The State of Grace
by VP
Posted on Sunday September 22, 2024 at 12:00AM in Sermons
"The grace of God that is given to you in Christ Jesus."I COR. i. 4.
1. Grace, life of our soul; security of salvation.
2. Signs that we are in the state of grace: the testimony of our conscience, that we have repented; fraternal charity; light illuminating our soul.
3. Preserve grace by humility and holy fear.
GRACE is the gift of God and the life of our soul. By it we participate in the divine nature. If we preserve our souls in the state of grace in life, we make certain of our everlasting reward and glory hereafter. Grace is given to us by God freely, lovingly, generously; our solicitude and daily endeavor must be to preserve it in our souls. But how few of us value it as we should! In the world how many do not believe in grace: reject it for a whim, a pleasure, an indulgence of their passions! And yet it is the all-important thing for each of us to preserve our soul in the state of grace. Yet can we know for sure whether we are in the state of grace?-for Scripture tells us that man knows not whether he be worthy of love or hatred-that is, whether he be in the favor and friendship of God, or whether sin has driven grace from his soul, and left it "poor and miserable and naked" in the sight of His heavenly Father.
True, we cannot know for certain; but there are signs, which guarantee us a moral certainty, sufficient for a solid hope to be built on it, that we are friends with God, and have grace within our souls. "The grace of God that is given to you in Christ Jesus." Let us examine these signs, these tests, to help us to be solicitous and earnest in treasuring this heavenly gift.
The first is the testimony of our conscience. Conscience acknowledges that we have sinned, but can also claim that we have done that which is required for sin to be forgiven; that we need not fear that those sins of which we have repented can be our accusers at the Judgment. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity" (1 John i. 9). This testimony of our conscience is one of the greatest tests of grace, because we are only judged according to our conscience. We must "endeavor to have always a conscience without offense towards God and towards man (Acts xxiv. 16).
The second sign or test that we are in the state of grace, given us both by St. Leo the Great and St. Augustine, is fraternal charity. Truly, if we have God within us by His grace, how can we not have a little of the love and charity of God towards our brethren, the well-beloved children of the same Father? St. John tells us," If God hath so loved us, we also ought to love one another. . . . If we love one another, God abideth in us, and His charity is perfected in us" (1 John iv. II, 17). "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren " (ibid. iii. 14). And what is the life of our soul but "the grace of God, given to us in Christ Jesus"? Fraternal charity indeed is the great sign, the moral certitude of predestination, that the grace of God exists. supreme in our soul. "As fire produces heat," says St. Bruno, "so grace produces charity." Charity diffuses itself to all and in all things, simply for the love of God. We see God in the poor, the suffering, the dying and the souls in purgatory, and it is to Him, through them, that we extend our sympathy, our kindness, and our help. And if we are thus charitable for God's sake is it not that we love Him, or, at least, are striving to love Him? And to love God-is not that a sign, a test, a sure proof that we are already in the grace of God?
Remember the example of that religious, an ordinary religious as far as man could judge, who, when dying, knew no terror or anguish. His eyes were raised upwards so calmly, so hopefully, there was evidence of such peace of soul, that his superior asked him, was there no cause of sorrow or fear from the past? It is very true, the dying man replied, I have been careless and tepid, yet in spite of past infidelities I die in peace, because I have never judged my brethren, and I have the word of Jesus Christ," Judge not, and thou shalt not be judged." My God, pardon me, as I have pardoned others; bear me no ill-will, as I have borne none to others; forget my sins and iniquities, as I have forgotten anything that others have done to me. Grant me measure for measure; pity for pity; kindness for kindness. What a testimony does fraternal charity thus bear to our souls, that we are in the state of grace!
The last sign to be mentioned is this, and it grows out of the two preceding tests. If our conscience has not to reproach us with sin; if the love of God is urging us to the practice of fraternal charity, a light, a heavenly light illuminates our souls, revealing to us the nothingness, the paltriness, the vileness of this world and of all that it can offer us; and revealing to us, on the other hand, the beauty of the life of grace, giving us a relish of the supernatural, our prayers, our Holy Communions, yea, even a love of patient suffering, and a longing desire for heaven. Thus the light of grace leads us safely along the humble path that leads to life eternal. Let us pray for holy fear, lest we should lose reverence and care for the preservation of grace within us. How this life seems to fade away and lose all fascination to attract us; and how near the brightness of heaven seems, because of "the grace that is given to us in Christ Jesus.'" Short Sermons on the Epistles & Gospels of the Sundays of the Year By Rev. Fr. Francis Paulinus Hickey; 18th Sunday after Pentecost
St. Matthew, Apostle
by VP
Posted on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
Carravagio, St. Matthew's Martyrdom
- Saint Matthew was killed at the altar by the Ethiopian King Hirtacus, while offering the sacrifice of the Mass, for refusing consent to the king's marriage to the virgin Eugenia who was dedicated to God. Source: Explanation of the Epistles and Gospels for the Sundays and Holy days by Rev. Leonard Goffine 1880, Vol. 25, St. Matthew page 870
- A Galilean by birth, his name before his conversion was Levi; he was a publican. This profession which consisted in collecting the Roman taxes was very odious to the Jews, who were thus reminded of their dependence. Generally harsh and greedy, the publican was considered by the Pharisees the type of the sinner. Wherefore the Church shows us Jesus as the healer of souls which He calls to penance.
- We read in the Gospel, St. Matthew's own account of his conversion. The Epistle describes the famous vision where Ezekiel saw four symbolical animals in which the four Evangelists were recognized from the earliest centuries. St. Matthew is represented by the animal with a human face, because he commences his Gospel by the line of ancestors from whom Jesus descended as man. His object in writing this book, which is stamped by truly divine wisdom (Introit) was to prove that Jesus realized the prophecies relating to the deliverer of Israel and that He is therefore the Messiah.
After Pentecost, the Apostle preached the good news in Palestine and in Ethiopia, where he was martyred. The name of St. Matthew is in the Canon of the Mass in the group of the Apostles. Every Parish Priest celebrates Mass for the welfare spiritual and temporal of his parishioners.
Daily Missal with Vespers for Sundays & Feasts by Dom Gaspar Lefebvre
- He was called from the receipt of custom, to be an apostle. Beseech God to call you from all your evil ways, and to have mercy on all sinners.
He was the first who wrote the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that this may be written in your heart, to be the rule of your life. Pray for all who read it, that it may lead them into all truth.
Having preached the gospel in Ethiopia with great fruit, he was at length put to death by the enemies of his faith. Pray for all who succeed in his function, that they may be accompanied with the same spirit, and blessed with success in the good of souls.
On this day of a publican and oppressor of the poor becoming an apostle, all sinners have reason to hold up their heads, and hope for mercy from him, who publicly declares that he comes to call sinners to repentance. If you are but ready to obey his call, you have no reason to doubt of his part: for if he had no desire to receive you, he would never call upon you to return. But see that your return be like that of St. Matthew, by forsaking whatever evil you have been engaged in. Matthew, an apostle, is no more a publican; because that profession was unlawful, and not consistent with the spirit of Christ. Thus it ought to be with every sinner who thinks in earnest of following Christ. He is to examine into his profession, and the practice of his life; he is obliged to be sorry for whatever he observes contrary to the law of God, and humbly acknowledge it before a minister of Christ. And thus far common practice carries the Christian on without much difficulty; for he easily calls his sins to remembrance; he conceives some trouble upon this review, and though nature be something averse to Confession, yet it generally costs not much to overcome. But the principal point is yet to come; and that is, whether that sorrow and repentance, with which he has proceeded, has been so sincere, as to work a change in his heart, and separate him from that, which his conscience tells him, has before separated him from God. For if this be not the effect of his repentance and Confession, he has too just reason to fear that there was no sincerity in what he did.
Now though we may hope that the repentance is not always insincere, which is followed by a relapse; yet there is reason enough to fear it; and there more especially, where, after Confession, there is little or no care taken to prevent it. For how can he be supposed to be heartily sorry for having offended God, who uses no means to prevent his offending him again? Is any one heartily troubled for being sick, who will do nothing for his cure? Since therefore, the motions of the soul are so uncertain, and we may be easily mistaken in the judgment which we form of them, we cannot do better than to examine into the effects, and guess of the tree by the fruit. Therefore it is the business of a penitent to consider how solicitous he is, and what pains he takes, that he may not fall again into those disorders, which he has acknowledged to be displeasing to God. He must examine whether he uses due endeavors for overcoming those passions of ill habits, to which he is subject, and to separate himself from those occasions which led him into sin. This is the work, in which his sorrow for past offenses necessarily engages him; and if it was sincere before Confession, he will undertake it after Confession. But if his Confession be followed with little diligence and endeavors, or even none, he has more reason to suspect all that is past of being counterfeit and insincere, than to judge favorably of it; and must not be surprised, if absolution be afterwards for some time denied him, till he can give better proof of his being truly in earnest in a matter of this concern. This is the rule, by which all habitual sinners are to judge of their repentance, as to all the sins of drunkenness, uncleanness, injustice, passion, cursing and swearing, neglect of family, or other duties, and the rest. For if after Confession they go on without endeavors for amendment, what hopes are there of their having any part in the mercy of this day, whilst being publicans before, they are publicans still, and quit not their injustice to follow Christ?" The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER 1861
Autumn Saturday Ember day
by VP
Posted on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 12:00AM in Prayers
Ember Saturday in September.
"On the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the year, the Jews used to celebrate at the conclusion of the harvest, the feast of Tabernacles and lived during eight days under tents or huts made of foliage in remembrance of the nomadic life of the Israelites in the desert (Second Lesson). This feast was preceded, on the tenth of the month, by the very solemn Day of Expiation called Holy (First Lesson). On this day the High Priest purified himself in the basin which stood before the Sanctuary, then taking the blood of the victims, he entered the Holy of Holies and prayed near the mercy-seat (Epistle).
The Saturday in the September Ember week, formerly the seventh month of the year, recalls this feast both of penance and joy.
The Prophets Micheas, Zacharias and Daniel, whose writings were read through during the night or vigil preceding the Sunday, speak in similar terms of salvation brought by God to those who atone for their sins and implore His protection amid the dangers that threaten them. The Epistle show the new alliance which Jesus Christ has established between our repentant souls and God by offering to Him in the real Holy of Holies, which is heaven, the blood which He shed upon the Cross to atone for our sins.
In the same way as Jesus delivered the woman whom Satan had bound for eighteen years, and like the gardener mentioned in the Gospel, the priests heal our souls and by their prayers and their untiring zeal ward off from souls the rigors of divine justice, making them produce sweet fruits of penance and good works; this Mass is therefore eminently suited for an ordination.
After the First Lesson are ordained the Porters; after the Second the Readers, after the Third the Exorcists; after the Fourth, the Acolytes; after the Fifth, the Sub-deacons, after the Epistles, the Deacons, and after the Gospel the Priests. Daily Missal with Vespers for Sundays & Feasts by Dom Gaspar Lefebvre
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"Now, more than ever, must the faithful pray for good priests, and again be mindful that holy Church has established three Ember days in each of the four seasons of the year, during which the faithful should pray and fast, in order to implore of God more and zealous priests. All good things must be obtained by prayer, supplication and sacrifice.
Let us pray much and often for priests, that the Lord may send worthy laborers to reap his harvest. This is the will of Christ, who touched by pity said to his disciples, "The harvest, indeed, is great, but the laborers are few." It is Mary's ardent desire to see many and holy priests laboring in the vineyard of her Son. Better than any saint does she realize the value of an immortal soul, its nobility and likeness to God. St. Chrysostom says, "The value of the whole world cannot be compared to that of one soul;" but without priests, immortal souls cannot be saved.
How our Lord is pleased to great the petition for good priests, is shown by the following example.
Lady Vaughan, mother of Cardinal Vaughan of Westminster, London, had no greater ambition than to see all of her children dedicate their lives to God's service in the sacred ministry or in the convent. As she was convinced that a vocation to the priesthood or the religious life was a grace from God, she prayed with utmost fervor that her children might be granted this grace. For this intention, for thirty years she daily prayed an hour before the blessed Sacrament. And how was her petition granted? all her daughters, five in number, embraced the religious life; of her eight sons, six became priests, among them was a cardinal and two archbishops.
Ah, if all pious mothers would imitate her example and pray fervently and perseveringly, the Lord would certainly grant the grace of a vocation to the holy priesthood to at least one of their sons, and soon there would no longer be a scarcity of priests. What a reward will Jesus and Mary once bestow on you, if you dear Christian mother, render Him and His Church so great a service. St. Benedict Almanac Young People Company, 1918
A Prayer for Vocations to St. John Vianney
O God our Father, You promised "I will
appoint shepherds for My sheep who will shepherd them so that they need
no longer fear and tremble:
and none shall be missing." (Jer. 23:4-5). Hear the prayers of Your
flock. Through the intercession of Your beloved priest, Saint John
Vianney,
we beg You to call to the sacramental priesthood generous men who will
desire nothing more than to serve You in imitation of Your Son, Our
Lord Jesus Christ, our High Priest.
And after You call them, we pray that You sustain the doubtful, console the discouraged, and strengthen
the weak as they start the long and demanding preparation for the priesthood.
Mary, Mother of priests, and example of faithful, humble,
and joyful acceptance of God's will, help all those who are called to
the priesthood to open their ears and hearts to the gentle call of the
Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Autumn Ember Friday
by VP
Posted on Friday September 20, 2024 at 12:00AM in Prayers
"These fasts were instituted to sanctify each season of the year, and thus obtain the favors of God, especially His mercy. They were also established to obtain the blessing of the Almighty on the fruits of the land. In spring we pray for fertility; in summer, for preservation of the crops; in autumn, for a good harvest; and in winter we offer up our grateful thanksgiving for the blessings received.
The Church, too, wishes us to pray for those who are to be ordained priests on these days, that they may obtain the graces necessary to fulfill all their obligations, and the virtues that adorn their sacred calling. “And when they had ordained for them priests in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in Whom they believed.” (Acts xiv.22.)
As alms generally accompany fasting and prayer, a donation toward the education of priests for the foreign mission would be in keeping with the spirit of the Church on these occasions. We ought also to pray for vocations, especially for the foreign missions. “The harvest is great, but the laborers few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send laborers into the vineyard.” (Matt. ix. 37,38.).
These days should also remind us of asking ourselves how we stand with regard to God. If there be anything troubling our conscience, we ought to set it right, and then make good resolutions for the coming quarter. Thus, keeping ourselves always ready for the final summons, death will be disarmed of its terrors, and the close of life will be marked with a beautiful serenity." (Source: Catholic Life, or, The Feasts, Fasts, and Devotions of the Ecclesiastical Year, 1908. )
"The violence of the enemy is always directed against those priests who are most generous and most loyal. The more you are like your Divine Model, your Savior and your God, the more certainly will you be the target for the calumnies, the abuse and persecutions of the wicked." Revs. Jacques Nicolas et P. Millet, S.J. (Jesus Living in the Priest: Considerations on the greatness and Holiness of the Priesthood)
Way of the Cross for Priests:
INTENTION: O dearest Lord Jesus, I offer Thee the way of the Cross which
I am about to make for Thy honor and glory and for all Thy priests,
especially those who are suffering persecution for Thy sake.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Persecuted Priests:
Dearest St. Joseph, be the protector and defender of those priests undergoing persecution for being faithful to their Lord and Sovereign Priest, Jesus Christ. See in them the image of thy beloved child, and cherish them with that tender solicitude which God places in Thy paternal heart. Obtain for them the good graces of thy Queen and Spouse, for such graces of predilection will surely lighten their burdens and render their crosses sweet. Amen.
Source: Cure d'Ars Prayer GroupSt. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest and martyr
by VP
Posted on Friday September 20, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
Father Kim Taegon Holy Name Cathedral, Raleigh NC
- "No matter how fiercely the powers of this world oppress and oppose the Church, they will never bring it down. Ever since His ascension and from the time of the apostles to the present, the Lord Jesus has made His Church grow even in the midst of tribulations." From the final exhortation of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon priest and martyr
- "Why do you practice this religion contrary to the king's orders? Give it up."
"I practice my religion because it is true; it teaches me to know God, and brings me to eternal happiness: I know of no such thing as apostasy."
The torture was then applied to me, and the judge said, "If you do not apostatize you shall die under the blows."
"As you please, but I will never abandon my God. Do you wish to hear the truth of my religion? Listen. The God whom I worship is the Creator of heaven and earth, of men and of everything that is: He punishes sin and rewards virtue, etc. Whence it follows that all men are bound to do homage to Him. For my part, I thank thee, O mandarin, for making me suffer these tortures for His love. May my God reward you for this benefit, and raise you to a higher rank." Gloriaromanorum.blogspot
- " This is my last hour of life, listen to me attentively: if I have held communication with foreigners, it has been for my religion and for my God. It is for Him that I die. My immortal life is on the point of beginning. Become Christians if you wish to be happy after death, because God has eternal chastisements in store for those who have refused to know Him." Last words of St. Andrew Kim (Archdiocese of Toronto)
Prayer:
O God, who have been pleased to increase your adopted children in all the world, and who made the blood of the Martyrs Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon and his companions a most fruitful seed of Christians, grant that we may be defended by their help and profit always from their example. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Saint Januarius, and companions, Martyrs , A.D. 305.
by VP
Posted on Thursday September 19, 2024 at 12:42AM in Saints
The Martyrdom of St Januarius, by Artemisia Gentileschi (1636)
Prayer to St. Januarius
O holy martyrs, and thou especially, O Januarius, the leader no less by thy courage than by thy pontifical dignity, your present glory increases our longing for heaven; your past combats animate us to fight the good fight; your continual miracles confirm us in the faith. Praise and gratitude are therefore due to you on this day of your triumph; and we pay this our debt in the joy of our hearts.
In return, extend to us the protection, of which the fortunate cities placed under your powerful patronage are so justly proud. Defend those faithful towns against the assaults of the evil one.
In compensation for the falling away of society at large, offer to Christ our King the growing faith of all who pay you honor. The Liturgical Year: Time after Pentecost by Dom Prosper Guéranger
"Saint Januarius was bishop of Benevento in Italy, when the persecution of Dioclesian broke out. He was apprehended, and with several other Christians exposed to be devoured by beasts in the amphitheater: but none of the savage animals could be provoked to touch them. The people were amazed, but imputed their preservation to art-magic: and the martyrs were condemned to be beheaded. The city of Naples was so happy as to obtain possession of the relics of St. Januarius. That city has often owed its preservation from the fiery eruptions of Mount Vesuvius, to the intercession of the saint. His body still lies in the great church at Naples; where some of his congealed blood is kept in a phial, which being brought in presence of his head, begins to melt and grow fresh, as if newly spilt. Of this, great numbers of travelers have been frequent witnesses.
Adore the power and goodness of God, who is never wanting to his servants in the day of their distress. Let the help which they found, raise up your heart to an entire confidence in your God, as to all present troubles, and whatever are yet to come.
Trust in him; and though he seems to defer his help, yet be assured that he will not forsake you; but will either deliver you, or give you strength to suffer. Leave it to him to do what he knows best. It is his will that you should go through many trials: be not tired, nor faint under them: for by these rough ways he brings his servants to everlasting rest.
While you admire the courage of the martyrs, fail not to follow it. Live peaceably with all, whatever their persuasion be; and only then separate, when something is required which is contrary to your faith. Keep up a good correspondence, and be in charity with all neighbors; but never join in religious worship with those who are separated from the true Church; because it would in fact be acknowledging what your faith will not allow. Courage is necessary for this; but if you have principles, live up to them. Fear not what the world will say; if some revile, the more sober will commend your constancy." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Our Lady of La Salette
by VP
Posted on Thursday September 19, 2024 at 12:00AM in Prayers
(Public Domain) Notre Dame de la Salette
Our Lady of la Salette, Reconciler of sinners, pray without ceasing for us who have recourse to thee.
The Hymn of the Confraternity.
O Lady blest of La Salette-Take pity on our hapless state,
And hearken to our cry!
Thine own sweet voice in plaintive wail,
As we walk through this tearful vale,
Is heard reproachfully.
In France, we're taught, thou didst appear,
And through two children biding near,
A warning didst convey―
The arm of thine offended Son
Thou couldst not hold, and heaven's frown
Thou couldst no longer stay.
The wrath of Jesus Christ would fall,
So didst thou say, on us and all,
For our iniquity:
Thy warning is, that we repent,
Or else a fatal punishment
Will scourge us heavily.
Then stay, O Virgin Mother, stay
The doom impending, whilst we pray
To thy most clement Son:
And as on earth our vows we make,
Present them thou, for Jesus' sake,
To God's eternal throne.
One only God we'll ever serve,
And from His truth we ne'er will swerve,
The one unchanging faith:
Our holy Church we know to be
The sole and only Church, where we
Can rest in life and death.
Oh, may we never take again
The holy Name of God in vain,
Or His good Spirit grieve!
All cursing, swearing, blasphemy
Be far from us: and holily
May we for ever live!
The Sunday and all holidays,
We promise we will spend in praise
Of our much injured God.
Our joy shall be our Mass to hear,
And to the Sacraments draw near,
Those wells of Christ's own blood.
And when our priests the doctrines preach,
Which God hath given them power to teach,
We ne'er will absent be:
The days of abstinence and fast,
We'll strive to keep from first to last,
And Holy Church obey.
O Virgin Queen, in pity hear
Thy children whilst we humbly dare
These pious vows to make-
What God and Holy Church command,
On bended knee, with outstretched hand,
We promise ne'er to break.
O Lady blest of La Salette,
Thy strength can hardly bear the weight
Of Christ's uplifted arm:
Still tarry, Mother, yet awhile—
Our hearts to Jesus reconcile,
And shield us from the storm.
“If my people will not obey, I shall be compelled to loose my Son’s arm. It is so heavy, so pressing that I can no longer restrain it. How long I have suffered for you! If my Son is not to cast you off, I am obliged to entreat Him without ceasing. But you take not the least notice of that. No matter how well you pray in the future, no matter how well you act, you will never be able to make up to me what I have endured for your sake.
I have appointed you six days for working. The seventh I have reserved for myself. And no one will give it to me. This it is which causes the weight of my Son’s arm to be crushing. The cart drivers cannot swear without bringing in my Son’s name. These are the two things which make my Son’s arms so burdensome.
If the harvest is spoiled, it is your own fault. I warned you last year by means of the potatoes. You paid no heed. Quite the reverse, when you discovered that the potatoes had rotted, you swore, you abused my Son’s name. They will continue to rot, and by Christmas this year there will be none left.
If you have grain, it will do no good to sow it, for what you sow the beasts will devour, and any part of it that springs up will crumble into dust when you thresh it.
A great famine is coming. But before that happens, the children under seven years of age will be seized with trembling and die in their parent’s arms. The grownups will pay for their sins by hunger. The grapes will rot, and the walnuts will turn bad.”
"Only a few rather old women go to Mass in the Summer. All the rest work every Sunday throughout the Summer. And in Winter, when they don’t know what to do with themselves, they go to Mass only to poke fun at religion. During Lent they flock to the butcher shops, like dogs.” The Message of La Salette La Salette Missionaries, Province of Mary, Mother of the Americas.
Shrine of Salette, FranceSt. Joseph of Cupertino, CONFESSOR, A.D. 1663.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday September 18, 2024 at 12:38AM in Saints
Ludovico Mazzanti (1686-1775)
"Mary, thou refuge of sinners, be mindful of me" St. Joseph of Copertino By Angelo Pastrovicchi
"The parents of this saint were poor, but virtuous. From his infancy he gave signs of extraordinary virtue. He was very attentive to the divine service, wore a hair shirt, and mortified his body by various austerities. Having finished his novitiate among the Franciscans near Cupertino, he made his vows as a lay brother. Though employed in the meanest offices, he performed them with perfect fidelity. He redoubled his fasts and austerities, prayed continually, and slept only three hours every night. His humility, sweetness and love of mortification and penance gained him so much veneration, that he was admitted among the religious of the choir, that he might qualify himself to receive Holy Orders.
Being ordained priest, he celebrated his first Mass with inexpressible sentiments of faith, love, and respect. He chose a retired cell that was dark and inconvenient. He divested himself of every thing that was allowed by his rule, and cried out, prostrate before his crucifix: "Behold me, O Lord, bereft of all earthly things: be thou, I beseech thee, my only good; I look upon every other thing as a real danger, and as a loss to my soul."
After having received the priesthood, he increased his austerities; and his desire of mortification made him invent different instruments of penance. He suffered many interior trials and severe temptations; and was treated with great harshness and severity by the superior of the convent at Assisium, where he was sent by the general of his order. But he soon experienced a return of heavenly consolations. His raptures were as frequent, as extraordinary. He had a singular talent for converting the most obdurate sinners, and quieting the minds of those who labored under any trouble. He explained the most profound doctrines of our faith with the greatest clearness; and this sublime knowledge he owed to the intimate communication which he had with God in prayer. His miracles were not less remarkable than the other extraordinary favors which he received from God. Many sick owed their recovery to his prayers.
The saint falling ill of a fever, foretold that his death was near at hand. The day before his death, he received the holy Viaticum, and after it Extreme Unction. He was heard often to repeat those aspirations of a heart inflamed with the love of God: "O that my soul was freed from the shackles of my body, to be reunited to Jesus Christ! Praise and thanksgiving be to God! The will of God be done! Jesus crucified, receive my heart, and kindle in it the fire of thy holy love." He died on the 18th of September, 1663, at the age of sixty. His body was exposed in the church, and the whole town came to visit it with respect; he was afterwards buried in the chapel of the Conception at Osimo, where he died; and his sanctity was attested by many miracles." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER 1861
Ember Wednesday: the day Christ was betrayed
by VP
Posted on Wednesday September 18, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
Prayer for Priests Who Have Become Unfaithful to Their Vocation
Divine Savior Jesus Christ, Thou are the
Good Shepherd who gives His life for His sheep. Oh, be in a very
special way the Good Shepherd of those poor lost priests who are also
appointed by Thee to be leaders of Thy people, but who have broken the
oath of their holy ordination and have become unfaithful to their
exalted calling. Bestow upon these poorest of the poor the very fullness
of that pastoral solicitude with which Thou dost so faithfully seek the
sheep that are lost! Touch their hearts with the irresistible ray of
grace which emanates from Thine all-merciful love! Enlighten their minds
and strengthen their wills, that they may turn away from all sin and
error and come back to Thy holy altar and to Thy people. O most
compassionate Savior! Remember that Thou didst once redeem the souls of
Thine erring priests with Thy Precious Blood and in infinite
preferential love didst impress upon them the indelible character of the
priesthood. Put wholly to shame those miserable helpers of Satan who
lay snares for the virtue of priests and endanger the holy ideal of the
priesthood. Most graciously accept our prayers and sacrifices for poor
priests who have gone astray and hear our earnest petition. Amen
St. Anthony of Padua, defender of the Holy Eucharist, obtain for us holy priests.
St. John-Mary Vianney, model of sacerdotal holiness, obtain for us holy priests.
St. Francis Xavier, patron of missionary priests, obtain for us holy priests.
St. Therese of the Child-Jesus and of the Holy Face, victim offered for the sanctification of priests, obtain for us holy priests.
Saints and Servants of God, obtain for us holy priests.
Imprimatur - Bishop John F. Null (April 18, 1948)
Source: Cure d'Ars Prayer Group DevotionsSaint Hildegard of Bingen, Benedictine and Doctor of the Church
by VP
Posted on Tuesday September 17, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
Saint Hildegard of Bingen, (Public Domain)
Under an allegorical image Hildegard condemns the sins and corruption of Church officials.
"In the year 1170 lying for a long time in my sickbed, fully awake in body and soul, I saw an exceedingly beautiful image of a woman. She was so delightful and so beautiful that the mind of man could never comprehend it, and in stature she reached from the earth to the heavens. She was clothed in a garment of dazzling white silk, over which was a cloak set with precious stones - with emeralds, sapphires, and pearls - and on her feet were shoes of onyx. But her face was smudged with dirt, and her dress was torn on the right side. Moreover, her cloak had lost its exquisite beauty, and the tops of her shoes were soiled.
She cried out in a loud, mournful voice to the heights of heaven: Give heed, O heavens, because my face has been smudged, and mourn, O earth because my garment has been torn, and tremble, O abyss, because my shoes have been soiled. "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests" (Matt. 8,20), but I have no one to help or console me, and no staff to lean on for support.
And again she said: I lay hidden in the heart of the Father until the Son of Man, who was virginally conceived and born, shed His blood. And I was betrothed to Him through that blood, and dowered, so that through a pure, unsullied regeneration of spirit and of water, I could give new life to those who had been diseased and contaminated by the venom of the serpent.
Those who nurtured me - the priests, that is to say - were supposed to make my face glow like the dawn, my clothes flash like lighting, my cloak gleam like precious stones and my shoes to shine brightly. Instead, they have smeared my face with dirt, they have torn my garment, they have blackened my cloak, and they have soiled my shoes. The very ones who were supposed to beautify me with adornments have all failed miserably. This is the way they soil my face: They take up and handle the body and blood of my Bridegroom while defiled by the uncleanliness of their lustful morals, poisoned by the deadly venom of fornication and adultery, and corrupted by the avaricious rapine of buying and selling improper things. (That is, Church Offices, the sin of simony) They encompass His body and blood with filth, like someone putting a child in the mud among swine. For just as man became flesh and blood when God created him from the slime of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life (cf. Gen. 2,7), so too at the words of the priest, when he invokes the divinity over the altar, that same power of God turns the offering of bread, wine, and water into the real flesh and blood of Christ, that is, of my Bridegroom. But man cannot see this phenomenon with his physical eyes because he was blinded at Adam's fall.
As long as the wounds of man's sins gape open, my Bridegroom's wounds remain fresh and open. And the priests, who are supposed to make me resplendent, and serve me in the resplendence, are contaminating these wounds of Christ by running from church to church in their great avarice. They are tearing my garment because they are perverters of the law and the gospel and their own priesthood. In this way they are blackening my cloak because they are completely neglecting the precepts established for them. Moreover, they do not fulfill those precepts with good will and perfect work through abstinence (that is, the emerald), nor through generous distribution of alms (that is, the sapphire), nor with other good and upright works that brings honor to God (that is, the other kinds of gems). And they soil the tops of my shoes by not following the straight paths of righteousness, that is, those difficult and arduous ways. Furthermore, they do not set good examples for their subordinates, despite the fact that I preserve the splendor of truth below in my shoes, as in my secret place. False priests are self-deceived, because they want to have the honor of the priesthood without its work. This cannot be, because no one will receive the reward unless he has completed the work (cf. Cor 3.8) But when the grace of God touches a person, it causes him to perform his task so that he may receive his reward.
And so let heaven rain down all kinds of calamities upon mankind in the vengeance of God, and let a cloud cover the whole earth, so that its viridity withers and its beauty fades. And let the abyss tremble because, along with heaven and earth, it will be whipped into a frenzy in vengeance and grief. O you priests! you who have neglected me thus far, the princes of the earth and the rash mob will rise up against you, cast you out, and put you to flight. They will take your riches away from you, because you have not attended to your priestly office. And they will say about you: "Let us cast these adulterers and robbers of the Church, for they are full of every kind of wickedness." And in doing this, they believe that they have been obedient to God, for they say that the Church has been contaminated by you. This is why the Scripture says: " Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together" (Ps. 2.1-2). For with God's permission many nations will begin to rage in their judgments against you, and many people will devise vain things against you, and will count your priestly office and your consecration as worthless. Then, the kings of the earth will aid them in casting you out, because they are greedy for earthly things, and the princes who will be your lords will agree in casting you out of their territory, for by your wicked deeds, you have put the innocent Lamb to flight."
And I heard a voice from heaven saying: This figure represents the Church. Therefore, O man, you who see and hear these mournful words, convey them to the priests, who were established and ordained to rule and teach the people of God, for that which was said to the apostles applies also to them: "Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature" ( Mark 16.15). For when God created mankind, he sealed every creature in him, just as on a single small piece of parchment, one can mark the time and reckoning of an entire year. For this reason God named all creation "mankind."
And again I, a poor little feminine form, saw an unsheathed sword hanging in the air, one edge of which was turned toward the heavens, the other toward the earth. And this sword was stretched out over the spiritual people, just as the prophet had long ago foreseen when he cried out in wonder: "Who are these, that fly as clouds, and as doves to their windows:" ( Is. 60.8)? For these were those who were lifted up from the earth and separated from the common people, and they were expected to live saintly lives in simplicity of morals and their works. And I saw that that sword was cutting off certain monasteries of spiritual men, just as Jerusalem was cut off after the Passion of the Lord. But still I saw that in that adversity God will preserve for Himself many priests who are devout, pure and simple, just as He answered Elijah, saying that there remained to him "seven thousand men in Israel, whose knees have not been bowed before Baal" (I King 19.18)
Now may the unquenchable fire of the Holy Spirit so infuse you that you will turn to the better part. (St. Luke 10.42)"
Source: The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen. (149 r. Hildegard to Wener, 1170. Pages 92 to 94)
