Saint Bede, The Venerable, Confessor, Doctor A.D. 735.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"FROM his infancy, he was consecrated to God, and brought up from the age of seven in holy monasteries. It was his delight to employ all his leisure time from other necessary duties, in either learning or teaching, or writing something for the greater glory of his master. He was ordained priest by St. John of Beverley; and from that time to the end of his life, he applied himself to writing commentaries and sermons on the Holy Scriptures. He was a man of sincere and unaffected piety, wonderful probity, singular modesty and humility, and indefatigable industry in doing good. He was also a great lover of truth. His virtue and learning drew to him many disciples; so that there were in his time six hundred monks in his monastery, and some of them very eminent for piety and learning. He applied himself wholly to the meditation of the holy Scriptures, the observance of regular discipline, and the daily duty of singing the divine office in the church.
What is most to be admired in Venerable Bede, is the piety, with which he pursued and sanctified his studies, and the use which he made of them. His life was a model of devotion, obedience, humility, simplicity, charity and penance. Out of humility he declined the dignity of abbot, which was pressed upon him.
The days of this saint were full days, and his whole time was devoted to God's glory. Such a life as he led from his infancy, could not but be followed by a happy death. For this he made a fervent preparation for some time beforehand, being constantly employed in singing psalms and the praises of God; but continuing every day to give lessons as usual to his scholars. After teaching all day, it was his custom to watch much in the nights. Finding that death approached, he received Extreme Unction, and then the Holy Viaticum, on the Tuesday before the Ascension of our Lord. He distributed little presents, as memorials to all his brethren, entreating them to celebrate Masses and say prayers for him after his death. On the feast of the Ascension, lying on sackcloth spread on the floor, he invoked the grace of the Holy Ghost; and breathed forth his holy soul in praise and thanksgiving, in the year 735, of his age sixty-two. Thus from repeating the divine praises here, in the most pure and profound sentiments of compunction, humility, zeal and divine love, he passed without intermission, to sing eternally the same praises, with affections dilated with inexpressible joy, ardour and love, in the glorious choirs of the blessed, and in the contemplation of that God, whom in life he praised and loved." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Persecution: Saint Philip Neri, Priest
by VP
Posted on Monday May 26, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was born at Florence; and having employed his youth in the study of learning and virtue, he dedicated himself wholly to the service of God in prayer and fasting. Being desirous to labour in the best manner he could in the care of souls, he deliberated with himself what state to choose for this end. After a long preparation he was ordained priest; and then his whole concern was for the salvation of souls. He showed wonderful zeal in the discharge of every part of his function, in which he spent himself for their eternal good. That he might more plentifully provide them with all necessary helps, he instituted the Congregation of Oratorians, whose whole business was, by praying and preaching, to instruct the faithful in the way of salvation. The delight he found in the Blessed Sacrament is inexpressible. He was favoured with extraordinary raptures in prayer, and sometimes raised high above the ground during his devotions, at which time his countenance appeared shining with a bright light. He was so great a lover of poverty, that he desired always to live destitute of worldly goods, and in a state of indigence. Under the sharpest pains of sickness, no complaint, groan, or stir was ever observed in him; he was only heard. sometimes to repeat these words: "Increase my pain, but increase my patience." Having lived many years in the practice of great charity, and wonderful humility, and received extraordinary favours from heaven, bequeathing his spirit to his spiritual children, he died in 1595.
Pray for all the fathers of his congregation; that they may ever preserve the spirit of their founder for the good of many. Pray for all priests, that they may be laborious, zealous, charitable, and examples of humility
to all. Pray for yourself; that you may be faithful in your duties,
first as a Christian, and then as your particular state requires,
whether as husband, wife, parent, superior, child, or servant.
All conditions have particular obligations; and you are bound to know
what belongs to yours. And remember that if you have any under your
care, it is your duty to see that they want no instruction."The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
"Every one in Rome began to talk about Philip; many judged him unfavorably, and he was everywhere spoken against.
(...) They declared that Philip was a sower of scandals and of evil seed, and that he ought to be dealt with as a teacher of new doctrines and a setter-up of a new sect.
(Philip) saw that a great trial was coming on him and he prepared to meet it bravely. He enjoined on his disciples the utmost prudence and forbearance; he forbade them to speak even a word against their revilers and calumniators, for he knew that some of them at least were good men, led astray by others, or blinded by their own weak prejudices.
Meanwhile the calumnies so industriously circulated were reported to some person of high position and great authority in the Church, and at last they reached the ear of the Cardinal of Spoleto, a prelate of impetuous and ill-regulated zeal. (...)
We can scarcely imagine the anguish of Philip's heart during this trial. It is hard to bear the sorrows that come on us from our own corrupted nature, and perhaps harder still to bear those laid on us by ignorant and wicked men. But no sorrows are so keen as those inflicted on us by persons who are to us the representatives of God and His justice, and whom we therefore respect and love. To feel one's self despised by the good, when all the aim of our life is to do good; to be condemned by the ministers of God's truth and justice, when all our life is a sacrifice of self to justice and truth; this is indeed a keen and unutterable sorrow, and only he who has felt it knows how hard it is to bear. And because this sorrow exceeds in bitterness all other sorrows, we find it always the portion of saints, and per-eminently of Jesus, king and pattern of saints, who was persecuted even to death by the priests of the people of God. It was as a sword piercing Philip's heart that he was declared guilty, not only by the enemies of the Pope and the Church, but by the Vicar of the Pope himself, and that this sentence was approved by so many good men in Rome. (...)
The result of these things was, that Philip's position become every day more painful and embarrassing. Ecclesiastical authority was against him; the ungodly and profane treated him with unrestrained insolence; of the good, some who had been his friends were now alienated from him, and others, who were still devoted to him, could not keep silence, and were sometimes imprudent. Philip himself yielded a perfect obedience to the command of his superiors.
Philip did everything in his power to stop (his friends) from speaking against his adversaries. He found a thousand excuses for those who were persecuting him; he was always calm and gentle, and ever bright with gladness; he put the best interpretation he could on all that was said against him; and was disquieted with apprehension that his enemies might be less esteemed or respected. And, above all, he prayed for them with great fervor, and with many tears; and he urged his disciples to follow his example. He often said to them: "This persecution is not for your sake, but for mine; God desires to make me humble and patient, and when I have gathered from this trial the fruit He wills me to gather, it will pass away." What simplicity and what peace there is in these words, and what profound wisdom too!"
The Priesthood:
"Philip's first thought on entering the house of S. Girolamo was to manifest in himself the sacred impress of the priesthood of Jesus, and to imitate, so far as he could, His most holy and gracious life. Jesus in His priestly office offered Himself in sacrifice to the Father, forgave the sins of all who drew near to Him with faith and love, and sowed by His preaching the seed of the good tidings of God. And Philip not only resolved to offer the Divine Sacrifice every day, to devote himself to the ministry of the sacrament of penance, and to preach; but he resolved that he would, in these three great functions, always try to reflect the image of Jesus Christ. From the day of his ordination he ever set before his eyes Jesus the Great High Priest, and united himself so intimately with Him, that his works were in their substance the works of Christ, wrought by him as an instrument. He looked on himself as the branch abiding in the vine, and the vine was Christ; he strove to be one with Christ, as Christ and the Father are one. Nor is there in this anything to startle us. It is the very idea of the christian priesthood, and he who does not realize it in some degree has the sacerdotal character indeed, but is not a priest after the heart of Jesus Christ.
One of his most distinctive characteristics (...) was a bright cheerfulness of spirit, which went with him throughout his life, and which helped him much in his ministry to souls. This genial cheerfulness and sympathy drew sinners to Philip with singular force; it made them love him, and to love Philip was to be drawn mightily towards God.
Hence Philip applied himself to this ministry with marvelous assiduity and constancy. Not satisfied with hearing confession during the day, the continued them on into the night; and in the morning before dawn he had generally confessed forty persons in his own room. (...)
He allowed nothing to interfere with this great work of reconciling sinners to God. He would interrupt even his prayers, or leave his dinner, the moment he was asked for in the confessional.
This ministry of pardon, and of the mercy of our Father in heaven, was peculiarly dear to Philip, so that he used to say: " It is the greatest delight to me even to sit in the confessional. What do you mean by calling it a fatigue? It is not a fatigue, but a solace and refreshment. Do not shrink, then, from coming to me; you can never be too many." The Life of Saint Philip Neri, Apostle of Rome, Volume 1 By Alfonso Capecelatro
Prayer:
Your love of the Church, O Philip, was most fervent: there can be no true sanctity without it. Though your contemplation was of the sublimest kind, yet did it not make you lose sight of the cruel trials which this holy Spouse of Christ had to endure in those sad times. The successful efforts of heresy stimulated your zeal. Get us that keen sympathy for our holy Faith which will make us take an interest in all that concerns its progress. It is not enough for us that we save our own souls. We must, moreover, ardently desire and do our utmost to obtain the advancement of God’s kingdom on Earth, the extirpation of heresy, and the exaltation of our holy Mother the Church. If these are not our dispositions, how can we call ourselves children of God? May your example urge us to take to heart the sacred cause of our common Mother. Pray, too, for the Church Militant of which you were one of the bravest soldiers. Shield with your protection that Rome which loves you so devoutly because of the services which she received at your hands. You led her children to holiness during your mortal career. Bless her and defend her now that you are in Heaven." Dom Prosper Guéranger
LITANY OF ST. PHILIP
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of Virgins, Pray for us.
St. Philip, Pray for us.
Vessel of the Holy Ghost, Pray for us.
Child of Mary, Pray for us.
Apostle of Rome, Pray for us.
Counsellor of Popes, Pray for us.
Voice of Prophecy, Pray for us.
Man of primitive times, Pray for us.
Winning Saint, Pray for us.
Hidden hero, Pray for us.
Sweetest of Fathers, Pray for us.
Flower of purity, Pray for us.
Martyr of charity, Pray for us.
Heart of fire, Pray for us.
Discerner of spirits, Pray for us.
Choicest of priests, Pray for us.
Mirror of the divine life, Pray for us.
Pattern of humility, Pray for us.
Example of simplicity, Pray for us.
Light of holy joy, Pray for us.
Image of childhood, Pray for us.
Picture of old age, Pray for us.
Director of souls, Pray for us.
Gentle guide of youth, Pray for us.
Patron of thy own, Pray for us.
Who didst observe chastity in thy youth, Pray for us.
Who didst seek Rome by divine guidance, Pray for us.
Who didst hide so long in the Catacombs, Pray for us.
Who didst receive the Holy Ghost into thy heart, Pray for us.
Who didst experience such wonderful ecstasies, Pray for us.
Who didst so lovingly serve the little ones, Pray for us.
Who didst wash the feet of pilgrims, Pray for us.
Who didst ardently thirst after martyrdom, Pray for us.
Who didst distribute the daily word of God, Pray for us.
Who didst turn so many hearts to God, Pray for us.
Who didst converse so sweetly with Mary, Pray for us.
Who didst raise the dead, Pray for us.
Who didst set up thy houses in all lands, Pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Remember thy Congregation.
B. Which thou hast possessed from the beginning.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast exalted blessed Philip, Thy Confessor, in the glory of Thy saints, grant that, as we rejoice in his commemoration, so we may profit by the example of his virtues, through Christ our Lord.
Source: Meditations and Devotions of the Late Cardinal Newman, 1903
St. Gregory VII. POPE AND CONFESSOR, A.D. 1085
by VP
Posted on Sunday May 25, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"THIS saint was born in Tuscany, and educated at Rome.. He wonderfully illustrated the Church of God by his learning, sanctity, and every kind of virtue. While he was yet a youth, he entered the monastery of Cluni, and served God in a religious state with so much fervour, that he was elected prior by the holy fathers of that monastery. But Divine Providence had greater designs upon him, and he was called back to Rome, where he signalized himself by his zeal, sanctity,and learning, and preached with great reputation and fruit in the court of the pious Emperor Henry III. The holy Pope St. Leo IX. had the highest esteem for him, often followed his counsels, and made him abbot of St. Paul's. In 1054 he was sent by Pope Victor II. as legate into France, in order to abolish the practice of simony in conferring benefices in the Church. A certain bishop who was accused of this crime, denied the charge. St. Gregory bade him recite the Glory be to the Father, which he endeavoured to do, but was never able to pronounce the name of the Holy Ghost. At this miraculous conviction he was struck with remorse and confusion, and casting himself at the saint's feet, humbly confessed his crime.
On the death of Alexander II. St. Gregory was chosen pope, much against his will, and in spite of every effort which he made to keep that heavy burden from his shoulders. He expressed the most sensible grief at his election, and with tears implored the prayers of the whole Church, for grace to discharge his functions in a worthy manner. He shone, however, like the sun in the house of God, and powerful in word and work, applied himself vigorously to repair the discipline of the Church, to propagate the faith, to restore the liberty of the Church, and to extirpate errors and corruption. While he was saying Mass, certain holy men saw a dove descend upon his shoulder, and cover his head with its wings, which they understood to indicate that the Holy Spirit directed him in governing the Church. He suffered much from the violent opposition and persecution of the Emperor Henry IV., and many other storms were raised against him. But he ever preserved a perfect tranquillity of soul, having his heart fixed on God. He fell sick at Salerno, and died on the 25th of May, 1085.
Endeavour, like this great
saint, ever to love justice and hate iniquity. Receive all afflictions
cheerfully; adore in all things the holy will of God, and you will live and die in great peace." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Donatian and Rogatian, Martyrs
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
BROTHERLY CONCORD. -Donatian and Rogatian belonged to one of the most illustrious families of Nantes (France). Donatian, the younger of the two, was the first converted to Christianity, and, after his conversion, which he did not cease publicly to avow, he solicited his friends and relatives to imitate his example. Rogatian, his elder brother, who loved him tenderly, allowed himself to be gained over. In this conjuncture was issued the edict of Diocletian, ordering the governors of provinces to persecute the Christians, in order to make them renounce their faith. Rogatian had not as yet received baptism, and the bishop was no longer at hand, either because he had sought a place of refuge, or possibly because the governor had thrown him into confinement. Rogatian proclaimed himself a Christian notwithstanding, in the hope that the pouring out of his blood might stand in stead of baptism. He followed his brother to prison, and with him manfully sustained the supreme trial of faith in the midst of cruel torments. They were stretched upon the rack, torn with pincers, pierced with swords, and finally beheaded. Their martyrdom was accomplished towards the year 303.
MORAL REFLECTION. -"Three things are pleasing unto God and mau," says the Sage,-" concord among brethren, the love of parents, and the union of husband and wife."-(Eccles. xxv. 1, 2.)
Our Blessed Lady, The help of Christians.
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"On this day the Church honours the B. V. Mary, under the special title of the Help of Christians. The faithful have often experienced in wonderful ways the help of the holy Mother of God in defeating the enemies of religion. It was after the celebrated victory over the Turks in the battle of Lepanto, miraculously obtained through the intercession of the B. Virgin, that the pope, St. Pius V. ordered those words, Help of Christians, to be inserted in the Litany of Loretto.
But in more recent times, when Pope Pius VII. had been kept a close prisoner for upwards of five years, and deprived of all means of exercising his sublime commission to govern tho Church of God, he was suddenly and unexpectedly restored to his pontifical throne. And being soon after obliged to fly from new troubles, he was a second time happily restored, to the great joy of the whole Church. The holy pontiff always attributed these remarkable events to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose help he had himself continually invoked, and had particularly recommended the faithful to implore. Therefore to perpetuate the memory of these distinguished favours, and to keep alive a grateful sense of them in the minds of all the faithful, the same Pope Pius VII. appointed a feast to be kept on this day in honour of the ever Blessed Virgin Mother of God, under the particular title and character of the Help of Christians.
While you celebrate this festival with a grateful sense of the benefits received by the faithful in every age of the Church, through the patronage of the B. Virgin, fail not to cast yourselves with confidence at her sacred feet, and beg her favourable intercession for yourselves also. She wants neither the power nor the will to assist all by her patronage and intercession. She is full of kindness and mercy, full of mildness and compassion towards all. Through her the sick and infirm may obtain relief, and the sorrowful consolation. She will procure pardon for the penitent sinner, grace and perseverance for the just. All therefore may pray for her intercession, and hope to obtain help through her patronage. And more especially on this festival are all encouraged to honour the holy Mother of God, and fly to her patronage as the powerful Help of Christians." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Sts. Eutychius and Florentius
by VP
Posted on Friday May 23, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"Two friends, who, as it is related by St. Gregory, entered into a desert of Italy; where they followed the example of the hermits of the East, in mortification and prayer, still united in one heart and one spirit. This was the more remarkable in them, because they were of very different tempers; the one being a man full of ardour and zeal for the salvation of others, and solicitous for glorifying God in the edification of his neighbour; the other being of a more mild and retired spirit, confining his thoughts to God and his own soul. One of them was afterwards chosen abbot of a monastery, and the other continued in his solitude: and as they had been examples of piety living, so they happily ended their days in the sixth century.
The lesson of this
day is sufficiently difficult, that is, how to keep peace and a good
correspondence with those who are disagreeable to you in temper and
humour. And yet if you have not the practice of it, you are not yet come to the knowledge and life of charity. If then you cannot bear with the ways, words, and actions of such persons, but with inward contempt, expressions of dislike, peevish contradictions, impertinent disputes and quarrels; you must not think to justify yourself, by throwing the fault
upon such provoking humours. For your being so easily provoked by them,
is a certain sign that you are wanting in patience, discretion, and
charity. These in any tolerable degree, would not permit you to be so
easily moved, both for your own sake and for others. If you have any
principles of charity or the gospel, they will teach you patience, and likewise to bear with others. Wherever there is but a moderate degree of prudence, it will oblige you to reflect, that as you yourselves are sometimes out of humour,
and desire others to bear with you, so you ought to take your turn, and
bear with others. Great allowances are to be made for all as to their particular way, or humour. You are not to expect every one to follow the rule
which you judge best; but to preserve peace and charity by uniform
patience and forbearance. Direct accordingly your prayers and
endeavours." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Saint Rita of Cascia, Widow, Augustinian
by VP
Posted on Thursday May 22, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
St. Rita While praying before an altar, she receives a thorn from Christ's crown of thorns which is sticking into her forehead.
"Saint Rita of Cascia, whose feast is celebrated on May 22, was born at Rocca Porena in the diocese of Spoleto and the province of Umbria, Italy, about the year 1386, and died at Cascia in the year 1456. Being the daughter of parents who were advanced in years, she met with much opposition when she made known her intention of becoming a nun. Yielding to their entreaties, she married a man who, in a short time, lost his reputation on account of his cruelty. After converting him from his wicked ways, he was murdered by an enemy. Rita's two sons resolved to take revenge, but through her prayers they repented of their sins and were taken away by death. Left alone in the world, she applied several times for admission into the Augustinian Convent at Cascia. Refusal to receive her followed every application, until God Himself cleared away all obstacles and she entered the convent, made her profession and lived the life of a holy and devout Religious for forty-two years, "a shining example of every Christian virtue, pure as a lily, simple as a dove, and obedient as an angel."
That "God is wonderful in His saints" is easily proved in the life of St. Rita. On one occasion Rita requested a rose to be brought to her from her garden at Porena in the midst of winter. The rose was found in full bloom. At another time she asked for a fig, and the same was found. The report of these wonders spread far and wide, and people flocked to the convent from all parts of Europe, only to receive in return for their faith in God through the prayers of Rita many spiritual and temporal favors.
Owing to the great number of miracles wrought by St. Rita, she is often styled "The Saint of the Impossible." The Church has placed her stamp of approval on these miracles of St. Rita and has raised her to the dignity of the altar by canonizing her a saint of God on the 24th of May, 1900.
Reflection: Let us learn from the life of St. Rita to pray frequently for the conversion of sinners. There is no prayer more pleasing to God than that which has for its object the conversion of those who lead lives of sin, particularly sins against faith, such as leaving the one true Church and practicing a false religion, wilful doubt, disbelief, denial, ignorance, and those who commit sin by exposing their faith to danger." Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints.
Our Own St. Rita, By Fr. Matthew Corcoran
Prayer: Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita, whose pleadings before thy Divine Lord are almost irresistible, who for thy lavishness in granting favors hast been called the Advocate of the Hopeless and even of the Impossible; St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so mortified, so patient and of such compassionate love for thy Crucified Jesus that thou couldst obtain from Him whatsoever thou askest, on account of which all confidently have recourse to thee expecting, if not always relief, at least comfort; be propitious to our petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy suppliant; be lavish to us, as thou hast been in so many wonderful cases, for the greater glory of God, for the spreading of thine own devotion, and for the consolation of those who trust in thee.
We promise, if our petition is granted, to glorify thee by making know thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we pray thee grant that [here mention your request].
By the singular merits of thy childhood, Obtain for us our request.
By thy perfect union with the Divine Will, Obtain for us our request.
By thy heroic sufferings during thy married life, Obtain for us our request.
By the consolation thou didst experience at the conversion of thy husband,Obtain for us our request.
By the sacrifice of thy children rather than see them grievously offend God,Obtain for us our request.
By the miraculous entrance into the convent,Obtain for us our request.
By thy severe penances and thrice daily bloody scourgings, Obtain for us our request.
By the suffering caused by the wound thou didst receive from the thorn of thy Crucified Savior, Obtain for us our request.
By the Divine love which consumed thy heart, Obtain for us our request.
By that remarkable devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,on which alone thou didst exist for four years, Obtain for us our request.
By the happiness with which thou didst part from thy trials to join thy Divine Spouse, Obtain for us our request.
By the perfect example thou gavest to people of every state of life, Obtain for us our request.
Pray for us, O holy St. Rita, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray: O God, Who in Thine infinite tenderness hast vouchsafed to regard the prayer of Thy servant, Blessed Rita, and dost grant to her supplication that which is impossible to human foresight, skill and efforts, in reward of her compassionate love and firm reliance on Thy promise, have pity on our adversity and succor us in our calamities, that the unbeliever may know Thou art the recompense of the humble, the defense of the helpless, and the strength of those who trust in Thee, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
St. Peter Celestin, POPE AND CONFESSOR, A.D. 1296.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"A SERVANT of God who in solitude sought security against the dangers of his youthful years; and having lived a long time in the exercise of prayer and mortification, was called forth to undertake the charge of the apostolic see. In this exalted station, he wholly applied himself to perform the duties of a good pastor. But he felt the weight of his dignity every day more and more insupportable; and at length determined to resign his charge. He found the infinite cares of that function a hindrance to his accustomed recollection. Wherefore, he held a consistory of cardinals, and read before them the solemn act of his abdication. He then laid aside his pontifical robes, put on his religious habit, came down from his throne, and cast himself at the feet of the assembly, begging pardon for his faults, and exhorting them to choose a more worthy successor of St. Peter. He returned to his hermitage, and eminent in all virtues, died in retirement in 1296.
Pray for all who are engaged in the public concerns of the Church, that in their solicitude for others, they be not wanting in that charity, which is due to themselves. This charity is due to them from the flock, who receive the benefit of their care. Pray for yourself, and see that no excess of worldly solicitude may so take up your heart and thoughts, as to rob your soul of that care, which is necessary for its eternal good. You may have a variety of business; but remember that the business of eternity is your greatest; and ought to take place of all the rest. If for this, you are forced to be wanting to some others, you will be no loser in the end.
But who can promise this, if you neglect heaven for earth? And what think you of unlawful employments, which are inconsistent with your spiritual duties? What of that perpetual dissipation of mind occasioned by thrusting yourself into the affairs of others, through your busy temper, by your pride, vanity, and immoderate diversions? Take care to remove all such distractions. The rule of the Gospel is to forsake all for Christ; all at least that hinders you from being a good Christian."
St. Bernardin of Sienna, Confessor, A.D. 1444.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"A HOLY man, who having employed the years of his youth in exercises of piety, put himself into an hospital, among the number of those who were to take care of the sick. There he satisfied all the duties of that place with wonderful charity, and in the practice of great mortification. He declared his aversion so much against whatever savoured of impurity, that no one dared to speak an unbecoming word in his presence. He afterwards entered the order of St. Francis, where endeavouring to outgo all in humility and other exercises of a religious life, and by his zealous preaching to reclaim the world from vice, he ended his days in the year 1444.
Learn from this servant of God to shew your charity to the sick, as occasion shall offer. There are many ways in which you may bring them comfort; and if at any time their weakness proves a trial of your patience, see that you be not wanting in it. Bearing with the infirmities of the miserable, is a sure means of finding mercy with God. Pray daily for all that are thus visited by the hand of God with distempers of mind or body, especially for the poor who are destitute of help, that heaven would be their comfort, and mercifully supply their wants. Learn something of the zeal of this saint, in prudently making war against vice, and in particular discountenancing whatever offends against chastity. St. Paul commands you to avoid all filthy communication, and that no indecent word should be so much as named among Christians. Be exact, even to a niceness, in observing this precept. Carefully avoid all expressions of double meaning, which no pious Christian can employ, or tolerate in others, without denouncing that purity, which the Gospel requires, and evidently hazarding his salvation. Can there be innocence in being the devil's instrument, and conveying poison into the souls of others, which penetrates deeper, the more wit it carries with it? All such discourse and expressions are a breach of the commandments, and contrary to the Gospel; and must be renounced by all, who pretend to be Christians. Make firm resolutions upon this matter; discourage all such pernicious practice in others, and pray for all who place their diversion in what is so serviceable to the devil." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
-"And I say that the priest doth more grievous wrong by giving bad example merely by scandalizing his neighbor by a wicked life, than if a layman where to go out to rob in the highway.The reason is this: that he who standeth in the highway doth rob the man who passeth by, and doth take from him his money, his horse, his garments, and all that which he findeth, but the other with his evil example doth make away with both soul and body of the man whom he doth scandalize thereby, and leaveth him to say and to do evil and to commit sin."Source: Sermons (iv backbiters are treated of with most beautiful examples, page 28) Saint Bernardine of Siena
-"Whenever you hear sodomy mentioned, each and every one of you spit on
the ground and clean your mouth out as well. If they don't want to
change their ways by any other means, maybe they will change when
they're made fools of. Spit hard! Maybe the water of your spit will
extinguish their fire." Lenten sermon preached in Santa Croce, 1424
Prayer:
"Apostle of peace! Italy, whose factions were so often quelled by thee, may well number thee among her protectors. Behold her now a prey to the enemies of Jesus, rebellious against the Church of God, and abandoned to her fate. Oh! Forget not, that she is thy native land, that she was obedient to thy preaching, and that thy memory was long most dear to her. Intercede in her favor; deliver her from her oppressors; and show, that when earthly armies fail, the hosts of heaven can always save both cities and countries.
Illustrious son of the great Patriarch of Assisi! The seraphic Order venerates thee as one of its main supports. Thou didst re-animate it to its primitive observance; continue, now from heaven, to protect the work thou commenced here on earth. The Order of St. Francis is one of the grandest consolations of holy Mother Church; make this Order for ever flourish, protect it in its trials, give it increase in proportion to the necessities of the Faithful; for thou art the second Father of this venerable family, and thy prayers are powerful with the Redeemer, whose glorious Name thou confessed upon earth." Source: Dom Gueranger
Saint Yves of Brittany, Confessor, Priest and Lawyer
by VP
Posted on Monday May 19, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Saint Yves, Cathédrale Saint-Tugdual de Tréguier public domain
"Saint Yves Helori, descended from a noble and virtuous family near Treguier in Brittany, was born in 1253. At fourteen years of age he went to Paris, and afterwards to Orleans to pursue his studies. His mother was accustomed to say to him often that he ought to live in such a way as became a Saint, to which his answer always was that he indeed hoped to be one. This resolution took deep root in his soul, and was a constant spur to virtue and a check against the least shadow of any dangerous course. His time was chiefly divided between study and prayer. For his recreation he visited the hospitals, where he attended the sick with great charity, and comforted them in the severe trials which their sufferings occasioned.
Saint Yves made a private vow of perpetual chastity; but this was not known, and many honorable matches were proposed to him, which he modestly rejected as incompatible with his studious life. He deliberated long whether to embrace the religious or the clerical state; but his desire to serve his neighbor determined him at length in favor of the latter. He wished, out of humility, to remain in the lesser orders; but his bishop compelled him to receive the priesthood, a step which cost him many tears, though he had qualified himself for that sacred dignity by his perfect purity of mind and body, as well as a long and fervent preparation.
He was appointed ecclesiastical judge for the diocese of Rennes. Saint Yves protected orphans and widows, defended the poor, and administered justice to all with an impartiality, application, and tenderness which gained him the good-will even of those who lost their causes. He was surnamed the advocate of the poor. He built near his own house a hospital for the poor and sick; he washed their feet, cleansed their ulcers, served them at table, and ate only the scraps which they left. He distributed among the poor his grain, or the price for which he sold it, immediately after the harvest. When a certain person endeavored to persuade him to keep it for a few months, that he might sell it at a better price, he answered, I know not whether I shall then be alive to give it. Another time the same person said to him, I have gained a 20% profit by keeping my grain. But I, replied the Saint, recalling the Lord's promises, a hundredfold, by immediately giving it away.
During the Lent of 1303 he felt his strength failing him; yet, far from abating anything in his austerities, he thought himself obliged to redouble his fervor in proportion as he advanced nearer to eternity. On the eve of the Ascension he preached to his people and said Mass supported at the altar by two persons, and he gave advice to all who addressed themselves to him. After this he lay down on his pallet of plaited twigs and branches, and received the Last Sacraments. From that moment on he spoke with God alone, until his soul went to possess Him in His glory. His death occurred in May, 1303, in his fiftieth year.
Reflection. Saint Yves was a Saint amid the dangers of the world. He preserved his virtue untainted only by arming himself carefully against its perils by conversing assiduously with God in prayer and holy meditation, and by watchfully shunning the snares of bad company. Without these precautions all the instructions of parents and all other means of virtue are ineffectual. The soul which does not steer wide of danger is sure to founder on the reef.
Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, by John Gilmary Shea (1894).Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Heavenly Father who art God, have mercy upon us.
Son, Redeemer of the world, who art God, have mercy upon us.
Holy Ghost, who art God, have mercy upon us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy upon us.
Holy Mary, Queen of All Saints, pray for us.
Saint Yves, father of the poor, pray for us.
Saint Yves, light of Brittany, pray for us.
Saint Yves, model of charity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, advocate of priests, pray for us.
Saint Yves, servant of the Cross, pray for us.
Saint-Yves, devoted to penitence, pray for us.
Saint Yves, example of all purity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, mirror of chastity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, enemy of impurity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, example of all the virtues, pray for us.
Saint Yves, victorious and triumphant of temptations, pray for us.
Saint Yves, victorious of the world, pray for us.
Saint Yves, man worthy of honor, pray for us.
Saint Yves, stainless man, pray for us,
Saint Yves, gentle man, pray for us,
Saint Yves, defender of the innocent, pray for us.
Saint Yves, protector of virgins, pray for us,
Saint Yves, protector of widows and orphans, pray for us.
Saint Yves, worker of miracles, pray for us.
Saint Yves, terror of demons, pray for us.
Saint Yves, healer of the sick, pray for us.
Saint Yves, safety of seafarers, pray for us.
Saint Yves, consoler of the afflicted, pray for us.
Saint Yves, provider of food for the hungry, pray for us.
Saint Yves, refuge of the downtrodden, pray for us.
Saint Yves, helper of all who invoke thee, pray for us.
Saint Yves, bright light among men of law, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest 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 takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O glorious Saint Yves,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, from whom cometh all that is right and just, Thou didst establish Saint Yves as a judge in the midst of his brethren, making him the friend and advocate of the poor. Do Thou make us, by his intercession, steadfast in the pursuit of justice and confident in Thy merciful goodness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
