June 29th
St Peter (d. 64/67), Apostle, Pope, Martyr; Bethsaida, Palestine; Feast day June 29th
"Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful man!"
"Behold, O Lord, we have left all things and have followed thee."
"Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life."
"Thou are Christ, the Son of the living God."
"Be prudent therefore and watchful in prayers. But above all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves; for charity covers a multitude of sins."
"Lay aside therefore all malice, and all deceit, and pretense, and envy, and all slander. Crave, as newborn babes, pure spiritual mild, that by it you may grow to salvation; if, indeed, you have tasted that the Lord is sweet. Draw near to Him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men but chosen and honored by God."
"You, however, are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; that you may proclaim the perfections of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in the time of visitation; cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be sober, be watchful! For your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same suffering befalls your brethren all over the world. But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself, after we have suffered a little while, perfect, strengthen and establish us. To Him is the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
June 28th
St Iranaeus (120-202), Bishop, Church Father, Martyr; Smyrna, Greece; Feast day June 28th
"The greatest church is the most ancient and known to all, founded at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul, which retains the tradition which it received from them, and which is derived through a succession of bishops down to us. Showing which, we confound all who, any way out of self-conceit, love of applause, blindness, or false persuasions, embrace what ought not to be advanced; for to this church (of Rome,) on account of its chiefer presidentship, it is necessary that every church, that is, the faithful everywhere, address themselves, in which church the tradition from the apostles is everywhere preserved."
"To this almighty Maker and Disposer of all things it is, that we Christians offer up our prayers, with eyes lifted up to heaven; and without a prompter, we pray with our hearts rather than with our tongues; and in all our prayers are ever mindful of all our emperors and kings wheresoever we live, beseeching God for every one of them, that He would bless them with length of days, and a quiet reign, a well established family, a valiant army, a faithful senate, an honest people, and a peaceful world, with whatever else either prince or people can wish for. Thus while we are stretching forth our hands to God, let your tormenting irons harrow our flesh, let your gibbets exalt us, or your fires consume our bodies, or let your swords cut off our heads, or your beasts tread us to the earth. For a Christian, upon his knees to his God, is in a posture of defense against all the evils you can crowd upon him. Consider this, O you impartial judges, and go on with your justice; rack out the soul of a Christin, which is pouring out herself to God for the life of the emperor."
St Iranaeus (120-202), Bishop, Church Father, Martyr; Smyrna, Greece; Feast day June 28th
"The greatest church is the most ancient and known to all, founded at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul, which retains the tradition which it received from them, and which is derived through a succession of bishops down to us. Showing which, we confound all who, any way out of self-conceit, love of applause, blindness, or false persuasions, embrace what ought not to be advanced; for to this church (of Rome,) on account of its chiefer presidentship, it is necessary that every church, that is, the faithful everywhere, address themselves, in which church the tradition from the apostles is everywhere preserved."
"To this almighty Maker and Disposer of all things it is, that we Christians offer up our prayers, with eyes lifted up to heaven; and without a prompter, we pray with our hearts rather than with our tongues; and in all our prayers are ever mindful of all our emperors and kings wheresoever we live, beseeching God for every one of them, that He would bless them with length of days, and a quiet reign, a well established family, a valiant army, a faithful senate, an honest people, and a peaceful world, with whatever else either prince or people can wish for. Thus while we are stretching forth our hands to God, let your tormenting irons harrow our flesh, let your gibbets exalt us, or your fires consume our bodies, or let your swords cut off our heads, or your beasts tread us to the earth. For a Christian, upon his knees to his God, is in a posture of defense against all the evils you can crowd upon him. Consider this, O you impartial judges, and go on with your justice; rack out the soul of a Christin, which is pouring out herself to God for the life of the emperor."
Thursday, June 27, 2013
June 27th
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"Ah, if faith had not assured us of it, who could ever have believed that a God, almighty, most happy, and the Lord of all, should have condescended to love man to such an extent that He seems to go out of Himself for the love of him? We have seen Wisdom itself, that is the Eternal Word, become foolish through the excessive love He bore to man!"
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Thorens-Glieres, France; Feast day January 29th
"With what love would not our souls become enkindled at the sight of those flames which are in the Redeemer's breast! And oh, what happiness, to be able to be consumed by that same fire with which our God burns for us! What joy, to be united to God by the chains of love!"
St John of Avila (1499-1569), Priest, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Almodovar del Campo, Spain; Feast day May 10
"No human intellect can conceive how strongly this fire burns in the heart of Jesus Christ. As He was commanded to suffer death once, so, had He been commanded to die a thousand times, His love had been sufficient to endure it. And if what He suffered for all men had been imposed upon Him for the salvation of one single soul, He would have done the same for each in particular as He did for all."
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"Ah, if faith had not assured us of it, who could ever have believed that a God, almighty, most happy, and the Lord of all, should have condescended to love man to such an extent that He seems to go out of Himself for the love of him? We have seen Wisdom itself, that is the Eternal Word, become foolish through the excessive love He bore to man!"
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Thorens-Glieres, France; Feast day January 29th
"With what love would not our souls become enkindled at the sight of those flames which are in the Redeemer's breast! And oh, what happiness, to be able to be consumed by that same fire with which our God burns for us! What joy, to be united to God by the chains of love!"
St John of Avila (1499-1569), Priest, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Almodovar del Campo, Spain; Feast day May 10
"No human intellect can conceive how strongly this fire burns in the heart of Jesus Christ. As He was commanded to suffer death once, so, had He been commanded to die a thousand times, His love had been sufficient to endure it. And if what He suffered for all men had been imposed upon Him for the salvation of one single soul, He would have done the same for each in particular as He did for all."
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
June 26th
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop, Confessor, Founder, Doctor of the Church; Savoy, France; Feast day January 29th
"When we remember that Jesus Christ, true God, has loved us to such an excess as to suffer death, and the death of the cross, for us, our hearts are, as it were, put in a wine-press, and suffer violence, until love be extorted from them, but a violence which, the stronger it is, becomes the more delightful."
St Augustine (354-430), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Thagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"My Lord, what ever I behold on the earth, or above the earth, all speak to me, and exhort me to love You; because all assure me that You have made them for the love of me."
St Leonard (1676-1751), Priest, Confessor; Port Maurizio, Italy; Feast day November 27th
"If every morning for one half-hour the sky were to send us a shower of gold, would you not, dear reader, find time to gather in some of it. Well, each day there falls a shower of supernatural gold, not from the clouds, but from the altars of Holy Church. This golden shower is increase of grace, forgiveness of sin, remission of punishment and fellowship in the merits of Christ."
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop, Confessor, Founder, Doctor of the Church; Savoy, France; Feast day January 29th
"When we remember that Jesus Christ, true God, has loved us to such an excess as to suffer death, and the death of the cross, for us, our hearts are, as it were, put in a wine-press, and suffer violence, until love be extorted from them, but a violence which, the stronger it is, becomes the more delightful."
St Augustine (354-430), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Thagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"My Lord, what ever I behold on the earth, or above the earth, all speak to me, and exhort me to love You; because all assure me that You have made them for the love of me."
St Leonard (1676-1751), Priest, Confessor; Port Maurizio, Italy; Feast day November 27th
"If every morning for one half-hour the sky were to send us a shower of gold, would you not, dear reader, find time to gather in some of it. Well, each day there falls a shower of supernatural gold, not from the clouds, but from the altars of Holy Church. This golden shower is increase of grace, forgiveness of sin, remission of punishment and fellowship in the merits of Christ."
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
June 25th
St Ignatius of Antioch (35-107), Bishop, Martyr, Church Father; Syria; Feast day February 1
"I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David; and for drink I desire His blood, which is love incorruptible."
St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), Priest, Confessor; Gascony, France; Feast day July 19
"You must ask God to give you power to fight against the sin of pride which is your greatest enemy -- the root of all that is evil, and the failure of all that is good. For God resists the proud."
St Julian Peter Eymard (1811-1868), Priest, Confessor, Founder; La Mure, France; Feast day August 2
"He loves, He hopes, He waits. If He came down on our altars on certain days only, some sinner, on being moved to repentance, might have to look for Him, and not finding Him, might have to wait. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep him waiting one instant."
St Ignatius of Antioch (35-107), Bishop, Martyr, Church Father; Syria; Feast day February 1
"I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David; and for drink I desire His blood, which is love incorruptible."
St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), Priest, Confessor; Gascony, France; Feast day July 19
"You must ask God to give you power to fight against the sin of pride which is your greatest enemy -- the root of all that is evil, and the failure of all that is good. For God resists the proud."
St Julian Peter Eymard (1811-1868), Priest, Confessor, Founder; La Mure, France; Feast day August 2
"He loves, He hopes, He waits. If He came down on our altars on certain days only, some sinner, on being moved to repentance, might have to look for Him, and not finding Him, might have to wait. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep him waiting one instant."
Monday, June 24, 2013
June 24th
St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Virgin, Foundress, Doctor of the Church; Avila, Spain; Feast day October 15th
"Love of God does not consist in experiencing His tendernesses, but in serving Him with resolution and humility."
St John of Avila (1499-1569), Priest, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Almodovar del Campo, Spain; Feast day May 10
"O how much better it is to endure aridity and temptation by God's will than to be raised to the heights of contemplation without God's will!"
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Thorens-Glieres, France; Feast day January 29th
"If we do nothing else but banish distractions and temptations in our prayers, the prayer is well made."
St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Virgin, Foundress, Doctor of the Church; Avila, Spain; Feast day October 15th
"Love of God does not consist in experiencing His tendernesses, but in serving Him with resolution and humility."
St John of Avila (1499-1569), Priest, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Almodovar del Campo, Spain; Feast day May 10
"O how much better it is to endure aridity and temptation by God's will than to be raised to the heights of contemplation without God's will!"
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Thorens-Glieres, France; Feast day January 29th
"If we do nothing else but banish distractions and temptations in our prayers, the prayer is well made."
June 23rd
St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Bagnoregio, Italy; Feast day July 14
"Great are the excellences of prayer, great its privileges. The heavens open before it and unveil therein their secrets, and to it are the ears of God ever attentive."
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"Perhaps if God had given us greater talent, better health, a more personable appearance, we might have lost our souls! Great talent and knowledge have caused many to be puffed up with the idea of their own importance and, in their pride, they have despised others. How easily those who have these gifts fall into grave danger to their salvation!...'But one thing is necessary,' and it is not beauty, not health, not talent. It is the salvation of our immortal souls."
St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Bagnoregio, Italy; Feast day July 14
"Great are the excellences of prayer, great its privileges. The heavens open before it and unveil therein their secrets, and to it are the ears of God ever attentive."
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"Perhaps if God had given us greater talent, better health, a more personable appearance, we might have lost our souls! Great talent and knowledge have caused many to be puffed up with the idea of their own importance and, in their pride, they have despised others. How easily those who have these gifts fall into grave danger to their salvation!...'But one thing is necessary,' and it is not beauty, not health, not talent. It is the salvation of our immortal souls."
Saturday, June 22, 2013
June 22nd
St Paulinus of Nola (353-431), Bishop, Confessor; Bourdeaux, France; Feast day June 22nd
"Is surprised me that anyone should look upon it as a great action for a man to purchase eternal salvation, the only solid good, with perishable pelf, and to sell the earth to buy heaven."
St John Fisher (1469-1535), Bishop, Martyr; Beverley, Yorkshire, England; Feast day June 22nd
"Christian people, I am come hither to die for the faith of Christ's Catholic Church, and I thank God hitherto my courage hath served me well thereto, so that yet hitherto I have not feared death; wherefore I desire you help me and assist me with your prayers, that at the very point and instant of my death's stroke, and in the very moment of my death, I then faint not in any point of the Catholic Faith for fear; and I pray God save the king and the realm, and hold His holy hand over it, and send the king a good counsel."
St Paulinus of Nola (353-431), Bishop, Confessor; Bourdeaux, France; Feast day June 22nd
"Is surprised me that anyone should look upon it as a great action for a man to purchase eternal salvation, the only solid good, with perishable pelf, and to sell the earth to buy heaven."
St John Fisher (1469-1535), Bishop, Martyr; Beverley, Yorkshire, England; Feast day June 22nd
"Christian people, I am come hither to die for the faith of Christ's Catholic Church, and I thank God hitherto my courage hath served me well thereto, so that yet hitherto I have not feared death; wherefore I desire you help me and assist me with your prayers, that at the very point and instant of my death's stroke, and in the very moment of my death, I then faint not in any point of the Catholic Faith for fear; and I pray God save the king and the realm, and hold His holy hand over it, and send the king a good counsel."
June 21st
St Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591), Confessor; Castiglione, Italy; Feast day June 21st
"I am a piece of twisted iron. I entered the religious life to get twisted straight."
"He who fears God, will do good."
"I want to be a prince in Heaven. It is hard for a sovereign to save his soul."
"Father, I leave myself entirely in your hands, you can do what you like with me; but I tell you positively that God has called me to the Society of Jesus, and in resisting my wishes you are resisting the will of God."
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641), Widow, Foundress; Dijon, France; Feast day August 21st
"The only thing which is absolutely indispensable to prayer is our heart and, though if this part of us be not committed all the rest is only a hollow mockery, nevertheless with heart alone given to prayer we never lack for anything."
St Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591), Confessor; Castiglione, Italy; Feast day June 21st
"I am a piece of twisted iron. I entered the religious life to get twisted straight."
"He who fears God, will do good."
"I want to be a prince in Heaven. It is hard for a sovereign to save his soul."
"Father, I leave myself entirely in your hands, you can do what you like with me; but I tell you positively that God has called me to the Society of Jesus, and in resisting my wishes you are resisting the will of God."
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641), Widow, Foundress; Dijon, France; Feast day August 21st
"The only thing which is absolutely indispensable to prayer is our heart and, though if this part of us be not committed all the rest is only a hollow mockery, nevertheless with heart alone given to prayer we never lack for anything."
Friday, June 21, 2013
June 20th
Bl Conor O'Devany (1532-1612), Priest, Martyr; Co. Down, Ireland; Feast day June 20th
"Come, my brave comrade, noble soldier of Christ, let us imitate as best we can the death of Him who was led to the slaughter as the sheep before the shearer."
Bl Peter O'Higgins (1602-1642), Priest, Martyr; Ireland; Feast day June 20th
"So here the condition on which I am granted my life. They want me to deny my religion. I spurn their offer. I die a Catholic and a Dominican priest. I forgive from my heart all who have conspired to bring about my death."
St Louis de Montfort (1673-1716), Priest, Confessor; Monfort-sur-Meu, France; Feast day April 28th
"The Most High, the Incomprehensible One, the Inaccessible One, He who is, deigned to come down to us poor earthly creatures who are nothing at all. How was this done? The Most High God came down to us in a perfect way through the humble Virgin Mary, without losing anything of His divinity or holiness. It is likewise through Mary that we poor creatures must ascend to almighty God in a perfect manner without having anything to fear."
Bl Conor O'Devany (1532-1612), Priest, Martyr; Co. Down, Ireland; Feast day June 20th
"Come, my brave comrade, noble soldier of Christ, let us imitate as best we can the death of Him who was led to the slaughter as the sheep before the shearer."
Bl Peter O'Higgins (1602-1642), Priest, Martyr; Ireland; Feast day June 20th
"So here the condition on which I am granted my life. They want me to deny my religion. I spurn their offer. I die a Catholic and a Dominican priest. I forgive from my heart all who have conspired to bring about my death."
St Louis de Montfort (1673-1716), Priest, Confessor; Monfort-sur-Meu, France; Feast day April 28th
"The Most High, the Incomprehensible One, the Inaccessible One, He who is, deigned to come down to us poor earthly creatures who are nothing at all. How was this done? The Most High God came down to us in a perfect way through the humble Virgin Mary, without losing anything of His divinity or holiness. It is likewise through Mary that we poor creatures must ascend to almighty God in a perfect manner without having anything to fear."
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
June 19th
St Philip Neri (1515-1595), Priest, Confessor, Founder; Florence, Italy; Feast day May 26th
"In order the better to gain souls, in visiting the sick, we ought to imagine that what we do for the sick man we are doing for Christ Himself; we shall thus perform this work of mercy with more love and greater spiritual profit."
"Nothing is more dangerous for beginners in the spiritual life, than to wish to play the master, and to guide and convert others. Beginners should look after their own conversion and be humble, lest they should fancy they had done some great thing, and so should fall into pride."
St Louis de Montfort (1673-1716), Priest, Confessor; Monfort-sur-Meu, France; Feast day April 28th
"He is so gentle and unobtrusive that you might often think that He is not present when you meet with accidents and contradictions. But, possessed of invincible power, He quietly but effectively brings all things to a happy issue in ways unknown to men."
St Philip Neri (1515-1595), Priest, Confessor, Founder; Florence, Italy; Feast day May 26th
"In order the better to gain souls, in visiting the sick, we ought to imagine that what we do for the sick man we are doing for Christ Himself; we shall thus perform this work of mercy with more love and greater spiritual profit."
"Nothing is more dangerous for beginners in the spiritual life, than to wish to play the master, and to guide and convert others. Beginners should look after their own conversion and be humble, lest they should fancy they had done some great thing, and so should fall into pride."
St Louis de Montfort (1673-1716), Priest, Confessor; Monfort-sur-Meu, France; Feast day April 28th
"He is so gentle and unobtrusive that you might often think that He is not present when you meet with accidents and contradictions. But, possessed of invincible power, He quietly but effectively brings all things to a happy issue in ways unknown to men."
June 18th
St Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682), Priest, Confessor; Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, France; Feast day February 15th
"Even if the Holy Spirit had not called blessed those who suffer, if every page of Scripture did not proclaim aloud the necessity of adversity, if we did not see that suffering is the normal destiny of those who are friends of God, we should still be convinced that it is of untold advantage to us. It is enough to know that the God who chose to suffer all the most horrible tortures the rage of man can invent rather than see us condemned to the slightest pain in the next life is the same God who prepares and offers us the chalice of bitterness we must drink in this world. A God who has so suffered to prevent us from suffering would not make us suffer today to give Himself cruel and pointless pleasure."
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"Let us then abandon everything to God's good pleasure, because being infinitely wise, He knows what is best for us; and being all-good and all-loving -- having given His life for us -- He wills what is best for us."
St Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682), Priest, Confessor; Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, France; Feast day February 15th
"Even if the Holy Spirit had not called blessed those who suffer, if every page of Scripture did not proclaim aloud the necessity of adversity, if we did not see that suffering is the normal destiny of those who are friends of God, we should still be convinced that it is of untold advantage to us. It is enough to know that the God who chose to suffer all the most horrible tortures the rage of man can invent rather than see us condemned to the slightest pain in the next life is the same God who prepares and offers us the chalice of bitterness we must drink in this world. A God who has so suffered to prevent us from suffering would not make us suffer today to give Himself cruel and pointless pleasure."
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"Let us then abandon everything to God's good pleasure, because being infinitely wise, He knows what is best for us; and being all-good and all-loving -- having given His life for us -- He wills what is best for us."
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
June 17th
St Augustine (354-430), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Tagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"All that happens to us in this world against our will (whether due to men or to other causes) happens to us only by the will of God, by the disposal of Providence, by His orders and under His guidance; and if from the frailty of our understanding we cannot grasp the reason for some event, let us attribute it to divine Providence, show Him respect by accepting it from His hand, believe firmly that He does not send it us without cause."
St Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682), Priest, Confessor; Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, France; Feast day February 15th
"God is looking after us and yet we are full of anxiety! We trust ourselves to a doctor because we suppose he knows his business. He orders an operation which involves cutting away part of our body and we accept it. We are grateful ot him and pay him a large fee because we judge he would not act as he does unless the remedy were necessary, and we must rely on his skill. Yet we are unwilling to treat God in the same way! It looks as if we do not trust His wisdom and are afraid He cannot do His job properly. We allow ourselves to be operated on by a man who may easily make a mistake -- a mistake which may cost us our life -- and protest when God sets to work on us."
St Augustine (354-430), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Tagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"All that happens to us in this world against our will (whether due to men or to other causes) happens to us only by the will of God, by the disposal of Providence, by His orders and under His guidance; and if from the frailty of our understanding we cannot grasp the reason for some event, let us attribute it to divine Providence, show Him respect by accepting it from His hand, believe firmly that He does not send it us without cause."
St Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682), Priest, Confessor; Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, France; Feast day February 15th
"God is looking after us and yet we are full of anxiety! We trust ourselves to a doctor because we suppose he knows his business. He orders an operation which involves cutting away part of our body and we accept it. We are grateful ot him and pay him a large fee because we judge he would not act as he does unless the remedy were necessary, and we must rely on his skill. Yet we are unwilling to treat God in the same way! It looks as if we do not trust His wisdom and are afraid He cannot do His job properly. We allow ourselves to be operated on by a man who may easily make a mistake -- a mistake which may cost us our life -- and protest when God sets to work on us."
June 16th
St John Francis Regis (1597-1640), Priest, Confessor; Foncouverte, France; Feast day June 16th
"What can I desire in heaven, or love on earth, besides thee, my God?"
"We are created by God, and for Him alone; and must direct all things to His glory."
"O my God! that I could suffer still more for Thy holy name!"
"I won that life would be intolerable if I had nothing to suffer for Jesus Christ: it is my only comfort in this world."
"I desire nothing more ardently than to die for Jesus Christ."
"What a happiness! how contented I die! I see Jesus and Mary, who come to conduct me to the mansions of bliss."
"Jesus my Savior, to Thee I recommend, and into Thy hands I commit my soul."
St John Francis Regis (1597-1640), Priest, Confessor; Foncouverte, France; Feast day June 16th
"What can I desire in heaven, or love on earth, besides thee, my God?"
"We are created by God, and for Him alone; and must direct all things to His glory."
"O my God! that I could suffer still more for Thy holy name!"
"I won that life would be intolerable if I had nothing to suffer for Jesus Christ: it is my only comfort in this world."
"I desire nothing more ardently than to die for Jesus Christ."
"What a happiness! how contented I die! I see Jesus and Mary, who come to conduct me to the mansions of bliss."
"Jesus my Savior, to Thee I recommend, and into Thy hands I commit my soul."
June 15th
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"If we would completely rejoice the heart of God, let us strive in all things to conform ourselves to His divine will. Let us not only strive to conform ourselves, but also to unite ourselves to whatever dispositions God makes of us. Conformity signifies that we join our wills to the will of God. Uniformity means more. Uniformity means that we make one will of God's will and our will. In this way we will only what God wills. God's will alone is our will."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Priest; Granada, Spain
"Walk continually in the presence of God, who is everywhere, and act in all things with obedience due to so great a Master, who is the Witness and the Judge of all our works. Frequently implore the grace to avoid all that would render us unworthy of His divine presence."
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Founder; Marianella, Italy; Feast day August 2nd
"If we would completely rejoice the heart of God, let us strive in all things to conform ourselves to His divine will. Let us not only strive to conform ourselves, but also to unite ourselves to whatever dispositions God makes of us. Conformity signifies that we join our wills to the will of God. Uniformity means more. Uniformity means that we make one will of God's will and our will. In this way we will only what God wills. God's will alone is our will."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Priest; Granada, Spain
"Walk continually in the presence of God, who is everywhere, and act in all things with obedience due to so great a Master, who is the Witness and the Judge of all our works. Frequently implore the grace to avoid all that would render us unworthy of His divine presence."
Friday, June 14, 2013
June 14th
St Basil (329-379), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Ceasarea, Cappadocia; Feast day June 14th
"He who has nothing to lose is secure against confiscation. I am master of nothing but a few books and the rags I wear, neither of which, I presume, you have any great occasion for. As to banishment, I know of no such thing in your power to inflict upon me, who account not the country I now inhabit my own. Heaven only is my country. I as little fear your torments: my emaciated body cannot hold out long under them. The first stroke will dispatch me, and put an end both to my life and pain. Much less do I dread death, which I regard as a favor; for it will bring me sooner to my Creator, for whom alone I live."
"In all other occurrences we bishops are of all men living the meekest and most submissive: we do not carry ourselves haughtily towards the meanest plebeian, much less towards persons vested with much power. But where the cause of God and religion is at stake, we overlook all things else, regarding God alone. Your fire, daggers, beasts, and burning pincers in this cause are our option and delight: you may threaten and torment us; but can never overcome us."
St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Virgin, Foundress; Avila, Spain; Feast day October 15th
"Do not let your heart cling to inner solace. For that is in the manner of common soldiers: they demand their daily wage at once. Give your service as the noblest officers serve their king -- for nothing!"
St Basil (329-379), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Ceasarea, Cappadocia; Feast day June 14th
"He who has nothing to lose is secure against confiscation. I am master of nothing but a few books and the rags I wear, neither of which, I presume, you have any great occasion for. As to banishment, I know of no such thing in your power to inflict upon me, who account not the country I now inhabit my own. Heaven only is my country. I as little fear your torments: my emaciated body cannot hold out long under them. The first stroke will dispatch me, and put an end both to my life and pain. Much less do I dread death, which I regard as a favor; for it will bring me sooner to my Creator, for whom alone I live."
"In all other occurrences we bishops are of all men living the meekest and most submissive: we do not carry ourselves haughtily towards the meanest plebeian, much less towards persons vested with much power. But where the cause of God and religion is at stake, we overlook all things else, regarding God alone. Your fire, daggers, beasts, and burning pincers in this cause are our option and delight: you may threaten and torment us; but can never overcome us."
St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Virgin, Foundress; Avila, Spain; Feast day October 15th
"Do not let your heart cling to inner solace. For that is in the manner of common soldiers: they demand their daily wage at once. Give your service as the noblest officers serve their king -- for nothing!"
Thursday, June 13, 2013
June 13th
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), Priest, Confessor; Lisbon, Portugal; Feast day June 13th
"Behold the Cross of the Lord!
Be gone all evil powers!
The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
The root of David has conquered! Alleluia!"
"Solicitude for material things distracts the soul and divides it. The devil seizes the divided soul and drags it to hell."
"The saints are like the stars. In His providence, Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quiet of contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation of Christ."
"Anyone who desires to live chastely in Christ Jesus, must flee not only the mouse of lust, but even from its very scent."
"The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit."
"The Glorious Virgin did not have a stain in her birth because she was sanctified in her mother's womb and safeguarded there by angels."
"Christ acts like a loving mother. To induce us to follow Him, He gives us Himself as an example and promises us a reward in His Kingdom."
"Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft."
"Cursed money! How many religious did it blind! How many cloistered religious did it deceive! Money is the droppings of birds that blinded the eyes of Tobit."
"The life of the body is the soul; the life of the soul is God."
"The greedy and usurers have teeth that are swords and knives which they use to devour the poor and steal their meager possessions. All of them are children of this world who consider the children of light to be stupid and believe themselves to be the prudent ones. Their prudence is their death."
"Blessed be the eternal God; for the fishes of the sea honor Him more than men without faith, and animals without reason listen to His word with greater attention than sinful heretics."
"When it is dark, we do not see how dusty and dirty our house is. Only when the place is flooded with sunlight do we realize its awful condition. So we need the light of God's grace to show us the real state of our soul and to induce us to clean up our hearts!"
"The Lord of the universe wrapped in swaddling clothes; the King of angels, lying in a stable; the One whose name is boundless and yet is laid in a narrow manger!"
"Nothing apart from God can satisfy the human heart, which is truly in search of God."
"We, therefore, who call ourselves Christians with the name of Christ, unanimously with devoted minds, pray to the same Son of God, Jesus Christ, and with insistence, we ask that He allow us to pass from the spirit of contrition to the desert of confession so that we can receive forgiveness for our iniquities and, renewed and purified, we deserve to enjoy the joys of His resurrection and to take our place in the glory of eternal beatitude, with the help of His grace. May He have honor and glory in the centuries. Amen!"
"What should contrition be like? Listen to the psalmist, 'A contrite spirit is a sacrifice to God; you, oh God, do not disdain a broken and humiliated heart.' Expressed in this short verse are the compunction of a spirit that is tormented by its sins, the reconciliation of the sinner, the universal repentance of his sins, and the persevering humiliation of the repentant.. Because the spirit of the penitent, when it is pierced and wounded by pain, is a sacrifice appreciated by God, who makes peace with this sinner, who, in his turn, reconciles with the Lord."
Prayer to St. Anthony:
Good St. Anthony, look around! Something's lost and must be found. Please help me find [insert object being sought].
In the Footsteps of St Anthony, Part I, Part II
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), Priest, Confessor; Lisbon, Portugal; Feast day June 13th
"Behold the Cross of the Lord!
Be gone all evil powers!
The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
The root of David has conquered! Alleluia!"
"Solicitude for material things distracts the soul and divides it. The devil seizes the divided soul and drags it to hell."
"The saints are like the stars. In His providence, Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quiet of contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation of Christ."
"Anyone who desires to live chastely in Christ Jesus, must flee not only the mouse of lust, but even from its very scent."
"The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit."
"The Glorious Virgin did not have a stain in her birth because she was sanctified in her mother's womb and safeguarded there by angels."
"Christ acts like a loving mother. To induce us to follow Him, He gives us Himself as an example and promises us a reward in His Kingdom."
"Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft."
"Cursed money! How many religious did it blind! How many cloistered religious did it deceive! Money is the droppings of birds that blinded the eyes of Tobit."
"The life of the body is the soul; the life of the soul is God."
"The greedy and usurers have teeth that are swords and knives which they use to devour the poor and steal their meager possessions. All of them are children of this world who consider the children of light to be stupid and believe themselves to be the prudent ones. Their prudence is their death."
"Blessed be the eternal God; for the fishes of the sea honor Him more than men without faith, and animals without reason listen to His word with greater attention than sinful heretics."
"When it is dark, we do not see how dusty and dirty our house is. Only when the place is flooded with sunlight do we realize its awful condition. So we need the light of God's grace to show us the real state of our soul and to induce us to clean up our hearts!"
"The Lord of the universe wrapped in swaddling clothes; the King of angels, lying in a stable; the One whose name is boundless and yet is laid in a narrow manger!"
"Nothing apart from God can satisfy the human heart, which is truly in search of God."
"We, therefore, who call ourselves Christians with the name of Christ, unanimously with devoted minds, pray to the same Son of God, Jesus Christ, and with insistence, we ask that He allow us to pass from the spirit of contrition to the desert of confession so that we can receive forgiveness for our iniquities and, renewed and purified, we deserve to enjoy the joys of His resurrection and to take our place in the glory of eternal beatitude, with the help of His grace. May He have honor and glory in the centuries. Amen!"
"What should contrition be like? Listen to the psalmist, 'A contrite spirit is a sacrifice to God; you, oh God, do not disdain a broken and humiliated heart.' Expressed in this short verse are the compunction of a spirit that is tormented by its sins, the reconciliation of the sinner, the universal repentance of his sins, and the persevering humiliation of the repentant.. Because the spirit of the penitent, when it is pierced and wounded by pain, is a sacrifice appreciated by God, who makes peace with this sinner, who, in his turn, reconciles with the Lord."
Prayer to St. Anthony:
Good St. Anthony, look around! Something's lost and must be found. Please help me find [insert object being sought].
In the Footsteps of St Anthony, Part I, Part II
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
June 12th
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Grant that we may love Thee, if not as much as Thou dost deserve (for no one can do this but Thyself), at least to love Thee as much as we can, with all our heart and strength."
St Alphonsus (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Marianella, Naples; Feast day August 2nd
"He who gives his will to God, gives him everything. He who gives his goods in alms, his blood in scourgings, his food in fasting, gives God what he has. But he who gives God his will, gives himself, gives everything he is."
St John of the Cross (1542-1591), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Fontiveros, Spain; Feast day November 24th
"One 'Blessed be God' in times of adversity, is worth more than a thousand acts of gratitude in times of prosperity."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Grant that we may love Thee, if not as much as Thou dost deserve (for no one can do this but Thyself), at least to love Thee as much as we can, with all our heart and strength."
St Alphonsus (1696-1787), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Marianella, Naples; Feast day August 2nd
"He who gives his will to God, gives him everything. He who gives his goods in alms, his blood in scourgings, his food in fasting, gives God what he has. But he who gives God his will, gives himself, gives everything he is."
St John of the Cross (1542-1591), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Fontiveros, Spain; Feast day November 24th
"One 'Blessed be God' in times of adversity, is worth more than a thousand acts of gratitude in times of prosperity."
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
June 11th
St Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510), Widow; Genoa, Italy; Feast day September 15th
"I say that, on God's part, I see Paradise has no gate, but that whosoever will may enter therein; for God is all mercy, and stands with open arms to admit us to His glory. But still I see that the Being of God is so pure (far more than one can imagine), that should a soul see in itself even the least mote of imperfection, it would rather cast itself into a thousand hells than go with that spot into the presence of the Divine Majesty."
St Augustine (354-430), Confessor, Bishop, Father of the Church; Thagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"Who shall grant me to rest in Thee? By whose gift shalt Thou enter into my heart and fill it so compellingly that I shall turn no more to my sins but embrace Thee, my only good? What are Thou to me? Have mercy, that I may speak. What rather am I to Thee, that Thou shouldst demand my love and if I love Thee not be angry and threaten great woe. For Thy mercies' sake, O Lord my God, tell me what Thou art to me. Say unto my soul, I am Thy salvation. So speak that I may hear, Lord, my heart is listening; open it that it may hear Thee say to my soul, I am Thy salvation. Hearing that word, let me come in haste to lay hold upon Thee. Hide not thy face from me. Let me see Thy face even if I die, lest I die with longing to see it."
St Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510), Widow; Genoa, Italy; Feast day September 15th
"I say that, on God's part, I see Paradise has no gate, but that whosoever will may enter therein; for God is all mercy, and stands with open arms to admit us to His glory. But still I see that the Being of God is so pure (far more than one can imagine), that should a soul see in itself even the least mote of imperfection, it would rather cast itself into a thousand hells than go with that spot into the presence of the Divine Majesty."
St Augustine (354-430), Confessor, Bishop, Father of the Church; Thagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"Who shall grant me to rest in Thee? By whose gift shalt Thou enter into my heart and fill it so compellingly that I shall turn no more to my sins but embrace Thee, my only good? What are Thou to me? Have mercy, that I may speak. What rather am I to Thee, that Thou shouldst demand my love and if I love Thee not be angry and threaten great woe. For Thy mercies' sake, O Lord my God, tell me what Thou art to me. Say unto my soul, I am Thy salvation. So speak that I may hear, Lord, my heart is listening; open it that it may hear Thee say to my soul, I am Thy salvation. Hearing that word, let me come in haste to lay hold upon Thee. Hide not thy face from me. Let me see Thy face even if I die, lest I die with longing to see it."
Saturday, June 8, 2013
June 10th
St Margaret (1045-1093), Queen, Confessor; Scotland; Feast day June 10th
"I thank thee, Almighty God, that in sending me so great an affliction in the last hour of my life, thou wouldst purify me from my sins, as I hope by thy mercy."
"O Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy death hast given life to the world, deliver me from all evil."
St Anselm (1033-1109), Confessor, Bishop; Aosta, Burgundy; Feast day April 21st
"For how great is that light from which shines every truth that gives light to the rational mind? How great is that truth in which is everything that is true, and outside which is only nothingness and the false? How boundless is the truth which sees at one glance whatsoever has been made and by whom, and through whom, and how it has been made from nothing? What purity, what certainty, what splendour where it is? Assuredly more than a creature can conceive."
St Margaret (1045-1093), Queen, Confessor; Scotland; Feast day June 10th
"I thank thee, Almighty God, that in sending me so great an affliction in the last hour of my life, thou wouldst purify me from my sins, as I hope by thy mercy."
"O Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy death hast given life to the world, deliver me from all evil."
St Anselm (1033-1109), Confessor, Bishop; Aosta, Burgundy; Feast day April 21st
"For how great is that light from which shines every truth that gives light to the rational mind? How great is that truth in which is everything that is true, and outside which is only nothingness and the false? How boundless is the truth which sees at one glance whatsoever has been made and by whom, and through whom, and how it has been made from nothing? What purity, what certainty, what splendour where it is? Assuredly more than a creature can conceive."
June 9th
St Anselm (1033-1109), Confessor, Bishop; Aosta, Burgundy; Feast day April 21st
"Still, Thou are hidden, O Lord, from my soul in Thy light and Thy blessedness; and therefore my soul still walks in darkness and wretchedness. For it looks, and does not see Thy beauty. It hearkens, and does not hear Thy harmony. It smells, and does not perceive Thy fragrance. It tastes, and does not recognize Thy sweetness. It touches, and does not feel thy pleasantness. For Thou hast these attributes in Thyself, Lord God, after Thine ineffable manner, who hast given them to objects created by Thee, after their sensible manner; but the sinful senses of my soul have grown rigid and dull, and have been obstructed by their long listlessness."
Bl John Henry Newman (1801-1890), Cardinal, Confessor; London, England
"We must contemplate the God of our conscience as a Living Being, as one Object and Reality, under the aspect of this or that attribute. We must patiently rest in the thought of the Eternal, Omnipresent and All-knowing, rather than of Eternity, Omnipresence and Omniscience; and we must not hurry on and force a series of deductions, which, if they are to be realized, must distill like dew into our minds, and form themselves spontaneously there, by a calm contemplation and gradual understanding of their premises."
St Anselm (1033-1109), Confessor, Bishop; Aosta, Burgundy; Feast day April 21st
"Still, Thou are hidden, O Lord, from my soul in Thy light and Thy blessedness; and therefore my soul still walks in darkness and wretchedness. For it looks, and does not see Thy beauty. It hearkens, and does not hear Thy harmony. It smells, and does not perceive Thy fragrance. It tastes, and does not recognize Thy sweetness. It touches, and does not feel thy pleasantness. For Thou hast these attributes in Thyself, Lord God, after Thine ineffable manner, who hast given them to objects created by Thee, after their sensible manner; but the sinful senses of my soul have grown rigid and dull, and have been obstructed by their long listlessness."
Bl John Henry Newman (1801-1890), Cardinal, Confessor; London, England
"We must contemplate the God of our conscience as a Living Being, as one Object and Reality, under the aspect of this or that attribute. We must patiently rest in the thought of the Eternal, Omnipresent and All-knowing, rather than of Eternity, Omnipresence and Omniscience; and we must not hurry on and force a series of deductions, which, if they are to be realized, must distill like dew into our minds, and form themselves spontaneously there, by a calm contemplation and gradual understanding of their premises."
June 8th
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Haute Savoie, France; Feast day, January 29th
"Some become proud and insolent, either by riding a good horse, wearing a feather in their hat, or by being dressed in a fine suit of clothes; but who does see the folly of this? For if there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor; and what a meanness of heart must it be to borrow esteem from a horse, from a feather, or some ridiculous new fashion!...All this is extremely vain, foolish and impertinent; and the glory which is raised on so weak foundations is justly esteemed vain and frivolous."
St John Chrysostom (347-407), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Antioch; Feast day September 13th
"For 'the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head,' and when Herod is plotting against Him, He flees, and at His birth is laid in a manger, and abides in an inn, and takes a mother of low estate; teaching us to think no such thing a disgrace, and from the first outset trampling under foot the haughtiness of man, and bidding us give ourselves up to virtue only. For why do you pride yourself on your country, when I am commanding you to be a stranger to the whole world? (so Christ speaks); when you have leave to become such as that all the universe shall not be worthy of you?"
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Haute Savoie, France; Feast day, January 29th
"Some become proud and insolent, either by riding a good horse, wearing a feather in their hat, or by being dressed in a fine suit of clothes; but who does see the folly of this? For if there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor; and what a meanness of heart must it be to borrow esteem from a horse, from a feather, or some ridiculous new fashion!...All this is extremely vain, foolish and impertinent; and the glory which is raised on so weak foundations is justly esteemed vain and frivolous."
St John Chrysostom (347-407), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Antioch; Feast day September 13th
"For 'the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head,' and when Herod is plotting against Him, He flees, and at His birth is laid in a manger, and abides in an inn, and takes a mother of low estate; teaching us to think no such thing a disgrace, and from the first outset trampling under foot the haughtiness of man, and bidding us give ourselves up to virtue only. For why do you pride yourself on your country, when I am commanding you to be a stranger to the whole world? (so Christ speaks); when you have leave to become such as that all the universe shall not be worthy of you?"
June 7th
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"As God in His infinite goodness is ever ready to overwhelm us with His graces when we offer no obstacle to His merciful designs, whoever is perfectly confined to His will can justly expect an abundance of His favors. Yes, God will treat him with great liberality, and will make him, like another David, a man after His own Heart."
St John of the Cross (1542-1591), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Fontiveros, Spain; Feast day November 24th
"The soul that loves and possesses creature wealth is supremely poor and wretched in the sight of God, and for this reason will be unable to attain to that wealth and glory which is the state of transformation in God; since that which is miserable and poor is supremely far removed from that which is supremely rich and glorious."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"As God in His infinite goodness is ever ready to overwhelm us with His graces when we offer no obstacle to His merciful designs, whoever is perfectly confined to His will can justly expect an abundance of His favors. Yes, God will treat him with great liberality, and will make him, like another David, a man after His own Heart."
St John of the Cross (1542-1591), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Fontiveros, Spain; Feast day November 24th
"The soul that loves and possesses creature wealth is supremely poor and wretched in the sight of God, and for this reason will be unable to attain to that wealth and glory which is the state of transformation in God; since that which is miserable and poor is supremely far removed from that which is supremely rich and glorious."
June 6th
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641), Widow, Foundress; Dijon, France; Feast day August 21st
"Let us be sure that we understand what an honor it is for us to spend time in prayer, as much time as we wish, as intimately as we wish. The man who wins from his prince an audience an hour long counts himself lucky, and our God, before whom the kings of the earth are less than a spark in the full blaze of the sun, and less than a little worm in the presence of the highest angels -- this great God, nevertheless, shows Himself eager to hear us at any hour of the day or night that suits us to address Him."
St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Bishop, Doctor of the Church; Bagnoregio, Italy; Feast day July 14th
"If you wish God to stoop down to reach you, carry the woes of Christ crucified in your heart."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Turn to God in childlike prayer whenever afflictions or temptations come upon you. Strive, moreover, to maintain the spirit of prayer, and thus you will preserve a continual recollection of God. You will live in His presence, and His love will abide in your heart. Finally, prayer will enable you most faithfully and frequently to testify your filial reverence and love for your Heavenly Father."
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641), Widow, Foundress; Dijon, France; Feast day August 21st
"Let us be sure that we understand what an honor it is for us to spend time in prayer, as much time as we wish, as intimately as we wish. The man who wins from his prince an audience an hour long counts himself lucky, and our God, before whom the kings of the earth are less than a spark in the full blaze of the sun, and less than a little worm in the presence of the highest angels -- this great God, nevertheless, shows Himself eager to hear us at any hour of the day or night that suits us to address Him."
St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Bishop, Doctor of the Church; Bagnoregio, Italy; Feast day July 14th
"If you wish God to stoop down to reach you, carry the woes of Christ crucified in your heart."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Turn to God in childlike prayer whenever afflictions or temptations come upon you. Strive, moreover, to maintain the spirit of prayer, and thus you will preserve a continual recollection of God. You will live in His presence, and His love will abide in your heart. Finally, prayer will enable you most faithfully and frequently to testify your filial reverence and love for your Heavenly Father."
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
June 5th
St Isidore (560-636), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Cartagena, Spain; Feast day April 4th
"There is nothing from which man cannot fly, save from himself. Let him go where he will, he cannot escape the pursuit of an accusing conscience. There is no torment which exceeds that of a guilty conscience. If then, you desire to live in peace, live in the practice of virtue."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Though your sins are as numerous as the sands on the shore, though your life has been wasted in crime, never forget that God is your Father, that He awaits you with open arms and open heart, that He is continually calling upon you to return and be reconciled to Him. Have the desire to change your life; be resolved to walk in the path of virtue, and turn to God in humble prayer, with unshaken confidence that you will be heard. 'Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.'"
St Isidore (560-636), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Cartagena, Spain; Feast day April 4th
"There is nothing from which man cannot fly, save from himself. Let him go where he will, he cannot escape the pursuit of an accusing conscience. There is no torment which exceeds that of a guilty conscience. If then, you desire to live in peace, live in the practice of virtue."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Though your sins are as numerous as the sands on the shore, though your life has been wasted in crime, never forget that God is your Father, that He awaits you with open arms and open heart, that He is continually calling upon you to return and be reconciled to Him. Have the desire to change your life; be resolved to walk in the path of virtue, and turn to God in humble prayer, with unshaken confidence that you will be heard. 'Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.'"
June 4th
St Quirinus (d. 303), Bishop, Martyr; Sisak, Croatia; Feast day June 4th
"The God whom I serve is everywhere; He is in heaven, on earth, and in the sea. He is above all things, containing everything within Himself; and by Him alone everything subsists."
"I thank thee, O Lord, that I have borne reproaches for thy sake; and I beseech thee to let those who are in this prison know that I adore the true God,and that there is no other besides thee."
St Isidore (560-636), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Cartagena, Spain; Feast day April 4th
"If you would have a hope of being pardoned your sins at the hour of death, do penance for them while you are able. But if you spend your life in wickedness, and still hope for forgiveness at your death, you are running a most serious risk. Though you are not sure that you will be damned, your salvation is by no means more certain."
St Quirinus (d. 303), Bishop, Martyr; Sisak, Croatia; Feast day June 4th
"The God whom I serve is everywhere; He is in heaven, on earth, and in the sea. He is above all things, containing everything within Himself; and by Him alone everything subsists."
"I thank thee, O Lord, that I have borne reproaches for thy sake; and I beseech thee to let those who are in this prison know that I adore the true God,and that there is no other besides thee."
St Isidore (560-636), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Cartagena, Spain; Feast day April 4th
"If you would have a hope of being pardoned your sins at the hour of death, do penance for them while you are able. But if you spend your life in wickedness, and still hope for forgiveness at your death, you are running a most serious risk. Though you are not sure that you will be damned, your salvation is by no means more certain."
June 3rd
St Augustine (354-430), Confessor, Bishop, Father of the Church; Thagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"Give me grace, Lord, to do what You command, and command what You please."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Let these words assure you that however difficult God's commandments may appear, His grace will render their observance very easy, and if faithful to them, you will soon experience that His yoke is sweet and His burden light."
St Bernard (1090-1153), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Fontaine-les-Dijon, France; Feast day August 20th
"When a vice is confirmed by habit it cannot be extirpated except by a very special and even miraculous grace."
St Augustine (354-430), Confessor, Bishop, Father of the Church; Thagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th
"Give me grace, Lord, to do what You command, and command what You please."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Let these words assure you that however difficult God's commandments may appear, His grace will render their observance very easy, and if faithful to them, you will soon experience that His yoke is sweet and His burden light."
St Bernard (1090-1153), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Fontaine-les-Dijon, France; Feast day August 20th
"When a vice is confirmed by habit it cannot be extirpated except by a very special and even miraculous grace."
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
June 2nd
St John Chrysostom (347-407), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Antioch; Feast day September 13th
"We ought not as soon as we retire from the Communion, to plunge into business unsuited to the Communion, but as soon as ever we get home, to take our bible into our hands, and call our wife and children to join us in putting together what we have heard, and then, not before, engage in the business of life."
St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Bishop, Doctor of the Church; Bagnoregio, Italy; Feast day July 14th
"Never will our Lord deny anything to those who have left all things for the Author of all things."
St John Chrysostom (347-407), Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Antioch; Feast day September 13th
"We ought not as soon as we retire from the Communion, to plunge into business unsuited to the Communion, but as soon as ever we get home, to take our bible into our hands, and call our wife and children to join us in putting together what we have heard, and then, not before, engage in the business of life."
St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Bishop, Doctor of the Church; Bagnoregio, Italy; Feast day July 14th
"Never will our Lord deny anything to those who have left all things for the Author of all things."
Monday, June 3, 2013
June 1st
St Justin (100-165), Martyr; Nablus, West Bank; Feast day June 1st
"But after you shall have known him with what inexpressible joy do you think you will be filled! How ardently will you love him who first loved you! And when you shall love him, you will be an imitator of his goodness. He who bears the burdens of others, assists all, humbles himself to all, even to his inferiors, and supplies the wants of the poor with what he has received from God, is truly the imitator of God. Then will you see on earth that God governs the world; you will know his mysteries, and will love and admire those who suffer for him: you will condemn the imposture of the world, and despise death, only fearing eternal death, in never-ending fire. When you know that fire, you will call those blessed who here suffer flames for justice. I speak not of things to which I am a stranger, but having been a disciple of the apostles, I am a teacher of nations."
"Christ's words possess a terrible power in themselves, and are sufficient to inspire those who turn aside from the path of rectitude with awe; while the sweetest rest is afford those who make a diligent practice of them."
"And this food is called among us Εὐχαριστία [the Eucharist]...For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Savior, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh."
St Hanibal Maria di Francia (1851-1927), Priest, Founder; Messina, Italy; Feast day June 1st
"What are these few orphans we attend to, these few people we bring the good news to, compared to the millions who are lost and abandoned as sheep without a shepherd?...I looked for an answer and I found a complete one in the words of Jesus: 'Beg the harvest master to send out laborers to gather his harvest.' I concluded then that I had found the secret key to all good works and to the salvation of countless souls."
St Justin (100-165), Martyr; Nablus, West Bank; Feast day June 1st
"But after you shall have known him with what inexpressible joy do you think you will be filled! How ardently will you love him who first loved you! And when you shall love him, you will be an imitator of his goodness. He who bears the burdens of others, assists all, humbles himself to all, even to his inferiors, and supplies the wants of the poor with what he has received from God, is truly the imitator of God. Then will you see on earth that God governs the world; you will know his mysteries, and will love and admire those who suffer for him: you will condemn the imposture of the world, and despise death, only fearing eternal death, in never-ending fire. When you know that fire, you will call those blessed who here suffer flames for justice. I speak not of things to which I am a stranger, but having been a disciple of the apostles, I am a teacher of nations."
"Christ's words possess a terrible power in themselves, and are sufficient to inspire those who turn aside from the path of rectitude with awe; while the sweetest rest is afford those who make a diligent practice of them."
"And this food is called among us Εὐχαριστία [the Eucharist]...For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Savior, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh."
St Hanibal Maria di Francia (1851-1927), Priest, Founder; Messina, Italy; Feast day June 1st
"What are these few orphans we attend to, these few people we bring the good news to, compared to the millions who are lost and abandoned as sheep without a shepherd?...I looked for an answer and I found a complete one in the words of Jesus: 'Beg the harvest master to send out laborers to gather his harvest.' I concluded then that I had found the secret key to all good works and to the salvation of countless souls."
May 31st
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Devout and humble prayer will afford us powerful aid in acquiring the virtue of prudence. For the principal office of the Holy Ghost being to enlighten the understanding with the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and counsel, the greater the humility and devotion with which we present ourselves before this Divine Spirit, the greater will be the grace we shall receive."
"Be not too eager for rich apparel, for humility is incompatible with a love of display. One who is too solicitous about his dress is a slave to the opinions of men, for he certainly would not expend so much labor upon it if he thought he would not be observed. Beware, however, of going to the other extreme and dressing in a manner unsuited to your position. While claiming to despise the approbation or notice of the world, many secretly strive for it by their singularity and exaggerated simplicity."
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Roccasecca, Italy; Feast day March 7th
"God with patience and mercy awaits the sinner until his death in order to have pity upon him, should he, even in this last moment, regret his evil ways and turn toward Him. For the Lord who is merciful does not rejoice in the loss of the living."
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain
"Devout and humble prayer will afford us powerful aid in acquiring the virtue of prudence. For the principal office of the Holy Ghost being to enlighten the understanding with the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and counsel, the greater the humility and devotion with which we present ourselves before this Divine Spirit, the greater will be the grace we shall receive."
"Be not too eager for rich apparel, for humility is incompatible with a love of display. One who is too solicitous about his dress is a slave to the opinions of men, for he certainly would not expend so much labor upon it if he thought he would not be observed. Beware, however, of going to the other extreme and dressing in a manner unsuited to your position. While claiming to despise the approbation or notice of the world, many secretly strive for it by their singularity and exaggerated simplicity."
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Confessor, Doctor of the Church; Roccasecca, Italy; Feast day March 7th
"God with patience and mercy awaits the sinner until his death in order to have pity upon him, should he, even in this last moment, regret his evil ways and turn toward Him. For the Lord who is merciful does not rejoice in the loss of the living."
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