Christ the King
by VP
Posted on Sunday October 26, 2025 at 01:00AM in Documents
Prayer
to Christ the King
O
CHRIST, JESUS, I acknowledge Thee as Universal King.
For Thee all creatures
have been made. Do Thou exercise
over
me all the rights that Thou hast.
Renew my Baptismal Vows,
I renounce Satan,
with all his works and
pomps, and I promise to live as a
good
Catholic: Especially, do I pledge myself, by all
the
means in my power, to bring about the triumph of the
rights
of God and of Thy Church.
Divine
Heart of Jesus, I offer Thee all my poor actions to obtain
that all hearts may
recognize Thy Sacred Royalty, and that thus the
reign of Thy Peace may be established throughout the entire world.
Amen.
"With the Pontifical Encyclical Quas primas which was authoritatively forecast by several articles in the REVIEW during the past year, our High Priest, bearing the triple crown, explicitly asserts the threefold power of the Son of God who came to bring peace to all men of good will on earth. The full text of this important and inspiring document has been published and translated in official and in popular organs of the press, so as to make its message everywhere known.
What needs to be emphasized, however, is that its chief purpose is not merely to state the position and teachings of the Catholic Church through Christ's supreme living Apostle, but rather to rouse into action the leaders of nations and the heads of families so that they may know how justly to direct and safeguard their loyal subjects and set about to do it amidst the lawlessness, confusion of principles, and false doctrines which pervade the social and political world of to-day. The Catholic Father of Christendom raises his voice to remind the children of earth, whose eternal interests are committed to his care, that Christ Jesus in becoming man for our salvation meant to inaugurate definite and permanent incentives to action as well to create definite convictions by His teachings. Hence after reminding us that Christ is the universal Lawgiver of mankind by divine right, Pius XI points out that the Incarnation had for its chief end the establishing of an earthly executive organ, such as the Church, by which His law should be perpetuated among succeeding generations and its beneficent effects should be illustrated in the administrative and judiciary spheres of life. And in order that we may bear this fact constantly in mind the Sovereign Pontiff proclaims the Feast of JESUS CHRIST THE KING to be celebrated henceforth in all Catholic Churches throughout the world as a perpetual memorial of hope, even as Christmas and Easter have become annual reminders of faith and gratitude for millions who hearing the Name of Christ rejoice in His beneficent graces.
Accordingly the Catholic Church hereafter will celebrate in the annual Feast of Christ the King a day of Memorial, of Thanksgiving, and of Independence from the slavery of sin and hatred which has with increasing violence encompassed the nations and their homes.
On the last Sunday in October, countless numbers of faithful Christians will kneel before the altar, while their priests, from the rising to the setting of the sun in every land, offer unbloody sacrifice, whereby Christ is immolated anew, and wherein we, united in His name, beseech the Eternal Father to send down His grace for the destruction of sin and the subjugation of men to the sweet yoke of their lawful heavenly and earthly King, Jesus Christ. All during that month the Catholic faithful are in the habit of pouring forth their devotion to God through the Mother of Christ, in the daily recitation of the Rosary. With the eve of the feast the Spouse of Christ inaugurates a series of significant prayers and hymns in the office "De Festo D. N. Jesu Christi Regis". The feast, which in the liturgy of the Church ranks as a Double of the First Class, has its own antiphons and lessons, in which the wondrous manifestations of Christ's Kingship are described as foretold and illustrated by the Messianic prophets." (American Ecclesiastical Review, Volume 74 edited by Herman Joseph Heuser)
16. Christ as our Redeemer purchased the Church at the price of his own blood; as priest he offered himself, and continues to offer himself as a victim for our sins. Is it not evident, then, that his kingly dignity partakes in a manner of both these offices?
19. When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.
31. When we pay honor to the princely dignity of Christ, men will doubtless be reminded that the Church, founded by Christ as a perfect society, has a natural and inalienable right to perfect freedom and immunity from the power of the state; and that in fulfilling the task committed to her by God of teaching, ruling, and guiding to eternal bliss those who belong to the kingdom of Christ, she cannot be subject to any external power.(...)
32. Nations will be reminded by the annual celebration of this feast that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ. It will call to their minds the thought of the last judgment, wherein Christ, who has been cast out of public life, despised, neglected and ignored, will most severely avenge these insults; for his kingly dignity demands that the State should take account of the commandments of God and of Christian principles, both in making laws and in administering justice, and also in providing for the young a sound moral education.
33. (...) He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, as instruments of justice unto God.[35] If all these truths are presented to the faithful for their consideration, they will prove a powerful incentive to perfection.
Source: Encyclical of Pope Pius XI on the Feast of Christ the King: Quas Primas
Consecration of mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Form of Consecration Issued with the Encyclical Letter of His Holiness, Leo XIII, dated May 25, 1899.
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate before Thy altar. We are Thine and Thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself to-day to Thy most sacred Heart. Many, indeed, have never known Thee; many, too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd. Be Thou King also of all those who sit in the ancient superstition of the Gentiles, and refuse not Thou to deliver them out of darkness into the light and kingdom of God. Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church, assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor forever.
Amen.
Source: My Prayer Book; Happiness in Goodness: Reflections, Counsels, Prayers and Devotions By Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Lasance
SS. Crispin and Crispinian
by VP
Posted on Saturday October 25, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
SS. Crispin and Crispinian, pd
"The sanctification of Labor .
-Labor is regarded by men in general as a thing of penance; for the greater number it is a matter of pure necessity, and to many has proved the powerful means of procuring sanctification. Hence it was that SS. Crispin and Crispinian, who accompanied St. Quentin to Gaul to preach the Gospel there, labored with their hands, although of noble and illustrious lineage, to support themselves, after the manner of St. Paul, thereby to avoid burthening the faithful and to enable them to contribute by their earnings to the maintenance of the poor. They took up their abode at Soissons, and occupied their vacant hours in making and repairing shoes. Having been denounced in 287 to Maximian Hercules, they were by his order transferred to the tribunal of the prefect Rictius Varus, the most inveterate enemy of the Christians. The prefect vainly employed in turn all the devices of persuasion, threats, and tortures to induce them to renounce Christianity; being unable to overcome them, he condemned them to be beheaded. They are held in great veneration throughout France, or rather through the Church at large, and their names are met with in the most ancient martyrologies.
MORAL REFLECTION.-Of how many may it be said that "they labor in vain," since God is not the end and purpose that inspires the labor!-(Wisd. iii. 2.)
Source: Pictorial half hours with the saints. by Rev. Fr. Auguste François Lecanu
St. Isidore the Farmer, Bishop, Doctor of the Church, A.D. 606.
by VP
Posted on Saturday October 25, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
Saint Isidor Farmer
"He was born in Spain, and having qualified himself by virtue and learning for the service of the Church, assisted his brother St. Leander, archbishop of Seville, in the conversion of the Visigoths, from the Arian heresy. After the death of his brother, he was, much against his will, chosen to succeed him His election was confirmed by St. Gregory the Great, who also appointed him his Apostolic Vicar over the whole of Spain.
In his episcopal career it is incredible how constant, humble, and patient he was; as well as solicitous for keeping up Christian and ecclesiastical discipline. Indeed he was eminent in all virtue; and distinguished also for great learning, and a general acquaintance with ancient writers, both sacred and profane. He was a great promoter and encourager of monastic institutions throughout Spain; and built several monasteries and colleges. He compiled many useful works, in which he takes in the whole circle of the sciences; and many portions of his writings were embodied in the canon law of the Church.
When St. Isidore was almost fourscore years old, though age and fatigues had undermined and broken his health, he never interrupted his usual exercises and labours. During the last six months of his life, he increased his charities with such profusion, that the poor of the whole country crowded his house from morning till night. Perceiving his end to draw near, he entreated two bishops to come to see him. With them he went to the church, where one of them covered him with sackcloth, and the other put ashes on his head. Clothed with the habit of penance, he stretched his hands towards heaven, prayed with great earnestness, and begged aloud the pardon of his sins. He then received from the hands of the bishops the body and blood of our Lord, recommended himself to the prayers of all that were present, remitted the bonds of all his debtors, exhorted the, people to charity, and caused all the money which he had not as yet disposed of to be distributed among the poor. This done, he returned to his own house, and calmly departed this life four days after, on the 4th of April, in the year 636.
His memory was held in such veneration, that the eighth Council of Toledo, fourteen years after his death, styles him "The excellent Doctor, the late ornament of the Catholic Church, the most learned man, given to enlighten the latter ages, always to be named with reverence." Give thanks to Almighty God, for his wonderful graces to this his servant, and beg a like mercy on all the present pastors of the Church. Pray likewise for yourself and the whole flock, that God would render us a holy and acceptable people, well-pleasing in his sight." The Catholic Year by Rev. John Gother
Prayer in Honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer
O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who
through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed yourself the husbandman of
our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of blessed Isidore, to
instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that,
working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal
happiness in heaven, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. (St. Isidore's Garden)
AN ODE TO ST. ISIDORE.
(St. Isidore, Patron of Madrid, was an humble laborer who sanctified himself in the midst of his daily toils. While his hand guided the plough, his heart communed with God and His holy Angels. The various aspects of nature gave him continual food for divine contemplation.)
Wake not the golden stringed lyres,
Let their rich music sleep;
Be still, be still, ye human choirs,
Ye lutes a silence keep;
For birds snowy wing and breast,
And scented winds among the trees,
And wells that in deep valleys rest,
And sunlit streams that gild the leas,
Will claim their right for evermore
To sing pure-soul'd Isidore,
There comes a voice from hidden lakes,
Softer than Summer's breeze,
There swells a hum by lonely brakes,
Like music on the seas.
The tempest-breath shakes mountain-peak,
And 'mong the rocks makes melody;
The birds through all the forests speak
In tones of richest harmony;
And all in measured numbers pour
The praises of St. Isidore.
Teach us, meek Saint, we humbly pray,
The Lord in all to view,
His steps to trace in meadows gay,
And in the heavens blue;
To read His Beauty in each flower
That we espy in cultured dell,
To know what is the awful power
That bound the vale by rocky fell;
May all in Nature we explore
Lead us to God and Isidore.
(Irish Scholars of the Penal Days: Glimpses of Their Labors on the Continent by Rev. William P. Treacy, 1889)
Saint Raphael, Archangel
by VP
Posted on Friday October 24, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"AMONG the holy archangels, three are particularly distinguished in the Scriptures, SS. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. This day is appointed in honor of St. Raphael, whose name signifies the Healing of God. The archangel Raphael was sent to conduct the younger Tobias on his journey to Rages, and carefully directed and guarded him on his way, appearing as an Israelite, under the name of Azarias. He conducted the young man to the house of his virtuous kinsman, and procured for him the person, who by a special providence had been reserved for his wife. The holy angel brought them both home in safety to the aged parents of Tobias; and by his direction the young man anointed the eyes of his father who was blind, and he was immediately restored to sight. For all these valuable services, the father and son were anxious to reward the faithful Azarias, and begged him to accept of half of all things that they had brought. Then the heavenly messenger discovered to them who he really was; and invited them to bless the God of heaven, because he had shewn mercy to them. For," said he, "I am Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord." And when they had heard these things, they were troubled, and being seized with fear, they fell upon the ground on their face. And the angel said to them: Peace be to you, fear not. For when I was with you, I was there by the will of God: bless ye Him, and sing praises to Him. It is time therefore that I return to Him that sent me: but bless ye God, and publish all His wonderful works. And when he had said these things, he was taken from their sight, and they could see him no more." (Tob. xii.) See, says St. Augustin, how great is the merit of alms-deeds, for which Tobias was so remarkable, and which brought down an archangel from heaven to serve him.
St. Raphael is also considered to have been that angel of the Lord, who went down at certain times into the pond at Jerusalem, called Probatica, and so moved the water, as to impart to it virtue to heal the first person who entered the pond after the motion of the water; as we read in the fifth chapter of St. John.
Pray on this day with the Church, that this most glorious prince of the heavenly host would be mindful of you, and ever beseech the Son of God in your behalf. Pray that St. Raphael would accompany you, and be your guide in every way, and your protector in every danger, as he was to Tobias. And beseech the Almighty to let his holy angels minister to you, and by their assistance defend you, and help you forward in the way of salvation." Source: The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER, 1865
Prayer to Saint Raphael
Glorious Archangel, St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious by thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of travelers by land and sea, consoler of the unfortunate and refuge of sinners, I entreat thee to help me in all my needs and in all the trials of my life, as thou didst once assist the young Tobias in his journeying. And since thou art the "physician of God," I humbly pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this favor is for my greater good. I ask, especially, for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be the living temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Pope Leo XIII, June 21, 1890 Source: My Prayer Book, Fr. Lasance
Tibi, Christe, Splendor Patris by Gloriae Dei Cantores (St. Raphael, October 24th)
Jesu, brightness of the Father!
Life and strength of all who live!
In the presence of the Angels,
Glory to Thy name we give,
And Thy wondrous praise rehearse,
Singing in alternate verse.
Hail, too ye angelic powers!
Hail ye thrones celestial!
Hail, Physician of salvation,
Guide of life, blest Raphael!
Who the foe of all mankind
didst in kinks of iron bind.
O may Christ, by the protection,
Shelter us from harm this day;
Keep us pure in flesh and spirit,
Save us from the enemy;
And vouchsafe us, of His grace,
In His paradise a place.
Glory to Th' Almighty Father
Sing we now in anthems sweet;
Glory to the great Redeemer,
Glory to the Paraclete;
Three in one, and one in three,
Throughout all eternity, Amen.
Source: Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, The Official Prayer Book of the Catholic Church, 1916 Prepared and published by the order of the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore.
Saint Magloire, Abbot of Dol in Brittany († 586)
by VP
Posted on Friday October 24, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
Saint Magloire of Dol, oil painting by Eugène Goyet (1798–1846), Church Saint-Jacques-du-Haut-Pas in Paris
"THE APOSTOLATE OF MONKS.-The religious orders, whose appearance dates from the earliest ages of the Church, contributed greatly to the spread of the Gospel, as well by preaching as by the edification and good example they afforded. Vast populations have been converted to true religion by the agency of monks, such for instance as those of Brittany and England. St. Magloire, having been consecrated as a missionary bishop, or, as then termed, "regionary bishop," in succession to St. Samson, who had founded the monastery of Dol, and converted a portion of Brittany, continued his apostolic labours, leading the same humble, poor, and mortified life as before. He passed over to the islands of Jersey and Guernsey, where he signalized his arrival by a miracle. Count Loiesco, having been cured by him of the leprosy, made him a grant of land whereon he founded a monastery, so that the monks might complete the work which had been begun. In times of famine and epidemic these monasteries became a very providence to the surrounding districts. St. Magloire died on Easter-eve in 575.
MORAL REFLECTION.-" Be mindful of them that have rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end."-(Heb. xiii. 7.)" Pictorial half hours with the saints. By Rev. Fr. Auguste François Lecanu
Feast of Our Most Holy Redeemer
by VP
Posted on Thursday October 23, 2025 at 01:00AM in Tradition
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Raleigh NC
All mankind lying under the guilt of sin, were by this rendered enemies to God, and incapable of doing
anything, whereby to make peace with Him; and therefore, had man not
been redeemed, he must have been lost for ever. But would God have been
less happy, if man had been for ever miserable? Or, if God had left man, as he did the fallen angels, under the eternal guilt of his sin, would this have lessened that infinite bliss, which God essentially enjoys within himself? Nothing of all this. Therefore, as leaving the fallen angels in their sin was the effect of his justice; so redeeming man from sin was the sole effect of his mercy. But then, to deliver up his Son to redeem a slave, is the excess of so infinite a mercy, that it is to be feared that we celebrate the memory of it without serious thought, or returning the least part of that adoration and gratitude which we are bound to pay.
Our hearts indeed should be impressed with a lasting sense of love and gratitude, sufficient to preserve us in perpetual fidelity to so merciful a God, and so loving a Redeemer. For this end the Church has appointed this day, to encourage all her children to make our redemption through Christ the serious entertainment of our hearts. The same ought to be renewed every day, and as often as we bow at the holy name of Jesus, to express our love and adoration for the mercies of our divine Redeemer." Source: The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop and Confessor
by VP
Posted on Thursday October 23, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Tabernacle and Purgatory, Benedictine Nuns April 1959
Founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Quotes:
- The faith I have when I am in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is so strong that I find it impossible to express what I feel… When the time comes to leave I must force myself to overcome the inclination to prolong my stay with Jesus.
- Although the sinner does not believe in Hell, he shall nevertheless go there if he has the misfortune to die in mortal sin.
- A multitude of souls fall into the depths of Hell, and it is of the faith that all who die in mortal sin are condemned for ever and ever. According to statistics, approximately 80,000 persons die every day. How many of these will die in mortal sin, and how many will be condemned! For, as their lives have been, so also will be their end.
"In his studies at the seminary of Vich, Anthony Claret distinguished himself so notably by the steadfastness of his character that the bishop ordained him on his name-day, June 13, 1835, some time before his fellow-students. On the feast of St. Aloysius he celebrated his first Mass and began his first labors as assistant to the old pastor of his native town. He soon won the confidence of his neighbors. No one could resist the power of his words and in all the surrounding country he was venerated as a saint. But this field of activity was too small for the zeal of the young priest and he longed for the foreign missions. He went to Rome, made the Spiritual Exercises and applied for admission into the Society of Jesus. But he had hardly begun his novitiate when he was attacked by a disease of the foot, which forced him to leave the Order after a few months. Following the advice of his former superiors, he returned to Spain. After a brief employment in parish work, he devoted himself entirely to giving missions for the people, principally in Catalonia. What he accomplished there is almost incredible. He made his long journeys always on foot, preached three or four times a day, and was indefatigable in the confessional.
His activity brought upon him the hatred and persecutions of the impious, but it won at the same time the repute of a true apostle from the good. To have able co-laborers in his mission work, he founded in 1849 a Congregation called the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which developed into a flourishing establishment. In 1900 it numbered sixteen hundred and seventy members distributed among fifty-six residences.17 By command of the papal Nuncio at Madrid, Anthony Claret accepted, in 1850, his appointment as archbishop of Santiago de Cuba. Accompanied by several priests and religious women he set out for his distant diocese. On the voyage he preached every day and brought the whole crew of the vessel, without an exception, to confession.
Sad, indeed, was the decay of religion in Cuba. But the new bishop did not despair. He went from place to place through his diocese and gave missions everywhere. The results were truly wonderful. At the end of the mission in Santiago, which lasted during the whole of Lent, the distribution of Holy Communion covered six hours. During a mission in another city he brought to their duty about four hundred couples living in concubinage. He did not forget to take precautions that these beginnings might be lasting in effect. He erected schools, provided for religious houses, and opened a seminary for the training of priests. Pius IX, who had heard of this new Spring of spiritual regeneration in Cuba, sent a letter of special approbation to Archbishop Claret, praising him for his apostolic zeal.
The enemy, however, did not lay down his arms. It was especially Claret's successful effort against concubinage that excited the degenerate to make an attempt on the archbishop's life. A secret plot was concocted, and an attack was made upon him which resulted in his being dangerously wounded. Prevented from efficient activity by the constant peril to his life, he asked the Pope to remove him from his archbishopric. The honorable appointment of confessor to Queen Isabella was given to him in 1860. Obedience alone prevailed on him to accept this office, but he remained the same apostle as before, full of zeal for souls. He withdrew as much as possible from life at the court and instead gave missions in the churches of Madrid, soon becoming the most beloved confessor in the city. His influence with the queen, which was very great, he used only for the benefit of the poor. Whenever he was traveling with the court, he preached and taught the catechism wherever they stopped. Seeing the evil caused by bad literature, he wrote and distributed very many good pamphlets, and founded the academic society of St. Michael for the spreading of good books.
"From the very beginning of his apostolate, St. Anthony Mary Claret was known throughout the whole countryside for the many cures he performed. Primarily, his apostolic zeal was expended in the cure of souls, as fitted his priestly vocation; but his compassionate and fatherly heart beat with tender pity at the sight of bodily infirmities as well, and his boundless charity moved him to pray with great fervor for the relief of the sufferers.
As a missionary, the saint was once asked his secret of obtaining the wonderful graces and cures granted to his prayers. He answered: “I pray to Our Lady and demand results of her.” The questioner continued, “But suppose she does not give them?”—“Then I take hold of the hem of her robe and refuse to let go until she has granted what I want,” the saint replied. St. Anthony Mary Claret loved Mary devotedly and put boundless trust in her intercession. Moreover, he was wont to put first things first, for his healing powers were first applied to the soul, by administration of the sacraments. Then he would concern himself with the needs of the afflicted body.
Those who call on St. Anthony Claret do well to follow this example and put things in their proper order, the soul before the body. And from him, too, may they learn to cling tenaciously to Mary, whose Immaculate Heart he so loved to honor.
Prayer to Saint Anthony Mary Claret
(For the cure of cancer or other serious ailments.)
O Saint Anthony Mary Claret, who during thy life on earth wert often a solace to the afflicted, and didst love and tenderly compassionate the sick: interecede for me, as thou rejoicest in the reward of thy virtues: cast a glance of pity on me and grant my petition (mention it) if such be the will of God. Make my troubles your own. Speak a word to the Immaculate Heart of Mary to obtain by her powerful intercession the grace I yearn for so ardently, and a blessing that may strengthen me during life, assist me at the hour of death, and lead me on to a happy eternity. Amen. (One Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory.)
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Tabernacle and Purgatory, Benedictine Nuns April 1959
St. Philip of Heraclea and companions, Bishop and Martyr 3rd Century
by VP
Posted on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 03:00AM in Saints
CONSTANCY.-St. Philip, bishop of Heraclea, having been denounced to the satellites of the emperor Dioclesian, was arrested together with the priest Severus and the deacon Hermes. The three confessors refused, as might have been anticipated, to deliver up the holy books and to burn incense in honor of the idols. They underwent repeated examinations, were beaten, or rather so torn with rods, that their entrails were laid bare; they were then cast into a frightful dungeon, where they were to remain seven months; Philip and Hermes being bound in heavy fetters, and Severus having his feet passed through a number of planks, so contrived as not to allow the slightest movement. As their prison had a secret communication with the public theater, the preaching of the Gospel was scarcely interrupted, for numerous Christians profited by the occasion to come to them, seeking for consolation and strength to confess, even as they had done, the faith of Jesus Christ. At length, after seven months of rude trials, they were condemned to the flames; it was found necessary to carry Hermes to the stake, as he had lost the use of his limbs.
MORAL REFLECTION. -The true Christian ranks not among "those who shrink back in the hour of temptation;" temptation, on the contrary, strengthens them in the faith.-(Luke viii. 13.) Pictorial Half Hour with the Saints by Fr. Lecanu 1865
For Zealous Priests:
Sanctify to Thyself, O my Lord, the hearts of Thy priests, that, by the
merits of Thy sacred humanity, they may become living images of Thee,
children of Mary, and full of the fire of the Holy Ghost, that they may
guard Thy house, and defend Thy glory, and that through their ministry
the face of the earth may be renewed, and they may save those souls
which have costs Thee all Thy blood. Amen
Queen of the Apostles, pray thy Son, the Lord of the Harvest, to send laborers into His harvest, and to spare His people.
(The Prayer Book. Imprimatur Samuel Cardinal Stritch Archbishop of Chicago, May 10, 1954.)
Saint John Paul II, Pope
by VP
Posted on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"The Eucharist: offering the Mass, communion, adoration
8. The two Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist remain closely linked. Without a continually renewed conversion and reception of the sacramental grace of forgiveness, participation in the Eucharist would not reach its full redemptive efficacy.(12) Just as Christ began his ministry with the words "Repent and believe in the gospel,"(13) so the Cure of Ars generally begins each of his days with the ministry of forgiveness. But he was happy to direct his reconciled penitents to the Eucharist. The Eucharist was at the very center of his spiritual life and pastoral work. He said: "All good works put together are not equivalent to the Sacrifice of the Mass, because they are the works of men and the Holy Mass is the work of God."(14)
It is in the Mass that the sacrifice of Calvary is made present for the Redemption of the world. Clearly, the priest must unite the daily gift of himself to the offering of the Mass: "How well a priest does, therefore, to offer himself to God in sacrifice every morning!"(15) "Holy Communion and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass are the two most efficacious actions for obtaining the conversion of hearts."(16) Thus the Mass was for John Mary Vianney the great joy and comfort of his priestly life. He took great care, despite the crowds of penitents, to spend more than a quarter of an hour in silent preparation. He celebrated with recollection, clearly expressing his adoration at the consecration and communion.
He accurately remarked: "The cause of priestly laxity is not paying attention to the Mass!"(17) The Cure of Ars was particularly mindful of the permanence of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist. It was generally before the tabernacle that he spent long hours in adoration, before daybreak or in the evening; it was towards the tabernacle that he often turned during his homilies, saying with emotion: "He is there!" It was also for this reason that he, so poor in his presbytery, did not hesitate to spend large sums on embellishing his Church. The appreciable result was that his parishioners quickly took up the habit of coming to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, discovering, through the attitude of their pastor, the grandeur of the mystery of faith.
(...)
The Eucharist is the source and summit of all the Christian life."(19) Dear brother priests, the example of the Cure of Ars invites us to a serious examination of conscience: what place do we give the Mass in our daily lives? Is it, as on the day of our Ordination - it was our first act as priests! - the principle of our apostolic work and personal sanctification? What care do we take in preparing for it? And in celebrating it? In praying before the Blessed Sacrament? In encouraging our faithful people to do the same? In making our Churches the House of God to which the divine presence attracts the people of our time who too often have the impression of a world empty of God?"
Source: Catholic Culture. From the Vatican, 16 March 1986, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, in the eighth year of my Pontificate. Joannes Paulus PP. II
Saint Hilarion de Gaza, Monk
by VP
Posted on Tuesday October 21, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"ST. HILARION was born of heathen parents, near Gaza, and was converted while studying grammar in Alexandria. Shortly after, he visited St. Antony, and, still only in his fifteenth year, he became a solitary in the Arabian desert. A multitude of monks, attracted by his sanctity, peopled the desert where he lived. In consequence of this, he fled from one country to another, seeking to escape the praise of men; but everywhere his miracles of mercy betrayed his presence. Even his last retreat at Cyprus was broken by a paralytic, who was cured by St. Hilarion, and then spread the fame of the Saint. He died with the words, "Go forth, my soul; why dost thou doubt? Nigh seventy years hast thou served God, and dost thou fear death?" Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, Rev. Fr. John Gilmary Shea.
"While Saint Hilarion was at prayer, the devil appeared to him, at times as a wolf that howls, at times as a fox that barks, and once set before him the awful spectacle of a band of gladiators; and it seemed to him that one of them, having received a death-wound, fell at his feet imploring the rites of burial. Another time, while the Saint was praying prostrate on the ground, some distraction or other passed through his mind. The devil, taking this opportunity, sat astride on his back, and driving spurs into his sides, and whipping him on the head, exclaimed, "Come, come; why art thou so sleepy?" As the servant of God grew faint under the weight and blows, the demon began to scoff and deride him, saying, "Would you like a little corn to restore your strength?"
I have alluded to these few examples, among
many others that might be alleged, that the reader may see with what
constancy we should struggle and persevere in mental prayer when
the devil comes, either with inward suggestions or outward terrors, to
assail us. Let me now conclude in the words of St Cyprian: "In the time
of prayer, let the heart be opened to
God, but closed against the devil, so as to leave him not even the least
aperture by which he may enter; for this deceiver uses a thousand wiles
to effect a stealthy entrance, and having made good his position,
deludes us and hinders our praying to God." Source: Guide to the Spiritual Life. By Rev. Fr. Giovanni Battista Scaramelli, SJ 1870
