St. Boniface, MARTYR, A.D. about 307.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was a Roman citizen, and had lived wickedly for some time with a rich lady whom he served as her chief steward But at length being sensibly touched with the horror of his crimes, he not only quitted the occasion of his sin, but left the city too, and endeavoured to make the best satisfaction he could, by visiting those who were imprisoned for their faith. He encouraged them in their sufferings, and buried the bodies of such as were put to death. For which, being apprehended at Tarsus, he was put to most cruel torments; in all which, no other voice of his was heard than this: "I give thee thanks, O Jesus, Son of the living God." Being afterwards beheaded, he thus finished a happy penance and martyrdom.
Pray for all those, who live engaged in a sinful state; that being truly sensible of their wickedness, they may sincerely repent, and forsake both it, and the occasions of it, and do penance for their sins. All these are linked to the devil with the strongest chains; and stand in need of a very powerful grace to disengage themselves. Have compassion on them, and shew your charity, not only in a short petition this day, but by daily importuning heaven for their deliverance. Why should so many perish, so many members of the same
body with yourself, without your endeavours for their relief? Beg
therefore for a sincere repentance for them. Their grief is not sincere,
unless they fly from the occasion of their sin, and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. Without this, repeated absolutions are fruitless, and only add the guilt of sacrilege to their repeated crimes. The same applies to all other sins, as of unjust gains, bad company, gaming, and the like: in all which, if the occasions
be not forsaken, it is in vain to confess, and make offers to amend.
Consider if you are any way concerned. Take good advice, and heartily
pray for grace, that you may separate from all that, which otherwise
will separate you eternally from God." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Saint John the Silent, Hermit 532
by VP
Posted on Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
DISCRETION. St. John, surnamed "the Silent," was born of one of the richest families at Nicopolis, in Armenia. He employed his wealth in constructing a church, dedicated to the Mother of God, and a monastery, into which he retired. His eminent virtues caused him to be elected bishop of Colonia at the age of 28. His piety, humility, and zeal for the salvation of the flock confided to his care, were producing the happiest results when serious differences, which arose between him and his brother-in-law, the governor of Armenia, against whom he found himself forced to complain to the emperor Zeno, caused him greatly to regret his previous manner of life. He resigned his charge at the expiration of nine years, and withdrew to a solitude, there to give himself to a mortified life and the fervent exercise of prayer. He subsequently retired to the monastery of St. Sabas, where he obtained the favour of still remaining alone, in order to apply himself more intimately to a contemplative life. He had adopted as a rule never to speak, save in case of necessity, and to speak with such discretion as that no word of his might be either wrong in itself or useless. He died about the year 560.
MORAL REFLECTION.-The Holy Spirit has said, by the
mouth of the Wise Man: "In the multitude of words there shall not want
sin, but he that refraineth his lips is most wise."-(Prov. x. 19.). The Pictuorial Half Hours with the Saints by Abbe Lecanu
Saint Robert Bellarmine, S.J. Bishop, Doctor of the Church
by VP
Posted on Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"Today, therefore, if some are called "Martinists," or Lutherans, some Zwinglians, orthers Calvinists, etc, yet no one ever called us after some man, it is certain that ours is the true Church." St. Robert Bellarmine
"It is granted to few to recognize the true Church amid the darkness of so many schisms and heresies, and to fewer still so to love the truth which they have seens as to fly to its embrace."
Quotes:
"As to their alleged prophecy of Rome's downfall, he said that he preferred to believe another one which ran, Upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it."
"Preachers who are anxious to do their duty [he said on one occasion] must not suffer themselves to be frightened away from wholesome teaching, merely because by delivering it they may make enemies among their flock. He is but a sad and sorry evangelist who seeks his own and not God's glory, and desires to be loved and praised by the people, instead of bengin all his energies to make God loved and praised by them. much better would it be for him to plough in the fields or beg his bread, than preach - aratorem potius quam oratorem agere. Suppose a devoted husband, who is on a journey, sends his wife some little gift or token by a messenger, and the fellow uses it to ingratiate himself with the lady, would we not rightly account him a scoundrel, and adulterer at heart? Tell me now, if Christ the Heavenly Spouse of Holy Church sends her a message through a preacher, and he, instead of delivering it faithfully, tries to appear a grand fellow on account of his commission, and uses the very Scriptures themselves to show off his eloquance and win the world's applause - tell me, I say, what better is he in the eyes of God than an adulterer?
"If a man only understood the reverence due to God's holy Name he would
choose gladly to have his two lips stitched together rather than utter
it in vain."
"The sins of his people and, above all the sins of priests, weighed like a great burden on this perfect priest's heart.
What will become of them [he asked], those sad traitors who sell Christ daily for less than Judas did, for a woman's kiss, or a dance, or a cup of wine? When celebrating the tremendous mystery of the Mass, a priest knows right well that he is in the Holy of Holies, surrounded by choirs of adoring angels who tremble with awe. Think, then, what a matter for tears it is, to see one so placed, cold and inattentive, and in such a hurry that it looks as if he though there was a band of robbers on his track. We all proclaim to the world that Christ Himself is present in the Sacrament of the Altar, and still some of us act, when wwe have Him in our hands, as though there was nothing we believed less, or as if we held a God of metal or stone, who could neither hear, nor see, nor feel... We place Him - the Lord of Glory, whose Name the angels hardly dare to breathe - on a corporal which we should blush to see spread on a servants' table, while His altars are defiled with dust and given over to spiders as a grand place where they can weve their webs undisturbed and hunt flied contentedly... I could tolerate many other abuses, which I shall not mention, of only the corporals and purificators were kept clean, and I beg and implore all good priests, zealous for the honor of Our Lord, to admonish and punish unsparingly those contemners of His Divine Majesty." The Life and Work of Blessed Robert Francis Cardinal Bellarmine by Fr. James Brodrick Sj. 1928
SS. Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancratius
by VP
Posted on Monday May 12, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
" SS. Nerues and Achilleus held distinguished places in the service of St. Flavia Domitilla; and were baptized with her, and with her banished by the Emperor Domitian into a small island. Having, under many torments, with great constancy, protested that they would never sacrifice to idols, they were afterwards beheaded. St. Domitilla having suffered great extremities in a long confinement under Trajan, was burnt with two other companions in her chamber, which the judge commanded to be set on fire. St. Pancratius or Pancras, at the age of fourteen, having been baptized by the bishop of Rome, and accused for his faith in Christ, with a manly courage refusing to sacrifice to idols, was put to death under Dioclesian.
See how persons of both sexes, of all ages and conditions, teach you to suffer, and shew you the way to a crown. If in patience they possess their souls and God, is not impatience the way
to lose both? While then you honour these martyrs, renounce not their
example. Pray for constancy and patience under all trials. There is no
need of the hand of the executioner: for in every trouble which befals you, you are called to the exercise of these virtues. Take care then not to be provoked and moved to passion: let not ordinary accidents put you into disorder. The steadiness of a Christian spirit demands this of you.
And under greater troubles, use all endeavours to keep up your spirits.
Pray, read, advise, and see that you lay not your heart open to your
enemy, by indulging in melancholy. Resolve rather to struggle with all
difficulties. Remember that you are in the field of battle;
a place not to sit down in and mourn, but to fight. Fight then with
courage; arm yourself with faith and hope in God. God is looking on, heaven is waiting to crown the conquerors with bliss; and everlasting rest is to be the recompense of those, who with patience go through these temporal evils." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Ss. Philip and James, apostles
by VP
Posted on Sunday May 11, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Paolo Veronese: Saints Philip and James the Less
"They were apostles of our Lord: pray for all who succeed in that function, that by their zealous labours, the whole world may be enlightened, and brought to the knowledge and love of God.
They both laid down their lives for Christ, confirming their doctrine with their blood. St. Philip was crucified; St. James suffered a manifold martyrdom, in being first stoned, then thrown down from a pinnacle of the temple, and lastly, being yet alive, and praying for his persecutors, had his brains dashed out with a club. Pray for all those who are under any kind of persecution for truth or justice, that they may persevere to the end with the patience, constancy, and charity of these apostles.
On this (...) day of the month, while you profess to honour these apostles, resolve to live in the practice of the doctrine which they preached, by renouncing the corrupt customs of the world, and taking the Gospel for your rule. Examine the method of your life, and compare it with this rule; beg grace to reform whatever you find amiss, and let the blood of these martyrs inform you, how much you ought to suffer in this cause. He that has not patience under the unavoidable mortifications of a virtuous life, is not yet disposed to give his life for Christ. Learn to put yourself in this disposition from these holy apostles, in the lessons which they give you.
In these holy men, leaving all to follow Christ, and thus becoming His apostles, we have a lesson, that we cannot be followers of Christ,
but by leaving something for Him. They left all; and we are to be in a
preparation for leaving all, whenever He pleases to call us to it. But
can this be reasonably expected, unless by proportionate steps we
endeavour to bring our souls to this holy disposition? We are therefore,
first, to leave all that is sinful: because a state of sin is a rebellion against God, and an aversion of the heart wholly from Him; and it is therefore inconsistent with the very lowest degree of a follower of Christ. They must be blind and mad, who in this state flatter themselves with the thoughts of being
prepared to leave all for Him. Secondly, we are to leave all that is
evidently dangerous: because living in voluntary dangers, is a state
either of presumption or neglect, in rashly expecting God's grace, or being too little concerned for that divine assistance; both which are great dispositions for leaving God, but not of leaving all for Him. Thirdly, we are to leave whatever draws our hearts away from God, and fixes them with immoderate affection on creatures; because all such affections diminish the love of God,
by which alone we are prevailed upon to forsake all for Him. Therefore
such as desire in good earnest to put their souls in the true disposition of Christ's disciples, are very jealous of everything
that is prejudicial to that love which they ought to have for Him. So
that in whatever degree their state obliges them to make use of creatures, in the same
proportion is their care to preserve their hearts from excessive
affection for what they use. They avoid all attachment to grandeur and
state, while their circumstances oblige them to it; they love not riches
while they possess them. And so of all other things, which please the appetite, court the fancy, and are too apt insensibly to engage the heart,
and draw it from its more substantial good. So that, however they are
circumstanced, as to outward possessions, they are ever solicitous to
preserve interior poverty, which is the poverty of spirit, one of the best titles to eternal riches, and the best character of a true disciple. This is the only expedient, by which those who live in plenty and honour, can pretend to the spirit of the Gospel. For if amidst all their greatness, there be not poverty of spirit, it is plain that as they possess and use the world, so they enjoy and love the world: and this is not the spirit of Christ, but contrary to all that he has taught. Leaving therefore all, either in reality or in spirit, is indispensably necessary for all those, who undertake in earnest to follow Christ." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Saint Mamertus
by VP
Posted on Sunday May 11, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
An engraving of Saint Mamertus from an 1878 book, Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints
PUBLIC PRAYER. Public prayer is the remedy for public calamities, even as private prayer is for individual evils. Towards the middle of the fifth century, Gaul was the victim of multiplied woes, civil wars, epidemics, inundations, earthquakes and conflagrations. All nature was in throes, and seemed awaiting still greater disasters; wild beasts, quitting their forest haunts, roamed at large in the midst of the thronging cities; every event was converted into dread forebodings, and the inhabitants generally were out of heart and sunk in discouragement. The church of Vienne then possessed a holy bishop who was the model, the hope, and object of love to all his flock. He directed that solemn supplications, not then usually resorted to, should be instituted in order to revive the courage of the faithful and turn aside the wrath of Heaven; he further ordered fasting and prayer to be combined. God, who had already favoured him with miracles, gave heed to these supplications, and the calamities ceased. Hence originated the "Rogation days, which were afterwards adopted by the Church at large. St. Mamertus, their founder, died in 477.
MORAL REFLECTION.-There is no instance of public
prayer having remained without result. "All that you ask in my name
shall be given unto you," has Jesus Christ promised.—(John xvi. 23.) Pictorial Half Hours with the Saints, Abbe Lecanu
Saint Damien of Molokai, Priest, Apostle of the Afflicted
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 10, 2025 at 11:48AM in Saints
- Quote: "The Blessed Sacrament is indeed the stimulus for us all, for me as it should be for you, to forsake all worldly ambitions. Without the constant presence of our Divine Master upon the altar in my poor chapels, I never could have persevered casting my lot with the afflicted of Molokai; the foreseen consequence of which begins now to appear on my skin, and is felt thoughout the body. Holy Communion being the daily bread of a priest, I feel myself happy, well pleased, and resigned in the rather exceptional circumstances in which it has pleased Divine Providence to put me."
"Father Damien was the first white worker to live permanently at Kalawo,
arriving on Molokai with nothing but his breviary. While awaiting lumber
to build a house, he lived under a pandanus tree by the side of St. Philomena chapel. During the day he immersed himself in work necessary
for the improvement of the colony. His immediate concern of course, the
reason for his placement there, was attending to the people's spiritual
needs. This he accomplished by visiting them in their huts and
administering the Sacraments at their deathbed.
Damien realized that before future efforts could be made to improve the
lot of these luckless people, a firm spiritual foundation had to be
laid. Both Catholics and non-Catholics were welcome at Mass. Knowing the
Hawaiian love of ceremony, he conducted elaborate religious services.
Sunday High Mass became the highlight of the week. The nuns in Honolulu
sent red soutanes and lace surplices for the altar and choir boys.
Damien revived interest in music and singing. Membership in the choir
became a great honor for both children and adults, and choir practice
frequently took place in the evenings under the trees. A band was
organized, whose primitive instruments were soon replaced with better
ones from Honolulu. Many religious processions and fiestas were
instituted, the biggest event of the year being on the feast day or
Corpus Christi. This celebration was prepared for weeks in advance.
Flowers were gathered and woven into wreaths, and on the feast day,
while Damien carried the Blessed Sacrament through the village, children
strewed petals along the way and other parishioners joined in hymns.
Damien conducted religious services with as much pomp and sacred music
as possible, and by his earnest and constant preaching endeavored to win
more souls to God. At the same time, he was continually at the service
of all the unfortunate inmates, whatever their religion, in a variety of
ways." St. Philomena Catholic Church (Father Damien's Church)
Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Molokai, Hawaii 1985 page 16.
- "Were it not for the constant presence of our Divine Master in our humble chapel, I would not have found it possible to persevere in sharing the lot of the afflicted in Molokai... The Eucharist is the bread that gives strenght... It is at once the most eloquent proof of His Love and the most powerful means of fostering His love in us. He gives Himself every day so that our hearts as burning coals may set afire the hearts of the faithful"
Prayer:
Saint Damien, brother on the journey, happy and generous missionary, who loved the Gospel more than your life, who for love of Jesus left your family, your homeland, your security, your dreams, teach us to give our lives with a joy like yours, to be in solidarity with the outcasts of the world, to celebrate and contemplate the Eucharist as the source of our commitment. Help us to love to the very end and, in the strength of the Spirit, to persevere in compassion for the poor and forgotten so that we might be good disciples of Jesus and Mary. Amen (Diocese of Honolulu)
St. Antoninus, Bishop and Confessor, A.D. 1459.
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 10, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was born at Florence; and at the age of sixteen entered the order of St. Dominic. His great care was to be always employed; and therefore allowing only so much time to sleep as was necessary to recruit nature, he divided all the rest among prayer, reading, and writing. This his Christian industry was accompanied with the constant exercises of humility and mortification. Being thus distinguished by his great virtue and learning, he was called forth by the apostolic see, and obliged to undertake charge of the church of Florence. In this dignity, his table, dress, and furniture shewed a perfect spirit of poverty and simplicity. In the midst of his exterior affairs, he always preserved the same serenity of countenance, and the same peace of mind, and seemed always recollected in God. Having satisfied all the duties of a good pastor, by his wonderful zeal and charity, he died in the year 1459.
Pray for all the bishops in God's Church, that the example of this saint may be their rule. Pray for all ecclesiastics, that having undertaken a laborious charge, they may not seek rest and ease. Consider your own circumstances, and endeavour that the devil may never find you idle. Give not more time to sleep than is reasonable; and let not your inclinations be consulted, to know when it is time to rise. This seems to be a point inconsiderable, and yet very much depends upon it. For by this one may easily guess at the management of your whole life; the industry or sloth of this first act generally going through all the actions of the day. Avoid as far as is consistent with your state, all idle meetings, and dissipating company. These are the first steps to many evils. There may be pretexts enough to carry you to them; but is it not a reflection on men of sense and abilities to stand in need of such helps? How many other ways might they be better employed or diverted, would they consult better advisers than sloth and inclination? And if there happens to be some mortification in it, who can pretend to a Christian life without mortification? Pray for the grace of God and his Holy Spirit, that these may be your guides both in business and recreation." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer:
"Pray, O holy Pontiff, for the descendants of them that were faithless to the promise sealed on the very altar on which your hands so often offered up the Sacrifice of unity and peace. Disciple of the great Dominic, inheritor of his burning zeal, protect the holy order which he founded and of which you are so bright an ornament. Show that you still love it. Give it increase and procure for its children the holiness that once worked such loveliness and fruit in the Church.
Holy Pontiff, be mindful of the faithful who implore your intercession at this period of the Year. Your eloquent lips announced the Pasch, so many years, to the people of Florence, and urged them to share in the Resurrection of our Divine Head. The same Pasch, the immortal Pasch, has shone once more upon us. We are still celebrating it. Oh pray that its fruits may be lasting in us, and that our Risen Jesus, who has given us Life, may, by His grace, preserve it in our souls for all eternity." Dom Prosper GuérangerSt. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop and Confessor, Doctor of the Church, A.D. 389.
by VP
Posted on Friday May 09, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was born in Cappadocia; and his parents gave him the strongest impressions of piety in his tender age. His chief study from his infancy, was to know God by the help of pious books. While he studied at Athens he formed a strict and holy friendship with the great St. Basil. They were to each other a mutual spur to all good; and by a holy emulation, neither of them would be outdone by the other in fasting, prayer, or the exercise of any virtue. Eminent for his great virtue and learning, St. Gregory was made bishop of Nazianzum; and afterwards called to the charge of the church of Constantinople. There, by his zealous labours having freed that people from Arianism, and other prevailing errors of that time, instead of meeting with peace to reward his charity, he found himself in the midst of many adversaries, such as discontent and envy had raised up against him. Wherefore, observing that upon his account the peace of the Eastern Church was disturbed, for the preventing greater mischiefs he returned to Nazianzum: and having committed the care of that flock to the hand of a faithful pastor, he ended his days in the retirement of a monastic life, in the year 389.
Pray for all the prelates and pastors of Christ's Church; that with the zeal of this holy man they may be watchful in all the concerns of their flock, for the encouragement of virtue and truth, and suppressing of whatever is contrary to the gospel. Pray for yourself, that being assisted by the divine grace, you may be faithful in your charge, whatever it be. And be not surprised, if, when wholly taken up with the obligations of your state, you meet with opposition. This is to be expected from the envy of some, or the weakness or indiscretion of others. The world is either so foolish, or wicked, as to give better quarter to those who do ill, than to the zealous and upright Christian: but he ought rather to rejoice than be discouraged. Learn in the midst of clamours to go on unconcerned, without engaging in contention; and never yield, but when required by a more public good." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. Stanislas, Bishop and Martyr, A.D. 1079.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 07, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Martyr Polish Bishop of Cracow of the XI century. Image of the Anjou legendarium of the Kings of Hungary (XIV century)
"He was bishop of Cracovia in Poland, watchful in all his pastoral duties, and particularly remarkable for his extraordinary charity to the poor. He zealously reproved the vicious life of his king, who not bearing this effect of his charity, first endeavoured to ruin his reputation, by accusing him of injustice in a general assembly of the nation; and afterwards upon being disappointed in this, murdered him with his own hand at the altar, where the holy prelate fell a sacrifice to charity and truth.
Pray for all bishops in Christ's Church; that like this prelate, they may faithfully discharge all pastoral duties; that with christian zeal they may labour to suppress all scandals, and not be awed by any authority into a connivance at vice.
The wickedness of great ones carries with it the strongest
infection; and though there be danger in standing against it, yet it is
a danger which is most honourable. Having justice and duty on its side, it cannot be declined by pastors, but by their being false to their charge, and forfeiting the trust
which they have undertaken. See how far this falls within your
province. To condemn vice is not an usurpation in any Christian. With
regard to inferiors or equals, you have generally courage enough to assert your own right: shew as much in the cause of Christ
and His Gospel. If you are called bold and presumptuous, there is no
blemish in such censures: it is better to be thus reputed by men, than
to venture being condemned by Almighty God for cowardice and
uncharitable silence. Pray for patience in all reproaches and false
accusations. You may not meet with such as endanger your life; but you
cannot escape those, which though in a lower degree, yet lessen that
reputation, which you would willingly have with men. Learn rather to
slight, than be disturbed at these. Be not solicitous to make
unnecessary vindications; but with content offer so much of yourself a sacrifice to God. You have but a poor stock of humility and patience, if you cannot bear these trials without throwing all into disorder." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
