine Spouse, and that her children may
confess Thee with a lively faith, call upon Thee with a firm hope, and
love Thee with a perfect charity. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
To God the Son
O Lord Jesus, the True Light, that enlightenest every man coming into
the world, dissipate, I beseech Thee, the darkness of heresy and schism.
Open the eyes of those in error, that they may perceive the brightness
of Divine Faith, and embrace the doctrines of the true and only Church,
so that, for the future, there may be but one fold and one flock. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
To God the Holy Ghost.
O Holy Ghost, Spirit of Peace and Love, enkindle in the hearts of
princes, the fire of divine charity, which Thou camest to cast upon the
earth! Teach them not to meditate any enterprise subversive of Thy Glory
of They Church's peace, but to seek by every means in their power to
attain for themselves and those confided to them the enjoyment of
eternal repose. Amen
Our Father, Hail Mary.
To the Most Holy Trinity
Adorable Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Who didst create the souls
of infidels after Thine own image and likeness, hear the prayers of
pious Christians, and the supplications of Thy Church; disperse the
blindness of idolaters; send among them men truly apostolic, who may
teach them the only saving faith; and grant them the grace to know and
adore Thee for evermore. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
Prayer for our Holy Father the Pope
O God, the Pastor and Governor of all the faithful, look propitiously on
Thy servant N., whom Thou hast constituted Head of Thy Church; grant
him grace to form to virtue and religion, both by word and example, the
flock committed to his charge, so that they may, with him, attain the
rewards of eternal life. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
May the Almighty and Merciful God graciously hear us.
And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Blessed James Cusmano, Priest and Physician (1834-1888)
by VP
Posted on Thursday March 14, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
“God has placed deep within the bosom of this physician and priest the heart of Saint Vincent de Paul. The fervour of his love for the poor was unsurpassed, the integrity of his blameless conduct was truly angelic, the kindness beaming from his face recalled Saint Francis de Sales. I have followed him very attentively through all the stages of his virtuous life and I must acknowledge, I have never met a priest who was so zealous for the salvation of souls, so amiable and so holy as he.” Archbishop of Palermo, Cardinal Giuseppe Guarino,
Prayer to Blessed James Cusmano:
O Most loving Father James Cusmano, you who consecrated your life to the love and service of Christ by serving the Poor, teach us to make real in our own lives the "New Commandment" given by Our Lord, by lovingly putting into practice the Works of Charity.
Help us to re-discover the joy of serving others, so that we can come to the fullness of "Faith through Charity". Free us from the illusion of feeling we are so poor that we have nothing to give or of feeling so rich that we have nothing to receive. Make us capable of sharing with others what we have and what we are, in a spirit of true communion. Obtain for us that, by loving and serving Christ with you as our example we may one day contemplate Him and possess Him for ever, together with you in the Home of our heavenly Father. Amen.
Source: Missionary Servants of the Poor Philippines
Almighty God and Merciful Father, I thank you and praise you for you adorned the heart of Blessed James Cusmano with "Charity which knows no bounds" in helping the poor and the unhappy.
Make that, by his example, inflamed by the ardor of the same ardor of charity, I can also be always happy to offer my life for the glory of Your name, to the service of others, and to be blessed in the Kingdom of Heaven. Grant me, through his intercession the grace ... of which I am badly in need. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end amen.
Source: James Cusmano
Saint Nicephorus of Constantinople, 828
by VP
Posted on Wednesday March 13, 2024 at 12:58AM in Saints
Nikephoros I of Constantinople trampling on John VII of Constantinople. Miniature from Chludov Psalter.
"Integrity of the Faith: There are not in the Christian faith any articles which it is permissible to accept or reject according to one's own good pleasure; all are equally holy and equally true. Faith teaches that it is good to hold in reverence the images of the saints; and this article of belief, apparently to little importance, has been upheld by martyrs.
Nicephorus,
elected patriarch of Constantinople in 806, despite his opposition,
furnished us with a striking example. The emperor Nicephorus, who had
been instrumental in bringing about this election, was not mistaken in
the estimate he had made of his former secretary. On the emperor Leo the
Armenian succeeding to Nicephorus, he renewed the persecution in the
matter of images, but found on the part of the patriarch an amount of
resistance as unbending as it was determined. Unable to conquer him, he
banished him to a monastery, where the saintly old man spent fourteen
years, accounting himself happy to suffer this long disgrace for the
sake of religion. He there died in 828, after having composed several
works in defense of the faith. The Greeks celebrate his festival on the
2nd of June, and the Latin Church on the 13th of March.
Moral Reflection:
How shall we venture to cavil at the Faith, when St. Paul himself
proclaimed that he had received the apostleship not for the control of,
but for obedience to the faith? (Rom. i. 5)" Pictorial Half Hours with the Saints by Abbe Auguste Lecanu
- "Second Council of Nicaea, the Seventh Ecumenical Council, in 787. Among the canons that were issued during this council:
“We define that the holy icons, whether in color, mosaic, or some other material, should be exhibited in the holy churches of God, on the sacred vessels and liturgical vestments, on the walls, furnishings, and in houses and along the roads, namely the icons of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, that of our Lady the Theotokos, those of the venerable angels and those of all saintly people. The more frequently they are seen in representational art, the more are those who see them drawn to remember and long for those who serve as models, and to pay these images the tribute of salutation and respectful veneration (dulia). Certainly, this is not the full adoration [or real worship] (latria) in accordance with our faith, which is properly paid only to the divine nature… Further, people are drawn to honor these images with the offering of incense and lights, as was piously established by ancient custom. Indeed, the honor paid to the image is in effect transmitted to the prototype; he who venerates the image, venerates the person represented in that image.
“Therefore all those who dare to think or teach anything different, or who follow the accursed heretics in rejecting ecclesiastical traditions, or who devise innovations, or who spurn anything entrusted to the church (whether it be the Gospel or the figure of the cross or any example of representational art or any martyr’s holy relic), or who fabricate perverted and evil prejudices against cherishing any of the lawful traditions of the Catholic Church, or who secularize the sacred objects and saintly monasteries, we order that they be suspended if they are bishops or clerics, and excommunicated if they are monks or lay people.”
“What earlier generations held as
sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a
sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful. It behooves all
of us to preserve the riches which have developed in the Church’s faith
and prayer, and to give them their proper place.” Pope Benedict XVI
Source: Ugly Churches and Modern Day Iconoclasm
A Litany of Saints Who Suffered for the Sake of Holy Images (for private use)
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father, invisible and uncircumscribed, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Image of the Father, made flesh for man, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, sent under the form of a dove and tongues of flame, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Ye forty-two holy monks of Ephesus, tortured under Constantine Copronymus, pray for us.
St. Lazarus, monk, tortured under Theophilus as a painter of sacred images, pray for us.
St. Tharasius, bishop, recipient of a letter from Pope Adrian I in defense of holy images, pray for us.
St. Euthymius of Sardis, bishop, exiled by Michael and martyred under Theophilus, pray for us.
St. Theophanes, monk, imprisoned, then exiled by Leo the Armenian for venerating images, pray for us.
St. Nicephorus, bishop, exiled to the island of Prokonesis for reverencing holy images, pray for us.
St. Paul of Constantinople, burnt to death under Constantine Copronymus, pray for us.
St. Nicetas of Apollonia, bishop, driven into exile, pray for us.
St. John Damascene, apologist of icons, whose cut-off hand was restored by the Mother of God, pray for us.
St. Macarius, who under the Emperor Leo ended his life in exile, pray for us.
St. Nicetas of Medikion, abbot, who suffered much under Leo the Armenian, pray for us.
St. Plato, monk, who strove dauntlessly against the heretical breakers of holy images, pray for us.
St. George of Antioch, bishop, who died in exile for the veneration of holy images, pray for us.
St. Anthusa, virgin, beaten with scourges for the veneration of holy images and exiled, pray for us.
St. Emilian, bishop, who suffered at the hands of the Emperor Leo and died in exile, pray for us.
SS. Julian, Marcian, and eight others, slain with the sword for venerating an image of the Saviour, pray for us.
St. George Limniota, whose hands were cut off and whose head was set on fire, pray for us.
SS. Hypatius and Andrew, who suffered flaying, burning, and the cutting of your throats, pray for us.
St. Theophilus, cruelly scourged and driven into exile by Leo the Isaurian, pray for us.
St. Andrew of Crete, monk, scourged by Constantine Copronymus who cut off thy foot, pray for us.
St. Theodore of Studium, zealous fighter for the Catholic veneration of holy images, pray for us.
St. Gregory Decapolites, who suffered much for the veneration of holy images, pray for us.
SS. Theodore & Theophanes, brothers, beaten and sent into exile twice for the honor due to icons, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. There is no idol in Jacob, neither is there a simulacrum in Israel.
R. The Lord his God is with him, and the sound of the King’s victory is in him. (Num 23:21)
V. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
R. For in him were all things created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. (Col 1:15–16)
Let us pray. Almighty everlasting God, who dost not forbid us to carve or paint likenesses of Thy saints, in order that whenever we look at them with our bodily eyes we may call to mind their holy lives and resolve to follow in their footsteps: may it please Thee to bless us by images made in memory and honor of Thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and to grant that all who in their presence pay devout homage to Thine only-begotten Son may by His merits and primacy obtain Thy grace in this life and everlasting glory in the life to come, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: A Litany of Saints Who Suffered for the Sake of Holy Images
St. Gregory the Great, Pope, Doctor of the Chruch, A.D. 604
by VP
Posted on Tuesday March 12, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"Having lived a monk for some time, eminent for sanctity, he was afterwards abbot; and upon the death of Pelagius, was chosen bishop of Rome. In this dignity he preserved a wonderful humility, was ever careful in regulating the clergy, in promoting the honour and worship of God, in relieving the poor, having a list of all that were in the city and neighboring villages, and never dining but with some of them at his table. Though he was of a very infirm constitution, he was very vigorous in the public concerns of his flock; and in his vacant hours either reading, writing, or dictating to others holy lessons, such as discover the great sanctity of this prelate, and serve for food to all pious souls. Pray that all his successors may inherit his spirit; and that his example may be a rule to all the prelates of Christ's church. Pray for his present Holiness, that God would direct and assist him in the whole discharge of his duty.
St. Gregory, before he became pope, was anxious to bring about the conversion of the English nation. Seeing certain youths of fine features exposed to sale for slaves in the market at Rome, and being informed that they came from England, where the people were still heathens, he fetched a deep sigh, and lamented that the devil should be master of so much beauty, and that so fine an exterior should have nothing of God's grace within. When he was advanced to the chair of St. Peter, moved with compassion for the English, he sent St. Augustin with some other religious into this country, in the year 596, by whose zealous labors it was converted to the Christian faith. St. Gregory is therefore styled by St. Bede, the Apostle of England. Give God thanks for the light of the gospel, thus brought into this nation. Pray that God would remove all obstinacy, prejudice, and blindness from deluded souls, and solicit in particular in behalf of those who sincerely seek him. Pray for all the pastors of this nation, that they may faithfully labor in seeking the lost sheep; and that God would give a blessing to their endeavors." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Prayer to Saint Gregory, Pope and Confessor: O invincible defender of Holy Church's
freedom, Saint Gregory of great Renown by that firmness thou didst show
in maintaining the Church's rights against all her enemies, stretch
forth from heaven thy mighty arm, we beseech thee, to comfort her and
defend her in the fearful battle she must ever wage with the powers of
darkness.
Do thou, in an especial manner, give strength in this
dread conflict to the venerable Pontiff who has fallen heir not only to
thy throne, but likewise to the fearlessness of thy mighty heart; obtain
for him the joy of beholding his holy endeavors crowned by the triumph
of the Church and the return of the lost sheep into the right path.
Grant,
finally, that all may understand how vain it is to strive against that
faith which has always conquered and is destined always to conquer:
"this is the victory which overcometh the world, our faith." This is the
prayer that we raise to thee with one accord; and we are confident,
that, after thou has heard our prayers on earth, thou wilt one day call
us to stand with thee in heaven, before the eternal High Priest, who
with the Father and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth world without
end. Amen.
St. Eulogius of Cordova
by VP
Posted on Monday March 11, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
Martyrdom of Saint Eulogius of Cordova, at Cordova cathedral
"GOOD COUNSEL - Eulogius, born of one of the first families of Cordova, was directing the ecclesiastical school of that town, when a violent persecution broke out against the Christian religion on the part of the Moors, who then governed Spain. Eulogius, having been thrown into prison with a large number of Christians, composed during his captivity an "Exhortation to Martyrdom," which was of the greatest avail to the Church in strengthening the faith of the persecuted brethren. Having been restored to liberty on account of the distinguished rank of his family, he did not consult the promptings of human prudence, which would have urged him to surround himself henceforth with greater precautions; but, on the contrary, did not cease to inspire his co-religionists with a generous courage, exciting some to perseverance, and helping others to conquer the obstacles or surmount the dangers with which, out of a false compassion, their parents and friends surrounded them. He was at length remitted to prison, and merited, in his own behoof, that crown which he had been instrumental in procuring for so many others. St. Eulogius was beheaded in 859.
MORAL REFLECTION. No one should hide away the talent which he has received, nor put under a bushel the light intrusted to his safekeeping. "Having different gifts according to the grace that is given, let him teach, that can teach; let him exhort that exhorteth." -(Rom. xii. 6.)" Pictorial Half Hours with the Saint by the Abbe Auguste Lecanu
Prayer for Holy Bishops:
Lord, according to Your promise that the
Gospel should be preached throughout the whole world, raise up men fit
for such work.
The Apostles were but soft and yielding clay till they were baked hard
by the fire of the Holy Ghost.
So, Good Lord, do now in like manner again with Thy Church Militant;
change and make the soft and slippery earth into hard stones;
set in Thy Church strong and mighty pillars, that may suffer and endure
great labors, watching, poverty, thirst, hunger, cold and heat;
which also shall not hear the threatenings of princes, persecution,
neither death but always persuade and think with themselves to
suffer with a good will, slanders, shame, and all kinds of torments,
for the glory and laud of Thy Holy Name. By this manner, good Lord,
the truth of Thy Gospel shall be preached throughout all the world.
Therefore, merciful Lord, exercise Thy mercy, show it indeed upon Thy
Church. Saint John Fisher (Sermon in 1508) from Saint John Fisher Forum
The Forty Martyrs of Sebace
by VP
Posted on Saturday March 09, 2024 at 11:00PM in Saints
" They were forty soldiers, who being apprehended in the city of Sebaste, in Armenia, under the Emperor Licinius, for being Christians, after many torments were condemned to be exposed on the ice of a frozen pond, there to perish by degrees, though with the temptation of a warm bath near them, into which they might be admitted when renouncing their faith. They all held out, with courage, except one, who sinking under the torment, purchased relief with the denial of his faith. His place however was soon filled by their keeper, who declared himself a Christian. For while he was on duty,and observing the martyrs, he saw a vision of blessed spirits descending on them, and distributing rich presents and crowns to all of them except one, who was the unhappy one who had lost courage. The keeper was struck and converted by this, and throwing off his clothes, placed himself upon the ice amongst the holy martyrs. Thus he became one of the forty martyrs, Pray for a like courage under all difficulties. You often have trials, and as often want patience. When will you become a true soldier of Christ, and stand your ground when you are assaulted? Be ashamed of your own weakness and inconstancy; and for the future, let not every little trial overthrow your resolutions. Pray this day for new strength of mind, confess your infirmity, humble yourself before your Lord, and beseech him to assist you, that while you honour his martyrs, you may improve daily by their example.
Let the fall of that unhappy one fill you with fear of your own weakness, and distrust of yourself. What assurance have you that you love God more than he did? Can you shew greater proofs of your love than he did in the variety of his sufferings before his fall? And yet he falls at length: a jailor takes his place, suffers what the other could not, and carries away his crown. Humble yourself therefore under the hand of God. Pray that you may not be tempted above your strength: offer yourself to all trials, but with a confidence only in the divine
grace. And remember to despise no one: for it may be that those very
persons, whom you despise, will outdo you in suffering with
perseverance." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Prayer: "Valiant Soldiers of Christ who meet us, with your mysterious number, at this commencement of our Forty Days’ Fast, receive the homage of our devotion. Your memory is venerated throughout the whole Church, and your glory is great in Heaven. Though engaged in the service of an earthly prince, you were the Soldiers of the Eternal King: to Him were you faithful, and from Him did you receive your crown of eternal glory. We, also, are His soldiers. We are fighting for the kingdom of Heaven. Our enemies are many and powerful but, like you, we can conquer them if, like you, we use the arms which God has put in our hands. Faith in God’s word, hope in His assistance, and humility and prudence —with these we are sure of victory.
Pray for us, Holy Martyrs, that we may keep from all compromise with our enemies, for our defeat is certain if we try to serve two masters. During these Forty Days we must put our arms in order, repair our lost strength and renew our engagements. Come to our assistance and get us a share in your brave spirit.
A crown is also prepared for us: it is to be won on easier terms than yours, and yet we will lose it unless we keep up within us an esteem for our vocation. How many times, in our past lives, have we not forfeited that glorious crown? But God in His mercy has offered it to us again, and we are resolved on winning it. Oh, for the glory of our common Lord and Master, make intercession for us!" The Liturgical Year by Dom Gueranger.
Saint Dominic Savio
by VP
Posted on Friday March 08, 2024 at 11:00PM in Saints
" The college boy of fifteen, Dominic Savio, attracts us with the charm of youth. In 1911 the Eucharistic Congress of Madrid sent a telegram to Pius X, begging him to hasten the beatification of Dominic Savio, who, because of receiving his First Holy Communion at the age of seven and his extraordinary devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament, merited recommendation as a pattern for children and was deemed worthy of the title "Child of the Holy Eucharist."
The life of this angelic boy proves how wisely Pius X acted in strengthening children early and often with the Bread of Life. His admirable teacher, Don Bosco, has himself written the wonderful life of Dominic. He was born on April 2, 1842, at Riva, near Turin, the son of a blacksmith, and was early introduced to all practices of piety by his parents. The seductive power of evil had no influence on him. On the contrary, he energetically repulsed others who gave him bad example. We can not but marvel at his preocious intelligence of heavenly things, an intelligence matured by divine grace. "He is indeed a boy of whom much may be expected," writes his spiritual guide. "May God open to him a career in which so precious a fruit may ripen." When the boy of seven was told that he was to receive Holy Communion the joy of his heart knew no bounds. From that time he was almost continually in the church to prepare himself worthily for the great day approaching. The seriousness of purpose which he showed on this occasion remained his guiding star during all his life. It was clear that so promising a boy must study and, seeing that his parents were wanting in the necessary means, the priest of the place enabled Dominic to attend an academy in the neighborhood of his native town. At twelve he went to the Oratory of the Venerable Don Bosco in the district of Valdocco, and from this institution he was sent to the college in Turin.
Don Bosco and Dominic Savio soon understood one another. A divinely inspired teacher and a pupil with an unspoiled and generous heart had met. Dominic soon laid hold of two ideas with all the fervor of his ardent soul, he would become a saint and, if possible, save his soul. With tenacious energy he strove for complete self-mastery. Like all saints he gave himself to works of supererogation in prayer and penance. Don Bosco had to curb his zeal. Among his companions in the Oratory and in the college the boy worked like a true apostle. He strove especially to foster among his associates devotion to the Immaculate Conception and the reception of the Sacraments. Such zealous persons are as a rule not liked by the young. But it was not so with Dominic. Not at all obtrusive, no disturber of youthful gaiety, he was a genuine boy, alive with a boy's nature. He did even more by example than by words, which showed to all how earnestly he was trying to be a saint. His youth was not without its difficulties, but they served only to strengthen the more his steadiness of character.
Dominic had reached
the sixth class in the college when he was stricken with a disease of
the lungs. Don Bosco, filled with anxiety, hoped that a change of air
might bring relief, and sent the boy to his parents at Mondonio, where
they were then living. But what Dominic had
long confidently foretold now came to pass. On the evening of March 9,
1857, he died in the arms of his sorrowing father. The news of his
death at first brought grief and mourning to his relatives, friends and
teachers, but this soon gave way to joyful conviction that a new
intercessor for them stood before the divine throne. Men soon began to
ask favors from Dominic and their prayers were not in vain." The Holiness of the Church in the Nineteenth Century: Saintly Men and Women By Rev. Konstantin Kempf, S.J. 1916
Prayer:
Dear Saint Dominic, you spent your short life totally for love of Jesus and His Mother. Help youth today to realize the importance of God in their lives. You became a saint through fervent participation in the sacraments, enlighten parents and children to the importance of frequent confession and Holy Communion. At a young age you meditated on the sorrowful Passion of Our Lord. Obtain for us the grace of a fervent desire to suffer for love of Him.
We desperately need your intercession to protect today's children from the snares of the world. Watch over them and lead them on the narrow road to Heaven. Ask God to give us the grace to sanctify our daily duties by performing them perfectly out of love for Him. Remind us of the necessity of practicing virtue especially in times of trial.
Saint Dominic Savio, you who preserved your baptismal innocence of heart, pray for us.
