St. Petronilla, Virgin
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 31, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
VIRGINITY.-Ancient authors recount that St. Petronilla was the daughter of St. Peter; that God had endowed her with great beauty, and that she was living at Rome in the practice of all virtues befitting Christian virgins, when she was asked for in marriage by a Roman knight named Flaccus. Petronilla, who had taken a vow to belong to God alone, being unable to free herself from his earnest importunity, begged for a delay of three days, in order that she might maturely weigh the matter. During this interval she prepared for death, and fervently prayed to God to withdraw her from this world. On the third day, indeed, she was found dead in the attitude of prayer. Whatever may be the truth of these details, which are withal adopted by the Martyrology, it is admitted that the veneration cherished for Petronilla is very ancient and wide-spread throughout the Church. There existed formerly on the Way of Ardea a cemetery, and a very famous monument dedicated in her name, which Pope Gregory III. had marked out as a station for pilgrims.
MORAL REFLECTION.-" Concerning virgins I have no commandment, but I give counsel that it is good so to be."-(1 Cor. vii. 25.)" Pictorial Half hour with the Saints by Abbe Lecanu
St. Felix, POPE AND MARTYR, A.D. 274.
by VP
Posted on Friday May 30, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was a Roman by birth, and succeeded St. Dionysius in the government of the Church in 269. Paul of Samosata, the proud bishop of Antioch, to the guilt of many enormous crimes added that of heresy, teaching that Christ was no more than a mere man, in whom the Divine Word dwelt by its operation, and as in its temple, with many other gross errors concerning the capital mysteries of the Trinity and Incarnation. Two councils were held at Antioch to examine his cause, but by various arts and subterfuges, he escaped condemnation. However, in a third, assembled at the same place in 269, being clearly convicted of heresy, pride, and many scandalous crimes, he was excommunicated and deposed; and Domnus was substituted in his place. Paul still maintained himself in the possession of the episcopal house. The bishop therefore had recourse to the Emperor Aurelian; who, though a Pagan, gave an order that the house should belong to him to whom the bishops of Rome and Italy adjudged it.
The persecution of Aurelian breaking out, St. Felix, fearless of dangers, strengthened the weak, encouraged all, baptized the catechumens, and continued to exert himself in converting infidels to the faith. He himself obtained the glory of martyrdom, after governing the Church five years.
Pray for the present pope, bishop of that holy see, that he may be divinely assisted with all necessary helps for satisfying the duties of his
charge. Pray for all that suffer for their faith, that God would be
their comfort and support. Pray for patience for yourself in all
troubles. Every day brings its trials: be not overcome by small ones,
and prepare for greater. To suffer with humility and patience, is the disposition of a martyr. This you are to pray for on the days of martyrs, and be solicitous to practise something of it: for why should your life be a contradiction to your prayers? The example of Christ, and of all his saints, ought to encourage us under all trials to suffer with patience and even with joy." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Saint Cyril, Martyr
by VP
Posted on Thursday May 29, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
THE HOLINESS OF CHILDHOOD.-A philosopher has said; "A man is trained on his mother's knees." In like manner it might be said, it is at the knees of the mother that saints are formed. The young Cyril had learned from his mother to pronounce the name of Jesus, to love the sweet Saviour, and to long for the advantages of Heaven. But his father, hardened in idolatry, drove him from his roof, that he might no longer hear repeated a name which provoked his anger. The governor of Cæsarea, informed of these facts, caused Cyril to be brought before him, and strove to gain him over by caresses and promises; but perceiving how vain were his efforts, he had him led to the place of execution, where the instruments of torture were placed before his eyes. The child was overjoyed at being at length able to die so as to go to Heaven; when he was led before the judge; "I do not fear death," he exclaimed, "and I wish for Heaven; you could never make up to me on earth for the advantages I should lose by your sparing me. To the work then speedily, for I am a Christian, and intend always to remain one.' The judge thereupon delivered him to the executioners. The martyrdom is generally believed to have occurred under the reign of the emperor Decius.
MORAL REFLECTION.-Parents should keep in memory that it is "out of the mouths of babes and sucklings that God has perfected praise."-(Psa. viii. 3.)
St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, Carmelite
by VP
Posted on Thursday May 29, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Offerings to the Divine Incarnate Word of His own Most Precious Blood
"O most Holy Word! I offer Thee Thy priests, and in their behalf I offer thee whatever is most dear to Thee in heaven and on earth, in union with all Thy Most Precious Blood: and I pray Thee to enable them fitly to conceive of the high degree to which they are exalted, and to hold in extreme abhorrence whatever can dishonor their dignity or contaminate their lives." ( St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi. Confraternity of the Precious Blood)
"God complains of his servants, because they neglect to recommend
sinners to his mercy, He once said to Mary Magdalen de Pazzi,"See, my
child, how sinners are in the hands of the devil: if my elect, by their
prayers, did not deliver them, they should be devoured." The Almighty
desires, in a particular manner, that priests and religious pour fort
their prayers in favor of sinners. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi used to say to
her sisters in religion, "My dear sisters, God has separated us from
the world, not only to sanctify ourselves, but also to appease his wrath
against sinners." (...)
She prayed especially for priests; because
their virtues ensure the salvation of many, and their bad example causes
the ruin of thousands. Hence, she frequently begged of God to punish
her for their sins saying, "Lord, put me to death frequently, and make
me return to life, that by frequently suffering the pangs of death, I
may satisfy Your justice for them." It is related in her life, that she
liberated numberless souls from the hands of Lucifer." A Short Treatise on Prayer by St. Alphonsus of Liguori
Biography:
"Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi was the only daughter of the illustrious Camille de Pazzi, related to the Medicis of Florence. She was born in the year 1566, and was baptized with the name of Catherine. As a child she loved to go into solitary places to enter into prayer with God, who revealed Himself to her from her tender years without the aid of teachers, as her Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. She made a crown of thorns one day, and wore it for an entire night, enduring great pain. She received her First Communion at ten years of age; at twelve years, she made a vow of virginity and took great pleasure in teaching Christian doctrine to poor children.
Her father, not knowing of her vow, wished to give her in marriage, but she persuaded him to allow her to become a religious, and chose the Carmelites, because there the nuns received Communion frequently. She entered in the year of the death of Saint Teresa of Avila, 1582, at the age of sixteen. It had been more difficult to obtain her mother's consent; while she was a novice, her mother sent a portrait artist to the convent, with instructions that her daughter be portrayed in lay clothing. The Sisters complied with her request, and the portrait can still be seen in the Convent. She became professed at eighteen years of age in the Carmelite monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Florence, May 17, 1584, Feast of the Holy Trinity. She changed her name of Catherine to that of Mary Magdalene on becoming a nun, and took as her motto, Either suffer or die.
Her life thereafter was one of penance for sins not her own, and of love for Our Lord, who tried her in ways fearful and strange. She was obedient, observant of the Rule, humble and mortified, and had great reverence for the religious life. One day, when she seemed to be at the last hour of her life, she rose from her sickbed and hastened everywhere throughout the convent, saying during her ecstasy, O Love! O Love! No one knows You, no one knows You, no one loves You! For five years she was tormented by demons with fearful temptations of pride, sensuality, gluttony, despair, blasphemy; they became so violent that she said, I do not know whether I am a reasonable creature or one without reason; I see nothing in myself but a little good will never to offend the divine Majesty.
God raised her to elevated states of prayer and gave her rare gifts, enabling her to read the thoughts of her novices, and filling her with wisdom to direct them. She was twice chosen mistress of novices, and then made Superior. On her deathbed she asked her Sisters to love only Our Lord Jesus Christ, to place all hope in Him, and be perpetually ardent with desire to suffer for love of Him. God took her to Himself on May 15, 1607. Her body remains incorrupt.
Reflection. Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi was so filled with the love of God that her Sisters saw it in her love for them, and called her Mother of Charity, and the Charity of the Monastery." Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, by Fr. John Gilmary Shea (1894).
St. Augustin of Canterbury, Apostle of England, Bishop and Confessor, A.D. 604
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"ST. AUGUSTIN was sent to preach the Gospel to our Saxon ancestors by the Pope St. Gregory the Great, in the sixth century. At that time, King Ethelbert was the powerful king of Kent, and had extended his dominions as far as the river Humber. When he had been informed of the object of the saint's visit to England; he received him very graciously. He invited him and his companions to his capital city of Canterbury, and was full of admiration at the innocence of their lives, and the miracles with which it pleased God to confirm their doctrine.
The holy men came to him at first in the Isle of Thanet, in procession, carrying for their banner a silver cross, and an image of our Saviour painted on a board; and singing the litany as they walked, made humble prayer for themselves, and for the souls of those to whom they came. The king listened to them attentively; but answered that their words and promises indeed were fair, but new and to him uncertain: however, that since they had come a great way for his sake, they should not be molested, nor hindered from preaching to his subjects.
St. Augustin and his companions imitated the lives of the apostles, serving God in prayer, watching and fasting; despising the things of this world, as persons who belonged to another, and ready to suffer or die for the faith which they preached.
King Ethelbert was after some time converted, and the greater part of the people followed his example, and became Christians; and the holy missionaries had leave to go every where, and build churches wherever they could. St. Augustin was consecrated bishop, and afterwards appointed by the pope, archbishop of Canterbury; and received also from St. Gregory a fresh supply of holy men to assist in his glorious work. At length, having laboured successfully, and seen the faith of Christ widely diffused on every side, St. Augustin ended his days in peace, and passed to life eternal on the 26th of May, in the year 604.
Give thanks to God for the happy conversion of our forefathers, by which we also have been blessed with the true faith. Pray to the holy apostle of your country to intercede still in its behalf, that the faith which he planted may again flourish among us, and that all in error and sin may happily return to the paths of truth and virtue." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer:
O Jesus, our Risen Lord! You are the Life of Nations, as you are the Life of our souls. You bid them know and love and serve you, for they have been given to you for your inheritance, and at your own appointed time each of them is made your possession (Psalm ii. 8). Our own dear country was one of the earliest to be called and, when on your Cross, you looked with mercy on this far island of the West. In the second Age of your Church you sent to her the heralds of your Gospel, and again in the Sixth, Augustine, your Apostle, commissioned by Gregory, your Vicar, came to teach the way of Truth to the new pagan race that had made itself the owner of this highly favoured land. How glorious, dear Jesus, was your reign in our fatherland! You gave her Bishops, Doctors, Kings, Monks and Virgins whose virtues and works made the whole world speak of her as the “Island of Saints,” and it is to Augustine, your disciple and herald, that you would have us attribute the chief part of the honour of so grand a conquest. Long indeed was your reign over this people whose faith was lauded throughout the whole world. But, alas, an evil hour came and England rebelled against you. She would not have you to reign over her (Luke xix. 14). By her influence she led other nations astray. She hated you in your Vicar. She repudiated the greater part of the truths you have revealed to men. She put out the light of Faith and substituted in its place the principle of Private Judgement which made her the slave of countless false doctrines. In the mad rage of her heresy, she trampled beneath her feet and burned the relics of the Saints who were her grandest glory. She annihilated the Monastic Order to which she owed her knowledge of the Christian Faith. She was drunk with the blood of the Martyrs. She encouraged apostasy and punished adhesion to the ancient Faith as the greatest of crimes
She, by a just judgement of God, has become a worshipper of material prosperity. Her wealth, her fleet, and her colonies —these are her idols and she would awe the rest of the world by the power they give her. But the Lord will, in His own time, overthrow this Colossus of power and riches and as it was in times past when the mightiest of kingdoms was destroyed by a stone which struck it on its feet of clay (Daniel ii. 35), wo will people be amazed when the time of retribution comes to find how easily the greatest of modern nations was conquered and humbled. England no longer forms a part of your kingdom, O Jesus! She separated herself from it by breaking the bond that had held her so long in union with your Church. You have patiently waited for her return, yet she returns not. Her prosperity is a scandal to the weak, so that her own best and most devoted children feel that her chastisement will be one of the severest that your Justice can inflict. Meanwhile, your mercy, O Jesus, is winning over thousands of her people to the Truth, and their love of it seems fervent in proportion to their having been so long deprived of its beautiful light. You have created a new people in her very midst, and each year the number is increasing. Cease not your merciful workings that thus these faithful ones may once more draw down upon our country the blessing she forfeited when she rebelled against your Church.
Your mission, then, O holy Apostle
Augustine, is not yet over. The number of the Elect is not filled up and
our Lord is gleaning some of these from amid the tares that cover the
land of your loving labours. May your intercession obtain for her
children those graces which enlighten the mind and convert the heart.
May it remove their prejudices and give them to see that the Spouse of
Jesus is but One, as He Himself calls her (Canticles vi. 8), that the
Faith of Gregory and Augustine are still the Faith of the Catholic
Church at this day, and that [five] hundred years’ possession could
never give heresy any claim to a country which was led astray by
seduction and violence, and which has retained so many traces of its
ancient and deep-rooted Catholicity." Dom Gueranger
St. Germain, Bishop of Paris, 576
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"ASSISTING AT THE OFFICES OF THE CHURCH.-It would be no easy matter to recount the miracles whereby the eminent sanctity of Germain, bishop of Paris, was shown forth; to enter at large into the relations existing between him and kings Childebert, Clothaire, Caribert, and Sigebert, before whom he displayed all the kindliness of a father, combined with the authority of a pastor; or, finally, to record the bountifulness of his almsgiving and his love for the poor. Let us seek rather to call to mind his zeal for the Divine worship. He recited every day the canonical office with head uncovered, even when on a journey, and however inclement the season. He assisted every night at the entire office in his cathedral church; and whereas the clerks and canons were wont to divide the time into three several watchings, he remained there alone till the dawn of day. This suffices to show what importance he attached to the holy sacrifice and public prayer being celebrated with a dignity worthy of the great God. In one particular only did he ever give way in this his ever-present aim; namely, when, for the purpose of feeding the poor, he deemed it expedient to dispose of the sacred vessels. St. Germain died in 576.
'MORAL REFLECTION.-"In the
churches, bless ye God the Lord. From Thy temple, kings shall offer
presents to thee."-(Psa. lxvii. 27.)" Pictorial Half Hours with the Saints by Abbe Lecanu
Saint Bede, The Venerable, Confessor, Doctor A.D. 735.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"FROM his infancy, he was consecrated to God, and brought up from the age of seven in holy monasteries. It was his delight to employ all his leisure time from other necessary duties, in either learning or teaching, or writing something for the greater glory of his master. He was ordained priest by St. John of Beverley; and from that time to the end of his life, he applied himself to writing commentaries and sermons on the Holy Scriptures. He was a man of sincere and unaffected piety, wonderful probity, singular modesty and humility, and indefatigable industry in doing good. He was also a great lover of truth. His virtue and learning drew to him many disciples; so that there were in his time six hundred monks in his monastery, and some of them very eminent for piety and learning. He applied himself wholly to the meditation of the holy Scriptures, the observance of regular discipline, and the daily duty of singing the divine office in the church.
What is most to be admired in Venerable Bede, is the piety, with which he pursued and sanctified his studies, and the use which he made of them. His life was a model of devotion, obedience, humility, simplicity, charity and penance. Out of humility he declined the dignity of abbot, which was pressed upon him.
The days of this saint were full days, and his whole time was devoted to God's glory. Such a life as he led from his infancy, could not but be followed by a happy death. For this he made a fervent preparation for some time beforehand, being constantly employed in singing psalms and the praises of God; but continuing every day to give lessons as usual to his scholars. After teaching all day, it was his custom to watch much in the nights. Finding that death approached, he received Extreme Unction, and then the Holy Viaticum, on the Tuesday before the Ascension of our Lord. He distributed little presents, as memorials to all his brethren, entreating them to celebrate Masses and say prayers for him after his death. On the feast of the Ascension, lying on sackcloth spread on the floor, he invoked the grace of the Holy Ghost; and breathed forth his holy soul in praise and thanksgiving, in the year 735, of his age sixty-two. Thus from repeating the divine praises here, in the most pure and profound sentiments of compunction, humility, zeal and divine love, he passed without intermission, to sing eternally the same praises, with affections dilated with inexpressible joy, ardour and love, in the glorious choirs of the blessed, and in the contemplation of that God, whom in life he praised and loved." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Persecution: Saint Philip Neri, Priest
by VP
Posted on Monday May 26, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was born at Florence; and having employed his youth in the study of learning and virtue, he dedicated himself wholly to the service of God in prayer and fasting. Being desirous to labour in the best manner he could in the care of souls, he deliberated with himself what state to choose for this end. After a long preparation he was ordained priest; and then his whole concern was for the salvation of souls. He showed wonderful zeal in the discharge of every part of his function, in which he spent himself for their eternal good. That he might more plentifully provide them with all necessary helps, he instituted the Congregation of Oratorians, whose whole business was, by praying and preaching, to instruct the faithful in the way of salvation. The delight he found in the Blessed Sacrament is inexpressible. He was favoured with extraordinary raptures in prayer, and sometimes raised high above the ground during his devotions, at which time his countenance appeared shining with a bright light. He was so great a lover of poverty, that he desired always to live destitute of worldly goods, and in a state of indigence. Under the sharpest pains of sickness, no complaint, groan, or stir was ever observed in him; he was only heard. sometimes to repeat these words: "Increase my pain, but increase my patience." Having lived many years in the practice of great charity, and wonderful humility, and received extraordinary favours from heaven, bequeathing his spirit to his spiritual children, he died in 1595.
Pray for all the fathers of his congregation; that they may ever preserve the spirit of their founder for the good of many. Pray for all priests, that they may be laborious, zealous, charitable, and examples of humility
to all. Pray for yourself; that you may be faithful in your duties,
first as a Christian, and then as your particular state requires,
whether as husband, wife, parent, superior, child, or servant.
All conditions have particular obligations; and you are bound to know
what belongs to yours. And remember that if you have any under your
care, it is your duty to see that they want no instruction."The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
"Every one in Rome began to talk about Philip; many judged him unfavorably, and he was everywhere spoken against.
(...) They declared that Philip was a sower of scandals and of evil seed, and that he ought to be dealt with as a teacher of new doctrines and a setter-up of a new sect.
(Philip) saw that a great trial was coming on him and he prepared to meet it bravely. He enjoined on his disciples the utmost prudence and forbearance; he forbade them to speak even a word against their revilers and calumniators, for he knew that some of them at least were good men, led astray by others, or blinded by their own weak prejudices.
Meanwhile the calumnies so industriously circulated were reported to some person of high position and great authority in the Church, and at last they reached the ear of the Cardinal of Spoleto, a prelate of impetuous and ill-regulated zeal. (...)
We can scarcely imagine the anguish of Philip's heart during this trial. It is hard to bear the sorrows that come on us from our own corrupted nature, and perhaps harder still to bear those laid on us by ignorant and wicked men. But no sorrows are so keen as those inflicted on us by persons who are to us the representatives of God and His justice, and whom we therefore respect and love. To feel one's self despised by the good, when all the aim of our life is to do good; to be condemned by the ministers of God's truth and justice, when all our life is a sacrifice of self to justice and truth; this is indeed a keen and unutterable sorrow, and only he who has felt it knows how hard it is to bear. And because this sorrow exceeds in bitterness all other sorrows, we find it always the portion of saints, and per-eminently of Jesus, king and pattern of saints, who was persecuted even to death by the priests of the people of God. It was as a sword piercing Philip's heart that he was declared guilty, not only by the enemies of the Pope and the Church, but by the Vicar of the Pope himself, and that this sentence was approved by so many good men in Rome. (...)
The result of these things was, that Philip's position become every day more painful and embarrassing. Ecclesiastical authority was against him; the ungodly and profane treated him with unrestrained insolence; of the good, some who had been his friends were now alienated from him, and others, who were still devoted to him, could not keep silence, and were sometimes imprudent. Philip himself yielded a perfect obedience to the command of his superiors.
Philip did everything in his power to stop (his friends) from speaking against his adversaries. He found a thousand excuses for those who were persecuting him; he was always calm and gentle, and ever bright with gladness; he put the best interpretation he could on all that was said against him; and was disquieted with apprehension that his enemies might be less esteemed or respected. And, above all, he prayed for them with great fervor, and with many tears; and he urged his disciples to follow his example. He often said to them: "This persecution is not for your sake, but for mine; God desires to make me humble and patient, and when I have gathered from this trial the fruit He wills me to gather, it will pass away." What simplicity and what peace there is in these words, and what profound wisdom too!"
The Priesthood:
"Philip's first thought on entering the house of S. Girolamo was to manifest in himself the sacred impress of the priesthood of Jesus, and to imitate, so far as he could, His most holy and gracious life. Jesus in His priestly office offered Himself in sacrifice to the Father, forgave the sins of all who drew near to Him with faith and love, and sowed by His preaching the seed of the good tidings of God. And Philip not only resolved to offer the Divine Sacrifice every day, to devote himself to the ministry of the sacrament of penance, and to preach; but he resolved that he would, in these three great functions, always try to reflect the image of Jesus Christ. From the day of his ordination he ever set before his eyes Jesus the Great High Priest, and united himself so intimately with Him, that his works were in their substance the works of Christ, wrought by him as an instrument. He looked on himself as the branch abiding in the vine, and the vine was Christ; he strove to be one with Christ, as Christ and the Father are one. Nor is there in this anything to startle us. It is the very idea of the christian priesthood, and he who does not realize it in some degree has the sacerdotal character indeed, but is not a priest after the heart of Jesus Christ.
One of his most distinctive characteristics (...) was a bright cheerfulness of spirit, which went with him throughout his life, and which helped him much in his ministry to souls. This genial cheerfulness and sympathy drew sinners to Philip with singular force; it made them love him, and to love Philip was to be drawn mightily towards God.
Hence Philip applied himself to this ministry with marvelous assiduity and constancy. Not satisfied with hearing confession during the day, the continued them on into the night; and in the morning before dawn he had generally confessed forty persons in his own room. (...)
He allowed nothing to interfere with this great work of reconciling sinners to God. He would interrupt even his prayers, or leave his dinner, the moment he was asked for in the confessional.
This ministry of pardon, and of the mercy of our Father in heaven, was peculiarly dear to Philip, so that he used to say: " It is the greatest delight to me even to sit in the confessional. What do you mean by calling it a fatigue? It is not a fatigue, but a solace and refreshment. Do not shrink, then, from coming to me; you can never be too many." The Life of Saint Philip Neri, Apostle of Rome, Volume 1 By Alfonso Capecelatro
Prayer:
Your love of the Church, O Philip, was most fervent: there can be no true sanctity without it. Though your contemplation was of the sublimest kind, yet did it not make you lose sight of the cruel trials which this holy Spouse of Christ had to endure in those sad times. The successful efforts of heresy stimulated your zeal. Get us that keen sympathy for our holy Faith which will make us take an interest in all that concerns its progress. It is not enough for us that we save our own souls. We must, moreover, ardently desire and do our utmost to obtain the advancement of God’s kingdom on Earth, the extirpation of heresy, and the exaltation of our holy Mother the Church. If these are not our dispositions, how can we call ourselves children of God? May your example urge us to take to heart the sacred cause of our common Mother. Pray, too, for the Church Militant of which you were one of the bravest soldiers. Shield with your protection that Rome which loves you so devoutly because of the services which she received at your hands. You led her children to holiness during your mortal career. Bless her and defend her now that you are in Heaven." Dom Prosper Guéranger
LITANY OF ST. PHILIP
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, 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.
St. Philip, Pray for us.
Vessel of the Holy Ghost, Pray for us.
Child of Mary, Pray for us.
Apostle of Rome, Pray for us.
Counsellor of Popes, Pray for us.
Voice of Prophecy, Pray for us.
Man of primitive times, Pray for us.
Winning Saint, Pray for us.
Hidden hero, Pray for us.
Sweetest of Fathers, Pray for us.
Flower of purity, Pray for us.
Martyr of charity, Pray for us.
Heart of fire, Pray for us.
Discerner of spirits, Pray for us.
Choicest of priests, Pray for us.
Mirror of the divine life, Pray for us.
Pattern of humility, Pray for us.
Example of simplicity, Pray for us.
Light of holy joy, Pray for us.
Image of childhood, Pray for us.
Picture of old age, Pray for us.
Director of souls, Pray for us.
Gentle guide of youth, Pray for us.
Patron of thy own, Pray for us.
Who didst observe chastity in thy youth, Pray for us.
Who didst seek Rome by divine guidance, Pray for us.
Who didst hide so long in the Catacombs, Pray for us.
Who didst receive the Holy Ghost into thy heart, Pray for us.
Who didst experience such wonderful ecstasies, Pray for us.
Who didst so lovingly serve the little ones, Pray for us.
Who didst wash the feet of pilgrims, Pray for us.
Who didst ardently thirst after martyrdom, Pray for us.
Who didst distribute the daily word of God, Pray for us.
Who didst turn so many hearts to God, Pray for us.
Who didst converse so sweetly with Mary, Pray for us.
Who didst raise the dead, Pray for us.
Who didst set up thy houses in all lands, 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.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Remember thy Congregation.
B. Which thou hast possessed from the beginning.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast exalted blessed Philip, Thy Confessor, in the glory of Thy saints, grant that, as we rejoice in his commemoration, so we may profit by the example of his virtues, through Christ our Lord.
Source: Meditations and Devotions of the Late Cardinal Newman, 1903
St. Gregory VII. POPE AND CONFESSOR, A.D. 1085
by VP
Posted on Sunday May 25, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"THIS saint was born in Tuscany, and educated at Rome.. He wonderfully illustrated the Church of God by his learning, sanctity, and every kind of virtue. While he was yet a youth, he entered the monastery of Cluni, and served God in a religious state with so much fervour, that he was elected prior by the holy fathers of that monastery. But Divine Providence had greater designs upon him, and he was called back to Rome, where he signalized himself by his zeal, sanctity,and learning, and preached with great reputation and fruit in the court of the pious Emperor Henry III. The holy Pope St. Leo IX. had the highest esteem for him, often followed his counsels, and made him abbot of St. Paul's. In 1054 he was sent by Pope Victor II. as legate into France, in order to abolish the practice of simony in conferring benefices in the Church. A certain bishop who was accused of this crime, denied the charge. St. Gregory bade him recite the Glory be to the Father, which he endeavoured to do, but was never able to pronounce the name of the Holy Ghost. At this miraculous conviction he was struck with remorse and confusion, and casting himself at the saint's feet, humbly confessed his crime.
On the death of Alexander II. St. Gregory was chosen pope, much against his will, and in spite of every effort which he made to keep that heavy burden from his shoulders. He expressed the most sensible grief at his election, and with tears implored the prayers of the whole Church, for grace to discharge his functions in a worthy manner. He shone, however, like the sun in the house of God, and powerful in word and work, applied himself vigorously to repair the discipline of the Church, to propagate the faith, to restore the liberty of the Church, and to extirpate errors and corruption. While he was saying Mass, certain holy men saw a dove descend upon his shoulder, and cover his head with its wings, which they understood to indicate that the Holy Spirit directed him in governing the Church. He suffered much from the violent opposition and persecution of the Emperor Henry IV., and many other storms were raised against him. But he ever preserved a perfect tranquillity of soul, having his heart fixed on God. He fell sick at Salerno, and died on the 25th of May, 1085.
Endeavour, like this great
saint, ever to love justice and hate iniquity. Receive all afflictions
cheerfully; adore in all things the holy will of God, and you will live and die in great peace." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Donatian and Rogatian, Martyrs
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
BROTHERLY CONCORD. -Donatian and Rogatian belonged to one of the most illustrious families of Nantes (France). Donatian, the younger of the two, was the first converted to Christianity, and, after his conversion, which he did not cease publicly to avow, he solicited his friends and relatives to imitate his example. Rogatian, his elder brother, who loved him tenderly, allowed himself to be gained over. In this conjuncture was issued the edict of Diocletian, ordering the governors of provinces to persecute the Christians, in order to make them renounce their faith. Rogatian had not as yet received baptism, and the bishop was no longer at hand, either because he had sought a place of refuge, or possibly because the governor had thrown him into confinement. Rogatian proclaimed himself a Christian notwithstanding, in the hope that the pouring out of his blood might stand in stead of baptism. He followed his brother to prison, and with him manfully sustained the supreme trial of faith in the midst of cruel torments. They were stretched upon the rack, torn with pincers, pierced with swords, and finally beheaded. Their martyrdom was accomplished towards the year 303.
MORAL REFLECTION. -"Three things are pleasing unto God and mau," says the Sage,-" concord among brethren, the love of parents, and the union of husband and wife."-(Eccles. xxv. 1, 2.)
