Saint Angela Merici
by VP
Posted on Monday January 27, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Saint Angela Merici (1474-1540) as a teacher, devotional picture (pastel on paper) by Pietro Calzavacca (1855-1890), Merician Museum, Brescia, Italy.
The Beauty of Catholic Prayer: If we understand well that which is admirable and beautiful in Catholic prayer, we should always pray. This is why I am about to unfold to you, my child, as far as possible to one whose intelligence is yet confined to earth, the magnificence of prayer, I am about to speak to you of its Catholic and Divine character, and of its supernatural principle. Tomorrow I will speak of its infallible efficacy.
The prayer of the children of the Church is a Catholic prayer, that is to say, when you pray it is not only you who pray, but the whole Church with you. The Church is a family, whose members are united by faith, and by the love of our Lord, so that all are but as one. There is amongst them a communion of spiritual things, so that all good works done in the Church, and all the holy dispositions which grace produces, profit each of her children. When, therefore, you pray do not consider yourself isolated on the earth, but say to God, "Lord, I am a child of the Church, I unite myself to it, soliciting your mercy. Each moment of the day she offers the Divine victim, and from her altars the prayers of all her children ascend. I trust then that Thou wilt hear my prayers, since they are supported by all the members of Thy Holy Church."
(Fr. Reilly note: It must not be forgotten that the sun rises each moment on certain quarters of the globe, whilst at the same time he sets in others, thus when he sets here he rises in different regions in America, and there is not one moment of the day or night in which there are not a great many priests, at many altars, offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There are celebrated in the Church nearly two thousand masses in the day, more than four thousand for every half-hour of the day or night")
Catholic prayer is infallibly efficacious: I have shown you, my child, the character of truly Catholic and Christian prayer, so that you will understand our Lord's words: "Ask and you shall receive, whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give it you." These words are words of life, they have proceeded from the lips of truth itself. Every persevering and supernatural prayer then must be heard, persevering, because our Lord had made this condition supernatural, because without this no prayer can be offered in the name of the Lord.
A few explanations will show you why we sometimes complain of not being heard. We ask for instance for temporal advantages, which we value above the will of God. We ask for health, or for riches and we long so for these advantages, that we desire to possess them at any price, and would procure them for ourselves if we could, though even there would be reason to believe they would be injurious to the soul. It is clear that in this case the will of him who prays is bad, consequently the prayer which offends God does not proceed from the Holy Ghost; it is not the work of grace, but the fruit of cupidity, of a disorderly attachment to the goods of earth. It is not made in the name of Our Lord, it is not supernatural, or Catholic. Such a prayer had not for its end to become more holy, and such ought to be the end of every supernatural prayer. Consider that our Lord came upon earth in order to detach mankind from earthly things and raise their hearts towards heaven; if then He had engaged to grant temporal blessings to those who desired them, He would have destroyed His work and would have contradicted Himself.
You have, perhaps, prayed for the health or the preservation of one who is dear to you, with a true submission to the Divine will, nevertheless you say that which you have begged for, that prayer which you made with so many tears has not been heard. You are mistaken, my child for you asked for what was best for you, or for those whom you recommended to God; and you may rest certain that God has granted you what was best in His sight. But you will still say, how shall I be sure of this? Ah, my daughter, rest assured that the boundless goodness of God, your true friend and father, who possesses a heart, as He Himself says, more tender than that of a mother, and who is infinitely holy, will never be faithless to His promises.
Frequently we wish to be heard as soon as our prayer is offered. If we have made a Novena very frequently, as we believe, and at the end of our prayer we do not obtain the favor we have asked, we become discouraged and cease to pray. But depend upon it, my child, that if God makes you wait it is in mercy, and I will illustrate this by an example probably known to you.
Saint Monica prayed for her son, who had strayed far from a virtuous life, but the more she prayed the more distant seemed the conversion of Augustine. The pious mother redoubled her prayers, her tears, and her alms, and it was only after twenty years passed in these pious practices that her prayer was heard. What would have happened had she ceased to pray after a few days? Probably one of two things. She herself would not have been pious, fervent and given up to good works, as she was all her life, in the hope of obtaining the conversion of her son. Once heard, she would perhaps soon have forgotten this benefit, as frequently is the case. Who knows even if she would have worked out her own salvation; at all events, it is probable that she owes her great sanctity to the delay of Divine Providence, in hearing her prayer.
It is not at all unlikely that she owes to this delay the great holiness of Saint Augustine; had her prayer been at once heard her son would probably have become an ordinary christian; but twenty years of prayers, tears, and good works shed a torrent of grace over this long rebellious soul; and Augustine became a holy Bishop and one of the most illustrious doctors of the Church. He did an immense deal of good during his life, and left his example to us to follow, and his writings also which will continue to do good till time shall be no more."
St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople and Doctor of the Church, A.D. 407
by VP
Posted on Monday January 27, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was archbishop of Constantinople. Pray for all that numerous people of the East, formerly Christians, but now subject to the yoke of the Turks. Fear God's judgments, and confess them to be just. Labour to prevent them by a holy life. The fate of that city of Constantinople is the fate of many nations, families, and individuals: and the root of all is contempt of the divine mercies, neglect of Christian duties, and leading a heathenish life under the profession of Christianity. It was thus that our forefathers drew down heavy judgments on their children to many generations; and the scourge of God's justice has long lain heavily upon their posterity.
St. John Chrysostom applied himself by preaching, and other zealous endeavours, to reprehend and reform the great corruptions and abuses, which he observed among his flock; inveighing against the scandalous lives of the nobility, and not sparing the injustice of the empress herself. Pray that this spirit may descend upon all the prelates and pastors of Christ's Church; that they may discountenance and make war against all vice and injustice; that no human considerations of favour, interest, party, or dependance, may awe them into a treacherous silence, and make them betray the Gospel by flattery or compliance.
By this zeal against vice, St. Chrysostom raised up many enemies; and even many of the clergy and religious hermits were drawn in to espouse the cause
against him, and become his persecutors; so that he was twice forced
into banishment, in which, after long suffering, he died. Pray for
constancy and courage, and suffer all opposition with patience. Wonder
not if men of piety are set against you; for the most holy are sometimes the most liable to be imposed upon. Be suspicious of all accusations; for by being too credulous, you may be drawn in to persecute a saint. Pray for the spirit of discretion, and for the light of heaven to direct you, that you may injure none by over hasty credulity." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr (69-155)
by VP
Posted on Sunday January 26, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
St. Polycarp, having discharged the duty of a good shepherd, was apprehended in his old age by the heathens, and condemned to the fire: in which, in the midst of the amphitheatre, crowded with an insulting multitude, he offered himself a grateful sacrifice to God. But the flames forming an arch, encircled his body, which appeared bright through the fire, sending forth a most fragrant odour. The infidels, exasperated at this miracle, ordered a spearman to pierce him through; and such a quantity of blood issued from his side, as to quench the fire.
Pray for all those who are exposed to difficulties, and any ways suffer, on account of their faith. Be not angry at the reproaches of insulting adversaries. Have compassion on their blindness, and bear with them; for such patience has the promise of a
crown. Offer yourself to suffer whatever Almighty God shall ordain for
you. Be ashamed to sink under ordinary troubles: these are but the trials of your fidelity. They are to make you sensible of your own weakness, and of your necessary dependance on God. And as for extraordinary ones, if you cannot find remedy, offer yourself to them, as to the fire which is to consummate the sacrifice, which you have made of yourself to Almighty God." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
From the Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians
"Chapter 6. The duties of presbyters and others: And let the presbyters be compassionate and merciful to all, bringing back those that wander, visiting all the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always "providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and man;" (Romans 12:17; 2 Corinthians 8:31) abstaining from all wrath, respect of persons, and unjust judgment; keeping far off from all covetousness, not quickly crediting [an evil report] against any one, not severe in judgment, as knowing that we are all under a debt of sin. If then we entreat the Lord to forgive us, we ought also ourselves to forgive; (Matthew 6:12-14) for we are before the eyes of our Lord and God, and "we must all appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, and must every one give an account of himself." (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Let us then serve Him in fear, and with all reverence, even as He Himself has commanded us, and as the apostles who preached the Gospel unto us, and the prophets who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Lord [have alike taught us]. Let us be zealous in the pursuit of that which is good, keeping ourselves from causes of offense, from false brethren, and from those who in hypocrisy bear the name of the Lord, and draw away vain men into error.
Chapter 7. Avoid the Docetæ, and persevere in fasting and prayer: "For whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is antichrist;" (1 John 4:3) and whosoever does not confess the testimony of the cross, is of the devil; and whosoever perverts the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts, and says that there is neither a resurrection nor a judgment, he is the first-born of Satan. Wherefore, forsaking the vanity of many, and their false doctrines, let us return to the word which has been handed down to us from the beginning; "watching unto prayer," (1 Peter 4:7) and persevering in fasting; beseeching in our supplications the all-seeing God "not to lead us into temptation," (Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41) as the Lord has said: "The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38)."
Prayer:
Watch over the purity of our holy Faith, and preserve us from being deceived by false teachers. The error which thou didst combat, and which teaches that all the mysteries of the Incarnation are but empty symbols, has risen up again in these our days. There are Marcions, even now, who would reduce all religion to myths; and they find some few followers; may thy powerful prayers rid the world of this remnant of so impious a doctrine. Amen.
Dom Gueranger, The Liturgical Year, St. Polycarp
Saint Timothy, Bishop and Martyr
by VP
Posted on Friday January 24, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Martyrdom of Saint Timothy. Pictorial Lives of the Saints: With Reflections for Every Day of the Year edited by John Dawson Gilmary Shea
"He was the beloved disciple and companion of St. Paul. His father was a Gentile, but his mother a Jewess. St. Augustine extols his zeal and disinterestedness in immediately forsaking his country, his house, and parents, to follow this apostle, and share in his poverty and sufferings. St. Paul regarded him not only as his disciple and most dear son, but as his brother and the companion of his labours. He calls him a man of God; and tells the Philippians that he found no one so truly united to him in heart and sentiments.
St. Timothy was ordained bishop by a prophecy, and a particular order of the Holy Ghost; and is always named the first bishop of Ephesus. Pray for all the bishops of Christ's Church; that as they receive their charge by succession from the apostles, they may faithfully acquit themselves in every part with the spirit of the apostles.
St. Timothy endeavoured with great zeal to withdraw the people from their abominable idolatry in offering sacrifices to Diana. But their obstinate blindness rendered his endeavours fruitless; and they rewarded his charity by stoning him to death. Pray to be delivered from all obstinacy and blindness: for these make the grossest errors appear as reasonable as truth; and nothing but the light of heaven, joined with an humble spirit, can prevent or remedy this evil. Pray therefore for both; that you may never unhappily mistake the charity of those who would be your best friends. If you cannot bear those who put you in mind of your faults, remember that these evils are at the root. It is something of the spirit of the Ephesians, and not a Christian spirit. Pray for a better. And if you feel resentment at such charity, consider it well, and you will see it to be akin to those stones which were thrown at St. Timothy. It is for fear of these that few have courage enough to run the hazard of them." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
"REFLECTION.-St. Paul, in writing to Timothy, a faithful and well-tried servant of God, and a bishop now getting on in years, addresses him as a child, and seems most anxious about his perseverance in faith and piety. The letters abound in minute personal instructions for this end. It is therefore remarkable what great stress the apostle lays on the avoiding of idle talk, and on the application to holy reading. These are his chief topics. Over and over again he exhorts his son Timothy to "avoid tattlers and busy bodies; to give no heed to novelties; to shun profane and vain babblings; but to hold the form of sound words; to be an example in word and conversation; to attend to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine." Pictorial Lives of the Saints: With Reflections for Every Day of the Year edited by John Dawson Gilmary Shea"The Church reads without ceasing the counsels which the Apostle gave to you and to all pastors through you for the election and the conduct of the clergy: pray that the Church may be blessed with Bishops, Priests and Deacons endowed with all those qualifications which he requires from the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Lastly, we beseech you, who ascended to Heaven decked with the aureola of martyrdom, encourage us who are also soldiers of Christ that we may throw aside our cowardice and win that kingdom, where our Emmanuel welcomes and crowns His elect for all eternity." Dom Gueranger, The liturgical Year
St. Raymond of Penafort Confessor A.D. 1275
by VP
Posted on Thursday January 23, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He made so rapid progress in his studies, that at the age of twenty he taught philosophy. He was a perfect model to the clergy, by his innocence, zeal, devotion, and boundless liberalities to the poor. He took the habit of the Dominicans, eight months after the death of their holy founder. To the exercises of his solitude, he joined the functions of an apostolical life, by labouring without intermission in preaching, instructing, hearing confessions with wonderful fruit, and converting heretics, Jews, and Moors. Except on Sundays, he never took more than one small refection in the day. Amidst honours and applause, he was ever little in his own eyes.
Being informed that he was chosen general of his order, he was thunderstruck at the news; he wept and entreated, and acquiesced only through obedience. On one occasion, being unjustly detained by the king in the island of Majorca, full of confidence in God, he spread his cloak upon the sea, tied up one corner of it to his staff for a sail, and having made the sign of the cross, stepped upon it without fear, and was wafted with such rapidity, that in six hours he reached Barcelona, a distance of one hundred and eighty miles. He was received on the shore with great acclamations; but gathering up his cloak dry, he put it on, stole through the crowd, and entered his monastery.
Pray for all the religious of the order of St. Dominic. Pray for the charity of this saint, that you may not be wanting to whatever part of it falls within your power, whether in visiting, comforting, or relieving such as are in distress. It is the best reparation you can make for your past hardheartedness, idle visits, and time and money misspent. It is the surest way of obtaining mercy for yourself.
It was by means of this saint that was founded the order for the redemption of captives. Pray for all those who live captives to sin. Bless God if you are none of these, and fail not daily to put up your prayers in behalf of those who lie under this misfortune." The Catholic Year, by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Litany and Prayer to St. Raymond of Peñafort
(Used with Permission Litany and Prayer to St. Raymond of Peñafort)
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.
St. Raymond of Peñafort, pray for us.
Master of Preachers, pray for us
Patron of Lawyers, pray for us
Father of Confessors, pray for us
Counselor of Penitents, pray for us
Apostle to Gentiles, pray for us
Evangelist to Israelites, pray for us
Ransomer of Captives, pray for us
Teacher of the Learned and the Ignorant, pray for us
Friend of Princes and Paupers, pray for us
Protector of Sailors, pray for us
Comforter of the Aged, pray for us
Defender of Marriage, pray for us
Champion of Religious Rights, pray for us
Advocate of Reason, pray for us
Guardian of Justice, pray for us
Promoter of Freedom, pray for us
Worker of Miracles, pray for us
Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us
Son of St. Dominic, pray for us
Son of the Church, pray for us
Holy Priest of Jesus Christ, pray for us
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Let us pray. Glorious Saint Raymond of Peñafort, wise and holy patron, come to the aid of those entrusted to your care,
and all who flee to your protection. Intercede for us in our need, and help us through your prayers, example, and teaching, to proclaim the truth of the Gospel to all we meet. And when we have reached the fullness of our years,
we beseech you to guide us home to heaven, to live in peace with you, Our Mother Mary, and Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Imprimatur: Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, June 22, 2018
Saints Vincent and Anastasius, Martyrs, A.D. 304 and 628.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"The former was a deacon of Spain, who for preaching the Gospel in the time of Dioclesian, was apprehended. St. Augustine assures us that he suffered torments far beyond what any man could have endured, unless supported by a supernatural strength; and that he preserved such peace and tranquillity in his words, countenance, and gestures, in the midst of them, as quite astonished his very persecutors, and visibly appeared as something divine. He continued faithful under the trial of scourges, racks, and fire, and variety of other torments; and at length a soft bed was prepared for him, on which he was no sooner laid than he expired.
Pray for this spirit of patience under all trials. There is no living in this world, but under some kind of persecution.
Relations, neighbours, your own indiscretion and passions may be to you a Dioclesian. If you have not a trial of your faith, you have at least of your fidelity to your God; and if you could but hold out with the charity and patience of the martyrs, you need not doubt of meeting with the crown of martyrs. Pray therefore that you may be just and faithful in little occasions. These present themselves often, and so often are you tried. If you sincerely honour the constancy of a martyr on the rack, be ashamed of your ordinary weakness, and beg pardon for it.
St. Anastasius was a
Persian monk, who after cruel torments, was put to death with seventy
other Christians, who were all ordered to be strangled. Pray for the empire of Persia, that God would please to bring it to the knowledge of his truths. Pray for all under any affliction whatever. Be careful never to sink under your own trials, nor consent to the least secret murmuring. Pray for all who are in their agony, or near death, that God would comfort and support them with his divine grace." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gotheer
St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, A.D. 304 or 305.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
St. Agnes by Cesare Dandini
"She was a Roman virgin, who, at the age of thirteen, having chosen Christ for her spouse, continued faithful to him, amidst all the solicitations and attempts made against her. Flatterers could not move her, nor threats, nor torments terrify her. She had given her heart to Christ; and was resolved that nothing of this world should take it from him. Her constancy was first tried by the fire, from which, like pure gold, she came out without hurt. Afterwards, by the sword of the executioner, she gave up her soul, a holy victim into the hands of her heavenly spouse. Pray for this spirit of the love of God, that you may sincerely give your heart to him, and be ever faithful in what you do. Be ashamed to be outdone by a virgin of thirteen years; and that not having half the trials which she had, you are so often overcome. You pretend to love God: and yet upon every little difficulty, or the flattery of creatures, you surrender yourself, and become a prey, either to impatience, sensuality, or self-love. Humble yourself at the sight of your infirmity and inconstancy: lay a better foundation, and beg for the strength of this saint.
Lament the unhappy education of both sexes, in these tender years; who are trained up to an early knowledge of the follies and vanities of this world; but little acquainted with the practice of a Christian life. Instead of humility, they are instructed in pride: instead of meekness, they are taught to be imperious: instead of forsaking the world, they are taught to admire it: instead of self-denial, they are bred up in the practice of indulging themselves. Thus, instead of loving
God, and being prepared to sacrifice all to him, they fall a sacrifice
to vanity and self-love. Pray, therefore, for all parents, that their
care and love for their children may be substantial; that nature may not
be their rule, but the gospel; and that, if they have faith, they may give proof of it in this point." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
SS. Fabian and Sebastian, MARTYRS, A.D. 250 AND 288.
by VP
Posted on Monday January 20, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"ST. FABIAN was bishop of Rome, and succeeded St. Anterus in the year 236. Eusebius relates that he was elected in consequence of a miraculous sign of a dove appearing over his head. He governed the Church sixteen years, and died a glorious martyr in the persecution of Decius, in the year 250. St. Cyprian calls him an incomparable man; and says that the glory of his death had answered the purity and holiness of his life. Pray for the present bishop of that holy see, that in piety and zeal for his flock, he may imitate his holy predecessors. Pray for yourself, that in all afflictions you may suffer with the meekness, submission, and patience of the martyrs.
St. Sebastian was chief commander under Dioclesian. For encouraging and assisting the persecuted Christians, he was, by order of the emperor, bound to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. Irene, a pious widow, going to bury him, found him still alive, and took him to her lodgings; where by care, he recovered of his wounds, but refused to fly. He even reproached the emperor for his unjust cruelties to the Christians. This freedom of speech greatly astonished the emperor, especially from a person whom he supposed to have been dead. But recovering from his surprise, he gave orders for St. Sebastian to be beaten with cudgels, which finished his glorious martyrdom.
Pray for the spirit of charity
so eminent in this saint; that according to your circumstances, you may
be ever ready to counsel, comfort and relieve those who are in
distress. It is the most effectual means of drawing down the divine
assistance for your own help: for your charity to others opens God's
hands to you. Pray for all soldiers, that they may be better prepared
for death than too generally they are: and pray for their commanders,
that they may keep up Christian, as well as military discipline." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. Marcellus, Pope and Martyr, A.D. 310.
by VP
Posted on Thursday January 16, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was bishop of Rome. Pray for the present Bishop of that Holy See; that God would please to assist him with His heavenly grace, answerable to the greatness of his charge. Pray for all other bishops and pastors of Christ's Church.
St. Marcellus, by enforcing the canons of holy penance, drew upon himself the contradictions and persecutions of many tepid and refractory Christians; and for his severity against a certain apostate, he was banished by the tyrant Maxentius. He died in 310, having sat one year, seven months, and twenty days; and is styled a martyr. Pray for a spirit like his, that you may be ready to embrace all kinds of humiliations. God may be served in all lawful states: be but faithful, and God will be so too. If your lot and manner of life be contemptible to the world, patience and humility will make it honorable in the sight of God. Grieve not therefore, nor be uneasy at your condition, whatever it be. The laborious Christian is much better than the idle one. He that eats by the sweat of his brow, is in a much safer way, than he that lives at ease. If your difficult circumstances will not allow you the time you desire to pray; remember that patience, and humble suffering and laboring, are all praying. God regards not the form, but a sincere heart. Pray what you can; and never doubt but your desires will be heard.
God makes every thing serve for the sanctification of His
servants. He wonderfully ordains and directs all human events to their
spiritual advancement, both in prosperity and adversity. In their
persecutions and trials, especially, we shall discover, at the last day, the tenderness of His infinite love, the depth of His unsearchable wisdom, and the extent of His omnipotent power. In all His appointments, adore these His attributes, earnestly imploring His grace, that according to the designs of His
mercy, you may make every thing, especially all afflictions, serve for
your exercise and improvement in virtue, and progress in perfection." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Forty Martyred Soldiers at Rome, 262
by VP
Posted on Monday January 13, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
DEATH RATHER THAN SIN.--The emperors Valerian and Gallianus raised against the Church a persecution so violent that the Christians for a time deemed that the reign of Antichrist had come. The persecution began in the year 259, and lasted three years and a half; it is reckoned as the eighth general persecution. The number of persons of every age and condition who preferred death to apostasy cannot be computed: the East, the West, Africa, and the world at large, were deluged with Christian blood; there were isolated slaughterings, as well as general massacres. The Martyrology mentions, on the 13th of January, the forty soldiers who suffered death on the same day, in these terms:-"At Rome, the triumph of the forty blessed soldiers who deserved to bear off the crown of martyrdom for their profession of faith, in the Lavinian Way, under the reign of Gallianus."
MORAL REFLECTION.-The abject spirits that have apostatized in order to save their lives are sighing away in utter darkness. The generous Christian souls that preferred death are dwelling with God in His glory. "For he that will save his life shall lose it, and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it," saith Jesus Christ. -(Matt. xvi. 25.)
