Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals

During this Apocalyptic time of pandemic, in which the Chinese Coronavirus is sweeping the world, God has allowed this evil to bring us back to Him through repentance for our sins.

This happened at another time in history, when the Black Plague overtook Europe and devastated countries, cities and hamlets.

Devout Catholics turned to God and began a devotion to 14 patron saints (Holy Helpers), whose powerful intercession was implored against the devastation of the Black Plague. Their faith was rewarded, and many were miraculously spared or cured.

We have a wonderful page devoted to these Holy Helpers, who once again are waiting for the call to intercede for us against a devasting plague. Their legends and charisms are displayed on the Index of the Holy Helpers, followed by a Novena (9 days). We will keep this link up until this terrible pandemic of the Chinese Corona virus is defeated.

Imitations of Christ Daily Meditations

Site Indexes

Rosary 30 Day Novena: Joyful Mysteries

Rosary 30 Day Novena: Sorrowful Mysteries

Rosary 30 Day Novena: Glorious Mysteries

Newly Added

New Matters of Faith:

Refuting Protestantism

Prayers for the Conversion of America

I Am The Flag and Prayer for the President

How to Make a Moral Decision

The Crime of Abortion

Catechism on Modernism: A Condemnation of the Errors of Modernism by St. Piux X.

What is Liberalism

Pope Leo XIII. Encycle Concerning Modern Errors: Socialism, Communism, Nihilism

Catholic Lecture Against the Evils of Abortion

Crimes Against Life

The Revolt of Society from God

St. Michael/ Exorcism

Litany on Behalf of Country,
Leo XIII, "Columbus is Ours"

Prayers for Peace

The True Story of the Life
of Christopher Columbus

A Memorial to those who have served in the Military

During these days of lawlessness, mankind must never forget the necessity of the Law of God

Explanation of the Law of God

From the Library of Catholic Harbor:

Catholic Book: Memoirs of a Guardian Angel

Manual of Devotions in Honour of Our Lady of Sorrows

The Life of Our Savior Jesus Christ, from the Four Gospels, as Illustrated by James Tissot

The Patrons of Erin: St. Patrick and St. Brigid

Catholic Children's Library:

New Nine Part Series for Times
of Calamities by St. Alphonsus Liguori

Temptations and the Devil:

4 Part Series on the Person of the Christ at the Last Judgement:

4 Part Series on the signs that are to precede the Last Judgement:

The Sacrament of Penance

Ten Commandments

Treasury of Prayers and Devotions

Sacred Heart of Jesus

First Friday Devotions

Devotions to the Sacred Heart

Feast of the Sacred Heart

Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Blessings of Devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Manual of the Sacred Heart Prayers and Devotions

Novena to the Sacred Heart

Litany of the Sacred Heart for each day of the week

Feast of the Sacred Heart: Sermons by Fr. Weninger

The Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Meditations on the Sacred Heart

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque I.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque II.

The Four Last Things

The Trinity

Jesus Christ

Devotions to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Seven Sacraments

The Sacrament of
Extreme Unction

Works of Mercy

Sacramentals

Roman Catholic Church Before Vatican II.

From the Council of Trent

Matrimony

Newly Added
A Catholic's Moral Guide to Sacramental Marriage and Family Life, Includes a Glossary of Faith and Morals for the Married and Unmarried

Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Most Holy Rosary

Holy Angels

All of the individual pages devoted to the saints, including prayers, devotions and biographical sketches have been replicated and moved to the Index of the Saints listed below.

Alphabetical Index of the Lives and Teachings of the Saints. Over 200

Sermons of the Saints and for
Various Sundays and Feast Days
Throughout the Year

Children's Sermon for the 19th Sunday After Pentecost

On Our Lord's Showing Himself to His Mother and Disciples After His Resurrection

Wednesday After Easter

How Christ Appeared to the Apostles whilst Fishing in the Sea of Tiberias

The Resurrection

The Christmas Season

Advent Calendar with Traditional Meditations

On the Time of Advent

On What We Must Do to Prepare the Way of the Lord

The Christmas Season

The Story of Silent Night

Christmas Eve: St. Alphonsus Liguori

Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links

Advent Calendar with Traditional Meditations

The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger

The Practice of Christmas by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876

The Mystery of Christmas
by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876

Children Prayers for Christmas

The Nativity

Christmas Novena

Christmas Day
Prayers and Devotions

Prayers and Devotions
to the Infant Jesus

The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger

Christmas Day Homilies

Christmas Eve

The Story of Silent Night

The Christmas Creche of St. Francis of Assisi

Octave of Christmas

The Holy Innocents

Catholic Christmas Carols

The First Noel Video

Pueri Concinite Video

Polish Christmas Video

Music: O Holy Night

Music: The Christmas Oratorio

Wexford Carol: from Ireland

Gesu Bambino: from Italy

Noel Nouvelete: from France

First Noel

Mary Walks Amid the Thorn: from Germany

Devotions to the Infant King

Meditations on the
Precious Blood

Meditations on the
Our Father

Meditations on the
The Great Truths

Meditations on the
The Holy Angels

Meditations on the
The Poor Souls in Purgatory

Advent Calendar,
December Meditations

Meditations on the Holy Infancy

Meditations on the Hidden Life of Christ

Meditations on St. Joseph

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"When we look at the meekness, resignation, and charity, with which our Saviour bore the torments, false accusations, and persecutions of those very creatures whom He descended from heaven to save, we are bound to bear the trifling vexations which we meet and which are in just punishment of our sins with a corresponding spirit."

Daily Meditations in April on Humility by Rev. R.F. Clarke, S.J.

Teach Humility, sweet Jesus,
To this poor, proud heart of mine,
Which yet wishes, O my Jesus,
To be modeled after Thine.

April Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Music: Ave Maria; Hail Queen of Heaven

Click here to return to the main page of Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals.com

April 21st: Third Sunday After Easter

All those who resolve to live up to their Christian principles will meet with opposition and persecution. But our life on earth is only "a little while," and our "sorrow shall be turned into joy."

3rd Sunday After Easter Third Sunday After Easter:
Epistle and Gospel Children's Sermon for 3rd Sunday After Easter First Communion by Mother Mary Loyola Catholic Teaching for Children: Includes Palm Sunday, the Death and Burial of Jesus Catholic Instruction for Children for the Sacrament of Penance, 1897 On the Mode of Teaching Christian Doctrine to Children

The End of Man The Providence of God and why He permits evil Good and Evil Explained

Prayers for Catholic Mothers The Christian Mother What is it to be a Mother? The Fruits of Conversion from
the Prayers of Long Suffering Mothers Blessings of Many Children True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by St. Louis Marie de Monfort

In Defense of Mary
The Mother of God Mother of God: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary Devotions in honor of the Queenship of Mary The Dogma of the Incarnation Rests on the Divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate Heart of Mary

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Third Sunday After Easter. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

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April 17th: Solemnity of St. Joseph

Solemnity of St. Joseph 5 Minute Sermon: The Patronage of St. Joseph Thirty Days Prayers to St. Joseph with Additional Devotions Novena for the Solemnity of St. Joseph On St. Joseph by Bishop Challoner St. Joseph the Chaste and Protector of the Blessed Virgin Instructions for Children for the Feast of St. Joseph The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Joachim
and St. Anne, 1859 The Patronage of St. Joseph St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Confessor, and Patron of the Universal Church St. Joseph Additional Prayers A Novena of Meditations in Honor of St. Joseph St. Joseph Husband of Mary and Intecessor of the Universal Church The Espousal or Marriage of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Joseph Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Dying; St. Jospeh Patron of a Happy Death The Flight into Egypt Sermons on St. Joseph Joseph Dearest Video

Other Links in Honor of St. Joseph

Prayers and Devotions to the Holy Family The Christian Father Instructions for the
Catholic Family The Christian Family

Solemnity of St. Joseph

O God, Who in Thy unspeakable providence wast pleased to choose blessed Joseph for Thy most holy Mother's spouse: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may become worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom we venerate as our protector upon earth. Who livest etc.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Joseph was by birth of the royal family of David, but was living in humble obscurity as a carpenter when God raised him to the highest sanctity, and fitted him to be the spouse of His Virgin Mother, and foster-father and guardian of the Incarnate Word. Joseph, says the Holy Scripture, was a just man; he was innocent and pure, as became the husband of Mary; he was gentle and tender, as one worthy to be named the father of Jesus; he was prudent and a lover of silence, as became the master of the holy house; above all, he was faithful and obedient to divine calls. His conversation was with angels rather than with men. When he learned that Mary bore within her womb the Lord of heaven, he feared to take her as his wife; but an angel bade him fear not, and all doubts vanished. When Herod sought the life of the divine Infant, an angel told Joseph in a dream to fly with the Child and His Mother into Egypt. Joseph at once arose and obeyed. This sudden and unexpected flight must have exposed Joseph to many inconveniences and sufferings in so long a journey with a little babe and a tender virgin, the greater part of the way being through deserts and among strangers; yet he alleges no excuses, nor inquires at what time they were to return.

St. Chrysostom observes that God treats thus all His servants, sending them frequent trials to clear their hearts from the rust of self-love, but intermixing seasons of consolation. "Joseph," says he, "is anxious on seeing the Virgin with child; an angel removes that fear. He rejoices at the Child's birth, but a great fear succeeds: the furious king seeks to destroy the Child, and the whole city is in an uproar to take away His life. This is followed by another joy, the adoration of the Magi; a new sorrow then arises: he is ordered to fly into a foreign unknown country, without help or acquaintance." It is the opinion of the Fathers that upon their entering Egypt, at the presence of the child Jesus, all the oracles of that superstitious country were struck dumb, and the statues of their gods trembled and in many places fell to the ground. The Fathers also attribute to this holy visit the spiritual benediction poured on that country, which made it for many ages most fruitful in Saints.

After the death of King Herod, of which St. Joseph was informed in another vision, God ordered him to return with the Child and His Mother into the land of Israel, which our Saint readily obeyed. But when he arrived in Judea, hearing that Archelaus had succeeded Herod in that part of the country, and apprehensive that he might be infected with his father's vices, he feared on that account to settle there, as he would otherwise probably have done for the education of the Child; and therefore, being directed by God in another vision, he retired into the dominions of Herod Antipas, in Galilee, to his former habitation in Nazareth. St. Joseph, being a strict observer of the Mosaic law, in conformity to its direction annually repaired to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Our Saviour, now in the twelfth year of His age, accompanied His parents thither. Having performed the usual ceremonies of the feast, they were returning with many of their neighbors and acquaintances towards Galilee; and never doubting but that Jesus was with some of the company, they travelled on for a whole day's journey before they discovered that He was not with them. But when night came on and they could hear no tidings of Him among their kindred and acquaintance, they, in the deepest affliction, returned with the utmost speed to Jerusalem.

After an anxious search of three days they found Him in the Temple, discoursing with the learned doctors of the law, and asking them such questions as raised the admiration of all that heard Him, and made them astonished at the ripeness of His understanding; nor were His parents less surprises on this occasion. When His Mother told Him with what grief and earnestness they had sought Him, and asked, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold Thy Father and I sought Thee in great affliction of mind," she received for answer, "How is it that you sought Me? did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" But though thus staying in the Temple unknown to His parents, in all other things He was obedient to them, returning with them to Nazareth, and there living in all dutiful subjection to them. As no further mention is made of St. Joseph, he must have died before the marriage of Cana and the beginning of our divine Saviour's ministry. We cannot doubt that he had the happiness of Jesus and Mary attending at his death, praying by him, assisting and comforting him in his last moments; whence he is particularly invoked for the great grace of a happy death and the spiritual presence of Jesus in that hour.

Reflection--St. Joseph, the shadow of the Eternal Father upon earth, the protector of Jesus in His home at Nazareth, and a lover of all children for the sake of the Holy Child, should be the chosen guardian and pattern of every true Christian family.

April 14th: Second Sunday After Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)

Good Shepherd Sunday
Sermons by Fr. Weninger Second Sunday After Easter:
Epistle and Gospel Children's Sermon for Good Shepherd Good Shepherd Sunday Sermon: Duties of Parents--They Must Guard their Flock Influence of the Example of Parents Upon Their Children The Religious and Moral Training of Children Instruction for the Catholic Family Pastors as True Shepherds and the Evils of Negligent Pastors Chastity of the Priest by Fr. Michael Muller How Catholics lose the Faith by Fr. Michael Muller

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Good Shepherd Sunday. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

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April 7th: Low Sunday

Sermons: Low Sunday On the Peace of a Christian and Perseverance in Good Prayers for Peace Fatima: Peace on Earth; A Catholic Russia; Peace of Mind Sermon for Low Sunday: Steadfastness Low Sunday: Sermon for Chidren and Adults Sermon: the Gift of Faith Explained The Spiritual Resurrection Related Link on St. Thomas, Apostle and Litany of the Resurrection and Sermon by Fr. Weninger The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Eastertide Prayers - Regina Caeli Catholic Teaching for Children: Includes Palm Sunday, the Death and Burial of Jesus

Most Holy Rosary

Holy Rosary: Joyful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Glorious Mysteries The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

Novenas for the month of April can be said throughout the month.

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who have been celbrating the Paschal Festivities, may, through Thy bounty, ever retain their effect, both in life and in conversation. Through our Lord, etc.

(Roman Breviary)

Meditation for Low Sunday

How Christ appeared to His Disciples in the Cenacle (John xx.)

First Point.--Consider how to Christ no door is shut, and how where evil could not find admittance good entered. For the disciples being assembled in the Cenacle, the doors well closed for fear of the Jews, Christ arisen and glorious entered, and placed Himself in their midst, like the sun in the centre of the heavens, illuminating and gladdening their hearts with the light of His Resurrection and the sweetness of His words. Consider the benignity of the Saviour, the love He bears His chosen ones, the care He takes to console them in their sorrows, and how for this purpose He multiplies miracles, making use of the subtility that He enjoyed in His glorious Body to enter through closed doors. Rejoice to have such a Lord and Master, and place great confidence in His love and providence; beg of Him to visit thee in thine afflictions and troubles, and to console and strengthen thee as He did His apostles and disciples.

Second Point.--Ponder how in this visit Christ placed Himself in the centre of that congregation; for He desires to be in the midst of His chosen ones, and in the centre of thy heart, making it His abode and resting-place. Empty it then of all earthly things, and offer it entirely to Him, that He may come unto thee, visit thee, console thee, and abide with thee. Ponder the extreme delight of all that holy company at beholding the glory of their Master and Redeemer; how all would approach to adore, reverence, and serve Him; with what love and caresses He would receive them, and reassure them against the fear they were in of the Jews who persecuted them. Approach thou also, adore and reverence thy Lord; beg of Him to bless thee, to give thee a share in the joy of His Resurrection, and to strengthen and encourage thee in His holy service.

Third Point.--Consider how He showed them the sacred wounds of His Hands, Feet, and Side, which in His glorified Body must have shone more brightly than the stars of heaven, thus increasing His beauty. See how He prides Himself on having suffered for thee, that thou mayst place thy pride in suffering for Him; and behold how the affronts and wounds suffered in this world for the glory of God and the good of souls are in the next turned into diamonds and precious stones of glory, honour, and beauty. O Lord! would that I might suffer affronts, stripes, wounds, insults, and death for Thee as Thou didst endure them for me! Beg of the Lord this favour, and encourage thyself by His example to suffer with joy for His love whatever may befall thee..

Fourth Point.--Consider how the Evangelist St. John says that He then breathed on them, and gave them the Holy Ghost for the remission of sins, not contenting Himself with the great happiness He gave them in making them participators of the glory of His Resurrection, but giving them at the same time the fulness of the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins. Especially for this did Christ come into the world, for this He sent His disciples, not to punish but to forgive sins, and for this did He communicate to them the Holy Ghost. Oh, that He would come into our souls, and give us this gift of gifts of His Holy Spirit! Beg of Him to come into thine, and to do thee this favour, pardoning thee thy sins with the liberality with which He pardoned the apostles, giving them the very breath of His mouth. O Lord, that Thou wouldst give me strength with Thy breath, the pardon of my sins, and grace to abide in Thy favour; this I beg, this I entreat; hold me in Thy hand that I may never offend Thee more.

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April 4th, Easter Thursday

Easter Thursday Newly Added
Two Short Sermons:
On Our Lord's Showing Himself to His Mother and Disciples After His Resurrection

Paschal Time Eastertide Prayers - Regina Caeli Video: Resurrection and Ascension On the Angelic Virtue and The Will of God, Our Sanctification The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 A Litany for Easter Litany of the Resurrection

April Meditations on Humility The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Most Holy Rosary

Holy Rosary: Joyful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Glorious Mysteries

April Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

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A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Easter Sunday. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

March 31st, Easter Sunday
Easter Blessings from
Catholic Harbor

Novena for Easter, April 16th - April 24th Children's Sermon for Easter Sunday Catholic Teaching for Children: Resurrection page 65 The Resurrection Catholic Harbor Videos for Lent and Easter Easter Sunday: We Must Rise from Sin A Litany for Easter The Spiritual Resurrection Easter Sunday: How and Why we are to Keep Easter Instruction on Easter: Epistle and Gospel On the Resurrection of Our Lord and Lessons we are to Learn from His Resurrection Paschal Time Litany of the Resurrection Liturgical Year: Easter Sunday Easter Sunday Sermons Eastertide Prayers The Office of Holy Week, Latin and English. Easter--page 785 Vol. 4 Part 2:The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Most Holy Rosary

Holy Rosary: Joyful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Glorious Mysteries

Paschal Time

Alleluia, or "Praise the Lord," is an expression of joy and hope for the eternal happiness which our Lord obtained for us by His glorious Resurrection. The Church sings Alleluia today, and often during the Octave, because Christ is risen from the grave, and as St. Augustine says, "We have left the grave of sin, and are ready to walk in the way of the divine commandments."

The Paschal Season commemorates the triumph of our Lord. It is an invitation to spiritual joy. As Christ arose from the dead so must we rise from coldness and indifference to a life of fervor and holiness. Christ offered Himself in complete holocaust on the Cross; we must offer ourselves completely to God through our risen Savior; risen with Christ, we must "seek the things that are above."

Christ promised the miracle of His Resurrection. Se fulfilled that promise, proving His Divinity and giving our faith a sure foundation. He could have ended His stay on earth with His Resurrection on Easter Sunday, but He preferred to remain among His beloved for forty days:

1. To strengthen their faith in the mystery of the Resurrection. "To them also He showed Himself alive after His Passion by many proofs, during forty days appearing to them and speaking of the kingdom of God." (Acts 1, 3.)

2. To stimulate the hope of universal resurrection as the consequence and fruit of His glorious Resurrection.

3. To console the faithful for their sorrow during His Passion and Death.

Since Christ rose from the dead, we know that He is the Son of God, His doctrine is divine. His Church is true, and we, as members of His Mystical Body, provided we are His true disciples, shall one day rise with glorified bodies. Easter is a day of gladness for all Christians, and their triumphant joy is given dramatic expression in the Sequence which follows the Gradual, the frequent alleluias, and the position of the Paschal Candle within the sanctuary throughout the Easter season.

"It is Christ Jesus Who yes, and rose again, He Who is at the right hand of God, Who also intercedes for us." Who, then, "shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. 8, 34f.)

Prayer:

O God, Who on this say, through Thy Only-begotten Son, didst overcome death, and open unto us the gate of everlasting Life: as, by Thy anticipating grace, Thou dost breath good desires into our hearts, so also, by Thy gracious help, bring them to good effect. Through the same, etc.

(Roman Breviary)

Sequence

O Christians, to the Paschal Victim bring: Of praise the sacrificial Offering. For the sheep the Lamb His Blood did shed: The sinless Christ in the sinners: stead: With God the guilty reconciling. The Life with Death did fiercely strive: Through dying the Leader now reigns alive.

O Mary, what did thy wond'ring eyes adore? "I saw the tomb of One Who dies no more! The glorious risen Lord was shown to me: The napkin, linen cloths there lying: I heard the angels testifying. Yes, Christ is ris'n and you shall see Thy Hope and mine in Galilee!"

We know that Christ rose from the grave: O conqu'ring King, us sinners save. Amen. Alleluia.

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Wednesday in Holy Week. Day of Fast

Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Holy Week Meditations on the Passion and Death of Jesus Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent Passion-tide and Holy Week Wednesday in Holy Week
The Treason of Judas and the Death of the Wicked Part I. Grievousness and Chastisement of Sin in a Priest Part II. The Incontinent Priest and Sacrilegious Mass

Take Heed Lest You Fall On the Apprehension of Jesus Two Short Sermons: On Jesus Before Annas and Caiaphas and How He was Unjustly Treated On the Denial of St. Peter Contrition Our Lord is Crowned with Thorns

The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross The Life of Our Savour Jesus Christ, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1891 Prayers Honoring the Passion and Death of Jesus Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 The Prodigal Son, the Sinner's Return to God Stabat Mater Video

40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Index of Children Prayers, Lent The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ by Rev. Clarke, 1889 The Flowers of the Passion
by St. Paul of the Cross Clock of the Passion The Psalter of Jesus Seven Penitential Psalms The Steps of Our Savior's Passion Litany of the Passion Manual of Devotions in Honour of Our Lady of Sorrows Seven Sorrows of the
Blessed Virgin Mary   I. Seven Sorrows of the
Blessed Virgin Mary   II. Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent

The Art of Dying Well
by St. Robert Bellarmine Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Dying Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Sacrament of
Extreme Unction Death General Judgement Heaven Hell The Thought of Eternity The fewness of those saved. Will you be one of them? Spiritual Communion

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Most Holy Rosary

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

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Tuesday in Holy Week. Day of Fast

Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Holy Week Meditations on the Passion and Death of Jesus Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent Tuesday in Holy Week Newly Added
Prayer in Honor of the Suffering Christ Passion-tide and Holy Week 2 Short Sermons: On Our Lord's Agony in the Garden and His Bloody Sweat Three Short Reflections:

On Mortification of the Passions Mortification of the Predominant Passion Mortification of the Sensual Appetite On Resignation to the Will of God in All of Our Sufferings

On Self Denial and Mortification of the Interior Short Sermons: The Use of Temptations

Prayers Honoring the Passion and Death of Jesus Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory 40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Index of Children Prayers, Lent Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son Clock of the Passion The Holy Hour Vol. 3: Holy Week and the Passion of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Litany of the Holy Cross The Psalter of Jesus The Steps of Our Savior's Passion The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Most Holy Rosary

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

April Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

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Monday in Holy Week. Day of Fast.

Station at St. Praxedes: the pillar at which our Lord was scourged and three thorns from the sacred crown are venerated in this Church on the Esquiline. The Epistle is taken from Isaias who foretells with such wonderful accuracy all the circumstances of the passion; his prophecies occur very frequently in the Liturgy of this week. The Gospel gives us another prophecy of the Passion, uttered by our Lord Himself.

Monday in Holy Week

On the Multitude of Our Sins Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Passion-tide and Holy Week Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent Clock of the Passion with Meditations from St. Alphonsus Liguori The Holy Hour The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross The Penitent Christian Vol. 3: Holy Week and the Passion of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 The Psalter of Jesus 40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son Contrition Prayers and Devotions for the Dying

April Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

JESUS UNJUSTLY CONDEMNED--HIS RESIGNATION

1st Prel. Consider Jesus, "who delivered Himself to him that judged Him unjustly."

2nd Prel. Ask for victory over, your passions.

Point I: "Pilate saith to them, . . . . . Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then, therefore, he delivered Him to them for to be crucified." (St. John 19: 15, 16.)

Consideration: Never did judge pronounce a more unjust sentence; for He that was condemned as the worst of malefactors had been four times publicly proclaimed innocent. How did it happen that Pilate, naturally right-minded and well-intentioned, descended to such cowardly wickedness? We know the reason; from the beginning he lacked energy and resolution to oppose the popular fury; for he was aware that "for envy they had delivered Him." (St. Matt. 27: 18.)

Application: Nothing is more to be dreaded than the first giving way to passion; generally, the first false step paves the way for others, and brings us only too often to a point from which we should formerly have shrunk with horror. Thus we learn how men once distinguished for their qualities of heart and mind, even religious who were long the edification of their brethren, have fallen into heresy, apostacy, and even infidelity. They merely yielded in the beginning to some slight temptation of wounded self-love or sensuality; but in the end they were blinded by passion, and became its victims.

Affections: Thank God who has mercifully preserved you from falling a victim to those passions which you have so often flattered, where you should rather have struggled against them energetically.

Resolutions: To oppose courageously the first attacks of passion, according to the proverb, "Principiis obsta." "Resist from the beginning."

Point II: "And Pilate, taking water, washed his hands before the people, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just man. Look you to it. And the whole people answering, said, His blood be upon us, and upon our children." (St. Matt. 27:24, 25.)

Consideration: When those charged with the maintenance of law and order fail in their duty, the consequences are usually as fatal to their subordinates as to themselves. We have a proof of this here: if Pilate, when convinced of our Lord's innocence, had censured His enemies as they deserved, and given Him back justified to the affection of the people, these last would have had no part in the guilt of the chief priests, nor would they have uttered that fearful imprecation, which, during more than eighteen centuries, has hung over their race: "His blood be upon us, and upon our children."

Resolutions: When humbled by reproof, I will say, with the holy King David: "Bonum mihi, quia humiliasti me." "It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me." (Psalm 118: 71.)

Point III: "And they took Jesus, and led Him forth, and, bearing His own cross, He went forth to that place which is called Calvary." (St. John 19: 16, 17.)

Consideration: St. Peter speaks of the perfect submission with which Jesus accepted His unjust sentence. "Tradebat autem judicanti se injuste." "He delivered Himself to him that judged Him unjustly." (1. Peter 2:23.) That is, He looked on it as imposed by His Father in expiation of the sins of the world. God makes use of the malice or the mistakes of men to accomplish His designs, and in expiation of the sins of the world. The design of God here was the reparation of His glory and the redemption of mankind by the death of His Divine Son. And it was this that our Lord had ardently desired from the first moment of His Incarnation: judge, therefore, of the joy and eagerness with which He laid the heavy cross upon His shoulders.

Application: Our Lord here teaches us how to meet the persecution and ill-treatment of wicked men, and how we should receive the humiliations, or even the punishments, that our superiors may inflict upon us by mistake. How has it been with you in such instances? If you have Jesus always before your eyes, nothing will seem difficult; all your glory and happiness will be in bearing the cross after Him.

Colloquy with Jesus, the Model and King of martyrs.

†

March 24th, Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday I: On Easter Confession

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

Palm Sunday II. Palm Sunday:
Epistle and Gospel Passion of Christ: Includes Gospel According to St. Matthew Children's Sermon for Palm Sunday Catholic Teaching for Children: Includes Palm Sunday, the Death and Burial of Jesus--Palm Sunday begins on page 49 Our Redeemer & Messiah Our Lord's Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem Palm Sunday: Serving God from the Heart Purchased by His Blood Passion-tide and Holy Week Vol. 3: Holy Week and the Passion of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 The Willing Victim Clock of the Passion with Meditations from St. Alphonsus Liguori Stations of the Cross The Holy Ways of the Cross
by Henri Boudon, 1875 The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross The Psalter of Jesus Index of Prayers and Devotions for the Season of Lent 40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas: Palm Sunday Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son Contrition Prayers and Devotions for the Dying

Almighty, everlasting God, Who didst cause our Savior to take upon Him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should imitate the example of His humility; mercifully grant that we may deserve both to keep in mind the lessons of His patience, and also to be made partakers of His resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. The Lord God is my helper, and therefore I am not confounded.

They surrounded me; on all sides thy surrounded me: but in the name of the Lord I will be avenged on them.

Judge my cause: defend me, for Thou art mighty, O Lord.

With the angels and with the children may we be found faithful, singing to Him who triumphed over death: Hosanna in the hightest.

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let me not be confounded, O Lord, my God. (Roman Breviary)

In today's liturgy the twofold point of view from which the Church regards the Cross is expressed in two ceremonies, one marked by joy and the other by sadness. First comes the Blessing and Procession of Palms in which everything overflows with a holy joy which enables us after nineteen centuries to revive the spirit of the magnificent scene of our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Then follows the Mass whose chants and lessons relate exclusively to the sorrowful memory of our Redeemer's Passion.

The Blessing of palms takes place at St. Mary Major which in Rome represents Bethlehem, the birthplace of Him whom the Magi hailed as "King of the Jews." Thence the procession goes to St. John Lateran, in which church in former times the Station took place since, by its dedication to St. Saviour, it calls up memories of the Passion which is the subject of today's Mass".

The Redeemer's triumph must be preceded by His humiliation "even to the death of the cross" (Ep.), which is to serve as a model for us, that "instructed by His patience", we may "partake in His Resurrection".

Explanation of the Passion according to the four Evangelists

Events preceding the Passion

Towards evening on the Tuesday in Holy Week, after leaving the Temple, our Lord ascended the mount of Olives; "You know" He said to His disciples, "that after two days shall be the Pasch, and the Son of Man shall be delivered up to be crucified." Now among the Jews the days are reckoned to begin on the previous evening; Wednesday had already begun and it was on the following Friday that our Lord was put to death. The Passover corresponded with the full moon of the Spring equinox since it was then that the Hebrews left Egypt. In the hurry of their departure they had no time to prepare unleavened bread, in memory of which fact the Jews abstained from leavened bread throughout this Feast.

The Last Supper in the Cenacle

When the Evangelists speak of the "First day of the Azymes" they mean Thursday evening, that is, in the Jewish reckoning, the beginning of Friday. It was on Thursday that Peter and John were sent by the Master to prepare the supper in the "upper room" of a certain house and there at the fall of evening, that is, during the first watch lasting until nine o'clock, our Lord went with His disciples. They reclined round the table in eastern fashion on low couches, the left hand supported on cushions, so that John, on our Lord's right, could easily rest his head on the Master's breast. During the meal, taking one of the great cakes of unleavened bread, about eight inches across and very thin, our Lord changed it into His Body, uttering the Eucharistic prayer or grace, just as the father of the family was accustomed to do when eating the Passover lamb, he thanked almighty God for having delivered Israel from her captivity.

And then, after supper, when there still remained one more cup to drink, He changed it in the same way into His Blood, using the same words by which Moses had sealed the Old Covenant made in the blood of creatures: "This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord hath made with you, to which our Lord added two words: This is my Blood of the New Testament". It was when speaking of the Passover, the centre of the whole religious life of the Jewish people, that the great Lawgiver of Israel said: "You shall keep it a feast to the Lord in your generations with an everlasting observance. "In the same way our Redeemer commanded the Apostles, "and therefore" adds the Council of Trent," all their successors in the priesthood, to consecrate in the same way this bread and cup of wine in memory of Him".

For the lamb sacrificed for more than fifteen hundred years by the children of Israel is substituted the Lamb of God which will be sacrificed by us to the end of the world, and the Mass, which is identified with the Passover and Calvary, becomes the religious centre of all Christian people.

Our Lord's last discourse -- Gethsemane

The Supper over, Jesus uttered the sublime discourse which is the last testament of His love, the second part of it being spoken while He was on His way from the Cenacle to leave the city. Passing through the gate which stood not far from the Pool of Siloam, He traversed the valley of Cedron, by the suburb of Ophel, to enter the Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The three apostles who had been witnesses of His Transfiguration were here also as part-witnesses of His thrice renewed agony, and Judas, who had sold his Master for thirty pieces of silver, came with the captain and soldiers of a Roman cohort accompanied by guards commanded by Temple police, sent by the Sanhedrim. In the depth of night they entered Jerusalem with our Lord, climbing the slopes to the north east of the city and went straight to the palace of the High Priests.

Ecclesiastical Trial before Annas and Caiaphas

Here the ecclesiastical trial was about to take place since it pertained to the Jewish religious authorities to examine Jesus on what they called His assumed title of the Son of God. The Sanhedrin consisted of seventy members, at the head of which were the chief priests and their supreme head the High Priest, which office Annas had succeeded in obtaining for his five sons in succession, and then in the year of our Lord's death for his son-in-law, Caiaphas. Faithless to their mission, these official representatives of the Jewish religion no longer looked for any Messias other than a warrior king who should deliver them by main force from the Roman yoke.

Our Lord was at first taken before Annas, the father-in-law as we have seen of the High Priest, but since he was no longer in office it was beyond his competence to judge our Lord when He appeared before him. The affair had been mismanaged and had to be referred to the tribunal of the real High Priest, Caiaphas. He awaited Jesus, in another wing of the Palace, seated, according to custom, with legs crossed, on a slightly raised platform. Around him on the ground, on cushions set in the form of a semicircle, were grouped the other priests. The proceedings were illegal because while they should have taken place in the day-time with witnesses present, it was actually two o'clock in the morning, and such witnesses as there were detected in flagrant imposture.

Then Joseph Caiphas, overpowered by rage, solemnly called upon our Lord to tell him if He were the Christ, a measure quite contrary to the Roman Law which in such a case invalidates the confession of the accused; and our Lord who had waited for this moment before speaking, formally declared His Divinity before the Jewish religious authority in full council assembled. They then found Him worthy of death, a sentence which He accepted since it was precisely His character as Son of God which enabled Him to give an infinite value to the sacrifice which He was about to offer to God the Father for His brethren, the sons of men.

The servants of the High Priest -- Saint Peter -- Judas

Our Lord was then given over to the mockeries of the High Priest's servants who, uttering blasphemies, covered Him with spittle. It was during this night that Peter, who had followed Jesus afar off, was brought by John into the High Priest's palace where he denied his Master three times, and after the cock had crowed for the second time, he went out from the palace, and as the Greek text implies, "he wept with a loud voice, with sobs". Towards morning the Sanhedrin met again in order to give some semblance of legality to its sentence which according to law, had to be passed in the day-time. Our Lord appeared before the court and having declared Himself the Son of God was condemned afresh.

Judas now understood the magnitude of his crime, and being consumed with remorse approached the Council of Priests which was still sitting and confessed that he had "sinned in betraying innocent blood". Then the traitor seized with despair, threw down the pieces of silver in the Temple and going out to the pool of Siloam, lost himself in the deep valley through which flows the mountain stream of Hinnom. In this narrow place known as the Gehenna (Ge-Hinnom) "he hanged himself" and "burst asunder in the midst and all his bowels gushed out".

The Civil Trial before Pilate

But it was Rome, of whom Palestine was at that time a dependency, that had the sole power of life and death. It was necessary to refer a case of this kind to the Roman Procurator and our Lord was taken to the Judgment Hall of Pontius Pilate, in the fortress of Antonia. Here the Jews did not enter, since in the house of a pagan they would have contracted legal defilement, at this time of the Passover Feast.

Our Lord's civil trial was, in its turn, about to commence. But before this new tribunal a political charge was a necessity. In the Jewish view the Messias was to be an earthly monarch, so they accused Jesus, who said that He was the Messias, of being a rival king to Caesar.

On this new ground was reproduced, point by point, the same procedure as that of the night before, the same silence of our Lord in the face of false witnesses, the same formal assertion of His spiritual kingship before the pagan world, represented this time by those who actually held the world power; the same ill-treatment by subordinates, in this case the Roman soldiery. Our Lord, who in reality guided the whole proceeding, would be condemned only as the Son of God and King of souls. He put the question again on religious ground, when He said: "My kingdom is not of this world."

This was to remove the matter from Pilate's province, and he, up to the very end, declared our Lord perfectly innocent. The Jews then had recourse to intimidation, and Pilate who was too much of a coward to use his authority in the teeth of a mob who would avenge itself by accusing him in high places, looked round for means to safeguard his own interests without altogether ignoring the protests of some remnant of conscience, informed as it was by pagan superstition, which vaguely feared the chastisement of the gods.

Herod -- Pilate -- Barabbas -- The Scourging

As a first expedient, Pilate learning that Jesus was a Galilean, despatched him to Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee. This was the son of Herod the Great who had ordered the massacre of the innocents when the Magi announced that the "King of the Jews" had not long been born. Mortified by our Lord's silence, he sought in his turn to humble the Jews by clothing Jesus in the white robe worn by those who laid claim to that royalty which they denied Him.

Pilate's second plan was to propose the exchange with Barabbas. This attempt to establish a parallel between Christ and a murderer met with no better success. His third scheme was to order our blessed Lord to be scourged. This was a shameful punishment reserved only for slaves. The culprit, stripped of his garments, had his hands tied to the iron ring attached to a low pillar, while the executioner armed with a scourge of supple thongs with bone tips, with calculated deliberation lashed with it the back of his victim, bent and taut. The thongs bending pliantly about the body passed from shoulder to breast, ploughing deep furrows from which, while the blood gushed forth, pieces of flesh fell away.

In this state our blessed Lord was brought forth to the mob, wearing His crown of thorns and with a reed for His sceptre. The irony of the scene was not lost on the Jews. How dare they pretend any longer to see Caesar's rival in such a king?

The condemnation of Jesus

They reject Him, therefore, with contempt, on His claim to be the Son of God which was to be the sole cause of His death, and Pilate, shaken by the decisive argument "We will denounce you to Caesar", thinks about finding a last expedient to quiet his conscience. By the symbolic act of washing his hands he shows the Jews that, before his tribunal, Jesus is innocent and that he gives Him up to them only because of their claim that He is condemned by their laws. In this declaration he persisted up to the very last moment when he caused to be attached to the Cross an inscription in three languages, pointing out according to custom, the ground on which the prisoner was condemned. It bore these words: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

Pilate, in his cowardice was guilty of homicide but the Jews in their hatred attacked the Son of God and were the murderers of God Himself.

The Way of the Cross The Crucifixion The Last Agony

At about eleven o'clock, our Lord leaves the Judgment hall of Pilate. The sorrowful way of the Cross begins with the path which leads down into the valley of Tyropoeon and traverses towards the east a steep slope leading up to the gates of the city itself. There, outside the walls, was Mount Golgotha, the spot where executions generally took place, and here in the midst of the intense darkness which reigned from noon until three o'clock and which was noted everywhere in the Roman Empire, our blessed Lord underwent His last torments.

Death on the cross was the most cruel and terrible of tortures, for the victim necessarily compelled to remain in one position, had for several hours to support the whole weight of his body on his out stretched arms. The horrible tension thus inflicted, congested the blood at the face and neck, causing intolerable pain of which the chief feature was a burning thirst. To die by crucifixion was to die of pain alone, in anguish of the most agonizing kind.

Towards evening it was the custom to hasten death by breaking the sufferer's legs, the feet being a little more than three feet above the ground.

Jesus' Death and Burial

Then came the decisive moment which was to mark the hour of redemption for the human race. Our blessed Lord is about to sign as with a seal, the seal of His Blood, all the acts of His life that they may become redemptive in character. Further, to show that it is not by constraint but through love for His Father and for men that He allows death to work its will upon Him, He utters a loud cry and expires. Our Divine Redeemer is dead. With Mary His Mother and with St. John let us remain at the foot of the Cross, and like the handful of Jews who were converted at this moment, strike our breasts, since it is to make satisfaction for our sins that He has offered His life to God.

It was about three o'clock in the afternoon. About five o'clock our Lord was taken down from the Cross and buried in haste since the Sabbath, this week "a great Sabbath Day", began at six. As a matter of fact it coincides with the 15th. Nisan, the most important day of the Passover, thus perfectly symbolizing the rest into which our Lord had entered for ever.

The Jews had no cemetery but were accustomed to prepare a monument on their own property, often on both sides of the high road. Joseph, who came from Arimathea, a Judean town, had Jesus laid in the sepulchre which he had made for himself and which stood in a garden near the scene of our Redeemer's death; while Nicodemus brought about "an hundred pound weight of myrrh and aloes" with which to embalm Him provisionally. They then closed the sepulchre with a great stone, shaped like a millstone, which could only be moved with the greatest difficulty. This done the holy women returned to the city where they bought spices, intending to complete our Lord's burial with greater care after the Sabbath rest. The next day, Saturday, the Jews sealed the tomb and placed guards there.

Let it be our joy today to repeat with our Lord the Communion prayer: "Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, Thy will be done."

†

March 17th, Passion Sunday.

Passiontide: from Passion Sunday to Holy Saturday

The Mass of Passion Sunday is full of the thought of the Passion of Jesus and of the infidelity of the Jews, whose place in the Kingdom of God was taken by those who were baptized, that is to say by the Christians.

Passion Sunday,
Sermon and Litany Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passion Sunday): Epistle and Gospel Passion Sunday: God Abandons the Incorrigible Sinner The Obdurate Sinner A Short Explanation on the Rite of Exorcisms Children's Sermon for Passion Sunday The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ by Rev. Clarke, 1889 4 Short Sermons on Devotion to the Passion of Christ Purchased by His Blood Devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus 2 Short Sermons: Considerations to Excite Love of the Suffering Jesus

On the Sufferings of Our Saviour, Before His Passion The Flowers of the Passion
by St. Paul of the Cross Clock of the Passion The Holy Hour

40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent Lenten Novena in Honor of Christ Crucified and Penitential Litany for Lent Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent Litany of the Holy Cross The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross by St. Alphonsus Liguori The Psalter of Jesus Seven Penitential Psalms Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Rosary: Joyful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries Holy Rosary: Glorious Mysteries

Passion Sunday

The Crucifix over the main altar is veiled today. Think it over in amazement! Jesus is obliged to hid Himself when "humanity 'stones' Divinity" (Gospel). The Jewish synagogue makes its final decision to ignore the miracles, the doctirne, and the sinless life of Christ, even though all these were prophesied in their own Old Testament. Due to stiff-necked pride and hard-hearted materialism, their part of the covenant had become a dead letter. Jesus makes a terrifying analysis of them: "Your are not of God." In the EPISTLE, St. Paul indicates how the Hight Priest of the Old Testament offered the blood sacrifices of victim goats, an offering which acknowleged that man deserves to be done away with for trying to do away with God by sinful rebellion. He now beholds the Altar of Calvary, where Jesus, Eternal High Priest, sheds His precious Blood to "cleanse our conscience" and "to serve the living God." Let us not "stone" Christ or cause Him to hide Himself.

"We are not unaware," says St. Leo, "that among all Christian celebrations the Paschal mystery holds the first place. Our manner of living throughout the whole year, by reforming our ways, ought to give us the dispositions for keeping it worthily and in a fitting manner. These present days which we know to be close to that most sublime sacrament of divine mercy, require devotion in a yet higher degree" (Second Nocturn).

The mystery of which St. Leo speaks, is our Redeemer's Passion, whose anniversary is close at hand. Priest and Mediator of the New Testament, Jesus will soon ascend His Cross, and the blood which He will shed He will offer to His Father, entering into the Holies which is heaven itself (Epistle). The Church sings: "All hail, thou Mystery adored! Hail, Cross! on which the Life Himself died, and by death our life restored!" (Hymn of Vespers). The Eucharist is the memorial of this boundless love of God for men for when instituting it our Lord said: "This is my Body which shall be delivered for you; this chalice is the new testament in My Blood. Do this... in commemoration of Me" (Communion).

What is the response of man to all these divine favours? "His own received Him not," says St. John, speaking of the welcome which the Jews gave Jesus. "For good they rendered Him evil and prepared for Him nothing but insults. "You", our Lord told them, "dishonour me," and in fact, the Gospel shows us the ever growing hatred of the Sanhedrin.

Abraham, the father of God's people, firmly believed the divine promises which heralded the future Messia; and in Limbo his soul, which, as believing was beyond the reach of eternal death, rejoiced to see these promises fulfilled in the coming of Christ.

But the Jews, who ought to have recognized in Jesus the Son of God, greater than Abraham and the prophets, because eternal, misunderstood the meaning of His words, insulted Him by treating Him as a blasphemer and possessed, and tried to stone Him (Gospel). And God tells Him, in the person of Jeremias: "Be not afraid at their presence: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord... For behold I have made thee this day a fortified city and a pillar of iron and a wall of brass, over all the land, to the kings of Juda, to the princes thereof and to the priests and to the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee and shall not prevail: for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee" (First Nocturn).

"I seek not my own glory," says Jesus, "there is one that seeketh and judgeth" (Gospel). And by the mouth of the psalmist He goes on: "Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man. This "lying" people our Lord declares to be the Jews. The psalmist continues: "Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies... from the unjust man Thou wilt deliver me" (Gradual).

"The Lord who is just will cut the necks of sinners" (Tract). God will not permit men to lay their hands on Jesus until His hour is come (Gospel), and when that hour of sacriflce came, He snatched His Son from the hands of evil men by raising Him from the death. This death and resurrection had been foretold by the prophets and typified in Isaac when, on the point of being sacrified at God's command by Abraham his father he was restored to life by almighty God, his place being taken by a ram who became a type of the Lamb of God, offered in man's stead (c. p. 257). Thus our Lord, in His first coming, was to be humbled and made to suffer; not until later will He appear in all His power.

But the Jews, blinded by their passions, could appreciate only one kind of coming, a coming in triumph, and so scandalized by the Cross of Christ, they rejected Him. In their turn, almighty God rejected them, while graciously receiving those who put their trust in the redemption of Jesus Christ, uniting their sufferings to His. "Rightly, and under the guidance of the Holy Ghost," says St. Leo, "did the holy Apostles institute these days of more rigorous fasting, so that by a common sharing in the Cross of Christ, even we ourselves may do something towards uniting ourselves with the work that He has accomplished for us. As St. Paul says: "If we suffer with Him, we also shall be glorified with Him." Where we find our Lord's sufferings being shared, there we can look on the attainment of the happiness promised by Him as a thing safe and assured."

Today's station is in the Basilica of Saint Peter, raised on the site of Nero's circus where the prince of the Apostles died, like His Divine Master on a cross. In recalling our Lord's Passion, the anniversary of which draws near, let us remember that if we are to experience its saving effects we must, like the Master, know how to suffer persecution for justice sake. And when as members of God's family, we are persecuted with and like our Lord, let us ask of God, that we may be "governed in body" and "kept in mind".

†

March 10th, Fourth Sunday of Lent (LAETARE SUNDAY) Vestments: Rose

4th Sunday Lent Sermons for the Fourth
Sunday in Lent Children's Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent Fourth Sunday of Lent: Epistle and Gospel On the Vanity of the World On Economy and Avoiding Wastefulness The Gift of Mircacles

Newly Added
A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Third Sunday in Lent. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

†

March 10th, Forty Holy Martyrs. Day of Fast

The Forty Martyrs The Sin Unto Death
by Cardinal Manning The Providence of God and why He permits evil How Catholics lose the Faith by Fr. Michael Muller Why the World Continually Persecutes the Church

40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son The Psalter of Jesus Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

March Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God: that we who acknowledge the boldness of Thy glorious Martyrs in confessing Thy name, may enjoy their loving intercession for us before Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were soldiers quartered at Sebaste in Armenia, about the year 320. When their legion was ordered to offer sacrifice they separated themselves from the rest and formed a company of martyrs. After they had been torn by scourges and iron hooks they were chained together and led to a lingering death. It was a cruel winter, and they were condemned to lie naked on the icy surface of a pond in the open air till they were frozen to death. But they ran undismayed to the place of their combat, joyfully stripped off their garments, and with one voice besought God to keep their Ranks unbroken. "Forty," they cried, "we have come to combat: grant that forty may be crowned." There were warm baths near by, ready for any one amongst them who would deny Christ.

The soldiers who watched saw angels descending with thirty-nine crowns, and, while he wondered at the deficiency in the number, one of the confessors lost heart, renounced his faith, and, crawling to the fire, died body and soul at the spot where he expected relief. But the soldier was inspired to confess Christ and take his place, and again the number of forty was complete. They remained steadfast while their limbs grew stiff and frozen, and died one by one. Among the Forty there was a young soldier who held out longest against the cold, and when the officers came to cart away the dead bodies they found him still breathing. They were moved with pity, and wanted to leave him alive in the hope that he would still change his mind. But his mother stood by, and this valiant woman could not bear to see her son separated from the band of martyrs. She exhorted him to persevere, and lifted his frozen body into the cart. He was just able to make a sign of recognition, and was borne away, to be thrown into the flames with the dead bodies of his brethren.

†

March 9th, St. Frances of Rome, Widow. Day of Fast. In some places St. Dominic Savio's feast day is also celebrated on March 9th.

St. Frances of Rome, Widow Duties of Marriage The Disposition Necessary
for a Happy Marriage Religious and Moral
Training of Children Prayer Book: The Christian Mother Your Guardian Angel
throughout life The Corporal Works of Mercy The Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Life of St. Dominic Savio, Child Saint Prayers to St. Dominic Savio St. Dominic Savio, Patron of First Communicants First Communion by Mother Mary Loyola Catholic Instruction for Children for the Sacrament of Penance, 1897

40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent Lenten Novena in Honor of Christ Crucified and Penitential Litany for Lent Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent Litany of the Holy Cross The Psalter of Jesus Seven Penitential Psalms Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries Meditations on St. Joseph for the Month of March

Novenas during the month of March

Novenas for the month of March can be said throughout the month.

St. Frances of Rome, Widow

O God, Who among other gifts of Thy grace, didst honor blessed Frances, Thy servant, with the familiar presence of an angel; grant, we beseech Thee, that by the help of her intercession, we may become worthy of being admitted into fellowship with the angels. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. With thy comeliness and thy beauty.

R. Set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

Ant. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of good pearls. When he finds a single one of great price, he gives all that he has and buys it.

(Roman Breviary)

Frances was born at Rome in 1384. Her parents were, of high rank. They overruled her desire to become a nun, and at twelve years of age married her to Rorenzo Ponziano, a Roman noble. During the forty years or their married life they never had a disagreement. While spending her days in retirement and prayer, she attended promptly to every household duty, saying, "A married woman must leave God at the altar to find Him in her domestic cares;" and she once found the verse of a psalm in which she had been four times thus interrupted completed for her in letters of gold.

Her ordinary food was dry bread. Secretly she would exchange with beggars good food for their hard crusts; her drink was water, and her cup a human skull. During the invasion of Rome, in 1413, Ponziano was banished, his estates confiscated, his house destroyed, and his eldest son taken as a hostage. Frances saw in these losses only the finger of God, and blessed His holy name. When peace was restored Ponziano recovered his estate, and Frances founded the Oblates.

After her husband's death, barefoot and with a cord about her neck she begged admission to the community, and was soon elected Superioress. She lived always in the presence of God, and amongst many visions was given constant sight of her angel guardian, who shed such brightness around him that the Saint could read her midnight Office by this light alone. He shielded her in the hour of temptation, and directed her in every good act. But when she was betrayed into some defect, he faded from her sight; and when some light words were spoken before her, he covered his face in shame. She died on the day she had foretold, March 9, 1440.

Reflection.--God has appointed an angel to guard each one of us, to whose warnings we are bound to attend. Let us listen to his voice here, and we shall see him hereafter when he leads us before the throne of God.

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March 9th, St. Frances of Rome, Widow. Day of Fast. In some places St. Dominic Savio's feast day is also celebrated on March 9th.

The Life of St. Dominic Savio, Child Saint Prayers to St. Dominic Savio St. Dominic Savio, Patron of First Communicants First Communion by Mother Mary Loyola Catholic Instruction for Children for the Sacrament of Penance, 1897

40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent Lenten Novena in Honor of Christ Crucified and Penitential Litany for Lent Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent Litany of the Holy Cross The Psalter of Jesus Seven Penitential Psalms Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries Meditations on St. Joseph for the Month of March

March Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Frances of Rome, Widow

O God, Who among other gifts of Thy grace, didst honor blessed Frances, Thy servant, with the familiar presence of an angel; grant, we beseech Thee, that by the help of her intercession, we may become worthy of being admitted into fellowship with the angels. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. With thy comeliness and thy beauty.

R. Set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

Ant. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of good pearls. When he finds a single one of great price, he gives all that he has and buys it.

(Roman Breviary)

Frances was born at Rome in 1384. Her parents were, of high rank. They overruled her desire to become a nun, and at twelve years of age married her to Rorenzo Ponziano, a Roman noble. During the forty years or their married life they never had a disagreement. While spending her days in retirement and prayer, she attended promptly to every household duty, saying, "A married woman must leave God at the altar to find Him in her domestic cares;" and she once found the verse of a psalm in which she had been four times thus interrupted completed for her in letters of gold.

Her ordinary food was dry bread. Secretly she would exchange with beggars good food for their hard crusts; her drink was water, and her cup a human skull. During the invasion of Rome, in 1413, Ponziano was banished, his estates confiscated, his house destroyed, and his eldest son taken as a hostage. Frances saw in these losses only the finger of God, and blessed His holy name. When peace was restored Ponziano recovered his estate, and Frances founded the Oblates.

After her husband's death, barefoot and with a cord about her neck she begged admission to the community, and was soon elected Superioress. She lived always in the presence of God, and amongst many visions was given constant sight of her angel guardian, who shed such brightness around him that the Saint could read her midnight Office by this light alone. He shielded her in the hour of temptation, and directed her in every good act. But when she was betrayed into some defect, he faded from her sight; and when some light words were spoken before her, he covered his face in shame. She died on the day she had foretold, March 9, 1440.

Reflection.--God has appointed an angel to guard each one of us, to whose warnings we are bound to attend. Let us listen to his voice here, and we shall see him hereafter when he leads us before the throne of God.

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March 8th, St. John of God, Confessor. Day of Fast

Litany and Life of St. John of God, Patron of the Sick and Dying The Corporal Works of Mercy The Spiritual Works of Mercy Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick The Sickness of the Body is a Blessing to the Soul Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Dying

Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent 40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent The Steps of Our Savior's Passion The Psalter of Jesus The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent

March Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

St. John of God, Confessor

O God, Who didst let blessed John, when burning with Thy love, to walk through flames unscathed, and by his means didst beget new offspring for Thy Church: grant, through the help of his merits that our vices may be healed by the fire of Thy love and that we may receive remedies unto life everlasting. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Nothing in John's early life foreshadowed his future sanctity. He ran away as a boy from his home in Portugal, tended sheep and cattle in Spain, and served as a soldier against the French, and afterwards against the Turks. When about forty years of age, feeling remorse for his wild life, he resolved to devote himself to the ransom of the Christian slaves in Africa, and went thither with the family of an exiled noble, which he maintained by his labor. On his return to Spain he sought to do good by selling holy pictures and books at low prices. At length the hour of grace struck.

At Granada a sermon by the celebrated John of Avila shook his soul to its depths, and his expressions of self-abhorrence were so extraordinary that he was taken to the asylum as one mad. There he employed himself in ministering to the sick. On leaving he began to collect homeless poor, and to support them by his work and by begging. One night St. John found in the streets a poor man who seemed near death, and, as was his wont, he carried him to the hospital, laid him on a bed, and went to fetch water to wash his feet. When he had washed them, he knelt to kiss them, and started with awe: the feet were pierced, and the print of the nails bright with an unearthly radiance. He raised his eyes to look, and heard the words, "John, to Me thou doest all that thou doest to the poor in My name: I reach forth My hand for the alms thou givest; Me dost thou clothe, Mine are the feet thou dost wash." And then the gracious vision disappeared, leaving St. John filled at once with confusion and consolation.

The bishop became the Saint's patron, and gave him the name of John of God. When his hospital was on fire, John was seen rushing about uninjured amidst the flames until he had rescued all his poor. After ten years spent in the service of the suffering, the Saint's life was fitly closed. He plunged into the river Xenil to save a drowning boy, and died, 1550, of an illness brought on by the attempt, at the age of fifty-five.

Reflection.--God often rewards men for works that are pleasing in His sight by giving them grace and opportunity to do other works higher still. St. John of God used to attribute his conversion, and the graces which enabled him to do such great works, to his self-denying charity in Africa.

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March 7th, St. Thomas Aquinas, Confessor and Doctor of the Church.

St. Thomas Aquinas Prayers and Devotions
The Life of the Angelic Doctor St. Thomas Aquinas

Related Links to St. Thomas Aquinas:

The Sixth Commandment: Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas Corpus Christi What is the Sin Against the Holy Ghost Temptations and the Devils who Tempt What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. The Value and Necessity of Christian Doctrine

Meditations for Lent by
St. Thomas Aquinas Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent

Meditations on St. Joseph for the Month of March

March Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

O God, Who by the wonderful learning of blessed Thomas, Thy Confessor, givest glory to Thy Church, and by his holy deeds makest her fruitful: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may both perceive with the understanding what he taught and follow his example in what he practiced. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Thomas was born of noble parents at Aquino in Italy, in 1226. At the age of nineteen he received the Dominican habit at Naples, where he was studying. Seized by his brothers on his way to Paris, he suffered a two years' captivity in their castle of Rocca-Secca; but neither the caresses of his mother and sisters, nor the threats and stratagems of his brothers, could shake him in his vocation. While St. Thomas was in confinement at Rocca-Secca, his brothers endeavored to entrap him into sin, but the attempt only ended in the triumph of his purity. Snatching from the hearth a burning brand, the Saint drove from his chamber the wretched creature whom they had there concealed. Then marking a cross upon the wall, he knelt down to pray, and forthwith, being rapt in ecstasy, an angel girded him with a cord, in token of the gift of perpetual chastity which God had given him. The pain caused by the girdle was so sharp that St. Thomas uttered a piercing cry, which brought his guards into the room. But he never told this grace to any one save only to Father Raynald, his confessor, a little while before his death. Hence originated the Confraternity of the "Angelic Warfare," for the preservation of the virtue of chastity.

Having at length escaped, St. Thomas went to Cologne to study under Blessed Albert the Great, and after that to Paris, where for many years he taught philosophy and theology. The Church has ever venerated his numerous writings as a treasure-house of sacred doctrine (ex. Summa Theologica); while in naming him the Angelic Doctor she has indicated that his science is more divine than human. The rarest gifts of intellect were combined in him with the tenderest piety.

Prayer, he said, had taught him more than study. His singular devotion to the Blessed Sacrament shines forth in the Office and hymns for Corpus Christi, which he composed. To the words miraculously uttered by a crucifix at Naples, "Well hast thou written concerning Me, Thomas. What shall I give thee as a reward?" he replied, "Naught save Thyself, O Lord." He died at Fossa-Nuova, 1274, on his way to the General Council of Lyons, to which Pope Gregory X. had summoned him.

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March 3rd, Third Sunday of Lent

Newly Added
A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Third Sunday in Lent. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

"He who is not with Me, is against Me." We cannot be neutral in our relation to God. If we do not serve Him, pride and selfishness will enslave us. "Blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it."

Third Sunday in Lent I. Third Sunday in Lent II. Third Sunday of Lent:
Epistle and Gospel Children's Sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent The False Peace of a Sinful Conscience, by Fr. Hunolt, 1691-1746 The Penitent Christian On the Folly of Impure Desires of Sensual Pleasures

On the Spiritual Combat Trifling with God and How to Become Masters of Ourselves On the Use of Temptations and How to Overcome Discouragement Resisting the Enemies of Our Salvation Does Satan Exist? St. Michael/ Exorcism The Spiritual Combat
by Fr. Scupoli, 1865 A Short Explanation on the Rite of Exorcisms The Devils Plan to Ruin Souls and the Protection of the Holy Angels Beware if you have no Temptations Temptations: Why we have them On Resisting Temptations Lead us not into Temptation Temptations and the Devils who Tempt Good and Bad Angels Meditations on St. Joseph for the Month of March Good and Evil Explained

Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent 40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent The Steps of Our Savior's Passion The Psalter of Jesus The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent

March Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

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February 28th,
St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Confessor

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Novena to St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows: Feb. 19th - Feb. 27th On the The Life of Blessed Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows Litany of the Passion

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Confessor (Patron of Youth)

O God, Who didst teach blessed Gabriel continually to recall the sorrows of Thy most sweet Mother, and through her didst raise him up to the glory of holiness and of miracles: grant us, through his intercession and example, so to share in the mourning of Thy Mother, that we may be saved by her maternal protection: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Gabriel was born at Assisi in 1838. He was guided by Our Lady into the Passionist Order founded by Saint Paul of the Cross, and became a veritable Apostle of Her Sorrows. He was a very great and truly contemplative soul, whose only preoccupation was to unite himself to God at all times. He allowed no distractions to enter his spirit, and even though Italy, his country, was in a state of great excitement and activity when he entered religion, he wanted to know nothing of it.

The way to attain union with our Saviour and our God was, for Saint Gabriel, as for Saint Louis de Montfort, His Heavenly Mother. He wrote home to his father, from the first month of his noviciate, "Believe your son, whose heart is speaking by his lips; no, I would not exchange one single quarter of an hour spent near the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, our consolatrix, our protectress and our hope, for a year or several years spent in the diversions and spectacles of the earth." Among his resolutions was that of visiting Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament each day, and praying for the gift of a tender and efficacious devotion to His Most Holy Mother. He wrote a beautiful Credo, worthy to be printed in letters of gold, expressing all that he believed of the Mother of God.

At twenty-four years of age Saint Gabriel died of tuberculosis, having already attained heroic sanctity by a life of self-denial and great devotion to our Lord's Passion and the Compassion of His Mother.

Although his life was without any miraculous event, after his death in 1862 many miracles occurred at his tomb in Isola di Gran Sasso, Italy. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920, and his feast was extended to the entire church by Pope Pius XI in 1932. He is the patron of youth, and especially of young religious.

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February 26th, Ferial Day

Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart

Two Short Sermons:

On Fighting Under the Standard of Jesus Christ

On the Rules Prescribed by Jesus Christ to His Followers Prayers for Peace The Evil Scourge of War A Memorial to those who have served in the Military. Prayer in Time of War Mary's Fatima Message. Peace and Devotions by Fr. Lovasik, 1955

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen, are eternal (2 Cor. iv. 17, 18).

Consider first, that it is not any tribulation, but "that what is at present our tribulation," because if thou regardest tribulation which is past it does not give pain now, and therefore there is no occasion so much as to mention it. If thou regardest present tribulation, "that which is at present," what is it? "Momentary and light;" it is indeed an evil, but a momentary, that is a very brief one, especially if thou comparest it with eternity. And it is light also: light with respect to the faults for which thou hast to atone, light with respect to the grace which is granted thee to endure it, and light with respect to the reward, which is prepared for thee if thou bearest it patiently.

Consider secondly, above all, how great will be the good that this little evil will yield to thee, "above measure" and "exceedingly." "Above measure," because it will be immeasurable, that is to say, very far superior to all thy merits. For, although it is said that the Lord "judgeth according to every one's work," this "according" does not denote equality of quantity, as though each person were to enjoy precisely as much as he has suffered, but it denotes equality of proportion, so that he who suffered most enjoys most. "Exceedingly," because it will not be like the goods of this world, subject to various changes, but it will be placed on the summit of the true Olympus, immutable and imperturbable. "I will lift thee up above the high places of the earth," where no evil of any kind will come. Besides this it will be eternal. "Eternal" as opposed to momentary; and it will be like a very heavy "weight" as opposed to a light one. These are the four prerogatives that especially belong to the glory of Paradise: it is superabundant, it is unchangeable, it is eternal, it is weighty.

Consider thirdly, the reason why this glory, which is, in one word, the clear vision of God, is called a weight. Not, certainly, because it will ever become heavy to any one, for after millions of centuries it will be ever new, most blissful, most joyful; but because it contains so exceeding a gladness, that human strength would soon be oppressed by it if it were not invigorated by the strength which is given to it by the light of glory. Or it may mean that it is like a weight, because as a weight draws to itself all things which are attached to it, so this glory will draw to itself the whole being of the blessed in Heaven, in such a manner that, not being able to resist so mighty an attraction, it will be compelled, with all its faculties, to yield to it, and so to become all glorious, both in body and soul.

Consider fourthly, that it is not said that tribulation will bring thee so much glory, but that actually it produces it for thee in thyself--" Worketh for us"--not indeed as a physical, but as a moral cause; and not as an efficient, but as a meritorious cause. From which thou oughtest clearly to understand that this same glory is not a gift, as some would have it, but a reward, although indeed a superabundant reward. Think, therefore, that as God once placed Adam in the terrestrial Paradise "to dress it and keep it," so too He places in thee tribulation, poverty, ignominy, infirmity, that they may form in thee a paradise, though a much better, because a heavenly one. Let them do their work therefore, because the measure of thy reward will be in proportion to the merit they produce in thee by the trouble they cause thee. Would not the earth be foolish to complain of the labourer as unmerciful for maltreating it with the pickaxe, the spade, and the ploughshare?

Consider fifthly, the means which will help thee to suffer willingly all those trials which come to thee through tribulation. Look at those invisible, that is to say heavenly goods, of which we have spoken. Oh! how the hope of them will animate thee. But it is not enough merely to glance at them from time to time; it is necessary to contemplate them, that is, to gaze at them with special attention. Nay, even this is not enough, but it is also necessary, at the same time, not to look at visible, that is to say, earthly goods, because the sight of them fascinates the soul, distracts and diverts it, so that it is not altogether occupied with heavenly things. For it is not "while we look at the things which are not seen," but it is "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." Both our eyes must be fixed on heaven.

Consider sixthly, how right it is that thou shouldst contemplate heavenly goods and that thou shouldst not contemplate earthly goods, since the former are eternal and the latter are transitory: "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." Wilt thou, then, stand so long gazing at things which pass away? Thou laughest at the rustic who stops to gaze at the river rushing past with great velocity. But what are all visible things? Are they not just like such a river? Let them go.

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February 25th, Second Sunday of Lent

The Transfiguratioin of our Lord gives us an idea of the beauty of a soul in the state of sanctifying grace. "This is the will of God, your sanctification." It must be our firm determination to preserve the divine life of the soul, at any price.

2nd Sunday in Lent 2nd Sunday in Lent; Transfiguration Prayers Second Sunday of Lent: Epistle and Gospel Children's Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent Reflection on the Transfiguration by Bishop Challoner Newly Added
Two Short Sermons: The Joy of Penance and Wasted Opportunities

On the Deplorable State of a Christian, who is Cold and Insensible with regard to Heaven How to Obtain Answers to Our Prayers How to become a Saint On the Angelic Virtue and The Will of God, Our Sanctification Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity 40 Days of Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son The Psalter of Jesus Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick Recommended Prayers and Devotions During Lent

O God, Who seest us to be destitute of all strength, do Thou both inwardly and outwardly keep us; that in body we may be defended from all adversities, and in mind cleansed from evil thoughts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The Transfiguration of our Lord gives us an idea of the beauty of a soul in the state of sanctifying grace. "This is the will of God, your sanctification." It must be our firm determination to preserve the divine life of our soul, at any price.

In today's Epistle, the Apostle shows what manner of life should be followed by Christians; and the Church, by repeating his words, exhorts the Faithful to profit of the present Season of grace, and regain all the beauty of the image of God, which the grace of Baptism first gave them. A Christian is a vessel of honour, formed and enriched by the hand of God; let him, therefore, shun whatsoever would degrade his noble origin, and turn him into a vessel of dishonor, fit only to be broken and cast with the unclean into the sink of hell.

The Christian Religion has so far ennobled man, that even his very body may share in the soul's sanctity; on the other hand, she teaches us, that this sanctity of the soul is impaired, yea, altogether effaced, by the loss of the body's purity. The whole man, therefore, both body and soul, is to be reformed by the practices of this holy Season. Let us purify the soul by the confession of our sins, by compunction of heart, by the love of God; and let us give back its dignity to the Body, by making it bear the yoke of penance, that so it may be, henceforth, subservient and docile to the Soul, and, on the day of the general Resurrection, partake in her endless bliss.

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February 24th,
St. Matthias, Apostle.

St. Matthias, Apostle

Related Links to St. Matthias

The Providence of God and why He permits evil The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed The Labor of the Apostles:
Their Teaching of the Nations Litany of the Saints

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

St. Matthias, Apostle

O God, Who didst join blessed Matthias to the company of Thy Apostles: grant, we beseech Thee, that, by his intercession, we may enjoy for evermore Thy compassion and loving kindness towards us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

After our blessed Lord's Ascension His disciples met together, with Mary His mother and the eleven apostles, in an upper room at Jerusalem. The little company numbered no more than one hundred and twenty souls. They were waiting for the promised coining of the Holy Ghost, and they persevered in prayer. Meanwhile there was a solemn act to be performed on the part of the Church, which could not be postponed. The place of the fallen Judas must be filled up, that the elect number of the apostles might be complete.

St. Peter, therefore, as Vicar of Christ, arose to announce the divine decree. That which the Holy Ghost had spoken by the mouth of David concerning Judas, he said, must be fulfilled. Of him it had been written, "His bishopric let another take." A choice, therefore, was to be made of one among those who had been their companions from the beginning, who could bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus. Two were named of equal merit, Joseph called Barsabas, and Matthias. Then, after praying to God, Who knows the hearts of all men, to show which of these He had chosen, they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, who was forthwith numbered with the apostles. It is recorded of the Saint, thus wonderfully elected to so high a vocation, that he was above all remarkable for his mortification of the flesh. It was thus that he made his election sure.

Reflection.--Our ignorance of many points in St. Matthias's life serves to fix the attention all the more firmly upon these two--the occasion of his call to the apostolate, and the fact of his perseverance. We then naturally turn in thought to our own vocation and our own end.

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February 23rd, St. Peter Damian, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church.

St. Peter Damian                  Newly Added
Part II. The Incontinent Priest and Sacrilegious Mass                  Newly Added
Part I. Grievousness and Chastisement of Sin in a Priest Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity The Sixth Commandment Meditations on Saving Your Soul: Will it be Heaven or Hell? False Confidence of Salvation Death and the Importance of Salvation Importance of Salvation and the Feast of the Most Precious Blood Part 12: Resisting the Enemies of Our Salvation How Catholics lose the Faith by Fr. Michael Muller Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation Are we bound to profess our Catholic Faith openly?

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, almighty God: to follow the counsels and example of blessed Peter Thy Confessor and Bishop, that, by despising earthly things, we may attain unto everlasting joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Peter Damian was born in 988, and lost both parents at an early age. His eldest brother, in whose hands he was left, treated him so cruelly that a younger brother, a priest, moved by his piteous state, sent him to the University of Parma, where he acquired great distinction. His studies were sanctified by vigils, fasts, and prayers, till at last, thinking that all this was only serving God by halves, he resolved to leave the world. He joined the monks at Font-Avellano, then in the greatest repute, and by his wisdom and sanctity rose to be Superior. He was employed on the most delicate and difficult missions, amongst others the reform of ecclesiastical communities, which was effected by his zeal.

Seven Popes in succession made him their constant adviser, and he was at last created Cardinal Bishop of Ostia. He withstood Henry IV. of Germany, and labored in defence of Alexander II. against the Antipope, whom he forced to yield and seek for pardon. He was charged, as Papal Legate, with the repression of simony; again, was commissioned to settle discords amongst various bishops, and finally, in 1072, to adjust the affairs of the Church at Ravenna. He was laid low by a fever on his homeward journey, and died at Faenza, in a monastery of his order, on the eighth day of his sickness, whilst the monks chanted matins around him.

Reflection.--The Saints studied, not in order to be accounted learned, but to become perfect. This only is wisdom and true greatness, to account ourselves as ignorant, and to adhere in all things to the teachings and instincts of the Church.

       †

February 22nd, St. Peter's Chair at Antioch and a Commemoration of St. Paul.

St. Peter, Apostle and First Pope, from the Lives and Times of the Roman Pontiffs, 1867 Prayers and Devotions St. Peter the Apostle and St. Peter's Chair Novena to St. Peter and St. Paul: Feb. 14th - Feb. 22nd The Church The Church is One The Church is Holy The Church is Catholic The Church is Apostolic Contrition St. Peter The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed The Labor of the Apostles:
Their Teaching of the Nations What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Definition of Divine Law Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Vol. 2: Parables and Teachings of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

St. Peter's Chair at Antioch and a Commemoration of St. Paul O God, Who in delivering to Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, didst confer on him the pontifical power of binding and loosing: grant, that by the help of his intercession we may be loosed from the bonds of our sins: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. Thou art the shepherd of the sheep, O Prince of the Apostles, unto thee were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Ant. O holy Apostle Paul, preacher of the truth, and teacher of the Gentiles, intercede for us with God, who chose thee.

V. Thou art a vessel of election, O holy Apostle Paul.

R. A preacher of the truth to the whole world.

(Roman Breviary)

That St. Peter, before he went to Rome, founded the see of Antioch is attested by many Saints. It was just that the Prince of the Apostles should take this city under his particular care and inspection, which was then the capital of the East, and in which the faith took so early and so deep root as to give birth in it to the name of Christians. St. Chrysostom says that St. Peter made there a long stay; St. Gregory the Great, that he was seven years Bishop of Antioch; not that he resided there all that time, but only that he had a particular care over that Church. If he sat twenty-five years at Rome, the date of his establishing his chair at Antioch must be within three years after Our Saviour's Ascension; for in that supposition he must have gone to Rome in the second year of Claudius.

In the first ages it was customary, especially in the East, for every Christian to keep the anniversary of his Baptism, on which he renewed his baptismal vows and gave thanks to God for his heavenly adoption: this they called their spiritual birthday. The bishops in like manner kept the anniversary of their own consecration, as appears from four sermons of St. Leo on the anniversary of his accession or assumption to the pontifical dignity; and this was frequently continued after their decease by the people, out of respect for their memory. St. Leo says we ought to celebrate the chair of St. Peter with no less joy than the day of his martyrdom; for as in this he was exalted to a throne of glory in heaven, so by the former he was installed head of the Church on earth.

Reflection.--On this festival we are especially bound to adore and thank the Divine Goodness for the establishment and propagation of His Church, and earnestly to pray that in His mercy He preserve the same, and dilate its pale, that His name may be glorified by all nations, and by all hearts, to the boundaries of the earth, for His divine honor and the salvation of souls, framed to His divine image, and the price of His adorable blood.

†

February 21st, Ferial Day

Two Short Sermons:

On Fighting Under the Standard of Jesus Christ

On the Rules Prescribed by
Jesus Christ to His Followers

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

St. Michael/ Exorcism

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

How to be Victorious in our Earthly Fight
by Fr. Paolo Segneri, 1892

Laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us: looking on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of faith,: Who, having joy set before Him, endured the Cross, despising the shame (Hebrews xii. I, 2).

Consider first, what this fight which is here proposed to thee is. It is the fight in which thou shouldst engage against those three notorious enemies who would rob thee of eternal goods: the inordinate love of wealth, of pleasures, of honours. This is that fight common to all alike on earth. Even the devils, when they tempt thee, can only rouse one of these enemies to assail thee. We must then animate ourselves for this great fight, not merely going forth, but running to it: this we do when we not only accept poverty, suffering, and contempt, our three-fold daily tribulation, but go forth to meet them "by patience," that is, by an invincible spirit of suffering. "Let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us."

Consider secondly, that in order to accomplish this it is necessary to put aside all impediments. Of these there are two, "weight, and sin which surrounds us." Weight is sin already committed, which weighs thee down and draws thee on to further sin. "The sin which surrounds" is the occasion leading to new sins, and perhaps close round thee. It is necessary, therefore, to lay down the weight if we would run to the fight; since to run, that is, to encounter suffering, requires great virtue. But how can we hope for this whilst all the forces of our soul are weighed down by sin? It is necessary to cast aside also the occasions of sin if we would fight valiantly. For when thou hast merely put thy sin away, how canst thou hope to be able to refrain with ease from yielding to impurity, to practise austerity and self-denial, to look with contempt upon unlawful gains, to be indifferent to greatness and to glory, whilst thou remainest all the time surrounded by the fascinations which allure thee. This is, without question, simple folly. Consider, then, thy present state, and whether thou art prepared for running to the fight.

Consider thirdly, that when thou hast cast aside all impediments, the next thing is to animate thy valour by the example of Christ, Who willed to suffer so much for thy sake. By this means thou shalt attain that patience, that invincible spirit of suffering, of which mention has been made. Who, then, is this Lord Who has suffered so much for thee? Jesus Himself, a Lord so free from blame, so sensitive to suffering. At the very sight of Him does not thy courage revive? If thou canst not meditate on His Passion in a more exalted manner, take in thy hand thy crucifix, and there, "looking on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of faith," contemplate that face for thee so pale, those failing eyes, those fleshless bones, those limbs so cruelly racked and torn, and wet with fresh-flowing Blood, and hesitate no longer: one such glance, one only, should be quite enough to move thee to compunction and to give thee strength. Here thou beholdest the brazen serpent, which, if thou fix thy gaze upon it, has power to cure thy weakness. Observe that the words are not, "Looking at the Author," but, "Looking into the Author," in auctorem; hence thou must not look only at His mangled frame to see how much He suffered for thy sake, but through those wide-open wounds thou must penetrate to the interior man, and consider Who has undergone such suffering--God made Man.

Consider fourthly, that for thy greater encouragement this is the same Jesus Who is called the Author and the Finisher of faith, inasmuch as He Who on earth is now the Author of thy faith, by teaching it to the mind, stamping it on the will, confirming it by so many wonders, will hereafter be its Finisher in Heaven, by rewarding it with the clear vision of God, into which faith will melt and be dissolved, and giving place to intuitive knowledge, shall in reality be finished. Jesus, then, both as Author and as Finisher of faith, gives thee encouragement: as Author, by what He promises thee now; as Finisher, by what He will give thee hereafter.

Consider fifthly, that in proposing to thee this great fight, He proposes what He knows by His own experience. Jesus was not obliged to suffer, as thou art, to whom the corruption of thy nature makes it necessary. Joy of every kind was set before Him to take, if He would; and yet, in order to set thee an example, "joy being proposed to Him," He refused to have it; instead of the riches which He could have had in such abundance, He chose poverty; in place of pleasure He chose pain; in place of honour He chose contempt: thus it was He "bore the Cross." Represent to thy mind that the whole life of thy Redeemer was one continued cross, to which He was bound by these three cruel executioners--poverty, pain, contempt. These three He had with Him at the instant of His Birth; they were with Him through life; they were with Him in death. And wilt thou, on the contrary, shrink proudly from them? It is for thee to do as Christ did, and to go forth with high courage to encounter them, when it is in thy power to keep away from them--it is for thee "to run to the fight."

Consider sixthly, that it is not said that Christ overcame shame; it is said that He contemned it, because it is most easily overcome by contempt. It is thy inordinate regard for the opinions of men which makes thee dread the slightest shame. What matters it to thee what people say of thee? Thy true reputation is that which thou enjoyest in Paradise, among the angels and archangels, before the awful throne of the Three Divine Persons. That is the reputation of which thou shouldst take thought. The esteem of men is empty, changeable, unjust, deceitful, fleeting. Let it pass, be it what it may. In short, the one thing needed to conquer shame is to despise it, to contemn contempt.

&nnbsp; †

February 18th,
First Sunday of Lent

The Subject of this Sunday's Gospel is the Temptation of Christ. He permitted Himself to be tempted by Satan. Why, then, should we be surprised if we have to struggle against the malice and snares of the devil! Our strength to resist lies in fasting, in guarding and controlling our senses, in almsgiving, in prayer, and in uniting ourselves with Christ in the Holy Mass and Communion.

A Devout Guide to Follow the Tridentine Mass and All Related Links to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Spiritual Communion Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent First Sunday in Lent: from the Liturgial Year by Dom Gueranger. Temptation of Jesus in the Desert First Sunday in Lent: On Serving the Devil Sermons by Fr. Francis Xavier Weninger First Sunday of Lent: Epistle and Gospel, Instructions for Lent Children's Sermon for the First Sunday in Lent Fasting in Lent The Loving Chastiser How to Fast from the Heart Two Short Sermons:
1.) On the Christian's Armour
2.) On the Christian's Conflict Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent Index of Children Prayers, Lent

First Sunday in Lent: A Series of Related Links on Temptations and the Devil

The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Meditations for Lent by
St. Thomas Aquinas The Necessity of Mortification Stations of the Cross The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross

Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son--These devotions can be said at anytime during the entire season of Lent. Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

O God, Who dost purify Thy Church by the yearly observance of forty days; grant to Thy household that what we strive to obtain from Thee by self denial, we may secure by good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Originally the forty days of penance were counted from this Sunday. The liturgical gathering of the " station " takes place to-day, as it was since the fourth century, at Saint John Lateran, which is the patriarchal basilica of the Bishops of Rome, At its first consecration, it was dedicated to " Saint Saviour," a name which calls to mind the Redemption accomplished by our Blessed Lord.

Immediately after His baptism, our Lord began to prepare for His public life by a fast of forty days in the mountainous desert which stretches between Jericho and the mountains of Judea. It was there that He was tempted by Satan, who wished to discover whether the son of Mary was in reality the Son of God (Gospel). As in the case of Adam, he adresses his first attack to the senses. Our Lord is hungry and the tempter suggests to Him that He should turn stones into bread. In the same way he tries, during these forty days, to make us give up our fasting and mortification. This is the concupiscence of the flesh.

The devil had promised our first parent that he should be as God. Now he takes our Lord to the pinnacle of the Temple and tries to induce Him to let Himself be carried by the angels through the air amidst the applause of the crowds below. Satan tempts us by pride, which is opposed to the spirit of prayer and meditation on God's word. This is the pride of life.

Finally, just as he had promised Adam a knowledge which like that of God Himself, should enable him to know all things, so Satan assures Jesus that he will make Him ruler over all created things if He will fall at his feet and worship him. In the same way the devil seeks to attach us to temporal goods, when we ought, by alms and works of charity, to be doing good to our neighbour. This is the concupiscence of the eyes or avarice.

Since the sword of the Spirit is the word of God, our Lord made use of the ninetieth psalm against Satan, and this is the theme of the whole Mass and is found again and again in the office of the day. " His truth shall cover thee with a shield," says the psalmist. This psalm is, therefore, the ideal psalm for Lent as a special time of warfare against the devil. Again, the eleventh verse," He hath given His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways," recurs in Vespers like a refrain during the whole season. We find the entire psalm in the Tract, which reminds us of the old custom of singing psalms during certain parts of the Mass. Some of its verses make up the Introit with its verse, the Gradual, the Communion and the Offertory, which last was formerly composed, in to-day's mass, of three verses instead of one, following the order of the threefold temptation as recorded in the Gospel.

Side by side with this psalm the Epistle, certainly dating from the time of Saint Leo, sounds one of the characteristic notes of Lent. There Saint Paul borrows a text of Isaias : " In an accepted time have I heard thee, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee." "Behold," says the apostle, " now is the acceptable time, behold now is the day of salvation" (Epistle and first nocturn). On this Saint Leo comments : " Although there is no season of the year which is not rich in divine gifts and in which we by God's grace do not find immediate access to His mercy; nevertheless at this time when the return of the day on which we are redeemed summons us to fulfill all the duties of Christian piety, the souls of Christians must be stirred with more zeal for spiritual progress, and possessed of a very great confidence in almighty God. In this manner, with pure souls and bodies, shall we celebrate this mystery of the Lord's Passion, sublime beyond all others.

True, we ought always to be in the divine presence, just as much as on the Easter feast. But because this spiritual vigour is the possession of only a few, while, on the one hand, the weakness of the flesh leads to any very severe observance being relaxed, and on the other, the varied occupations of this life share and divide our interest, it necessarily happens that the dust of the world soils the hearts even of religious themselves. This divine institution has been planned with great profit to our salvation in a manner that the exercises of these forty days may help us to regain the purity of our souls, making up, in a way, for the faults of the rest of the year, by fasting and pious deeds. However, we must be careful to give no one the least cause of complaint or scandal, so that our general behaviour may not be inconsistent with our fasting and penance. For it is useless to reduce the nourishment of the body unless the soul departs from sin " (Second nocturn).

February 17th, Ferial Day

In some locations, the Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family is celebrated

The Flight into Egypt Children's Sermon:
The Flight into Egypt

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

On Divine Love, as a Light which Enlightens us.

by St. Alphonsus Liguori

One of the worst effects which Adam's sin produced in us, was its blinding our reason by means of the passions, which darkened the mind. O how miserable is the soul that allows itself to be ruled by any of the passions! Passion is a vapour, a veil, which will not suffer us to see the truth. How can he fly from evil, who knows not what is evil? Our mental obscurity increases in proportion as our sins increase. But the Holy Ghost, who is called "Light most blessed," with His divine rays, not only inflames our hearts to love Him, but also dispels our darkness, and reveals to us the vanity of all worldly things, the value of eternal goods, the importance of salvation, the price of grace, the goodness of God, the infinite love which He deserves from us, and the immense love He has shown to us: The sensual man perceiveth not the things that are of the spirit of God (1 Cor. ii. 14. ).

Man absorpt in the pleasures of the earth, knows but little of these truths, and hence he unhappily loves that which he should hate, and hates that which he should love. St. Mary Magdalen, of Pazzi, exclaimed: "O love not known, O love not loved!" And hence St. Teresa said, that God is not loved because He is not known. Hence the saints ever sought light from God: "Send forth thy light: illuminate our darkness: open thou our eyes." Yes, because without light, precipices cannot be avoided, and God cannot be found.

Affections and Prayers

O Holy and Divine Spirit, I believe that thou art truly God, and one God with the Father and with the Son. I adore and acknowledge Thee as the giver of those lights, by which Thou hast discovered to me the evil which I have done by offending Thee, and the obligation which I am under of loving Thee: I thank Thee for them, and am exceedingly sorry for having offended Thee. I have deserved to be abandoned by Thee in my darkness, but I am sensible Thou hast not yet abandoned me.

Continue, O Eternal Spirit, to enlighten me, and make me know still more and more Thy infinite goodness, and give me strength to love Thee for the future with my whole heart. Add grace upon grace, that so I may be sweetly overcome, and constrained to love no other but Thee. I thank Thee through the merits of Jesus Christ. I love Thee, my sovereign good, I love Thee more than myself. I desire to be all thine, accept of me, and suffer me not to depart from Thee any more. O Mary, my Mother, assist me always by your holy intercession.

†

February 16th, Ferial Day

Good and Evil Explained The Providence of God and why He permits evil

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

On our Journey to Eternity

Man shall go into the house of his eternity. Eccles. xii. 5. This earth is not our true country; we are only passing through it on our way to eternity. The land in which I dwell, the house which I inhabit are not mine: in a short time, and when I least expect it, I must leave them. The house which will contain my body, until the day of general judgment, will be the grave, and the house of my soul will be eternity, in heaven if I be saved, in hell if I be lost. Foolish indeed then should I be were I to place my affections on things which I must soon leave. I will endeavour to procure for myself a happy mansion in which I may dwell for ever.

Man shall go into the house of his eternity. It is said he shall go, to give us to understand that each one shall go, in another life, into that house which he himself has chosen: he shall go, he shall not be conducted, but shall go thither of his own free will. Faith teaches us that, in the next life, there are two habitations: one is a palace of delights, where all are happy for ever, and this is paradise: the other is a prison of excruciating torments, where all are for ever miserable, and this is hell. Choose, my soul, to which of the two thou wilt go. If thou desire heaven, thou must walk in the way which leads to heaven; if thou shouldst walk in the way which leads to hell, thou wilt one day unhappily find thyself there. Jesus, enlighten me, Jesus strengthen me. Suffer me not to be separated from thee.

Man shall go into the house of his eternity. If then I be saved and enter into the house of bliss, I shall there be happy for ever; but if I be lost and enter inter into the house of woe, I shall be miserable for ever. If therefore I would be saved, I must keep eternity always before my eyes. He who frequently meditates upon eternity does not become attached to the goods of this world, and thus secures his salvation. I will endeavour, therefore, so to regulate all my actions that they may be so many steps towards a happy eternity. O God, I believe in life eternal. Henceforth I will live only for Thee; hitherto I have lived for myself and have lost Thee, my sovereign good. I will never more lose thee; but will for ever serve and love thee. Assist me, O Jesus, and do not abandon me. Mary, my mother, protect me.

†

February 15th, St. Faustina and Jovita, Martyrs

Ss. Faustinus and Jovita, Martyrs Final Perseverance
by St. Bonaventure On Death-Bed Performances Prayers for Peace The Evil Scourge of War A Memorial to those who have served in the Military. Prayer in Time of War Mary's Fatima Message. Peace and Devotions by Fr. Lovasik, 1955

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Faustina and Jovita, Martyrs

O God, Who dost gladden us by the yearly festival of Thy holy Martyrs, Faustinus and Jovita, grant in Thy mercy, that we who rejoice in their merits may be inspired by the example of their lives. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Faustinus and Jovita were brothers, nobly born, and zealous professors of the Christian religion, which they preached without fear in their city of Brescia, while, the bishop of that place lay concealed during the persecution. Their remarkable zeal excited the fury of the heathens against them, and procured them a glorious death for their faith at Brescia in Lombardy, under the Emperor Adrian. Julian, a heathen lord, apprehended them: and the emperor himself, passing through Brescia, when neither threats nor torments could shake their constancy, commanded them to be beheaded. They seem to have suffered about the year 121. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons, possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

Reflection.--The spirit of Christ is a spirit of martyrdom--at least of mortification and penance. It is always the spirit of the cross. The more we share in the suffering life of Christ, the greater share we inherit in His spirit, and in the fruit of His death. To souls mortified to their senses and disengaged from earthly things, God gives frequent foretastes of the sweetness of eternal life, and the most ardent desires of possessing Him in His glory. This is the spirit of martyrdom, which entitles a Christian to a happy resurrection and to the bliss of the life to come.

†

February 14th, Ash Wednesday, Day of Fast and Abstinence

Primary Resourse for the Season of Lent: All of the Lenten Sermons, Prayers, Devotions, Books and vital information relevant to this Holy Season of Lent can be accessed via our Lenten Index page. Children Prayers and Sermons for the Season of Lent Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Service: from the Roman Missal. Spiritual Communion Ash Wednesday: Epistle and Gospel, Instructions for Lent The Necessity of Mortification Prayers and Devotions for the Holy Season of Lent Novena and Penitential Litany for Lent; The Prodigal Son Stations of the Cross The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross The Holy Ways of the Cross by Henri Boudon, 1875 Daily Meditations for Lent by
St. Thomas Aquinas The Church's Laws on Fasting and the Season of Lent Practise During Lent, by Gueranger Lenten Reflection on Via Crucis The End of Man On Those Who During Shrove-Tide, Prefer to Follow the Devil, Rather than Christ by Fr. Francis Hunolt, 1740

Newly Added
A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent 2021 Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary

O God, Who by sin art offended and by penance pacified: mercifully regard the prayers of Thy suppliant people and turn away the scourge of Thy wrath, which we deserve for our sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Today's station at Rome is at Saint-Sabina's on the Aventine, in a sanctuary built on the former site of the holy martyr's house. Having been converted by her maid-servant, she was beheaded for the faith and secretly buried. It is to this Church that, in former times, the Pope used to go barefoot "to begin with holy fasts the exercises of Christian warfare, that as we do battle with the spirits of evil, we may be protected by the help of self-denial". In the fifth century it was one of the twenty-five parishes of Rome. Following the example of the Ninevites, who did penance is sackcloth and ashes, the Church today, to humble our pride and remind us of the sentence of death, which as a consequence of our sins we are bound to undergo, sprinkles ashes on our heads with the words: "Remember, man, that thou art dust, and into dust thou shalt return". We come from dust and to dust we shall return! Here indeed, is a thought that should humble our pride.

In this custom we have the remains of an ancient ceremony referred to in the Roman Pontifical. Those Christians who were guilty of grave faults had to undergo public penance. Accordingly on Ash Wednesday, the Bishop used to bless the sackcloth which was to be worn by the penitents during the holy Forty Days, and place upon their heads ashes made from palms used the previous year in the Palm Sunday procession. Then, while the faithful were singing the Seven Penitential Psalms, "the penitents were expelled from the holy place on account of their sins, just as Adam was driven out of paradise because of his disobedience". They were not allowed to put off their penitential garb or to re-enter the Church before Holy Thursday after they had gained their reconciliation by toil and penance, and by sacramental confession and absolution.

At the Council of Beneventum (1091) Pope Urban VI commanded that the ashes should be received by all the faithful indiscriminately. Let us receive them in a spirit of humility and penance, and that by this powerful sacramental we may obtain from almighty God the blessings which the Church implores in the act of blessing them. For, truly, "God overlooks the sins of men for the sake of repentance" (Introit). He is "rich in mercy" to those who are "converted to Him with all their heart in fasting and in weeping and in mourning" (Epistle). We must not indeed, like the Pharisees, rend our garments as a sign of grief, but rather our hearts" (ibid.), for it is not men who are to testify to our fasting, but our Father who sees our inmost souls and will repay us (Gospel), as our Lord Himself tells us in the Sermon on the Mount. Let us then, draw from the Eucharist the help which we need (Postcommunion), so that celebrating today the institution of this sacred fast (Secret), we may "perform it with a devotion which nothing can disturb" (Collect).

†

February 14th, St. Valentine, Priest and Martyr

St. Valentine, Priest and Martyr Novena to St. Valentine:
Feb. 6th - Feb. 14th Holy Purity Index: Links to All Marriage and Family Pages. Provides answers to all of your questions. The Sacrament of Marriage Christian Marriage Preparation for Marraige After Lent/ Laws of the Church Duties of Marriage St. Michael/ Exorcism

Readings and Prayers to Combat the Vice of Impurity The 6th Commandment Moral Teaching on Unchaste Thoughts and Desires Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity The Necessity of Avoiding Occasions of Sin
by St. Alphonsus Liguori The Ravages of Adultery

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Valentine, Priest and Martyr

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God: that we who are keeping the festival of blessed Valentine Thy Martyr, may, through his intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through our Lord. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, O Lord.

R. And hast set him over the works of Thy hands.

Ant. This Saint hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; for he had been founded upon a firm rock.

(Roman Breviary)

Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who assisted the martyrs during the persecution under Claudius II. His great virtue and influence became known, and he was apprehended and brought before the emperor's tribunal. "Why, Valentine, do you want to be the friend of our enemies and reject our friendship?" The Christian priest replied, "My Lord, if you knew the gift of God, you would be happy, and your empire with you; you would reject the cult of your idols and would adore the true God and His Son Jesus Christ." One of the judges interrupted, asking the martyr what he thought of Jupiter and Mercury. "That they were miserable, and spent all their lives in debauchery and crime!" The judge, furious, cried, "He has blasphemed against the gods and against the empire!" The emperor nonetheless continued his questioning with curiosity, pleased to have this opportunity to know what Christians thought. Valentine had the courage to exhort him to do penance for the blood of Christians which he had shed. "Believe in Jesus Christ, be baptized and you will be saved, and already in this life you will insure your empire's glory and the triumph of your arms." Claudius began to be convinced, and said to those in attendance, "Hear the beautiful doctrine this man is teaching us!" But the prefect of Rome, dissatisfied, cried out, "See how this Christian is seducing our prince!" Claudius, weakening, abandoned the holy priest to another judge.

This man, named Asterius, had a little girl who had been blind for two years. Hearing of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, he asked Valentine if he could convey that light to his child. Saint Valentine placed his hand on her eyes and prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, true Light, illuminate this blind child!" The child saw, and the Judge with all his family confessed Christ and received Baptism. The emperor, hearing of this, would have turned his gaze away from these conversions, but fear caused him to betray his sense of justice. With several other Christians Saint Valentine was tortured and martyred in the year 268.

This illustrious martyr has always been held in great honor in Rome, where there still exists a catacomb named for him.

Reflection: In the cause of justice and truth, human prudence should not be consulted; in that case, it is mere human respect. Saint Paul says: "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." (I Cor. 3:19)

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February 13th, Ferial Day (Shrove Tuesday)

On Those Who During Shrove-Tide, Prefer to Follow the Devil, Rather than Christ Shrove-Tide: On the Opposition there is Between the World and the Gospel Preparing for Lent How to Fast from the Heart On Christian Self-Love and
the Necessity of Holy Fear and Avoiding Sloth On Resisting Temptation

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

On the merciful
chastisements of God

by St. Alphonsus Liguori

God, being infinite goodness, desires only our good and to communicate to us His own happiness. When He chastises us, it is because we have obliged Him to do so by our sins. Hence the prophet Isaias says, that, on such occasions, He doth a work foreign to His desires. xxviii. 21. Hence it is that it is said, that it is the property of God to have mercy and to spare, to dispense His favours and to make all happy. O God, it is this Thy infinite goodness which sinners offend and despise, when they provoke Thee to chastise them. Wretch that I am, how often have I offended Thy infinite goodness!

Let us therefore understand that when God threatens us, it is not because He desires to punish us, but because He wishes to deliver us from punishment; He threatens, because He would have compassion on us. O God thou hast been angry, and hast had mercy on us. Ps. lix. 3. But how is this? He is angry with us, and treats us with mercy? Yes! He shows Himself angry towards us, in order that we may amend our lives, and that thus He maybe able to pardon and save us; hence, if in this life He chastise us for our sins, He does so in His mercy, for by so doing He frees us from eternal woe. How unfortunate then is the sinner who escapes punishment in this life!

Since then, O God, I have so much offended Thee, chastise me in this life, that Thou mayest spare me in the next. I know that I have certainly deserved hell; I accept all kinds of pain, that Thou mayest reinstate me in Thy grace and deliver me from hell, where I should be for ever separated from Thee. Enlighten and strengthen me to overcome every obstacle to Thy favour.

He who makes no account of the divine threats, ought much to fear lest the chastisement threatened in the Proverbs should suddenly overtake him: The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed; and health shall not follow him. xxix. 1. A sudden death shall overtake him that despises God's reprehensions, and he shall have no time to avoid eternal destruction.

This, O Jesus, has happened to many, and I indeed have deserved that the like should happen to me; but, O my Redeemer, Thou hast shown that mercy towards me which Thou hast not shown to many others who have offended thee less frequently than I have done, and who are now suffering in hell without the least hope of ever again being able to regain Thy favour. I know, O Lord, that Thou desirest my salvation, and I also desire it, that I may please Thee. I renounce all, and turn myself to Thee, who art my God, and my only good. I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee, and Thee alone. O infinite goodness, I am exceedingly displeased with myself for having hitherto done evil against Thee; and I wish that I had suffered every evil, rather than offended Thee. Suffer me not any more to depart from Thee, rather let me die than offer Thee so great an injury. In Thee, my crucified Jesus, do I place all my hopes. O Mary, mother of Jesus, recommend me to your Son.

†

February 12th, Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Confessors.

Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart

The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Confessors Manual of Devotions in Honour of Our Lady of Sorrows Temptations and the Devils who Tempt On the Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary In Defense of Catholic Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary The Angelus: Prayer, Explanation, 10 Years Indulgence

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Confessors

O God, Who, to honor the memory of Thy most holy Mother's sorrows, didst, by means of seven blessed Fathers, beget within Thy Church a new family of her Servants: mercifully grant that we may so share their weeping that we may also enjoy their bliss. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Hymn: Sic patres vitam

The fathers lived a life in shade, Yet seemed to Peter's vision seven White glistening lilies for the Maid, The Queen of heaven,

Through city streets, o'er hills and plains, Upborne by love divine, they trod, To fix in men the Mother's pains, The swords of God.

This was the power in which they spoke, Till each wild passion owned their sway: They cheered the sad, from sinners broke Their chains away.

Till at last the Virgin Queen Led them to mansions in the sky, Mansions where garlands aye are green, And never die.

May they hear cries of all who pray, And see how hard our earthly strife: Aiding us onward to the day When all is life.

Now to the Father thanks and praise; To Thee, O Son, the same we send; To thee, great Spirit, through all days, World without end. Amen

When in the thirteenth century the most cultured peoples of Italy were divided by bloodthirsty factions and by the dreadful schism fostered by Frederick II, the merciful providence of God raised up, among others remarkable for holiness, seven men of the nobility of Florence, who were united by mutual affection, and afforded a notable example of brotherly love. These men were: Bonfilio Monaldi, Bonagiunta Manetti, Manettus dell' Antella, Amadeus de Amadei, Hugo Lippi, Gerard Sostegni, and Alexis Falconieri. In the year 1233, on the feast of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin, while they were fervently praying in a certain convent of pious men, called the Praisers, each one of them was urged by the Mother of God herself in a vision, to embrace a more holy and more perfect life. Therefore, having first conferred on the matter with the bishop of Florence, these seven men, laying aside their wealth and rank, and clothing themselves in hair-shirts under very old and ragged garments, on September 8 withdrew to a humble retreat in the country, desiring to begin their holier life on the very day when the Mother of God herself began her own most holy life upon earth.

God showed by a miracle that their manner of life was pleasing to him. For one day shortly afterwards, when these seven men were begging alms from door to door throughout the city of Florence, it happened that they were acclaimed by the voices of children, among whom was St. Philip Benizi, then only five months old, as the Servants of blessed Mary, which was to be always their title in the future. Wherefore to avoid crowds of people, and led by their love of solitude, they all withdrew to the solitude of Monte Senario, and there adopted a manner of life almost heavenly. For they lived in caves, took no food but herbs and water, and subdued their bodies by vigils and other austerities, continually meditating on the passion of Christ and the sorrows of his afflicted Mother.

One Good Friday when they were absorbed in fervent prayer, the blessed Virgin appeared to them all in person a second time, and showed them the somber habit they were to adopt; and told them that she wished them to found a new order of religious in the Church, whose mission was to cultivate and spread devotion to the sorrows which she endured beneath the cross of the Lord. Holy Peter, illustrious Martyr of the Order of Preachers, learned this from familiar association with these holy men, and also from a strange vision of the Mother of God. it was at his instance, that they founded the regular Order under the title of Servants of the Blessed Virgin; which later was approved by the sovereign Pontiff Innocent IV.

These holy men were soon joined by many companions, and began to preach Christ crucified everywhere in the towns and cities of Italy, especially in Tuscany. They brought civil feuds to an end, and brought back almost innumerable sinners to the paths of virtue. Not only Italy, but France, Germany and Poland benefited by their evangelical labors. Finally, after having diffused the good odor of Christ far and wide, and also being illustrious in the glory of miracles, they passed to the Lord. In life they were one in their love of religion and of true brotherhood, in death they were united in one tomb and in the veneration of the people.

†

February 11th, the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotions to the Sacred Heart Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Our Lady of Lourdes Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette In Defense of the Miracles of Lourdes, A History of Its Apparitions and Cures St. Bernadette Soubirous, Virgin Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick Immaculate Conception History and Defense of the Immaculate Conception Devotion in honor of the Immaculate Conception

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes

O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling for Thy Son: we humbly beseech Thee, that we who celebrate the Apparition of the same Virgin may win health of mind and body. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

In the fourth year after the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the blessed Virgin, the Virgin herself deigned to appear on several occasions to a certain very poor but pious and innocent girl named Bernadette, in a rocky cavern overlooking the grotto of Massabielle, on the banks of the river Gave, near the town of Lourdes in the diocese of Tarbes in France. The Immaculate Virgin showed herself as a young and gracious figure, robed in white, with a white veil and blue girdle, and golden roses on her bare feet. At the first apparition on February 11, 1858, she taught the child to make the sign of the cross correctly and devoutly, and, taking a chaplet from her own arm, encouraged her by example to say the holy rosary; this was also repeated in the subsequent apparitions.

On the second day the girl, who feared some deceit of the devil, in all simplicity cast holy water at the Virgin, who smiled more graciously than before. At the third apparition, the girl was invited to repeat her visits to the grotto for fifteen days. During this time the Virgin conversed with her, exhorted her to pray for sinners, to kiss the ground and do penance; and finally commanded her to tell the priests, that a chapel was to be built in that place, and that pilgrims should come to it solemnly in prayer. She was also told to drink and wash in the water from a spring, until the invisible, but which soon gushed out of the ground. On the feast of the Annunciation the girl earnestly begged the Virgin, who had so often visited her, to reveal her name, and joining her hands and raising her eyes to heaven, she said: I am the Immaculate Conception.

†

February 11th, Quinquagesima Sunday

The Gospel of this Sunday affords us a good occassion to ask the Master to give us the power of sight, to lift up our eyes from the earth, from the perishable and the transitory; and thus loosened from the bondage of this life we might catch a glipze of eternal happiness promised to faithful servants.

Quinquagaesima Sunday Quinquagesima Sunday:
Sermon for Children and Parents Quinquagesima Sunday:
Epistle and Gospel. Necessity of Good Works The Corporal Works of Mercy Preparing for Lent The Qualities of Christian Charity Two Short Sermons: Against Delay of Repentance

On the Folly of Deferring Conversion Christian Self Love Two Short Sermons:
On Turning from Sin to God
The Sentiments of a Penitent Sinner How Blind the Sinner Is They that Live in Sin Prayer Against the Seven Deadly Sins Newly Added
A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

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February 10th,
St. Scholastica, Virgin and 5th Sunday After the Epiphany

St. Scholastica, Virgin Related Link: St. Benedict, Brother of St. Scholastica On the Great Commendment
of Divine Love Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Scholastica, Virgin

O God, Who, to show us the path of innocence, didst cause the soul of Thy blessed virgin Scholastica to go up into heaven in the form of a dove: grant that by the help of her merits and prayers, we may live in such innocence as to be worthy to win everlasting bliss. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Of this Saint but little is known on earth, save that she was the sister of the great patriarch St. Benedict, and that, under his direction, she founded and governed a numerous community near Monte Casino. St. Gregory sums up her life by saying that she devoted herself to God from her childhood, and that her pure soul went to God in the likeness of a dove, as if to show that her life had been enriched with the fullest gifts of the Holy Spirit. Her brother was accustomed to visit her every year, for "she could not be sated or wearied with the words of grace which flowed from his lips."

On his last visit, after a day passed in spiritual converse, the Saint, knowing that her end was near, said, "My brother, leave me not, I pray you, this night, but discourse with me till dawn on the bliss of those who see God in heaven." St. Benedict would not, break his rule at the bidding of natural affection; and then the Saint bowed her head on her hands and prayed; and there arose a storm so violent that St. Benedict could not return to his monastery, and they passed the night in heavenly conversation. Three days later St. Benedict saw in a vision the soul of his sister going up in the likeness of a dove into heaven. Then he gave thanks to God for the graces He had given her, and for the glory which had crowned them.

When she died, St. Benedict, her spiritual daughters, and the monks sent by St. Benedict mingled their tears and prayed, "Alas! alas! dearest mother, to whom dost thou leave us now? Pray for us to Jesus, to Whom thou art gone." They then devoutly celebrated holy Mass, "commending her soul to God;" and her body was borne to Monte Casino, and laid by her brother in the tomb he had prepared for himself." And they bewailed her many days;" and St. Benedict said, "Weep not, sisters and brothers; for assuredly Jesus has taken her before us to be our aid and defence against all our enemies, that we may stand in the evil day and be in all things perfect." She died about the year 543.

Reflection.--Our relatives must be loved in and for God; otherwise the purest affection becomes inordinate and is so much taken from Him.

†

February 9th, St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church.

St. Cyril Bishop of Alexandria, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church and St. Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr In Defense of Mary
The Mother of God Part 12: Resisting the Enemies of Our Salvation The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The following links are particularly relevant today. All Catholics must thoroughly know and firmly believe the infallable teachings of the Catholic Church, or else they will be deceived by false teachers and false prophets and lose their souls. St. Paul warned against this when he wrote to the Galatians: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema. As we said before, so now I say again: If any one preach to you a gospel, besides that which you have received, let him be anathema.--Galatians 1: 8-9

Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation Are we bound to profess our Catholic Faith openly? What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. How Catholics lose the Faith by Fr. Michael Muller The Heresy of Indifferentism: the Consequence of Luther's Heresy of Faith Alone Why the Catholic Church Condemns Attendance at False Worship by Michael Mueller, 1874 Abjuration of Heresy and Profession of Faith of the Council of Trent, Pius IV., 1565 Unworthy Communion: Applies to Divorced and Remarried Catholics

St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

O God, Who didst make blessed Cyril, Thy Confessor and Bishop, the invincible champion of the divine motherhood of the most blessed Virgin Mary: grant through his intercession, that we who believe her to be truly the Mother of God may be saved by her motherly care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Cyril became Patriarch of Alexandria in 412. Having at first thrown himself with ardor into the party politics of the place, God called him to a nobler conflict. In 428, Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople, began to deny the unity of Person in Christ, and to refuse to the Blessed Virgin the title of "Mother of God." He was strongly supported by disciples and friends throughout the East. As the assertion of the divine maternity of Our Lady was necessary to the integrity of the doctrine of the Incarnation, so, with St. Cyril, devotion to the Mother was the necessary complement of his devotion to the Son. St. Cyril, after expostulating in vain, accused Nestorius to Pope Celestine. The Pope commanded retraction, under pain of separation from the Church, and intrusted St. Cyril with the conduct of the proceedings.

The appointed day, June 7, 431, found Nestorius and Cyril at Ephesus, with over 200 bishops. After waiting twelve days in vain for the Syrian bishops, the council with Cyril tried Nestorius, and deposed him from his see. Upon this the Syrians and Nestorians excommunicated St. Cyril, and complained of him to the emperor as a peace-breaker. Imprisoned and threatened with banishment, the Saint rejoiced to confess Christ by suffering. In time it was recognized that St. Cyril was right, and with him the Church triumphed. Forgetting his wrongs, and careless of controversial punctilio, Cyril then reconciled himself with all who would consent to hold the doctrine of the Incarnation intact. He died in 444.

Reflection.--The Incarnation is the mystery of God's dwelling within us, and therefore should be the dearest object of our contemplation. It was the passion of St. Cyril's life; for it he underwent toil and persecution, and willingly sacrificed credit and friends.

February 9th,
St. Apolonia, Virgin and Martyr

O God, Who amongst the many marvels of Thy power hast granted the triumph of martyrdom even to weak women: grant in Thy mercy, that we, who keep the festival of blessed Apollonia, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may, by her example, advance nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

At Alexandria, in 249, the mob rose in savage fury against the Christians. Metras, an old man, perished first. His eyes were pierced with reeds, and he was stoned to death. A woman named Quinta was the next victim. She was led to a heathen temple and bidden worship. She replied by cursing the false god again and again, and she too was stoned to death. After this the houses of the Christians were sacked and plundered. They took the spoiling of their goods with all joy.

St. Apollonia, an aged virgin, was the most famous among the martyrs. Her teeth were beaten out; she was led outside the city, a huge fire was kindled, and she was told she must deny Christ, or else be burned alive. She was silent for a while, and then, moved by a special inspiration of the Holy Ghost, she leaped into the fire and died in its flames. The same courage showed itself the next year, when Decius became emperor, and the persecution grew till it seemed as if the very elect must fall away. The story of Dioscorus illustrates the courage of the Alexandrian Christians, and the esteem they had for martyrdom. He was a boy of fifteen.

To the arguments of the judge he returned wise answers: he was proof against torture. His older companions were executed, but Dioscorus was spared on account of his tender years; yet the Christians could not bear to think that he had been deprived of the martyr's crown, except to receive it afterwards more gloriously. "Dioscorus," writes Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria at this time, "remains with us, reserved for some longer and greater combat." There were indeed many Christians who came, pale and trembling, to offer the heathen sacrifices. But the judges themselves were struck with horror at the multitudes who rushed to martyrdom. Women triumphed over torture, till at last the judges were glad to execute them at once and put an end to the ignominy of their own defeat.

Reflection.--Many saints, who were not martyrs, have longed to shed their blood for Christ. We, too, may pray for some portion of their spirit; and the least suffering for the faith, borne with humility and courage, is the proof that Christ has heard our prayer.

†

February 8th,
St. John of Matha, Confessor

St. John of Matha, Confessor The Corporal Works of Mercy The Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. John of Matha, Confessor

O God, Who by heavenly power, and through holy John, didst found the Order of the most holy Trinity for ransoming prisoners from the power of the Saracens: grant, we beseech thee, that by virtue of his helpful merits pleading for us we may, by Thy help, be delivered from all bondage, whether of soul or body. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The life of St. John of Matha was one long course of self-sacrifice for the glory of God and the good of his neighbor. As a child, his chief delight was serving the poor; and he often told them he had come into the world for no other end but to wash their feet. He studied at Paris with such distinction that his professors advised him to become a priest, in order that his talents might render greater service to others; and, for this end, John gladly sacrificed his high rank and other worldly advantages.

At his first Mass an angel appeared, clad in white, with a red and blue cross on his breast, and his hands reposing on the heads of a Christian and a Moorish captive. To ascertain what this signified, John repaired to St. Felix of Valois, a holy hermit living near Meaux, under whose direction he led a life of extreme penance. The angel again appeared, and they then set out for Rome, to learn the will of God from the lips of the Sovereign Pontiff, who told them to devote themselves to the redemption of captives. For this purpose they founded the Order of the Holy Trinity. The religious fasted every day, and gathering alms throughout Europe took them to Barbary, to redeem the Christian slaves. They devoted themselves also to the sick and prisoners in all countries. The charity of St. John in devoting his life to the redemption of captives was visibly blessed by God.

On his second return from Tunis he brought back one hundred and twenty liberated slaves. But the Moors attacked him at sea, overpowered his vessel, and doomed it to destruction, with all on board, by taking away the rudder and sails, and leaving it to the mercy of the winds. St. John tied his cloak to the mast, and prayed, saying, "Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered. O Lord, Thou wilt save the humble, and wilt bring down the eyes of the proud." Suddenly the wind filled the small sail, and, without guidance, carried the ship safely in a few days to Ostia, the port of Rome, three hundred leagues from Tunis. Worn out by his heroic labors, John died in 1213, at the age of fifty-three.

Reflection.--Let us never forget that our blessed Lord, bade us love our neighbor not only as ourselves, but as He loved us, Who afterwards sacrificed Himself for us.

†

February 7th, St. Romuald, Abbot

St. Romuald, Abot Your Guardian Angel throughout life The Spiritual Combat
by Fr. Scupoli, 1865 Part 12: Resisting the Enemies of Our Salvation Part 13: A Short Explanation on the Rite of Exorcisms St. Michael/ Exorcism Part 5: The Devils Plan to Ruin Souls and the Protection of the Holy Angels How to Merit from Suffering On the Multitude of Our Sins The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Romuald, Abbot

May the intercession of the blessed Abbot Romuald procure favor for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord: That we may gain, by his patronage, those things of which we are not capable by our own merits. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

In 976, Sergius, a nobleman of Ravenna, quarrelled with a relative about an estate, and slew him in a duel. His son Romuald, horrified at his father's crime, entered the Benedictine monastery at Classe, to do a forty days' penance for him. This penance ended in his own vocation to religion. After three years at Classe, Romuald went to live as a hermit near Venice, where he was joined by Peter Urseolus, Duke of Venice, and together they led a most austere life in the midst of assaults from the evil spirits. St. Romuald founded many monasteries, the chief of which was that at Camaldoli, a wild desert place, where he built a church, which he surrounded with a number of separate cells for the solitaries who lived under his rule. His disciples were hence called Camaldolese. He is said to have seen here a vision of a mystic ladder, and his white-clothed monks ascending by it to heaven. Among his first disciples were Sts. Adalbert and Boniface, apostles of Russia, and Sts. John and Benedict of Poland, martyrs for the faith. He was an intimate friend of the Emperor St. Henry, and was reverenced and consulted by many great men of his time. He once passed seven years in solitude and complete silence.

In his youth St. Romuald was much troubled by temptations of the flesh. To escape them he had recourse to hunting, and in the woods first conceived his love for solitude. His father's sin, as we have seen, first prompted him to undertake a forty days' penance in the monastery, which he forthwith made his home. Some bad example of his fellow monks induced him to leave them and adopt the solitary mode of life. The penance of Urseolus, who had obtained his power wrongfully, brought him his first disciple; the temptations of the devil compelled him to his severe life; and finally the persecutions of others were the occasion of his settlement at Camaldoli, and the foundation of his Order. He died, as he had foretold twenty years before, alone, in his monastery of Val Castro, on the 19th of June, 1027.

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February 6th, St. Titus, Bishop and Confessor

St. Titus, Bishop and Confessor A Series of Sermons in Defense of the Catholic Teaching on Oral Tradition, the Word of God, and Errors of Private Interpretation The Catholic Church's Teaching on Justification Our Lady's Saturday and Devotions for First Saturday Five First Saturdays

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Titus, Bishop and Confessor

O God, Who didst adorn blessed Titus, Thy Confessor and Bishop with apostolic virtues: grant through his merits and intercession, that we may live righteous and godly lives in this world, and be worthy to arrive at our heavenly country. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Titus was a convert from heathenism, a disciple of St. Paul, one of the chosen companions of the Apostles in his journey to the Council of Jerusalem, and his fellow-laborers in many apostolic missions. From the Second Epistle which St. Paul sent by the hand of Titus to the Corinthians we gain an insight into his character and understand the strong affection which his master bore him. Titus had been commissioned to carry out a twofold office needing much firmness, discretion, and charity.

He was to be the bearer of a severe rebuke to the Corinthians, who were giving scandal and were wavering in their faith; and at the same time he was to put their charity to a further test by calling upon them for abundant alms for the church at Jerusalem. St. Paul meanwhile was anxiously awaiting the result. At Troas he writes, " I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus, my brother." He set sail to Macedonia. Here at last Titus brought the good news. His success had been complete. He reported the sorrow, the zeal, the generosity of the Christians, till the Apostle could not contain his joy, and sent back to them his faithful messenger with the letter of comfort from which we have quoted. Titus was finally left as a bishop in Crete, and here he, in turn, received the epistle which bears his name, and here at last he died in peace.

The mission of Titus to Corinth shows us how well the disciple caught the spirit of his master. He knew how to be firm and to inspire respect. The Corinthians, we are told, "received him with fear and trembling." He was patient and painstaking. St. Paul "gave thanks to God, Who had put such carefulness for them in the heart of Titus." And these gifts were enhanced by a quickness to detect and call out all that was good in others, and by a joyousness which overflowed upon the spirit of St. Paul himself, who "abundantly rejoiced in the joy of Titus."

May blessed Dorothy, Thy Virgin and Martyr earnestly entreat for us pardon from Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: for both by her chastity and by her acknowledgment of Thy power she ever pleased Thee well. Through our Lord etc. (Roman Breviary)

February 6th,
St. Dorothy, Virgin and Martyr

St. Dorothy was a young virgin, celebrated at Caesarea, where she lived, for her angelic virtue. Her parents seem to have been martyred before her in the Diocletian persecution, and when the Governor Sapricius came to Caesarea he called her before him, and sent this child of martyrs to the home where they were waiting for her.

She was stretched upon the rack, and offered marriage if she would consent to sacrifice, or death if she refused. But she replied that "Christ was her only Spouse, and death her desire." She was then placed in charge of two women who had fallen away from the faith, in the hope that they might pervert her; but the fire of her own heart rekindled the flame in theirs, and led them back to Christ. When she was set once more on the rack, Sapricius himself was amazed at the heavenly look she wore, and asked her the cause of her joy. "Because," she said, "I have brought back two souls to Christ, and because I shall soon be in heaven rejoicing with the angels." Her joy grew as she was buffeted in the face and her sides burned with plates of red-hot iron. "Blessed be Thou," she cried, when she was sentenced to be beheaded," blessed be Thou, O Thou Lover of souls! Who dost call me to Paradise, and invitest me to Thy nuptial chamber."

St. Dorothy suffered in the dead of winter, and it is said that on the road to her passion a lawyer called Theophilus, who had been used to calumniate and persecute the Christians, asked her, in mockery, to send him " apples or roses from the garden of her Spouse." The Saint promised to grant his request, and, just before she died, a little child stood by her side bearing three apples and three roses. She bade him take them to Theophilus and tell him this was the present which he sought from the garden of her Spouse. St. Dorothy had gone to heaven and Theophilus was still making merry over his challenge to the Saint when the child entered his room. He saw that the child was an angel in disguise, and the fruit and flowers of no earthly growth. He was converted to the faith, and then shared in the martyrdom of St. Dorothy.

†

February 5th,
St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. First Saturday

St. Agatha, Virgin Martyr Novena to St. Agatha:
Feb. 5th - Feb. 13th Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity On the Angelic Virtue and
The Will of God, Our Sanctification Moral Teaching on Unchaste Thoughts and Desires Part 5: The Devils Plan to Ruin Souls and the Protection of the Holy Angels Your Guardian Angel throughout life Holy Purity

Our Lady's Saturday and First Saturday Act of Reparation Our Lady of Fatima Five First Saturdays Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by St. Louis Marie de Monfort

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

February 5th, St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

O God, Who amongst the many marvels of Thy power hast granted the triumph of martyrdom even to weak women: grant in Thy mercy, that we, who keep the festival of blessed Agatha, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may, by her example, advance nearer to thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Agatha was born in Sicily, of rich and noble parents--a child of benediction from the first, for she was promised to her parents before her birth, and conse- crated from her earliest infancy to God. In the midst of dangers and temptations she served Christ in purity of body and soul, and she died for the love of chastity. Quintanus, who governed Sicily under the Emperor Deems, had heard the rumor of her beauty and wealth, and he made the laws against the Christians a pretext for summoning her from Palermo to Catania, where he was at the time. "O Jesus Christ!" she cried, as she set out on this dreaded journey," all that I am is Thine; preserve me against the tyrant."

And Our Lord did indeed preserve one who had given herself so utterly to Him. He kept her pure and undented while she was imprisoned for a whole month under charge of an evil woman. He gave her strength to reply to the offer of her life and safety, if she would but consent to sin, "Christ alone is my life and my salvation." When Quintanus turned from passion to cruelty, and cut off her breasts, Our Lord sent the Prince of His apostles to heal her. And when, after she had been rolled naked upon potsherds, she asked that her torments might be ended, her Spouse heard her prayer and took her to Himself.

St. Agatha gave herself without reserve to Jesus Christ; she followed Him in virginal purity, and then looked to Him for protection. And down to this day Christ has shown His tender regard for the very body of St. Agatha. Again and again, during the eruptions of Mount Etna, the people of Catania have exposed her veil for public veneration, and found safety by this means; and in modern times, on opening the tomb in which her body lies waiting for the resurrection, they beheld the skin still entire, and felt the sweet fragrance which issued from the temple of the Holy Ghost.

Reflection.--Purity is a gift of God: we can gain it and preserve it only by care and diligence in avoiding all that may prove an incentive to sin.

Hymn: Jesu Corona Virginum

Jesu, the Virgins' crown, do thou Accept us as in prayer we bow; Born of that Virgin, whom alone The Mother and the Maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed, By Virgin choirs accompanied; With glory decked, the spotless brides Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend, With hymns and praises still attend: In blessed troops they follow thee, With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray Thee therefore to bestow Upon our senses here below Thy grace, that so we may endure From taint of all corruption pure.

To God the Father, God the Son, And God the Spirit, Three in One, Laud, honor, might, and glory be From age to age eternally. Amen

(Roman Breviary)

†

February 4th, Sexagesima Sunday

Distrusting our own power we should always have perfect confidence in God's grace which "will be sufficient" for us if we humbly ask for it. May then the seed of God's Word contained in the Scriptures, or sown by the Teaching Church, find "a right and good heart" in us to receive it, that we may bear much fruit in patience.

Sexagesima Sunday:
Sermon for Children and Parents Sexagesima Sunday:
Epistle and Gospel. How we should listen to Sermons Sexagesima Sunday Newly Added
A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

Related Links on the Parable of the Sower

Two Short Sermons: On The Parable of the Sower 5th Sunday After Epiphany 5th Sunday After Epiphany:
Sermon for Children and Adults
5th Sunday After Epiphany: Explanation of the Epistle and Gospel
Spiritual Communion Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays A Series of Sermons in Defense of the Catholic Teaching on Oral Tradition, the Word of God, and Errors of Private Interpretation Refuting Protestant Errors of Private Interpretation Explanation of the Law of God Sermon on Keeping the 10 Commandments How Catholics lose the Faith by Fr. Michael Muller

February 4th,
Anthony Corsini, Bishop and Confessor. First Friday

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus First Friday Devotions Devotions to the Sacred Heart Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Andrew Corsini, Bishop and Confessor The Root of Sin The Folly of Sin

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Anthony Corsini, Bishop and Confessor

O God, Who dost gladden us at the yearly festival of blessed Blaise, Thy Martyr and Bishop: grant in Thy mercy, that we who keep his festival may also rejoice in his protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Andrew, born at Florence, of the noble family of the Corsini, was a child born in answer to his parents' prayers, and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. For what manner of man he was to be was shown by a divine sign before he was born: for his pregnant mother dreamed she had given birth to a wolf, which ran to the Carmelite church, and was immediately changed into a lamb at the porch of that temple.

In youth, though educated piously and as befitting his rank, he gradually fell into vice, and was often rebuked by his mother. But when he learned that he had been dedicated by his parents' vow to the Virgin Mother of God, he was set on fire by divine love, and hearing of his mother's dream, entered the Order of the Carmelites; in which he was often molested by the devil with various temptations, but nothing could make him change his resolution of entering religion. He was shortly after sent to Paris and after completing the curriculum of studies and taking his degree, he returned to his own country, and was made superior of his order in Tuscany.

About that time the church of Fiesole lost its shepherd, and chose Andrew for its bishop; he thought himself unworthy of the office and for a long time hid himself until found outside the city, where he was betrayed by the voice of a child speaking miraculously, and, fearing to resist the will of God, he accepted the bishopric. When exalted to that dignity, he applied himself more than ever to the practice of humility, which he had always cultivated; and to the zeal of a shepherd he united tender compassion for the poor, almsgiving, constant prayer, watchings, and other practices of virtue, and he was also noted for the gift of prophecy so that his sanctity was proclaimed by all.

&nbsnbsp; †

February 4th,
Anthony Corsini, Bishop and Confessor. First Friday

February 3rd, St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr and One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers

Prayers, Devotions and
Novena to St. Blaise Blessed Candles 14 Holy Helpers The Sacrament of Penance, All of Your Questions Answered 2 Short Sermons: One Thing Necessary; Strive to Enter by the Narrow Gate The fewness of those saved. Will you be one of them?

Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick Saints: the Gift of Miracles The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

February 3rd, St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr and One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers

O God, Who dost gladden us at the yearly festival of blessed Blaise, Thy Martyr and Bishop: grant in Thy mercy, that we who keep his festival may also rejoice in his protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Blase devoted the earlier years of his life to the study of philosophy, and afterwards became a physician. In the practice of his profession he saw so much of the miseries of life and the hollowness of worldly pleasures, that he resolved to spend the rest of his days in the service of God, and from being a healer of bodily ailments to become a physician of souls. The Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, having died, our Saint, much to the gratification of the inhabitants of that city, was appointed to succeed him. St. Blase at once began to instruct his people as much by his example as by his words, and the great virtues and sanctity of this servant of God were attested by many miracles. From all parts the people came nocking to him for the cure of bodily and spiritual ills.

Agricolaus, Governor of Cappadocia and the Lesser Armenia, having begun a persecution by order of the Emperor Licinius, our Saint was seized and hurried off to prison. While on his way there, a distracted mother, whose only child was dying of a throat disease, threw herself at the feet of St. Blase and implored his intercession. Touched at her grief, the Saint offered up his prayers, and the child was cured; and since that time his aid has often been effectually solicited in cases of a similar disease. Refusing to worship the false gods of the heathens, St. Blase was first scourged; his body was then torn with hooks, and finally he was beheaded in the year 316.

Reflection.--There is no sacrifice which, by the aid of grace, human nature is not capable of accomplishing. When St. Paul complained to God of the violence of the temptation. God answered, " My grace is sufficient for thee, for power is made perfect in infirmity."

†

February 2nd, The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sermons and Prayers for the Purification The Presentation Candlemas Day: Epistle and Gospel and Explanation of the Feast Day Children's Sermons on the
Feast Day of Candlemas

Spiritual Communion Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays The Purity Required to Prepare Our Souls
for Christ Purifying the Interior Powers of the Soul

The Purity of Our Actions

Novena of the Purification:
Jan. 25th - Feb. 2nd Sacramentals: Blessed Candles Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

February 2nd, The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Almighty, everlasting God, we humbly beseech Thy majesty: that as Thy only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so Thou wouldst grant that we too may be presented unto Thee with hearts made clean. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

God hath chosen her, And forechosen her. God hath chosen.

V. He hath made her to dwell in His tabernacle. And forechosen her. Glory be to the Father. God hath chosen.

V. Grace is poured out on thy lips.

R. Therefore hath God blessed thee forever.

(Roman Breviary)

With the feast of the Purification ends the sanctoral Cycle of the Season after Epiphany. It is one of the oldest feasts of Our Lady, and in Rome in the seventh Century ranked after the Assumption. The law of God, given by Moses to the Jews, ordained that a woman, after childbirth, should continue for a certain time in a state which that law calls unclean, during which she was not to appear in public, nor presume to touch anything consecrated to God. This term was of forty days upon the birth of a son, and double that time for a daughter. On the expiration of the term, the mother was to bring to the door of the tabernacle, or Temple, a lamb and a young pigeon, or turtle-dove, as an offering to God. These being sacrificed to Almighty God by the priest, the woman, was cleansed of the legal impurity and reinstated in her former privileges.

A young pigeon, or turtle-dove, by way of a sin-offering, was required of all, whether rich or poor; but as the expense of a lamb might be too great for persons in poor circumstances, they were allowed to substitute for it a second dove.

Our Saviour having been conceived by the Holy Ghost, and His blessed Mother remaining always a spotless virgin, it is evident that she did not come under the law; but as the world was, as yet, ignorant of her miraculous conception, she submitted with great punctuality and exactness to every humbling circumstance which the law required. Devotion and zeal to honor God, by every observance prescribed by His law, prompted Mary to perform this act of religion, though evidently exempt from the precept. Being poor herself, she made the offering appointed for the poor; but, however mean in itself, it was made with a perfect heart, which is what God chiefly regards in all that is offered to Him. Besides the law which obliged the mother to purify herself, there was another which ordered that the first-born son should be offered to God, and that, after its presentation, the child should be ransomed with a certain sum of money, and peculiar sacrifices offered on the occasion.

Mary complies exactly with all these ordinances. She obeys not only in the essential points of the law, but has strict regard to all the circumstances. She remains forty days at home; she denies herself, all this time, the liberty of entering the Temple; she partakes not of things sacred; and on the day of her purification she walks several miles to Jerusalem, with the world's Redeemer in her arms. She waits for the priest at the gate of the Temple, makes her offerings of thanksgiving and expiation, presents her divine Son by the hands of the priest to His Eternal Father, with the most profound humility, adoration, and thanksgiving. She then redeems Him with five shekels, as the law appoints, and receives Him back again as a sacred charge committed to her special care, till the Father shall again demand Him for the full accomplishment of man's redemption.

The ceremony of this day was closed by a third mystery --the meeting in the Temple of the holy persons Simeon and Anne with Jesus and His parents. Holy Simeon, on that occasion, received into his arms the object of all his desires and sighs, and praised God for being blessed with the happiness of beholding the so-much-longed-for Messias. He foretold to Mary her martyrdom of sorrow, and that Jesus brought redemption to those who would accept of it on the terms it was offered them; but a heavy judgment on all infidels who should obstinately reject it, and on Christians, also, whose lives were a contradiction to His holy maxims and example. Mary, hearing this terrible prediction, did not answer one word, felt no agitation of mind from the present, no dread for the future; but courageously and sweetly committed all to God's holy will. Anne, also, the prophetess, who in her widowhood served God with great fervor, had the happiness to acknowledge and adore in this great mystery the Redeemer of the world. Simeon, having beheld Our Saviour, exclaimed: "Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word, because my eyes have seen Thy salvation."

This feast is called Candlemas, because the Church blesses the candles to be borne in the procession of the day. "The wax of the candles signifies the virginal flesh of the Divine Infant," says St. Anselm, "the wick figures His soul, and the flame His Divinity."

†

February 1st, St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Confessor and Martyr. St. Brigid of Kildare (Historical Calendar)

St. Ignatius of Antioch,
Bishop and Martyr Catholic Book: The Marytrs of the Coliseum St. Brigid of Kildare, Virgin, Abbess and Patroness of Ireland. Novena Prayer
The Patrons of Erin: St. Patrick and St. Brigid The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Mary Help of Christians Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

February Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Confessor and Martyr

L ook upon our weakness, O almighty God: and because we are weighed down beneath the burden of our own deeds, let the glorious intercession of blessed Ignatius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, shield us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, was the disciple of St. John. When Domitian persecuted the Church, St. Ignatius obtained peace for his own flock by fasting and prayer. But for his part he desired to suffer with Christ, and to prove himself a perfect disciple. In the year 107, Trajan came to Antioch, and forced the Christians to choose between apostasy and death. "Who art thou, poor devil," the emperor said when Ignatius was brought before him, "who settest our commands at naught?" "Call not him 'poor devil,'" Ignatius answered, who bears God within him." And when the emperor questioned him about his meaning, Ignatius explained that he bore in his heart Christ crucified for his sake. Thereupon the emperor condemned him to be torn to pieces by wild beasts at Rome. St. Ignatius thanked God, Who had so honored him, " binding him in the chains of Paul, His apostle."

He journeyed to Rome, guarded by soldiers, and with no fear except of losing the martyr's crown. He was devoured by lions in the Roman amphitheatre. The wild beasts left nothing of his body, except a few bones, which were reverently treasured at Antioch, until their removal to the Church of St. Clement at Rome, in 637. After the martyr's death, several Christians saw him in visions standing before Christ, and interceding for them.

Reflection.--Ask St. Ignatius to obtain for you the grace of profiting by all you have to suffer, and rejoicing in it as a means of likeness to your crucified Redeemer.

†

January 31st,
St. John Bosco, Confessor

Prayers and Devotions
to St. John Bosco St. John Bosco's Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians: Jan. 23rd - Jan. 31st Don Bosco: A Sketch of His Life Life and Miracles, 1884 The Life of St. Dominic Savio,
Child Saint St. Dominic Savio, Patron of First Communicants Catholic Instruction for Children for the Sacrament of Penance, 1897

The Sight of Hell, A Book for Children and Young Persons as well as Adults The Four Gates of Hell Reflection on Hell Hell

Index of Children Prayers The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Meditations on the Holy Infancy Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Mary Help of Christians Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. John Bosco, Confessor

O God, Who hath raised up in Thy Confessor St. John Bosco a father and teacher of youth, and didst will that through him with the help of the Virgin Mary new religious families should flourish in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee, that enkindled by the same fire of charity we may be able to labor in finding souls and serve only Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

This apostolic priest of modern times is hailed as the patron of youth. He was born in Castelnuovo, Italy, on August 16, 1815. As a youngster, he was employed for a time as a shepherd, and this leisurely work gave him opportunity for prayerful union with God which was so evident in the years of his labor for souls. As a young priest in Turin, he was under the guidance of Don Joseph Caffasso, now a saint. An act of kindness to a poor boy in 1842 began the work of charity associated with his name thereafter, the care of needy youth.

For them he organized clubs and night schools, giving them recreation and training. Despite obstacles and difficulties from all sides the endeavor, which included technical schools and work shops, grew until he had to found a society, the Salesians, to perpetuate it. The work for boys gradually branched into a work for needy girls, for whom a Community, Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, was inaugurated. Don Bosco was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929. The same Pope, who had known the saintly priest, canonized him five years later. Bl. Dominic Savio, canonized in 1950, was one of the early pupils of the Salesians.

Reflection.--A personal love of Christ developed in his own youth was the source of the deep zeal for the young which characterized St. John Bosco's work. There is nothing as precious as a soul. St. John Chrysostom asks: "What is equal to that profession which is concerned with directing the soul and forming the mind and character of the young?"

†

Septuagesima is derived from the Latin word for seventy and represents the number of days from this Sunday until Easter. With Septuagesima begins the Pre-Lenten season which comprises Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima Sundays. These three weeks form a transition from the joy of Christmastide to the austerity of the Penitential Season of Lent. This is the Season when the Church most earnestly invites her children to prepare property for the Feast of Christ's glorious Resurrection. She urges them to rise from and expiate their sins: to practice prayer and charity with greater zeal; to become indeed new men through God's grace.

From Septuagesima to Holy Saturday the "Alleluia" and "Te Deum" as well as the "Gloria in excelsis" are omitted in "Masses of the Season." Purple vestments are used to signify penance.

February 13th, Septuagesima Sunday

When viewed in the light of Adam's fall, the Mass celebrated today contains a solemn note of sorrow, God holds out a great reward to us, but we must work to receive it. Unfortunately, we are by nature more inclined to endure hardships for the perishable goods of this life than we are for the Kingdom of God and our eternal happiness in it.

Septuagesima Sunday On Those Who During Shrove-Tide, Prefer to Follow the Devil, Rather than Christ by Fr. Francis Hunolt, 1740 Septuagesima Sunday: for Children and Parents Septuagesima Sunday:
Epistle and Gospel Short Sermons: On the Parable of
the Vineyard--St. Matthew Newly Added
A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

January 28th,
St. Peter Nolasco, Confessor

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotions to the Sacred Heart Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Peter Nolasco, Confessor Our Lady of Ransom On Not Making Light of Venial Sins The Necessity of Avoiding Occasions of Sin
by St. Alphonsus Liguori On the Great Commandment of Divine Love On Serving Two Masters On Spiritual Murder The Nature of Sin Spiritual Communion Ejaculatory Prayers

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Meditations on the Holy Infancy

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

O God, Who as an example of Thy love didst divinely inspire blessed Peter to beget within Thy Church a new family for the ransom of the faithful: grant through his intercession, that we may be loosed from the bonds of sin, and enjoy freedom for evermore in our heavenly country: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Peter, of the noble family of Nolasco, was born in Languedoc, about 1189. At the age of twenty-five he took a vow of chastity, and gave over his vast estates to the Church. Some time after, he conceived the idea of establishing an order for the redemption of captives. The divine will was soon manifested. The Blessed Virgin appeared on the same night to Peter, to "Raymond of Pennafort, his confessor, and to James, King of Arragon, his ward, and bade them prosecute without fear their holy designs.

After great opposition, the Order was solemnly established, and approved by Gregory IX., under the name of Our Lady of Mercy. By the grace of God, and under the protection of His Virgin Mother, the Order spread rapidly, its growth being increased by the charity and piety of its members, who devoted themselves not only to collecting alms for the ransom of the Christians, but even gave themselves up to voluntary slavery to aid the good work.

Reflection.--St. Peter Nolasco and his knights were lay men, not priests, and yet they considered the salvation of their neighbor intrusted to them. "We can each of us by counsel, by prayer, but above all by holy example, assist the salvation, of our brethren, and thus secure our own.

January 28th,
Second Commemoration of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

This History of Virginity and the Life of St. Agnes Prayers and Devotions to St. Agnes

Almighty, everlasting God, Who choosest the weak things of the world to confound the strong; mercifully grant that we, who keep the solemn feast of blessed Agnes, Thy virgin and martyr, may enjoy her intercession with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Agnes was but twelve years old. when she was led to the altar of Minerva at Rome and commanded to obey the persecuting laws of Diocletian by offering incense. In the midst of the idolatrous rites she raised her hands to Christ, her Spouse, and made the sign of the life-giving cross. She did not shrink when she was bound hand and foot, though the gyves slipped from her young hands, and the heathens who stood around were moved to tears.

The bonds were not needed for her, and she hastened gladly to the place of her torture. Next, when the judge saw that pain had no terrors for her, he inflicted an insult worse than death: her clothes were stripped off, and she had to stand in the street before a pagan crowd; yet even this did not daunt her. "Christ," she said, "will guard His own." So it was. Christ showed, by a miracle, the value which He sets upon the custody of the eyes. Whilst the crowd turned away their eyes from the spouse of Christ, as she stood exposed to view in the street, there was one young man who dared to gaze at the innocent child with immodest eyes. A flash of light struck him blind, and his companions bore him away half dead with pain and terror.

Lastly, her fidelity to Christ was tried by flattery and offers of marriage. But she answered, "Christ is my Spouse: He chose me first, and His I will be." At length the sentence of death was passed. For a moment she stood erect in prayer, and then bowed her neck to the sword. At one stroke her head was severed from her body, and the angels bore her pure soul to Paradise.

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January 27th, St. John Chrysostom, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

Prayers and Devotions to St. John Chrysostom The Folly of Sin They that Live in Sin

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Meditations on the Holy Infancy

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

O Lord, we beseech Thee, let Thy heavenly grace give increase to Thy Church: which thou hast vouchsafed to make illustrious by the glorious merits and teaching of blessed John Chrysostom, Thy Confessor and Bishop. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

John was born at Antioch in 344. In order to break with a world which admired and courted him, he in 374 retired for six years to a neighboring mountain. Having thus acquired the art of Christian silence, he returned to Antioch, and there labored as priest, until he was ordained Bishop of Constantinople in 398. The effect of his sermons was everywhere marvelous. St. Nilus relates that St. John Chrysostom was wont to see, when the priest began the holy sacrifice, " many of the blessed ones coming down from heaven in shining garments, and with bare feet, eyes intent, and bowed heads, in utter stillness and silence, assisting at the consummation of the tremendous mystery."

Beloved as he was in Constantinople, his denunciations of vice made him numerous enemies. In 403 these procured his banishment; and although he was almost immediately recalled, it was not more than a reprieve. In 404 he was banished to Cucusus in the deserts of Taurus. In 407 he was wearing out, but his enemies were impatient. They hurried him off to Pytius on the Euxine, a rough journey of nigh 400 miles. He was assiduously exposed to every hardship, cold, wet, and semi-starvation, but nothing could overcome his cheerfulness and his consideration for others. On the journey his sickness increased, and he was warned that his end was nigh. Thereupon, exchanging his travel-stained clothes for white garments, he received Viaticum, and with his customary words, " Glory be to God for all things. Amen," passed to Christ.

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January 26th, St. Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

St. Polycarp Bishop and Martyr Two Short Sermons on the Benefits from the Incarnation of Jesus Two Short Sermons on the Wonders and Glory of God in the Incarnation of Jesus Are we bound to profess our Catholic Faith openly? Hell

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Meditations on the Holy Infancy

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

O Lord, we beseech Thee, let Thy heavenly grace give increase to Thy Church: which thou hast vouchsafed to make illustrious by the glorious merits and teaching of blessed John Chrysostom, Thy Confessor and Bishop. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

John was born at Antioch in 344. In order to break with a world which admired and courted him, he in 374 retired for six years to a neighboring mountain. Having thus acquired the art of Christian silence, he returned to Antioch, and there labored as priest, until he was ordained Bishop of Constantinople in 398. The effect of his sermons was everywhere marvelous. St. Nilus relates that St. John Chrysostom was wont to see, when the priest began the holy sacrifice, " many of the blessed ones coming down from heaven in shining garments, and with bare feet, eyes intent, and bowed heads, in utter stillness and silence, assisting at the consummation of the tremendous mystery."

Beloved as he was in Constantinople, his denunciations of vice made him numerous enemies. In 403 these procured his banishment; and although he was almost immediately recalled, it was not more than a reprieve. In 404 he was banished to Cucusus in the deserts of Taurus. In 407 he was wearing out, but his enemies were impatient. They hurried him off to Pytius on the Euxine, a rough journey of nigh 400 miles. He was assiduously exposed to every hardship, cold, wet, and semi-starvation, but nothing could overcome his cheerfulness and his consideration for others. On the journey his sickness increased, and he was warned that his end was nigh. Thereupon, exchanging his travel-stained clothes for white garments, he received Viaticum, and with his customary words, " Glory be to God for all things. Amen," passed to Christ.

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January 25th, Conversion of St. Paul and Commemoration of St. Peter

The Conversion of St. Paul Epistle and Gospel for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul Short Sermon: On Conversion of St. Paul Powerful Novena to St. Paul: Jan. 17th - Jan. 25th Newly Added
Living Up To Our Faith Sermon on Prayer
Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation The Steps to a Sinners Conversion True Conversion: One of the best sermons for hardened sinners The Necessity of Prayer for Sinners Death-Bed Repentance They that Live in Sin Prayer: its Conditions and Circumstances Contrition Contrition: Explanation of Perfect Contrition and the Necessity of Contrition for Forgiveness of Sins Contrition and the Purpose of Amendment The Church is Catholic The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed The Labor of the Apostles:
Their Teaching of the Nations The Spiritual Combat
by Fr. Scupoli, 1865

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Meditations on the Holy Infancy

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

January 25th, Conversion of St. Paul and Commemoration of St. Peter

O God, Who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: mercifully grant, that we who this day keep the memory of his Conversion, may, by following his example, advance in the way that leads unto Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

O God, Who by delivering to Blessed Peter, Thy Apostle, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, didst bestow upon him the pontifical power of binding and loosing, grant that, by the help of his intercession, we may be released from the bonds of our sins. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Ss. Peter and Paul St. Peter

The great apostle Paul, named Saul at his circumcision, was born at Tarsus, the capital of Silicia, and was by privilege a Roman citizen, to which quality a great distinction and several exemptions were granted by the laws of the empire. He was early instructed in the strict observance of the Mosaic law, and lived up to it in the most scrupulous manner. In his zeal for the Jewish law, which he thought the cause of God, he became a violent persecutor of the Christians.

He was one of those who combined to murder St. Stephen, and in the violent persecution of the faithful which followed the martyrdom of the holy deacon, Saul signalized himself above others. By virtue of the power he had received from the high priest, he dragged the Christians out of their houses, loaded them with chains, and thrust them into prison. In the fury of his zeal he applied for a commission to take up all Jews at Damascus who confessed Jesus Christ, and bring them bound to Jerusalem, that they might serve as examples for the others. But God was pleased to show forth in him His patience and mercy.

While on his way to Damascus, he and his party were surrounded by a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, and suddenly struck to the ground. And then a voice was heard saying, " Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute Me?" And Saul answered, " Who art Thou, Lord?" and the voice replied, "I am Jesus, Whom thou dost persecute." This mild expostulation of Our Redeemer, accompanied with a powerful interior grace, cured Saul's pride, assuaged his rage, and wrought at once a total change in him. Wherefore, trembling and astonished, he cried out, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" Our Lord ordered him to arise and to proceed on his way to the city, where he should be informed of what was expected from him.

Saul, arising from the ground, found that, though his eyes were open, he saw nothing. He was led by hand into Damascus, where he was lodged in the house of a Jew named Judas. To this house came by divine appointment a holy man named Ananias, who, laying his hands on Saul, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Who appeared to thee on thy journey, hath sent me that thou mayest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost." Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he recovered his sight. Then he arose and was baptized; he stayed some few days with the disciples at Damascus, and began immediately to preach in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. Thus a blasphemer and a persecutor was made an apostle, and chosen as one of God's principal instruments in the conversion of the world.

Reflection.--Listen to the words of the "Imitation of Christ," and let them sink into your heart: "He who would keep the grace of God, let him be grateful for grace when it is given, and patient when it is taken away. Let him pray that it may be given back to him, and be careful and humble, lest he lose it."

(Butler's Lives of Saints)

Hymn: Egregie Doctor, Paule

O great Apostle Paul, may thy deep wisdom teach Our earth-bound souls to strive with thee the skies to reach; Till that which perfect is shall shine with fuller glow, and that be done away, which here in part we know.

All honor, might, and power, and hymns of joy we bring, While to the Trinity eternal praise we sing; He rules the universe in wondrous unity, And shall, throughout the days of all eternity. Amen

(Roman Breviary)

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January 24th,
St. Timothy, Bishop and Martyr

Prayers and Devotions to St. Timothy A Series of Sermons in Defense of the Catholic Teaching on Oral Tradition, the Word of God, and Errors of Private Interpretation The Catholic Church's Teaching on Justification The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Timothy, Bishop and Martyr

L ook upon our weakness, O almighty God: and because we are weighed down beneath the burden of our own deeds, let the glorious intercession of blessed Timothy, Thy Martyr and Bishop, shield us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Timothy was a convert of St. Paul. He was born at Lystra in Asia Minor. His mother was a Jewess, but his father was a pagan; and though Timothy had read the Scriptures from his childhood, he had not been circumcised as a Jew. On the arrival of St. Paul at Lystra the youthful Timothy, with his mother and grandmother, eagerly embraced the faith.

Seven years later, when the Apostle again visited the country, the boy had grown into manhood, while his good heart, his austerities and zeal had won the esteem of all around him; and holy men were prophesying great things of the fervent youth. St. Paul at once saw his fitness for the work of an evangelist. Timothy was forthwith ordained, and from that time became the constant and much beloved fellow-worker of the Apostle. In company with St. Paul he visited the cities of Asia Minor and Greece--at one time hastening on in front as a trusted messenger, at another lingering behind to confirm in the faith some recently founded church.

Finally, he was made the first Bishop of Ephesus; and here he received the two epistles which bear his name, the first written from Macedonia and the second from Rome, in which St. Paul from his prison gives vent to his longing desire to see his "dearly beloved son," if possible. once more before his death. St. Timothy himself not many years after the death of St. Paul, won his martyr's crown at Ephesus. As a child Timothy delighted in reading the sacred books, and to his last hour he would remember the parting words of his spiritual father, "Attende lectioni--Apply thyself to reading."

Reflection.--St. Paul, in writing to Timothy, a faithful and well-tried servant of God, and a bishop now getting on in years, addresses him as a child, and seems most anxious about his perseverance in faith and piety. The letters abound in minute personal instructions for this end. It is therefore remarkable what great stress the Apostle lays on the avoiding of idle talk, and on the application to holy reading. These are his chief topics. Over and over again he exhorts his spiritual son Timothy to " avoid tattlers and busy bodies; to give no heed to novelties; to shun profane and vain babblings, but to hold the form of sound words; to be an example in word and conversation; to attend to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine."

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The above image is a 3D sonogram of a baby 3 months old in the womb.

January 22nd, 2024 is the 51st Anniversary of the United States Supreme Courts infamous ruling, Roe vs Wade, that legalized the murder of unborn children. Since 1973, there have been over 65,395,000 abortions performed in the United States alone. Since 1980, the worldwide total number of abortions exceeds 1,682,200,000.

In 2022, Roe vs Wade was overturned. As a result, over 30,000 babies in the United States are saved each year.

Pro-life Video download, "The Silent Scream." A Chilling documentary by a former abortion doctor who proves abortion is murder. The video is graphic and not suitable for children.

Prayer of the Expectant Mother

O great St. Gerard, beloved Servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of the Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in yours and made you a seraph of love. O glorious St. Gerard, because you bore, like your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men when falsely accused of crime, you have been raised up by God as the Patron and Protector of expectant mothers: preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of Baptism. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ( Say Nine Hail Marys.)

Links relevant to the Sin of Abortion:

Crimes Against Life The Killing of the Foetus, Casti Connubii A Series of Catholic Lectures
on the Evils of Abortion and
the Defense of the Unborn The Crime of Abortion; Prayers for America and Guidelines for Making a Moral Decision The Slaughter of the Holy Innocents & the Value of Children The 5th Commandment Examination of Conscience 5th Commandment Examination of Conscience 6th and 9th Commandment Four Sins Crying to Heaven for Vengeance Motives and Ends of Marriage Advantages of Christian Marriage Prayer Against the Forces of Anti-life God Will Punish You! Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

Other related Links:

Prayers for Catholic Mothers Blessings of Many Children What is it to be a Mother? Prayer Book: The Christian Mother Prayer Book: The Christian Father

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Time After the Epiphany

The Cycle of Christmas is like a magnificent drama in three acts, whose purpose is to show forth in three distinct ways the Incarnation of the Word. The first act, or Advent, shows in prophetic symbols and words the great dogma. The second act, or Christmastide, makes us see the God made man. The third act is unfolded during the Time after Epiphany--an extension of Chritmastide. The divinity of Jesus continues to be affirmed. It is no longer the angels of the Gloria in excelsis, nor the star of the Magi, nor even the voice of God the Father or the appearance of the Holy Spirit, as at the baptism of our Lord, but it is Christ Himself who acts and speaks as God. He will require, as we shall see during the Easter Cycle, the submission of our minds and our hearts to His teaching and to the rule of life which He lays down for us; it was necessary, therefore, that His words and His acts should first of all reveal His divinity. And so the Gospels of the second, third and fourth Sundays after Epiphany set forth some of His miracles, while those of the fifth and sixth Sundays sum up His divine doctrine in a few parables.

January 22nd,
Sts. Vincent and Anastasius, Martyrs

St. Vincent of Saragosa, Martyr Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart The Revolt of Society from God

Meditations on the Holy Infancy The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

Give ear, O Lord, to our supplications: and grant that we who acknowledge the guilt of our sins may be set free by the pleading of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Vincent was archdeacon of the church at Saragossa. Valerian, the bishop, had an impediment in his speech; thus Vincent preached in his stead, and answered in his name when both were brought before Dacian, the president, during the persecution of Diocletian. When the bishop was sent into banishment, Vincent remained to suffer and to die.

First of all, he was stretched on the rack; and, when he was almost torn asunder, Dacian, the president, asked him in mockery "how he fared now." Vincent answered, with joy in his face, that he had ever prayed to be as he was then. It was in vain that Dacian struck the executioners and goaded them on in their savage work. The martyr's flesh was torn with hooks; he was bound in a chair of red-hot iron; lard and salt were rubbed into his wounds; and amid all this he kept his eyes raised to heaven, and remained unmoved. He was cast into a solitary dungeon, with his feet in the stocks; but the angels of Christ illuminated the darkness, and assured Vincent that he was near his triumph.

His wounds were now tended to prepare him for fresh torments, and the faithful were permitted to gaze on his mangled body. They came in troops, kissed the open sores, and carried away as relics cloths dipped in his blood. Before the tortures could recommence, the martyr's hour came, and he breathed forth his soul in peace.

Even the dead bodies of the saints are precious in the eight of God, and the hand of iniquity cannot touch them. A raven guarded the body of Vincent where it lay flung upon the earth. When it was sunk out at sea the waves cast it ashore, and he was buried by faithful Christians.

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January 1st, Third Sunday After the Epiphany

The Centurion asked only one word of Jesus so that his servant could be cured; similarly only one word is sufficient from our Redeemer to cure the leprosy of mortal sin.

3rd Sunday After the Epiphany: for Children and Parents 3rd Sunday After the Epiphany: Epistle and Gospel 3rd Sunday After the Epiphany On the Vice of Pride The Root of All Sin The Heresy of Indifferentism: the Consequence of Luther's Heresy of Faith Alone What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. No Salvation Outside the Catholic Church Spiritual Communion Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays

January 21st, St Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotions to the Sacred Heart Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayers & Devotions to St. Agnes Novena to St. Agnes:
January 13th - January 21st A History of Virginity and
the Life of St. Agnes Holy Purity Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Meditations on the Holy Infancy

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Almighty, everlasting God, Who choosest the weak things of the world to confound the strong; mercifully grant that we, who keep the solemn feast of blessed Agnes, Thy virgin and martyr, may enjoy her intercession with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Agnes was but twelve years old. when she was led to the altar of Minerva at Rome and commanded to obey the persecuting laws of Diocletian by offering incense. In the midst of the idolatrous rites she raised her hands to Christ, her Spouse, and made the sign of the life-giving cross. She did not shrink when she was bound hand and foot, though the gyves slipped from her young hands, and the heathens who stood around were moved to tears.

The bonds were not needed for her, and she hastened gladly to the place of her torture. Next, when the judge saw that pain had no terrors for her, he inflicted an insult worse than death: her clothes were stripped off, and she had to stand in the street before a pagan crowd; yet even this did not daunt her. "Christ," she said, "will guard His own." So it was. Christ showed, by a miracle, the value which He sets upon the custody of the eyes. Whilst the crowd turned away their eyes from the spouse of Christ, as she stood exposed to view in the street, there was one young man who dared to gaze at the innocent child with immodest eyes. A flash of light struck him blind, and his companions bore him away half dead with pain and terror.

Lastly, her fidelity to Christ was tried by flattery and offers of marriage. But she answered, "Christ is my Spouse: He chose me first, and His I will be." At length the sentence of death was passed. For a moment she stood erect in prayer, and then bowed her neck to the sword. At one stroke her head was severed from her body, and the angels bore her pure soul to Paradise.

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January 20th, Sts. Fabian and Sebastian, Martyrs

Ss. Fabian, Pope and Sebastian, Martyrs Newly Added
Catholic Book: The Marytrs of the Coliseum Resisting the Enemies of Our Salvation The Devils Plan to Ruin Souls and the Protection of the Holy Angels

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Look upon our weakness, O almighty God: and, because we are weighed down beneath the burden of our own deeds, may the glorious intercession of Thy blessed martyrs Fabian and Sebastian shield us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The two great Roman martyrs, Fabian and Sebastian, made manifest the first in 250 in the persecution of Decius, the second in 284 in that of Diocletian, the divine power of Christ "Who operated wonders in them". The ancient martyrologies unite their names.

The appearance of the Holy Ghost, in the form of a dove, had attested the divinity of Jesus on the day of His Baptism. It was also a dove hovering above Fabian that pointed him out to the Church as vicar of Jesus Christ.

St. Sebastian, an officer of the imperial household and commander of a cohort, encouraged his brothers in arms subjected to torments on account of their faith. Diocletian ordered him to be pierced with arrows. Sebastian, having escaped death, reappeared before the emperor and reproached him with his crimes. He was condemned to be flogged to death.

Like the martyrs mentioned in the Epistle, these two saints "were found perfect" in the testimony they bore of their faith in Jesus Christ, "for it was for the cause of the Son of Man that they suffered persecution". Numerous cures were wrought by St. Sebastian or rather by the virtue of Christ Who was in him.

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January 19th, St. Canute, King and Martyr

St. Canute, Martyr Three Short Sermon: On the Havoc of Sin and the Judements of God Upon Mortal Sin The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Canute, King and Martyr

O God, Who to give renown to Thy Church didst vouchsafe to adorn Thy blessed king Canute with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant, that, as he followed our lord in his sufferings, so we too may follow in his footsteps, and deserve to attain to everlasting joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Canute, King of Denmark, was endowed with excellent qualities of both mind and body. It is hard to say whether he excelled more in courage or in conduct and skill in war; but his singular piety eclipsed all his other endowments. He cleared the seas of pirates, and subdued several neighboring provinces which infested Denmark with their incursions. The kingdom of Denmark was elective till the year 1660, and, when the father of Canutus died, his eldest brother, Harold, was called to the throne. Harold died after reigning for two years, and Canutus was chosen to succeed him. He began his reign by a successful war against the troublesome, barbarous enemies of the state, and by planting the faith in the conquered provinces. Amid the glory of his victories he humbly prostrated himself at the foot of the crucifix, laying there his diadem, and offering himself and his kingdom to the King of kings. After having provided for the peace and safety of his country, he married Eltha, daughter of Robert, Earl of Flanders, who proved a spouse worthy of him. His next concern was to reform abuses at home. For this purpose he enacted severe but necessary laws for the strict administration of justice, and repressed the violence and tyranny of the great, without respect to persons.

He countenanced and honored holy men, and granted many privileges and immunities to the clergy. His charity and tenderness towards his subjects made him study by all possible ways to make them a happy people. He showed a royal munificence in building and adorning churches, and gave the crown which he wore, of exceeding great value, to a church in his capital and place of residence, where the kings of Denmark are yet buried. To the virtues which constitute a great king, Canutus added those which prove the great saint. A rebellion having sprung up in his kingdom, the king was surprised at church by the rebels. Perceiving his danger, he confessed his sins at the foot of the altar, and received Holy Communion. Stretching out his arms before the altar, the Saint fervently recommended his soul to his Creator; in this posture he was struck by a javelin thrown through a window, and fell a victim for Christ's sake.

January 19th,
St. Marius and Companions, Martyrs

Graciously hear Thy people, O Lord, who humbly pray through the intercession of Thy Saints: that by Thy grace we may enjoy peace during our life on earth and also help for life everlasting. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

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January 18th, St. Peter's Chair at Rome; Commemoration of St. Paul and St. Prisca, Virgin and Martyr

Novena to St. Peter: Jan. 18th - Jan. 26th

Related Links to St. Peter and St. Paul

Prayers and Devotions to St. Peter the Apostle Ss. Peter and Paul, Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul Sermons
by Fr. Weninger The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed The Labor of the Apostles:
Their Teaching of the Nations The Church The Church is One The Church is Holy The Church is Catholic The Church is Apostolic What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Quote of St. Hilary and What is Dogma How Catholics lose the Faith by Fr. Michael Muller Are we bound to profess our Catholic Faith openly? The Catholic Church's Teaching on Justification The Heresy of Indifferentism: the Consequence of Luther's Heresy of Faith Alone Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation Contrition Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Peter's Chair at Rome and the Commemoration of St. Paul

O God, who in delivering to Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, didst confer on him the pontifical power of binding and loosing: grant that by the help of his intercession we may be loosed from the bonds of our sins: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. Thou art Peter.

R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.

Ant. Thou art the shepherd of the sheep, O Prince of the Apostles, unto thee were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Ant. O holy Apostle Paul preacher of the truth, and treacher of the Gentiles, intercede for us with God, who chose thee.

V. Thou art a vessel of election, O holy Apostle Paul.

R. A preacher of the truth to the whole world.

(Roman Breviary)

God had established the Roman Empire, and extended its dominion beyond that of any former monarchy, for the more easy propagation of His Gospel. Its metropolis was of the greatest importance for this enterprise. St. Peter took that province upon himself, and, repairing to Rome, there preached the faith and established his ecclesiastical chair. That St. Peter preached in Rome, founded the Church there, and died there by martyrdom under Nero, are facts the most incontestable, by the testimony of all writers of different countries who lived near that time; persons of unquestionable veracity, and who could not but be informed of the truth in a point so interesting and of its own nature so public and notorious.

This is also attested by monuments of every kind; by the prerogatives, rights, and privileges which that church enjoyed from those early ages in consequence of this title. It was an ancient custom observed by churches to keep an annual festival of the consecration of their bishops. The feast of the Chair of St. Peter is found in ancient martyrologies. Christians justly celebrate the founding of this mother-church, the centre of Catholic communion, in thanksgiving to God for His mercies to His Church, and to implore His future blessings.

Hymn: Quodcumque in orbe

Peter, whatever thou shalt bind on earth, The same is bound above the starry sky; What here thy delegated powers doth loose, Is loosed in heaven's supremest court on high: To judgment shalt thou come, when the world's end is nigh.

Praise to the Father through all ages be! The same to Thee, O coeternal Son! And Holy Ghost, one glorious Trinity; To whom all majesty and might belong; So sing we now, and such be our eternal song. Amen

(Roman Breviary)

†

January 17th, St. Anthony, Abbot

St. Anthony of the Desert, Abbot The Life of St. Antony
by St. Athanasius Temptations and the Devils who Tempt Why we have Temptations Lead us not into Temptation On the Use of Temptations and How to Overcome Discouragement The Power of the Sacrament of Penance: Examples Provided by Fr. Michael Muller from the Exorcism of Nichola Aubry The Triumph of the Blessed Sacrament or Exorcism of Nicola Aubry, by Fr. Michael Muller St. Michael/ Exorcism

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Anthony, Abbot

May the intercession of the blessed Abbot Anthony procure favor for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may gain, by his patronage, those things of which we are not capable by our own merits. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Antony was born in the year 251, in Upper Egypt. Hearing at Mass the words, " If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell what thou hast, and give to the poor," he gave away all his vast possessions. He then begged an aged hermit to teach him the spiritual life. He also visited various solitaries, copying in himself the principal virtue of each. To serve God more perfectly, Antony entered the desert and immured himself in a ruin, building up the door so that none could enter. Here the devils assaulted him most furiously, appearing as various monsters, and even wounding him severely; but his courage never failed, and he overcame them all by confidence in God and by the sign of the cross.

One night, whilst Antony was in his solitude, many devils scourged him so terribly that he lay as if dead. A friend found him thus, and believing him dead carried him home. But when Antony came to himself he persuaded his friend to carry him, in spite of his wounds, back to his solitude. Here, prostrate from weakness, he defied the devils, saying, "I fear you not; you cannot separate me from the love of Christ." After more rain assaults the devils fled, and Christ appeared to Antony in glory. His only food was bread and water, which he never tasted before sunset, and sometimes only once in two, three, or four days. He wore sackcloth and sheepskin, and he often knelt in prayer from sunset to sunrise. Many souls flocked to him for advice, and after twenty years of solitude he consented to guide them in holiness--thus founding the first monastery. His numerous miracles attracted such multitudes that he fled again into solitude, where he lived by manual labor. He expired peacefully at a very advanced age. St. Athanasius, his biographer, says that the mere knowledge of how St. Antony lived is a good guide to virtue.

†

January 14th, Second Sunday After the Epiphany (Wedding Feast at Cana)

Our Lord at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee brings before our eyes the miracle of changing water into wine prompted by Mary, His Mother. This miracle establishes Mary, the Mother of God, as our Mediatrix.

2nd Sunday After the Epiphany: The Wedding Feast of Cana

Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion Index: Links to All Marriage and Family Pages. Provides answers
to all of your questions. 2nd Sunday After the Epiphany: Epistle and Gospel 2nd Sunday After the Epiphany: for Children and Parents 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany Short Sermon: On the Wedding Feast of Cana Duties of Catholic Parents in Relation to Mixed Marriages The Duties of Catholics Married
to Non-Catholics The Sacrament of Matrimony and Liturgical Explanation of the Nuptual Mass Preparation for Marriage Christian Marriage Holy Family Glossary of Terms Based on Faith and Morals, Relevant to Marriage and Family Life Commandments, Sin and Repentance Prayer for a Husband or Wife The Christian Mother The Christian Father

The Ravages of Adultery Unworthy Communion

January 14th, St. Hilary, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church. St. Felix, Priest and Martyr

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotions to the Sacred Heart Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Hilary Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church

What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. No Salvation Outside the Catholic Church Syllabus Against Modernist Errors Oath Against Modernism Catechism on Modernism: A Condemnation of the Errors of Modernism by St. Piux X. What is Liberalism

Pope Leo XIII. Encycle Concerning Modern Errors: Socialism, Communism, Nihilism

Short Sermon: On Our Two Duties Short Sermon on the Testimony of the Spirit

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Hilary, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church.

O God, Who didst give blessed Hilary to be a minister of eternal salvation to Thy people; grant, we beseech Thee, that we who have had him on earth as Teacher of life, may be worthy to have him for advocate in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Hilary was a native of Poitiers in Aquitaine. Born and educated a pagan, it was not until near middle age that he embraced Christianity, moved to that step primarily by the idea of God presented to him in the Holy Scriptures. He soon converted his wife and daughter, and separated himself rigidly from all non-Catholic company, fearing the influence of error, rampant in a number of false philosophies and heresies, for himself and his family.

He entered Holy Orders with the consent of his very virtuous wife, and separated from his family as was required of the clergy. He later wrote a very famous letter to his dearly-loved daughter, encouraging her to adopt a consecrated life. She followed this counsel and died, still young, a holy death.

In 353 Saint Hilary was chosen bishop of his native city. Arianism, under the protection of the Emperor Constantius, was then at the heights of its exaltation, and Saint Hilary found himself called upon to support the orthodox cause in several Gallic councils, in which Arian bishops formed an overwhelming majority. He was in consequence accused to the emperor, who banished him to Phrygia. He spent his more than three years of exile in composing his great works on the Trinity.

In 359 he attended the Council of Seleucia, in which Arians, semi-Arians, and Catholics contended for the mastery. He never ceased his combat against the errors of the enemies of the Divinity of Christ. With the deputies of the council he went to Constantinople, and there so dismayed the heads of the Arian party that they prevailed upon the emperor to let him return to Gaul. He traversed Gaul, Italy and Illyria, preaching wherever he went, disconcerting the heretics and procuring the triumph of orthodoxy. He wrote a famous treatise on the Synods. After some eight years of missionary travel he returned to Poitiers, where he died in peace in 368.

†

January 13th, Octave of the Epiphany

Epiphany.--The word signifies, a shining upon or manifestation. The Greeks call it, Theophany, or shining of God. The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles seems to be the predominant idea in this feast. It is not, therefore, any one incident in the life of Christ that is commemorated; but many. The appearance of the star is usually the first. The descent of the Holy Spirit at our Lord's baptism next. Then the miracle of Cana; and in this way, may embrace whatever in the life or works of Christ demonstrated his Messiahship.

Devotions to the Holy Infancy Octave of the Epiphany Four Short Sermons: On the Epiphany Newly Added
Short Sermon on the Testimony of the Spirit The Feast of the Epiphany: Epistle and Gospel Prayers for the Epiphany The Epiphany with Litany of the Infant Jesus Homilies for the Epiphany The Epiphany: Christ is King by Fr. Weninger Children's Sermon: The Epiphany Children's Video: The Three Kings The Christmas Creche of St. Francis of Assisi Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Devotions to the Infant King The Month of the Nativity: The Epiphany Begins on Page 162 Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Prayers and Devotions
to the Infant Jesus Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Prayer:

V. Christ manifested himself to us. Alleluia.
B. Come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

Let us pray:

Almighty and everlasting God, Lord of heaven and earth, who dost reveal thyself to little ones: grant us, we beseech thee, to honor meetly the holy mysteries of thy Son, the child Jesus, and to follow Him humbly in our lives, so that we may come to the eternal kingdom promised by Thee to little ones. Through the same Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.

Happiness of the Magi
by St. Alphonsus Liguori

Behold the Magi overwhelmed with joy prostrate at the feet of Jesus. Beg the grace to share somewhat of this joy.

The Magi Admitted to the Knowledge of Jesus

One of the first thoughts that comes to the mind when we hear the gospel narrative of the calling of the Magi is the thought of the happiness which fell to their lot. What a happiness indeed, to have been miraculously called from the darkness of the Gentiles to the Divine light of the Incarnate Word; to have been taught the sublime lessons of the Gospel even before they were preached to the world! To what did the Magi owe this wonderful happiness in preference to so many millions who lived and died in infidelity and sin? Only to the mercy and predilection of the Saviour God.

Application: You also have been the object of this same predilection of God, in this that He caused you to be born of Catholic parents, who taught you from your tenderest infancy the knowledge and love of Jesus. You might have been born, as so many are, of Pagan, Mohammedan, or Jewish parents, and how great then would have been your misery in time and eternity! To what do you owe your preservation, your being so richly supplied with means of salvation and of sanctification? Is it not solely to the mercy of your Saviour?

Affections: Joy and thanksgiving

Resolutions: Often call to mind these words of the Holy Ghost: "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required."--(St. Luke 12:48.)

The Baptism of our Lord

From St. Andrew's Daily Missal: Of the old Office, which celebrated on this day the Baptism of Jesus and the glorious manifestation that the Heavenly Father gave of His divinity, we have only preserved the Collects and Gospel. The rest is taken from the Mass of Epiphany, so that we continue to keep in touch with the Infant of Bethlehem. The whole world was awaiting the Messiah, and now that "the Sovereign Lord has come, who holds in His hand the kingdom, and power and dominion" over hearts (Introit), it is time that John appeared, "that man sent from God" (Last Gospel). The holiness of the Forerunner is recognised by all the Jews and Gentiles, who come in crowds (Epistle) to receive his baptism of penance. He has all the influence over them necessary for the fulfillment of his mission, which is to present officially the Bride-groom to the Bride, Christ to the souls of men.

The Gospel tells us that John saw the Holy Ghost come down upon Jesus, and that he gave "testimony that He was the Son of God" who appeared on earth in the substance of our flesh" (Collect).

The waters are from henceforth sanctified by their contact with the Man-God. It is by Baptism, in fact, that "all nations shall be made to serve Jesus" (Offertory).

The Sacrament of Baptism The Baptism of Jesus The Ceremonies of the Sacrament of Baptism Explained Newly Added
On Our Saviour's Being Baptized by St. John the Baptist Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899

Baptism of Jesus:
St. Matt. iii. 13 - 17

Our Lord bids farewell to His holy Mother; makes His way to the Jordan; is baptized by St. John amid a crowd of sinners, and is proclaimed by the Voice from Heaven the Beloved Son of God.

I. For thirty years Jesus had dwelt in sweet companionship with His holy Mother. Never since the world began had there been any intercourse so full of unspeakable delight as that of Jesus and Mary. Now the time had come to break the bond: it was like the tearing asunder of their loving hearts for them to part. Yet Christ goes on His way with the greatest cheerfulness and joy: for it was the will of God that He should forsake His Mother, and the motto of His life was: "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O my God."

2. It is the same Divine guidance that leads Him to the Jordan, to be baptized among sinners, just as if He, the Lamb of God, were Himself a sinner. Yet He never hesitates for an instant. It was the will of God, and, therefore, it is His greatest joy to do what men would esteem so misleading and illjudged, so fatal to the success of His future Mission. Do I thus implicitly obey the will of God?

3. Obedience and humility are the surest way of winning honor from God. He loves to exalt the humble, to pour Divine gifts upon the obedient. A Voice from Heaven declares Him Who had thus humbled Himself to be the well-beloved Son of God. The Holy Spirit descending in visible form proclaims wisdom to be the special privilege of the obedient.

†

January 12th, Within the Octave of the Epiphany

Showing Forth Our Faith Are We Bound to Profess Our Faith Opening? Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation Reflection for each day of the Octave of the Epiphany Prayers for the Epiphany Devotions to the Infant Jesus The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Prayers and Devotions to the Holy Family Children Prayers for Christmas

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

On the Lessons our Lord Jesus
gives us in His private life
by Richard Challoner

Consider first, those words spoken by our Lord Jesus to His parents, when they found him in the temple, in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions, Luke ii. Did you not know, said He, that I must be about my Father's business? He came down from Heaven, not to do His own will, but the will of Gim that sent Him (John iv. 38). This was His daily food, during His mortal life. My meat, said He, is to do the will of Him that sent me (John iv. 34). This then was the exercise of His private life; which He spent in obscurity, and retirement, under a poor carpenter's roof. He was all the while about the business of his Father. He was ever doing the will of His Father. All His thoughts and words, all His actions, and omissions, were directed to His Father's glory. And this is the great lesson we are to learn from Him in His private life. We, all of us, like Him, came into this world for nothing else but to do the will of God: we all of us ought to be ever about the business of our heavenly Father: all our thoughts, words, actions, and omissions, ought to be directed to Him. O let us study well this great lesson, which the Son of God employed fo many years in teaching!

Consider 2d1y, how He went down with Joseph and Mary to Nazareth, and was subject to them (Luke ii. 51). O stand astonished my soul, to see the Lord and maker of heaven and earth, submitting Himself to His creatures, and obedient to them! O see how He serves them even in the meanest offices; how he works, with His reputed father, at His mechanic trade. But with what modesty, and silence, with what recollection and application of his soul to His heavenly Father by continual adoration, thanksgiving, oblation, and love, and by continual prayer and intercession for us? Christians, learn from this great example, to be ever humble, meek, and obedient. Learn to sanctify your ordinary employments, and even your common actions, by recollection and mental prayer. Learn that even the highest persection may be found in the exercise of the lowest and meanest offices; if in these the soul do but take care to keep close to her God, and to embrace Him by love.

Consider 3dly, what is written of our Lord, with relation to this private part of his life. That Jesus increased in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men (Luke ii. 52). Our Lord, who from the first moment of His conception, was full of all heavenly wisdom and divine grace, was pleased in proportion to His advancing in age, to shew forth every day more than other, in His words and actions, the admirable treasures of wisdom and grace that were hidden in His soul: to teach us to make a continual progress in the way of God; and to advance every day by large steps, from virtue to virtue, till we come unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ (Eph. iv. 13). Christians, do we seriously apply ourselves to learn this excellent lesson? What progress have we hitherto made, after so many years pretending to walk after Jesus Christ in the way of virtue? Have we not for the most part rather gone backward than forward? O let us now at least begin to be in earnest!

Conclude to learn of our Saviour all those lessons which he desires to teach us in His private life: particularly these three, 1. To be ever about the business of our Father. 2. To be ever submissive and obedient to His. vice-gerents, and 3. To be ever making the best of our way to Him.

†

January 11th, St. Hyginus, Pope and Martyr

Prayer and Its Necessity The Business of Life
and Vanity of Earthly Things Reflection for each day of the Octave of the Epiphany Prayers for the Epiphany Devotions to the Infant Jesus January Meditations on
the Holy Infancy--January 11th The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Hyginus, Pope and Martyr

O eternal Shepherd, watch over the peace of Thy flock, and through blessed Hyginus, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst appoint shepherd over the whole Church, keep her under Thy constant protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The Church makes commemoration, today, of the holy Pope and Martyr Hyginus. He held the Apostolic Chair under the reign of Antoninus, and closed his four-years Pontificate by martyrdom. We have no history of his life, but we venerate in him one of the links of that grand chain of Pontiffs, which unites us, by St. Peter, to our Lord Jesus Christ. The whole weight of the government of the Church was upon his shoulders, and he was courageous and faithful in the discharge of his duties; his reign was during the age of Persecution, when to be Pope was to be a victim of tortures and death. As we have already said, he soon won his Palm, and was associated in heaven with the three Magi, who had, before leaving this world, preached the gospel in Greece, the country of our Saint. Let us ask him to bless the offerings we are making to the Divine Infant of Bethlehem, and to pray for us, that we may obey this sweet King, who asks us to give Him, not our blood by martyrdom, but our hearts by charity.

†

January 10th, Within the Octave of the Epiphany

How Catholics lose the Faith by Fr. Michael Muller Reflection for each day of the Octave of the Epiphany Prayers for the Epiphany The Epiphany with Litany of the Infant Jesus Devotions to the Infant Jesus Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links January Meditations on
the Holy Infancy--January 10th

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Unless thou hold thyself diligently in the fear of the Lord, thy house shall quickly be overthrown (Ecclus. xxvii. 4).

Consider first, that this wretched earth is not thy lasting city. Thy city is Heaven. Very different are those two cities of the present and the future! To compare them would be like comparing some little village or hamlet to Imperial Rome. Earth in respect of Heaven is a poor man's hovel. How lovely, then, must be that city of the other world, "the city of perfect beauty," if this earthly city delights thee so much!

Consider secondly, what ought in consequence to be thy course of conduct on this earth. It should be such as thou wouldst pursue in a city where thou hast no fixed abode, but art only a sojourner for a few days. Thou dost not interest thyself in its affairs; thou art not attached to it by feelings of affection; thou dost fix thy gaze upon it certainly, but always as an object which concerns thee not. Such must thy conduct be throughout thy life on earth, since it is not thy city. "We have not here a lasting city." Thou art a sojourner. And dost thou seek with eagerness to fix thy dwelling here?

Consider thirdly, that thou art not only a sojourner on earth, but a pilgrim, and therefore it is added, "But we seek one that is to come." What dost thou do when thou dost pass in pilgrimage from place to place? Thou art not anxious to provide thyself with anything beyond the mere necessaries of life. Thou travellest lightly equipped and unencumbered, and thou dost assiduously seek the shortest way to thy native land. Thus thou must act in the case proposed. Here have thy body, there thy mind; like the pilgrim, who in the body traverses some city on his journey, but in spirit has already reached the city for which he sighs. But alas! how different is thy conduct! Scarcely ever are thy thoughts in Heaven. This is a bad sign. Surely it cannot be thy own true country.

†

January 8th, Within the Octave of the Epiphany.

Reflection for each day of the Octave of the Epiphany: Jan. 7th - Jan. 13th Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart The Revolt of Society from God

Related Links on the Epiphany:

Four Short Sermons: On the Epiphany The Feast of the Epiphany: Epistle and Gospel Prayers for the Epiphany The Epiphany with Litany of the Infant Jesus Homilies for the Epiphany The Epiphany: Christ is King by Fr. Weninger Children's Sermon: The Epiphany Children's Video: The Three Kings The Month of the Nativity: The Epiphany Begins on Page 162 and contiues to the Feast of the Purification on February 2nd

Within the Octave of the Epiphany: All Christmas Devotions, Carols and Related Links The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

January Meditations on the Holy Infancy of the Christ Child Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

For behold short years pass away, and I am walking in a path by which I shall not return (Job xvi. 23).

Consider first, that the years pass quickly by. To convince thyself that so it is, look back, and see the years that are already gone. Oh, how short they seem! So also shall be those that still remain to thee. What excuse, then, canst thou give for being so careless in laying up treasure for Heaven?" Short years pass away," and dost thou give up so much time to sleep?" Short years pass away," and dost thou yield so much of them to vanity?" Short years pass away," and dost thou spend so much of them even in sin? It is unutterable folly. "In the morning sow thy seed (Eccles. xi. 6)." Rise early from thy couch to pray, to sing hymns of praise, to study, to do good service to thy neighbour. For thou shalt gather good fruit in eternity, according as thou hast sown good fruit in thy lifetime here.

Consider secondly, that time not only passes quickly, but passes never to return, so that the time thou losest now is lost for ever; it comes back no more, it can never be regained, it is like the water which flows once only over the river-bed and never again returns. And dost thou value it so lightly? At the hour of death thou shalt find deep cause of grief in having allowed it to go by unprofitably. At that hour how shalt thou groan, not only over wasted years, but over wasted hours and minutes, aye, and the smallest points of time, which now thou art ashamed to value, lamenting that thou didst not treasure them with avaricious soul. What says the Lord, speaking of this? "Let not one particle of a good gift escape thee (Ecclus. xiv. 14)." How precious a thing is time! Thou dost let it run to waste like water, and He would have thee value it like gold; He would have thee set store by each little shred of it. But wonder not at this. Every little point of time well spent can bring thee a richer revenue than the greatest kingdom in all the universe.

Consider thirdly, what would not one of the damned be willing to do, if by Divine favour he were allowed to return to life and go over his course anew. Think you he would be careless in employing the time given him by God? Oh, how he would toil! Oh, how he would strain each nerve! Oh, with what anxious, care he would devote each precious moment to the welfare of his soul! But this has not been granted. What will be thy fate if only then thou dost set store by time, when time for thee shall be no more? Say therefore ever to thyself, in the words of holy Job, "I am walking in a path by which I shall not return." Human life is a road which is trodden but once. Happy the man who knows how to turn to account the present opportunities of making profit and amassing wealth. Whoso neglects to do this now, cannot through all eternity come back to set his error right.

†

January 7th, The Feast of the Holy Family and Within the Octave of the Epiphany

Prayers and Devotions to the Holy Family with Novena Prayer. Octave of the Epiphany The Feast of the Holy Family: Epistle and Gospel Children's Sermon for
the Feast of the Holy Family The First Sunday after the Epiphany

Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 God the Teacher of Mankind: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 1884 What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

Two Short Sermons: On the Loss of Jesus and How to Find Him Again Index of Children Prayers Influence of the Example of Parents Upon Their Children Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season Glosary of Terms for Marriage and Family Life and Relevant Cannon Laws from 1917 Code All Relevant Instructions and Sermon on the Holy Family All Relevant Teachings on Christian Marriage January Meditations on
the Holy Infancy--January 9th

The Christian Family Instructions for the Catholic Family Duties of Parents The 4th Commandment Religious and Moral
         Training of Children

What is it to be a Mother? Prayers for Catholic Mothers The Maternity of Mary In Defense of Mary
The Mother of God Blessings of Many Children Prayer for Deceased Parents The Slaughter of the Holy Innocents & the Value of Children What is a mixed Marriage The Ravages of Adultery Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine

Related Books:

Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 The Christian Mother The Christian Father The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Joachim
and St. Anne, 1859 The Little Book of the
Most Holy Child Jesus Includes Preparation for Confession

The Sacrament of Baptism Devotions to the Holy Infancy Prayers for the Epiphany Devotions to the Infant Jesus Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Feast of the Holy Family within the Octave of the Epiphany

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who by subjecting Thyself to Mary and Joseph, hast hallowed domestic life with ineffable virtues: do Thou grant the example of Thy holy Family, and obtain everlasting fellowship therewith: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Pop Leo XIII, June 14, 1892

Neminem fugit:

When God, compassionate, determined to complete the work of human reparation which the world had awaited throughout long ages, he so established and designed the whole, that from its very inception, it would show to the world the sublime pattern of a divinely constituted family. In this all men should see the perfect example of domestic union, and of all virtue and holiness. Such was the family of Nazareth, in which before he had shone forth in full light to all nations, the Sun of justice, Christ our God and Savior, led a hidden life with the Virgin for mother and most holy Joseph for foster father.

There is no doubt that all those virtues of ordinary home life, those acts of mutual love, holy behavior and pious practices shone forth in the highest degree in this Holy Family, destined to be a model for all others. Accordingly, the benign dispositions of Providence fashioned that family so that every individual Christian, whatever his condition or station, by turning his attention to it, could find in it easily, reason and incentive for the exercise of every virtue.

Fathers of families, for example, have in Joseph a shining pattern for watchfulness and foresight. Mothers have in the most holy Virgin Mother of God an extraordinary model of love, of modesty, of submissiveness of mind, and of perfect faith. Children of the family have in Jesus who was subject to Joseph and Mary, a divine example of obedience to admire, cultivate and imitate. Those nobly born may learn from a family of royal blood how to restrain themselves in good fortune, and to retain their dignity in ill. The rich may learn from this family how much less estimable are riches than virtue. If working men and all those sorely harassed by family distresses and slender circumstances would but look to the most holy members of this domestic society, they would find there reason to rejoice rather than to grieve at their lot. In common with the Holy Family they have to work, they have to provide for the daily needs of life. Joseph had to work at his trade to earn a living; even the divine hands toiled at the artisan's calling. Surely then we need not wonder that wise men who were rich, cast their wealth aside willingly, and chose poverty in company with Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

For all these reasons, therefore, it was right and proper that devotion to the Holy Family should have been introduced among Catholics and once begun should have grown from day to day. Proof of this lies first in the sodalities instituted under the invocation of the Holy Family; then in the unique honors bestowed upon it; and above all, by the privileges and favors granted to this devotion by our predecessors to stimulate fervor and piety in its regard. This devotion was held in great honor, even in the seventeenth century. Having been widely propagated through Italy, France and Belgium, it spread through practically the whole of Europe. Passing over the vast tract of the Atlantic Ocean, it was extended in America, through Canada, where under favorable circumstances, it became flourishing. Nothing truly can be more salutary or efficacious for Christian families to meditate upon than the example of this Holy Family, which embraces the perfection and completeness of all domestic virtues. When Jesus, Mary and Joseph are invoked in the home, there they foster charity, there they exert a good influence over conduct, set an example of virtue, and make more bearable the hardships of every life. To increase devotion to the Holy Family, Pope Leo XIII prescribed that Christian families should be dedicated to it. Benedict XV extended the Mass and Office to the whole Church.

       †

January 7th, Within the Octave of the Epiphany.

Reflection for each day of the Octave of the Epiphany: Jan. 7th - Jan. 13th

Related Links on the Epiphany:

Four Short Sermons: On the Epiphany The Feast of the Epiphany: Epistle and Gospel Prayers for the Epiphany The Epiphany with Litany of the Infant Jesus Homilies for the Epiphany The Epiphany: Christ is King by Fr. Weninger Children's Sermon: The Epiphany Children's Video: The Three Kings The Month of the Nativity: The Epiphany Begins on Page 162

Within the Octave of the Epiphany: All Christmas Devotions, Carols and Related Links The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

January Meditations on the Holy Infancy of the Christ Child Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

They that are faithful in love shall rest in Him (Wisdom iii. 9).

by Fr. Paul Segneri, 1892

Consider first, that the true mark of the faithful love of God is conformity with the Divine will. It is easy to love Him when His will falls in with our own inclination, when "He rests in us;" when He keeps us in good health, gives us glory, gives us grandeur, or even imparts to us many spiritual consolations. The merit is in loving Him when we have to follow in the path He chooses, when we have "to rest in Him;" to suffer sickness, disgrace, losses, and even continual desolation of spirit. And yet this is His will, that we cease not from suffering; and to speak plainly, we ask for nothing else when we repeat, "Thy will be done;" for it is His will that we should be saints: "This is the will of God, your sanctification;" and there is no other way to sanctity but that of suffering: "All that have pleased God, passed through many tribulations remaining faithful."

Consider secondly, that this conformity with the Divine will must be very perfect. Hence it is called repose. Not that the inferior part of our soul need necessarily be always at rest; but that the superior part must be at rest. The will must acquiesce, and the understanding must acquiesce. In many the will readily acquiesces, but not so the understanding; for it seems to them strange at times that God should so treat them, nor can they bring themselves to believe that what has happened to them is the very best thing for them. If such be the condition of thy mind, thou art not at rest, at least not perfectly, and there is therefore no cause for self-congratulation; thou art not faithful: "Those that are faithful in love shall rest in Him."

Consider thirdly, that this complete conformity to the Divine will is what beyond everything else brings rest to the soul. On this account also conformity is called repose. So long as thou art anxious to bend to thy will the will of God, or his who guides thee in God's name, so long shalt thou fail to find repose; then alone shalt thou be at peace when the Lord, or he who guides thee in His name, draws thy will to His; therefore, place thyself in His hands entirely once for all. I say to thee with Job: "Submit thyself then to Him, and be at peace."

†

January 6th, The Epiphany of Our Lord and First Saturday.

Our Lady's Saturday and First Saturday Act of Reparation Our Lady of Fatima Five First Saturdays Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart

The Vigil of the Epiphany Novena of the Epiphany Four Short Sermons: On the Epiphany The Feast of the Epiphany: Epistle and Gospel Prayers for the Epiphany The Epiphany with Litany of the Infant Jesus Homilies for the Epiphany The Epiphany: Christ is King by Fr. Weninger Children's Sermon: The Epiphany Children's Video: The Three Kings The Christmas Creche of St. Francis of Assisi

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Devotions to the Infant King The Month of the Nativity: The Epiphany Begins on Page 162 Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Prayers and Devotions
to the Infant Jesus Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

The Idolatry of the Creature Due to Impurity Sacrament of Penance The Sacrament of Penance, All of Your Questions Answered Examination of Conscience Rite of Confession General Confession The Necessity of Avoiding Occasions of Sin
by St. Alphonsus Liguori Contrition The False Peace of a Sinful Conscience, by Fr. Hunolt, 1691-1746 Render an Account of Your Life: A Must Read for Every Soul The Conversion of Sinners Penitent's Consolation The Nature of Sin Conscience Index of the Ten Commandments Sermon on Keeping the 10 Commandments The Conversion of Sinners The Necessity of Prayer for Sinners

O God, Who on this day by the guidance of a star didst reveal Thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant, that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to contemplate the beauty of Thy majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The word Epiphany means "manifestation," and it has passed into general acceptance throughout the universal Church, from the fact that Jesus Christ manifested to the eyes of men His divine mission on this day first of all, when a miraculous star revealed His birth to the kings of the East. Thus was fulfilled the prophecy that "a star would arise from Jacob". (Numbers 24:17) It was understood by these Wise Men that this star was announcing the Saviour-King, destined to be born of the Jews. And they, in spite of the difficulties and dangers of a long and tedious journey through deserts and mountains almost impassable, hastened at once to Bethlehem to adore Him. And there they offered Him mystical presents, as to the King of kings, to the God of heaven and earth, and to a Man whose human nature made Him mortal and subject to sufferings.

The second manifestation commemorated by this feast day occurred when He came forth from the waters of the Jordan after having received Baptism from the hands of Saint John, and the Holy Ghost descended on Him in the visible form of a dove. A voice from heaven was heard, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

The third manifestation which the Church's liturgy recalls to us is that of the divine power of Jesus when, at the marriage-feast of Cana, by the first of His miracles He changed water into wine. And at the sight of this prodigy His disciples believed in His Divinity. These three great events, concurring to the same end, the Church has wished to celebrate in one and the same festival.

†

January 4th, Octave of the Holy Innocents

Octave of the Holy Innocents & the Value of Children Short Sermon on the Holy Innocents The Holy Innocents The 5th Commandment Examination of Conscience 5th Commandment A Series of Catholic Lectures on the Evils of Abortion and the Defense of the Unborn The Nature of Sin Devotions to Our Lady of Guadalupe Blessings of Many Children Duties of Parents Duties of Parents as Shepherds of their Flock Prayers for Catholic Mothers

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

11th Day of Christmas
Related Christmastide Links:

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Octave of Christmas Prayers and Devotions
to the Infant Jesus Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season

Stations of the Cross Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

Hymn for the Holy Innocents

"A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning: Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."--Matt. ii. 18

Lovely flowers of Martyrs, hail!
Smitten by the tyrant foe
On life's threshold--as the gale
Strews the roses ere they blow.

First to bleed for Christ, sweet lambs!
What a simple death ye died!
Sporting with your wreath and palms,
At the very altar-side!

Honour, glory, virtue, merit,
Be to Thee, O Virgin's Son!
With the Father, and the Spirit,
While eternal ages run. Amen

V. Herod, being wroth, slew children.
R. In Bethlehem of Juda, the city of David.

†

January 3rd, Octave of St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist Litany of Charity and Butler's Lives of Saints on St. John the Evangelist St. John the Apostle: Epistle and Gospel Short Sermon on St. John the Evangelist The Apocalypse of St. John The Labor of the Apostles:
Their Teaching of the Nations The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation

Related Links for St. John the Evangelist, beloved by our Lord
for his Angelic Purity

Holy Purity Moral Teaching on Unchaste Thoughts and Desires The Sin of Impurity

In some places the Feast of St. Genevieve is celebrated also on January 3rd.

St. Genevieve, Virgin

10th Day of Christmas
Related Christmastide Links:

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Octave of Christmas Prayers and Devotions
to the Infant Jesus Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

†

January 2nd, Most Holy Name of Jesus

The Church invites us to celebrate in a solemn feast, the Holy Name of Jesus. This Most Holy Name should be on our lips during our lives and especially at the moment of our death.

Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Spiritual Communion

Related Links to the Name of Jesus

Prayers and Devotions to the Holy Name The Feast of the Holy Name: Epistle and Gospel Meditations on the Life of Jesus Christ: Circumcision, New Years and the Holy Name The Month of the Nativity: Includes the Feasts of the Circumcision, Holy Name, Epiphany and the Purification Beginning on Page 135 Short Sermon on Honouring God's Holy Name The 2nd Commandment Examination of Conscience
the 2nd Commandment Our Redeemer & Messiah The Psalster of Jesus The Little Book of the
Most Holy Child Jesus Includes Preparation for Confession Devotions to the Infant Jesus

Most Holy Name of Jesus

O God, Who didst appoint Thy only-begotten Son to be the Savior of mankind, and didst command that He should be called Jesus: mercifully grant that we who pay honor to His holy name on earth, may enjoy the vision of Him in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Homily of St. Bernard

O great and wonderful mystery! The Child is circumcised, His name is called Jesus. What is the connection between these two events? It would seem that circumcision should be for those to be saved rather than for the Savior; more fitting that He should be the circumciser rather than the circumcised. But behold how from the very instant of His birth the mediator between God and man joined human things with divine, the lowest with the highest. He is born of a woman, but her womb is made fruitful without the loss of the flower of her virginity. He is wrapped in swaddling clothes, but the very swaddling clothes are honored by the praise of Angels. He is laid in a manger, but a shining star of heaven reveals it. The Circumcision, similarly proved the very truth of the humanity He had assumed and the Name which is above all names, points out the glory of his majesty. He was circumcised like a true son of Abraham, He was called Jesus as the true Son of God.

My Jesus bears His name, not as others before him bore it,--a vain and empty title. In Him it was not the shadow of a great name; but the very substance of it. The Evangelist testifies that the name was given Him from heaven, saying: Which was called by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb. Note the deep significance of the words. After Jesus was born He was called "Jesus" by men, he who had been called "Jesus" by an Angel before He was conceived in the womb. He was the Savior of Angels and of men; of men from his Incarnation; of Angels from the beginning of their creation. His name, says the Evangelist, was called Jesus, which was given Him by the Angel. Therefore in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand. And that word which the Prophet says is cut short, is made manifest in the Gospel--the Word made flesh.

It is fitting that when the Son Who was born for us was being circumcised He was called Jesus "Savior," since even then He was beginning to work out our salvation, pouring out for us His most pure blood. Nor should Christians speculate upon why Christ the Lord willed to be circumcised. He was circumcised for the same reason that He was born, and for which He suffered. Neither one nor the other was for Himself, but for the elect. He was not born in sin; He was not circumcised to free Himself from sin, nor did He die for His own sins, but for ours. Which was called, says the Evangelist, by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. This name was not merely attributed to Him; it is plain He was called this name from eternity. As it inheres in His own proper nature to be a Savior, so the name is inherent in Him. It was not conferred upon Him either by an angelic creature or human being.

Hymn: Jesu, decus angelicum

O Jesu, thou the beauty art
Of Angel worlds above;
Thy Name is music to the heart,
Enchanting it with love.

Celestial Sweetness unalloyed!
Who eat thee hunger still;
Who drink of thee still feel a void,
Which only thou canst fill.

O my sweet Jesu! hear the sighs
Which unto thee I send;
To thee mine inmost spirit cries
My being's hope and end.

Stay with us. Lord, and with thy light
Illume the soul's abyss;
Scatter the darkness of our night,
And fill the world with bliss.

The following stanza is never changed.
O Jesu, spotless Virgin flower,
Our life and joy; to Thee
Be praise, beatitude, and power,
Through all eternity.
Amen.

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.

New Years Blessings from Catholic Harbor. All who visit our site are in our daily Rosaries and Prayers! Please remember us in your prayers.

January 1st, Circumcision of Our Lord and Octave of Christmas.

The Circumcision I. The Circumcision II. (New Years) The Circumcision of our Lord Sermons for Children's Masses Instructions for the Feast of Circumcision
Meditations on the Holy
Name of Jesus

Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

Two Short Sermon for the Octave of Christmas Octave of Christmas Four Short Sermon on Leading a New Life in the New Year The Most Precious Blood Devotions to the Infant King The Christmas Child Devotions to the Holy Infancy The Dogma of the Incarnation Rests on the Divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On this, the eighth day after Christmas, the Church commemorates the Circumcision of our Redeemer and also honors Mary's divine Maternity. The sinless Son of Man sheds for us the first drops of His Blood, and the Lord of all submits to the Mosaic Law.

January Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Related Christmastide Links:

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Prayers and Devotions
to the Infant Jesus

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

The Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord

O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession for us, through whom we have deserved to receive the author of life, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The feast of the Circumcision has been kept since the sixth century. Moses commanded that all young Israelites should undergo this rite on the eight day after birth. It is a type of Baptism, by which a man is spiritually circumcised. "See," says St. Abrose, "how the whole sequence of the Old Law foreshadowed that which was to come; for circumcision signifies the blotting out of sins.

He who is spiritually circumcised by the rooting up of his vices is judged worthy of the Lord's favor. While speaking of the first drops of his Sacred Blood that Our Redeemer shed for the cleansing of our souls, the Church emphasizes the thought of the cutting out of all that is evil in us. "Jesus Christ. . . gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and cleanse us." (Epistle)

On this, the eight day after Christmas, the Church commemorates the Circumcision of our Redeemer and also honors Mary's divine Maternity.

O admirable interchange:

The Creator of mankind, assuming a living body, deigned to be born of a Virgin: and becoming man without man's concurrence, bestowed on us his Divinity.

2. When thou wast born ineffably of the Virgin, the Scriptures were fulfilled: As dew upon the fleece thou earnest down, to save mankind: we praise thee, O our God.

5. In the bush seen by Moses as burning yet unconsumed, we recognize the preservation of thy glorious virginity: O Mother of God, intercede for us.

4. The root of Jesse hath budded, the star hath arisen out of Jacob: a Virgin hath brought forth the Savior: we praise thee, O our God.

5. Behold, Mary hath brought forth "' unto us a Savior, whom John, seeing, exclaimed, saying: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him that taketh away the sins of the world, alleluia.

Hymn: A solis ortus

From lands that see the sun arise To earth's remotest boundaries, The Virgin-born today we sing, The Son of Mary, Christ the King.

Blest Author of this earthly frame, To take a servant's form he came, That, liberating flesh by Flesh, Whom he had made might live afresh.

In that chaste parent's holy womb Celestial grace hath found its home; And she, as earthly bride unknown, Yet calls that Offspring blest her own.

The mansion of the modest breast
Becomes a shrine where God shall rest: The pure an undefiled one Conceived in her womb the Son.

That Son, that Royal Son she bore, Whom Gabriel's voice had told afore; Whom, in his mother yet concealed, The infant Baptist had revealed.

The manger and the straw he bore, The cradle did he not abhor; By milk in infant portions fed, Who gives e'en fowls their daily bread.

The heavenly chorus filled the sky, The Angels sang to God on high, What time to shepherds, watching lone, They made creation's Shepherd known.

All honor, laud, and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born, to thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

Amen

Sermon of St. Leo, Pope the Great

Dearly beloved: The man who devoutly and reverently participates in today's feast, is he who has no false ideas about the Lord's Incarnation, nor thinks unworthily of the Godhead. For it is as dangerous an evil to deny the truth of the human nature in Christ as to refuse to believe his glory is equal with that of his Father. Therefore, when we would approach to an understanding of the mystery of the birth of Christ, wherein He is born of a Virgin Mother, we must rise above the fogs of human reason, and clear the mists of wordly wisdom from the eye of enlightened faith.

Divine is the authority for our belief, divine the teaching we follow. Whether we listen to the testimony of the Law, to the revelation of the Prophets, or to the clarion of the Gospel, what John, filled with the Holy Ghost, thundered is true: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was made nothing that has been made. What this same preacher added is equally true: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. And we saw his glory--glory as of the only-begotten of the Father.

Therefore in both natures it is the same Son of God. Taking our humanity he did not lose his divinity; renewing man by sharing in his manhood, he remained immutable in himself. The Godhead which is common to him and to the Father, underwent no lessening of omnipotence; nor did the form of a servant dishonor the form of God. The supreme and eternal essence which lowered itself for the salvation of the human race,--although it translated us to his glory, did not cease to be what it was. Hence, whenever the only-begotten Son of God confesses himself to be less than the Father, to whom he says he is equal, he demonstrates the truth of both of these natures in himself; for the inequality proves his humanity, and the equality his divinity.

Thou art blessed and venerable, O Virgin Mary, for remaining ever undefiled thou art become the Mother of the Savior: He lay in a manger, He whose glory filled the heavens.

†

December 31st, Sunday Within the Octave of Christmas

In the Mass of this Sunday, which is like an echo of the Nativity, we read in the Gospel how Jesus grew in wisdom and grace. We must imitate this Divine Model whose youth is summed up in His voluntary subjection to His creatures.

Sunday within the Octave of Christmas Day: Epistle and Gospel Sunday within the Octave of Christmas: for Children and Parents Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

December 31st, St. Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor

St. Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Five First Saturdays Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart The Revolt of Society from God

New Years Eve; Prayer to Lead a Holy Life and Prayer of Thanksgiving Reflection for the End of the Year Spiritual Advice for the Coming Holidays by Fr. Weninger The Value of Time Consideration of Last End The Sacrament of Penance,
All of Your Questions Answered General Confession The Particular Judgment The Second Coming Terrible signs preceeding the Last Judgment

Prayers for the Conversion of America I Am The Flag and Prayer for the President The Revolt of Society from God Prayers for Peace

Assess your life during 2021 for the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy:

The Corporal Works of Mercy The Spiritual Works of Mercy Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick

What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Please Remember the Poor Souls in Purgatory during these last days of the year with the Following Links

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Cry of the Souls in Purgatory to us Three Glances at the Cemetary Novena for the Relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Spiritual Communion Litany of Penance Stations of the Cross Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries

Related Christmas Links:

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Novena for the Feast of the Circumcision:
Dec. 23rd - Dec. 31st Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Advent Calendar Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

Contrition: Explanation of Perfect Contrition and the Necessity of Contrition for Forgiveness of Sins

December 31st, St. Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor

O Eternal Shepherd, watch over the peace of Thy flock, and through blessed Silvester, Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst appoint shepherd over the whole Church, keep her under Thy constant protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

When only just born, the Infant God is persecuted by Herod: the Church still in her cradle sends to heaven her first martyr in the person of the deacon Stephen, and her first twenty-five Popes die martyrs.

Returned from Egypt, Jesus grows in age and wisdom at Nazareth, where the years pass in quietness: under the pontificate of Sylvester I (314 - 335) the Church, after three hundred years of persecution begins to enjoy liberty, which is her greatest boon. She spreads in the Roman Empire, and the Council of Nicea (325) establishes triumphantly against Arius the doctrine of the Divinity of the Saviour, of which the liturgy of the Season of Christmas is full.

At the first Council of Nicea, the Breviary tells us, the Catholic Faith on the divinity of Christ was explained by three hundred and eighteen bishops; Arius and his sect being condemned. At the request of the Fathers, Sylvester confirmed again this council in a Synod held at Rome, and in which Arius was condemned again.

According to the legend of the Breviary, Sylvester decreed also that the bishop alone should consecrate the chrism; that in the administration of Baptism the priest should anoint with the holy oils the crown of the head of the person being baptized; that deacons should wear the dalmatic and have a maniple of linen on the left arm; and finally that the sacrifice of the Mass should be offered up upon an altar cloth of linen.

He fixed also a certain period for those who should receive Holy Orders, during which they must exercise successively their Order in the Church before being raised to a higher degree. Sylvester ruled the Church twenty one and a half years. He was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Salarian Way.

†

December 30th, Within the Octave of the Nativity

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 6th Day within Octave of Christmas by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876 The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Advent Calendar Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity

Please Remember the Poor Souls in Purgatory during these last days of the year with the Following Links

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Cry of the Souls in Purgatory to us Three Glances at the Cemetary Novena for the Relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Meditation on the Infant Jesus
by Richard Challoner

Consider first, that the devotion of this holy time calls us to the crib of Bethlehem, there to contemplate our infant Savior, and to entertain our souls with him. O what a large field for meditation have we here opened to us! Christians, place yourselves in spirit near the manger of your Lord, and fix the eyes of your soul upon Him. Reflect who He is whom, you here behold lying before you, as a helpless infant, in this open stall, suffering and weeping, poor and humble, wrapped up in these swathing clothes, and laid in this crib between an ox and an ass? Ah! faith will inform you, that under all these mean appearances lies concealed the Lord of glory. This infant, not yet one day old, is the eternal Son of the eternal God! this weak, helpless babe, is He who by His almighty power made both heaven and earth! He who is here wrapped up so straitly, and confined to this narrow crib, fills heaven and earth, with His incomprehensible immensity! this speechless Child is God's own Word, who called forth all things out of nothing, and whom all things obey!

O wonderful mystery, which has thus united together the highest and the lowest, all that is great in heaven with all that is little and contemptible upon earth, in the person of this Infant-God! But what means all this? What has brought this great God down to this stable, to this crib? Why has He thus debased and perfectly annihilated himself? Ah! my soul, it is for thy sake!--for the love of thee! it is to redeem thee, and deliver thee from sin and hell! it is to afford thee an example of all virtue! it is to draw thy heart to Himself, and to engage thee to love Him.

Consider 2dly, and study well the great lessons which the Son of God desires to teach thee from the crib. Learn humility, from the contemplation of His unparalleled humiliations, which He here so joyfully embraces for thy sake: learn poverty of spirit, from the consideration of His voluntary poverty: learn mortification and self-denial, from the view of His sufferings, which are all His own choice. Learn of Him to despise this cheating world, with all its empty shows, painted toys, childish amusements, and allurements of its sensual pleasures, which He, who is the wisdom of God, despises and condemns in His birth. But especially apply thyself to study well, and to learn from the contemplation of the Son of God in the crib, the infinite charity of God, His infinite love for thee, and the infinite enormity of sin, by which we continually rebel against this infinite charity.

O my soul, couldst thou but penetrate with thy inward eyes into the heart of thy infant God, what heavenly flames woudst thou there discover of a more than seraphic love for thee? Thou wouldst there meet thyself in the midst of the heart of thy Saviour, where he has so long given thee a place. O! there thou wouldst effectually learn both to hate thy sins, and to love God.

Consider 3dly, the affections wherewith thy meditations ought to be accompanied in the stable of Bethlehem, if thou desirest to entertain in a proper manner thy new-born King and Saviour. Here thou must exercise thyself in acts of the three theological virtues; of a lively faith in this thy Infant God and all His sacred truths, which He here concealed in the mystery of His incarnation and birth, and all the wonders of His almighty power, wisdom, and goodness, which He has here wrought for love of us; and of all the treasures of heaven, which He here brings with Him to communicate to our souls; of a most firm hope and confidence in His infinite power, mercy, and goodness, which are here displayed before thee in this mystery; of a most ardent love for Him, in return for that love which He here shows thee.

Then pour forth thy soul in His presence, in acts of adoration, praise, and glory; in acts of thanksgiving for all He has done, as well for thee, as for the whole world; in acts of oblation of thy whole being, by dedicating all the powers of thy soul to His love and service, and making at His feet (who is come to be the great High Priest of God and man) an humble confession of all thy sins, with a most hearty sorrow and contrition for having ever offended so good a God; craving mercy, pardon, and absolution of Him, and through Him, and firmly resolving upon a new life for the future.

Conclude to let this be thy daily exercise during the holy time of Christmas; and not to suffer any worldly entertainments or diversions to deprive thee of the company of thy Saviour, at least so far as to prevent thee from waiting frequently on Him, and spending a competent part of thy time with Him in proper meditations and affections. If thou art at a loss to know how thou oughtest to entertain thyself with Him, beg of Him to teach thee; for He comes to be thy Instructor. And if thou art sensible of the meanness of thy own performances, in point of adoration, praise, glory, thanksgiving, &c. offer up to the eternal Father the adoration, praise, glory, and thanksgiving, of this thy new-born Saviour, to supply thy defects.

†

December 29th, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr.

St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Advent Calendar Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Spiritual Advice for the Coming Holidays by Fr. Weninger Examination of Conscience The Hound of Heaven
by Francis Thompson--
A Scriptural Interpretation
of the Poem The Christmas Child

St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr

O God, for the sake of whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell by the swords of wicked men: grant, we beseech Thee, that all who implore his assistance may obtain the saving effect of their petitions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Thomas, son of an English nobleman, Gilbert Becket, was born on the day consecrated to the memory of Saint Thomas the Apostle, December 21, 1117, in Southwark, England. He was endowed by both nature and grace with gifts recommending him to his fellow men; and his father, certain he would one day be a great servant of Christ, confided his education to a monastery. His first employment was in the government of the London police. There he was obliged to learn the various rights of the Church and of the secular arm, but already he saw so many injustices imposed upon the clergy that he preferred to leave that employment rather than to participate in iniquity. He was perfectly chaste and truthful, and no snares could cause to waver his hatred for any form of covert action.

He was employed then by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who sent him on missions to Rome and permitted him to study civil law at the University of Bologna (Italy) for an entire year. After a few years, witnessing his perfect service, he made him his Archdeacon and endowed him with several benefices. The young cleric's virtue and force soon recommended him also to the king, who made of him his Lord Chancellor. In that high office, while inflexible in the rendition of justice, he was generous and solicitous for the relief of misery. He was severe towards himself, spending the better part of every night in prayer. He often employed a discipline, to be less subject to the revolts of the flesh against the spirit. In a war with France he won the respect of his enemies, including that of the young king Louis VII. To Saint Thomas, his own sovereign, Henry II, confided the education of the crown prince. Of the formation of the future king and the young lords who composed his suite, the Chancellor took extreme care, knowing well that the strength of a State depends largely on the early impressions received by the elite of its youth.

When Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury died, the king insisted on the consecration of Saint Thomas in his stead. Saint Thomas at first declined, warning the king that from that hour their friendship would be threatened by his own obligations to uphold the rights of the Church against infringement by the sovereign, whose tendencies were not different from those of his predecessors. In the end he was obliged by obedience to yield. The inevitable conflict was not long in coming. Saint Thomas resisted when the king's courtiers drew up a list of royal "customs" at Clarendon, where the parliament of the king was assembled, and Henry obliged all the bishops as well as the lords to sign a promise to uphold these without permitting any restrictions whatsoever. Many of these pretended "customs" violated the liberties of the Church, and some were even invented for the occasion. Saint Thomas, obliged in conscience to resist, was soon the object of persecution, not only from the irritated king but by all who had sworn loyalty to his nefarious doings.

Saint Thomas took refuge in France under the protection of the generous Louis VII, who resisted successfully the repeated efforts of Henry to turn away his favor from the Archbishop. The Pope at that time was in France, and he, too, was besieged by Henry's emissaries, but knew well how to pacify minds and protect the defender of the Church. Thomas retired to a Benedictine monastery for two years, and when Henry wrote a threatening letter to its abbot, moved to another. After six years, his office restored as the Pope's apostolic legate, a title which Henry had wrested from him for a time, he returned to England, to preach again and enforce order in his see. He knew well that it was to martyrdom that he was destined; it is related that the Mother of God appeared to him in France to foretell it to him, and that She presented him for that intention with a red chasuble. By this time the persecuted Archbishop's case was known to all of Christian Europe, which sympathized with him and elicited from king Henry an appearance of conciliation.

A few words which the capricious Henry spoke to certain courtiers who hated Thomas, sufficed for the latter to decide to do away with the prelate who contravened all their unchristian doings. They violated a monastic cloister and chapel to enter there while he was assisting at Vespers; the Saint himself prevented the monks from resisting the assassins at the door. Refusing to flee the church as the assassins summoned him to do, he was slain before the altar, by cruel and murderous repeated blows on the head. He died, saying: "I die willingly, for the name of Jesus and for the defense of the Church."

The actions of the Pope in this conflict make clear what all of history teaches: the lives of the Church's Saints themselves comprise the history of the world. The humility of Thomas had prompted him, after a moment of weakness he had manifested in a difficult situation, to judge himself unfit for his office and offer his resignation as Archbishop. The Pope did not hesitate a moment in refusing his resignation. He judged with apostolic wisdom that if Thomas should be deprived of his rank for having opposed the unjust pretensions of the English royalty, no bishop would ever dare oppose the impingements of iniquity on the Church's rights, and the Spouse of Christ would be no longer sustained by marble columns, but by reeds bending in the wind.

The martyred Archbishop was canonized by Pope Alexander III on Ash Wednesday, 1173, not yet three years after his death on December 29, 1170, to the edification of the entire Church.

†

December 28th, The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols Short Sermon on the Holy Innocents The Holy Innocents The Slaughter of the Holy Innocents & the Value of Children Thou Shalt Not Kill: The Crime of Abortion The 5th Commandment Examination of Conscience 5th Commandment A Series of Catholic Lectures on the Evils of Abortion and the Defense of the Unborn The Nature of Sin Devotions to Our Lady of Guadalupe Blessings of Many Children Duties of Parents Duties of Parents as Shepherds of their Flock Prayers for Catholic Mothers

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Advent Calendar Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

December 28th, The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

O God, whose praise the martyred Innocents confessed this day, not in speech, but by their death: destroy in us the evil of all vice, that our lives may show forth in our deeds that faith in Thee which our lips express. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The Feast of the Holy Innocents dates back to about the fifth century. The massacre of these infants manifests the royal character of Jesus. It is because Herod believed the words of the Magi and those of the High Priests whom he consulted that he sees a rival in the Infant of Bethlehem and jealously pursues Him " that is born King of the Jews'". But as the Church sings "O cruel Herod, why thus fear. Thy King and God who comes below? No earthly crown comes He to take, who heavenly kingdoms doth bestow."

It is this God-King that "the Innocents by dying confess" (Collect). "Their passion is the exaltation of Christ." And the praise that they render to God is a subject of confusion in the enemies of Jesus (Introit), for, far from attaining their object, they only served to fulfil the saying of the Prophet" out of Egypt have I called My Son " (Gospel), and that at Bethlehem would be heard the lamentations of the mothers mourning for their children. To picture their desolation in more vivid colours, Jeremias recalls Rachel whose lamentations are heard in Rama, bewailing her children because they are not. Like a compassionate mother, the Church robes her priests today in vestments of mourning, and suppresses the Gloria and Alleluia.

This feast is celebrated at St. Paul-without-the-Walls because the bodies of several of those holy martyrs are venerated there.

Let us show forth in holiness of life, the divinity of Christ, that was confessed by the death of these innocent souls children.

Hymn: Audit tyrannus

With terror doth the tyrant hear
The King of kings hath come to dwell Where David's court shall widely rear A sceptered reign o'er Israel.

Then cries out, raging, at the word:
"He comes to stand where we have stood: Hence, soldier, and with ruthless sword Deluge the cradles deep with blood!"

What profiteth a crime so dread?
What hope shall Herod's bosom sway? Alone amidst the thronging dead, The Christ is safely borne away!

All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

Sermon of St. Augustine

Today, dearly beloved, we honor the birthday of those infants who--as the text of the Gospel tells--were slain by Herod, the savage king. Therefore let the earth rejoice with greatest joy, she who is the prolific mother of these heavenly soldiers, and of this exceeding host. For behold! this sacrilegious man never could have so richly endowed this blessed legion of little ones though he showered them with his favors, as he did by bestowing upon them his hate. For the church shows by the solemnity of today's feast that as iniquity abounded against these little ones, so in the same degree grace and blessing rained down upon them.

Blessed art thou, O Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, who suffered with patience the cruelty of King Herod, in the slaughter of the Innocents. O Bethlehem, found worthy to offer to God in a single sacrifice, a white- robed multitude of defenseless children! It is proper that we honor the birthday of these-- that birthday when earth brought them forth to eternal life--that day more blessed than the one which brought them forth from their mothers' wombs. For they were raised to the dignity of eternal life almost before they had entered upon a temporal one.

The precious deaths of other martyrs deserve praise because by their sufferings they testified to Christ; that of these innocents is lovely in its consummation. At the dawn of life, he who places the limits upon the present, made their going down the beginning of glory. Truly they are called the Flowers of the Martyrs, they whom the impiety of Herod tore away as they nursed at their mothers' breasts. They came forth in the midst of the winter of infidelity, the first buds of the Church, swelling forth to be nipped by the hoar frost of persecution.

†

December 27th, St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

Short Sermon on St. John the Evangelist St. John the Evangelist Novena to St. John the Evangelist:
Dec. 19th - Dec. 27th St. John the Apostle: Epistle and Gospel Sermons on St. John
the Apostle and Evangelist The Apocalypse of St. John The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification

Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger Advent Calendar Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

December 27th, St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

Of Thy goodness, O Lord, enlighten Thy Church: that being illumined by the doctrines of blessed John Thy Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

From the book of St. Jerome

John, the Apostle, whom Jesus loved best, was the son of Zebedee, and the brother of the Apostle James whom Herod beheaded after the passion of the Lord. He was the last of the Evangelists to write a Gospel. This he wrote in answer to the appeal of the Bishops of Asia to combat Cerinthus and other heretics, especially those spreading the doctrines of the Ebionites, who were asserting that Christ had had no existence before Mary. Therefore John felt it devolved upon him to teach the Divine Nativity.

In the fourteenth year after the persecution of Nero, a second persecution was stirred up by Domitian. In this John was exiled to Patmos. There he wrote the Apocalypse, which has been interpreted by Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus.

After Domitian had been slain, and his acts, because of their extreme cruelty, repealed by the Senate, John, during the reign of Nerva, returned to Ephesus. Remaining there until the reign of Trajan, he founded and ruled all the Churches of Asia. Blessed John the Evangelist remained at Ephesus to the very last of an extreme age.

In the end, when he could scarcely endure the journey to the church in the arms of his disciples, when he was unable to speak at any length, at each single gathering he said nothing else than: "Little children, love one another." Finally the disciples and the brethren who were present, wearied with the tedium of constant repetition, asked, "Master, why do you say the same thing always?" He replied to them in a sentence worthy of John, "Because it is the precept of the Lord; if this only is done, it is enough."

†

December 26th, St. Stephen, Martyr

Spiritual Advice for the Coming Holidays Examination of Conscience The Hound of Heaven
by Francis Thompson--
A Scriptural Interpretation
of the Poem

St. Stephen, Martyr Novena to St. Stephen:
Dec. 18th - Dec. 26th Instructions for the Feast of the St. Stephen, First Martyr Short Sermon on St. Stephen Christmas: All Devotions, Carols and Related Links Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Advent Calendar

Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity

The Christmas Office begins with First Vespers (4 pm - 6 pm) on the Vigil of Christmas

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Grant to us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may imitate what we revere: and that we may learn to love even our enemies; for we are celebrating the feast-day of him who, even for persecutors, knew how to entreat our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy son: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

The Church was still in her infancy when Stephen, renowned for his virtues, received from the Apostles the mission to organise the meals where the poor were fed in common. He worked such "great wonders and signs among the people " that the Jews from five different synagogues became alarmed and summoned him before the Sanhedrin.

Jesus had upbraided the Jews "for having killed and stoned the Prophets" , Stephen in his turn, addressing his judges declared that in crucifying Christ they had shown themselves worthy of their fathers who put to death the messengers of God. The holy deacon then lifting his eyes to heaven said that "he saw the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God ". What a splendid testimony to the Divinity of this Child whom we venerate in the crib.

On hearing these words, the Jews fulfilling once more the words of the Master, "with one accord ran violently upon Stephen and stoned him," who, falling on his knees, commended his soul to Jesus and asked pardon for his executioners.

Stephen is the first of the witnesses of Christ, it is therefore only right that he should appear first in the glorious procession of saints who surround the cradle of the Saviour. It is a tendency noticeable in a Greek martyrology of the fourth century to connect the greatest of the New Testament saints with the feast of the Nativity. His name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass.

Following after the example of Stephen, may we "love by charity even those who wrong us", and be ever ready to surrender our life for Christ.

†

Merry Christmas from Catholic Harbor

December 25th, The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Christmas Day

Christmas Day Prayers and Devotions Christmas Day Homilies The Christmas Child Christmas Day: Epistle and Gospel Christmas Day: for Children and Parents

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

Advent Calendar: Dec. 1st - Dec. 31st Prayers and Devotions
to the Infant Jesus The Nativity The Christmas Creche of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season The Angel Gabriel Wexford Carol Gesu Bambino Noel Nouvelete First Noel Mary Walks Amid the Thorn Devotions to the Infant King Children Prayers for Christmas and Carols Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger The Practice of Christmas by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876 The Mystery of Christmas
by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876 Short Sermon on Christmas Day

The Christmas Office begins with First Vespers (4 pm - 6 pm) on the Vigil of Christmas

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Spiritual Communion Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God: that the new Birth of Thy only-begotten Son in the flesh may deliver us; who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God... All things were made by Him". "Thou in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth, and the works of Thy hands are the heavens". "Thine are the Heavens and Thine is the earth, the world and the fulness hereof Thou hast founded". Since man was made by Him, by Him also, will he be restored to his first dignity. Therefore "the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us". "God... last of all in these days (i.e., the age of the Messias), hath spoken to us by His Son who is the brightness of His glory". And the Church sings that "this day a great light hath descended upon the earth". This Light shone in the darkness, but the darkness did not receive it, for "the Word came into the world but His own received Him not, but as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the Sons of God". In short, it was to free us from the bondage of sin, to cleanse us from our faults and to cause us to be born anew to the divine life that the only-begotten Son of God was bom, according to the flesh.

More than seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, Isaias already extolled the power of this Infant-God. "A child is born to us... whose government is upon His shoulder"; while His miracles are foreshadowed by almighty God in delivering the Hebrews from the Egyptian captivity. Now, as then, "all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation that God has brought to His people".

The Redemption accomplished by Christ at His first coming will be completed by Him at the end of time. As St. Paul explains" (our Lord) making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the Majesty on High", so that His glorified humanity shares the throne of the Eternal God" Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever ; a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom. Justice and judgment are the preparation of Thy throne". "One day," St. Luke tells us, the Son of Man will come ia His glory and that of His Father and His angels, to give to each one according to his works." When (at the end of the world) He bringeth His first-begotten into the world. He saith : "And let all the angels of God adore Him". Then will take place a transformation of all created things, since the Son of God, Himself unchanging, "shall change them as a vesture".

Again, the Apostle, quoting for the seventh time from the passage from which this epistle is taken, adds that almighty God will make of the enemies of Christ a "footstool " for His feet. This will be the final triumph of the Incarnate Word Who, at His second coming will punish those who did not receive Him at His first coming on earth, while He will give a share in His immortality to those who, like the Magi, come to worship from afar, received Him with faith and love and so were made sons of God.

†

December 24th, Vigil of the Nativity (Christmas Eve).

Short Sermon on the Birth of Christ Christmas Eve: St. Alphonsus Liguori The Story of Silent Night Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Children Prayers and Sermons for the Season of Advent and Christmas Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season The Month of the Nativity The History of Christmas, by Dom Gueranger The Practice of Christmas by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876 The Mystery of Christmas
by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876 Advent Calendar The Christmas Creche of St. Francis of Assisi St. Nicholas

The Christmas Office begins with First Vespers (4 pm - 6 pm) on the Vigil of Christmas

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Vespers on Christmas Eve to the Purification Spiritual Communion St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day Christmas Novena: Dec. 16th - Dec. 24th

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Please Remember the Poor Souls in Purgatory During this Christmas Season

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory The Cry of the Souls in Purgatory to us Three Glances at the Cemetary Novena for the Relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Christmastide:
The Christmas season begins with the vigil of the feast (Dec. 24th) and ends in the temporal cycle on the octave day of the Epiphany, Jan. 13; in the sanctoral cycle on the Purification of our Lady (Feb. 2.).

O God, who dost gladden us by the annual expectation of our redemption: grant that we, who joyfully receive Thy only-begotten Son as a Redeemer, may safely behold Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ coming as a judge: Who liveth etc. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Hymn: Verbum Supernum

Celestial Word, to this our earth
Sent down from God's eternal clime.
To save mankind by mortal birth
Into a world of change and time;

Lighten our hearts, vain hopes destroy;
And in thy love's consuming fire
Fill all the soul with heavenly joy,
And melt the dross of low desire.

So when the Judge of quick and dead
Shall bid his awful summons come,
To whelm the guilty soul with dread,
And call the blessed to their home,

Saved from the whirling, black abyss,
Forevermore to us be given
To share the feast of saintly bliss,
And see the face of God in heaven.

To God the Father and the Son
Our songs with one accord we raise;
And to the Holy Spirit,
One With them, be ever equal praise. Amen.

The Vigil of Christmas is impregnated with holy cheerfulness, and if it were not for the vestments of penance and fasting, one would imagine bit the feast had begun.

The Church joyfully awaits the twofold coming of her Redeemer, (Collect) who "saves His people from their sins" (Gospel) and who is the Shepherd of Israel (Gradual) that is the Church, of whom all are members who have faith in Jesus Christ. Thus Isaias foretells that " all flesh shall see the salvation of God" and St. Paul adds that he has been chosen to be the Apostle of the Gospel, "for obedience to the faith in all nations for His name."

With the help of to-day's Mass, we may prepare to celebrate the anniversary of the "adorable birthday" of the only-begotten Son of God (Secret and Postcommunion), the son of David, whom the spouse of Joseph brought into the world (Gospel) and who, " born as man" according to the seed of' David, has by His Resurrection proved, beyond all question, that He was God (Epistle).

Since this resurrection was for Christ the prelude to His glorious reign, for us it is the pledge of our own glorification and resurrection at the end of time; thus, to-day's liturgy prepares us for the second Coming of our Lord. "To-day", the Introit and the Gradual say, "you shall know that the Lord will come and save us and in the morning you shall see His glory." "Sanctify yourselves and be ye ready," says the first response at Matins, "for to-morrow, you shall see the Son of God in your midst."

"By these two days, to-day and to-morrow," explains St. Bernard, are meant that of the present life which is short and gloomy, and that of eternity amidst the splendours of the saints. Our learning here below consists in remembering that the Lord is coming; and it is the first Coming of the Son of God which enlightens us about His second Coming. It calls forth contrition, blazes forth in correction, shines through our zeal and renews us within and without.

Meditate on the marvels of the Lord's mercy vouchsafed in His Incarnation, that when the last morning dawns, we may contemplate those of his glory.

"To-morrow" says the Alleluia, "shall the iniquity of the earth be abolished; and the Saviour of the world shall reign over us." "Almighty God, the Creator of all things," adds the psalmist, "is indeed the King of glory, having snatched man from the power of Satan, receives him into His heavenly Jerusalem. Then shall the glory of the Lord be manifested" (Com.). Let us, therefore, prepare ourselves "with holy joy, celebrating the coming of the only-begotten Son of God, who comes as Redeemer at Christmas, in order that we may be able to contemplate Him with assurance, when He shall come as Judge at the end of the world" (Collect).

†

December 24th, 4th Sunday of Advent

Only with an intense desire for the coming of Jesus Christ can we begin to merit His spiritual gifts. The Catholic Liturgy reminds us, during these four weeks, of the time during which the world was without Jesus. This mediator we now await, and since we can go to God only through Him, we implore Him to hasten His coming.

Short Sermon on the Preparation for the Birth of Christ 4th Sunday in Advent: The Fullness of Time The Love of God Fourth Sunday of Advent: Epistle and Gospel Fourth Sunday of Advent:
for Children and Parents Christ Our Lord A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

Children Prayers and Sermons for the Season of Advent and Christmas Mary Walks Amid the Thorns: Hymn for the 4th Sunday of Advent The Mystery of Christmas
by Fr. Prosper Guarenger, 1876 The Christmas Creche of St. Francis of Assisi Christmas Carols Catholic Harbor's Videos
for the Christmas Season Christmas Novena: Dec. 16th - Dec. 24th In Defense of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, her Perpetual Virginity, the Rosary and the Angelus Domini Mary, Our Advocate with Our Judge, by Fr. Francis Doyle 1879

December 18th, The Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Children's Sermon on the Expectation of Our Lord's Birth The Dogma of the Incarnation Rests on the Divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent The Month of the Nativity Advent Calendar Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

The Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

from the Liturgical year, 1910

This feast, which is now kept not only throughout the whole of Spain but in almost all the Churches of the Catholic world, owes its origin to the bishops of the tenth Council of Toledo, in 656. These prelates thought that there was an incongruity in the ancient practice of celebrating the feast of the Annunciation on the twenty-fifth of March, inasmuch as this joyful solemnity frequently occurs at the time when the Church is intent upon the Passion of our Lord, so that it is sometimes obliged to be transferred into Easter time, with which it is out of harmony for another reason; they therefore decreed that, henceforth, in the Church of Spain there should be kept, eight days before Christmas, a solemn feast with an octave, in honour of the Annunciation, and as a preparation for the great solemnity of our Lord's Nativity.

In course of time, however, the Church of Spain saw the necessity of returning to the practice of the Church of Rome, and of those of the whole world, which solemnize the twenty-fifth of March as the day of our Lady's Annunciation and the Incarnation of the Son of God. But such had been, for ages, the devotion of the people for the feast of the eighteenth of December, that it was considered requisite to maintain some vestige of it. They discontinued, therefore, to celebrate the Annunciation on this day; but the faithful were requested to consider, with devotion, what must have been the sentiments of the holy Mother of God during the days immediately preceding her giving Him birth. A new feast was instituted, under the name of the 'Expectation of the blessed Virgin's delivery.'

Prayer: Most just indeed it is, O holy Mother of God, that we should unite in that ardent desire thou hadst to see Him, who had been concealed for nine months in thy chaste womb ; to know the features of this Son of the heavenly Father, who is also thine; to come to that blissful hour of His birth, which will give glory to God in the highest, and, on earth, peace to men of good-will. Yes, dear Mother, the time is fast approaching, though not fast enough to satisfy thy desires and ours. Make us redouble our attention to the great mystery; complete our preparation by thy powerful prayers for us, that when the solemn hour has come, our Jesus may find no obstacle to His entrance into our hearts.

The Great Antiphon to Our Lady

O Virgin of virgins! how shall this be? for never was there one like thee, nor will there ever be. Ye daughters of Jerusalem, why look ye wondering at me? What ye behold, is a divine mystery.

Our Lady of Expectation Pray for us!

†

On this Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday, we are invited to spiritual joy, for the "the Lord is near"; but we are also warned like the Pharisees to whom St. John the Baptist said: "In the midst of you there has stood One Whom you do not know." This and the 4th Sunday of Lent are the only Sundays throught the year in which rose colored vestments are permitted because of the theme of joy througout the Mass.

December 17th, Gaudete Sunday

Third Sunday of Advent Third Sunday of Advent: Three-fold Hope Third Sunday of Advent: Epistle and Gospel Third Sunday of Advent:
for Children and Parents Death-Bed Repentance The Penitent Christian The Necessity of Prayer for Sinners The Judge as God Two Short Sermons: On Turning from Sin to God and the Sentiments of a Penitent Sinner Taking an Account of Your Life During the Season of Advent On the Preparation Necessary to Make a Good Confession

On Motives for Repentance and Contrition Necessary for a Good Confession

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

In Defense of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, her Perpetual Virginity, the Rosary and the Angelus Domini Mary, Our Advocate with Our Judge, by Fr. Francis Doyle 1879 Patroness of America Spiritual Communion Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays

December 16th, St. Eusebius, Bishop and Martyr.

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus St. Eusebius Are we bound to profess our Catholic Faith openly? Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved.

                 Newly Added
The Little Office of the Immaculate Conception The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st The Month of the Nativity Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

St. Eusebius, Bishop and Martyr

O God, Who dost gladden us at the yearly festival of blessed Eusebius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, grant in Thy mercy, that we who keep his festival may also enjoy his protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Eusebius was born of a noble family on the island of Sardinia, where his father is said to have died in prison for the Faith. He was brought up in Rome in the practice of piety, and studied in Vercelli, a city of Piedmont. Eusebius was ordained a priest there, and served the Church of Vercelli with such zeal that when the episcopal chair became vacant he was unanimously chosen, by both clergy and people, to fill it.

The holy bishop saw that the best and principal means to labor effectually for the edification and sanctification of his people was to have a zealous clergy. Saint Ambrose assures us that he was the first bishop who in the West united the monastic life with the clerical, living and having his clergy live almost like the monks of the East in the deserts. They shared a common life of prayer and penance, in a single residence, that of the bishop, as did the clergy of Saint Augustine in his African see. Saint Eusebius was very careful to instruct his flock in the maxims of the Gospel. The force of the truth which he preached, together with his example, brought many sinners to a change of life.

When a Council was held in Italy, under the influence of the Emperor Constans and the Arian heretics, with the intention of condemning Saint Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, Saint Eusebius courageously resisted the heretics. He attempted to have all present sign the Nicene Creed, but the paper was torn out of his hands and his pen was broken. With Saint Dionysus of Milan, he refused to sign the condemnation of the bishop of Alexandria. The Emperor therefore had him banished to Scythopolis in Palestine with Saint Dionysus of Milan, then to Cappadocia, where Saint Dionysus died; and finally he was taken to the Upper Thebaid in Egypt, where he suffered grievously. The Arians of these places loaded him with outrages and treated him cruelly, and Saint Eusebius confounded them wherever they were.

At the death of Constans in 361, he was permitted to return to his diocese, where he continued to combat Arianism, concertedly with Saint Hilarion of Poitiers. He has been called a martyr in two panegyrics appended to the works of Saint Ambrose. Two of his letters, written from his dungeons, are still extant, the only ones of his writings which have survived. One is addressed to his church, the other to the bishop of Elvira to encourage him to oppose a fallen heretic and not fear the power of princes. He died in about the year 370. His relics are in a shrine in the Cathedral of Vercelli.

       †

December 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of America-Liturgically Known as Holy Mary of Guadalupe Devotions to Our Lady of Guadalupe: Final Day of Novena The Spanish History of Our Lady of Guadalupe Prior to the 16th Century Apparitions in Mexico The Narative of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe The Image of Our Lady Guadalupe as recounted by Emmanuel Amor 1885 A Series of Catholic Lectures on the Evils of Abortion and
the Defense of the Unborn Blessings of Many Children Prayers for Catholic Mothers What is it to be a Mother? The Christian Mother Prayers for America and Guidelines for Making a Moral Decision: The Crime of Abortion

Spiritual Communion The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st The Month of the Nativity

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Our Lady of Guadalupe

O God, Who hast willed that, under the special patronage of the blessed Virgin Mary, we be laden with perpetual favors, grant to Thy suppliants that, as we this day rejoice in her commemoration on earth, we may enjoy the vision of her in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

†

December 10th, Second Sunday in Advent

In today's Liturgy we encounter an insistent invitation to the virtue of Hope. Our hearts shall be filled with joy at the coming of our Lord to save all the nations of the world. According to St. Paul, all the sacred writers were inspired by our Lord to encourage the virtue of Hope.

Second Sunday of Advent 2nd Sunday of Advent:
Are you truly converted? Second Sunday of Advent: Epistle and Gospel Second Sunday of Advent:
for Children and Parents On Death-Bed Performances The Prodigal Son, the Sinner's Return to God On the Certainty of Death Five Short Sermons On:
1.) The Terrors of the Last Days
2.) The General Resurrection
3.) The Coming of the Judge
4.) The Separation of the Good from the Bad
5.) The Opening of the Books Preparation Necessary to Make a Good Confession

On Motives for Repentance and Contrition Necessary for a Good Confession A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. 2nd Sunday in Advent. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

December 10th, St. Melchaides, Pope and Martyr

Also celebrated in some places on December 10th is the feast of the Holy House of Loreto

Translation of the Holy
House of Loretto The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Set Forth in Her Titles from the Litany of Loreto The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st The Month of the Nativity

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

St. Melchaides, Pope and Martyr

O eternal Shepherd, watch over the flock, and through blessed Melchaides, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst appoint shepherd over the whole Church, keep her under Thy constant protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. This Saint hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; for he had been founded upon a firm rock.

V. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, O Lord.

R. And hast set him over the works of Thy hands.

(Roman Breviary)

He was of African origin, and combated the Donatist heresy, and excommunicated Donatus, Bishop of Cellae Negrae in Numidia, who denied absolution to the "Betrayers," as thy called those who had given up the sacred books to the heathens. When Donatists appealed to the Emperor Constantine to obtain his support against the African Catholics, he rebuked them for seeking the aid of temporal authority, and at once referred them to the Pope, Melchiades. "But because," says St. Augustine, "Constantine dared not judge the bishops' cause, he appointed it to be discussed and terminated by bishops, which also was done at Tome, under the presidency of Melchiades."

The Pope chose fifteen bishops out of Italy to sit with him; and by them the too rigorous Donatists were condemned (A.D. 313.)

†

December 8th, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Newly Added
The Little Office of the Immaculate Conception Novena of the Immaculate Conception: Nov. 30th - Dec. 8th Immaculate Conception Devotion in honor of the
Immaculate Conception History and Defense of the Immaculate Conception Children's Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Instructions on the Feast of Immaculate Conception Short Sermon on the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady of America-Liturgically Known as Holy Mary of Guadalupe

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

In Defense of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, her Perpetual Virginity, the Rosary and the Angelus Domini Mary, Our Advocate with Our Judge, by Fr. Francis Doyle 1879 Patroness of America Spiritual Communion Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays

Related Links:

The Miraculous Medal
the Origin and History Our Lady of Lourdes Ave Maria 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent The Angelus: Prayer, Explanation, 10 Years Indulgence In Defense of Mary
The Mother of God Litany of the Life of the Blessed Virgin True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by St. Louis Marie de Monfort The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Set Forth in Her Titles from the Litany of Loreto The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Joachim
and St. Anne, 1859

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy Son: we beseech Thee, that, as by the death of the same Son, foreseen by Thee, thou didst keep her free from all stain, so by her intercession Thou wouldst grant to us also to come with clean hearts to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. This day is the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary.

R. Who with her virginal foot crushed the serpent's head.

Ant. All generations shall call me blessed, because he who is mighty has done great things for me, alleluia.

(Roman Breviary)

Who and what was the blessed and glorious Mary, always a Virgin, has been revealed by God in the message of an Angel, in these words, Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. It was fitting that a fulness of grace should be poured into that Virgin who gave glory to the heavens, and the Lord to the earth, who has brought peace to earth, who has given faith to the Gentiles, who has killed sin, who has given law to life, who has made the crooked ways straight. Truly, she is full of grace; for to others grace comes measure by measure, whereas in Mary grace dwells at once in all fulness. Truly, she is full of grace.

We believe that the holy Fathers and Prophets had grace; but they were not full of grace. But into Mary came a fulness of all the grace which is in Christ, although in a different manner. Therefore is it said: Blessed art thou among women, that is, Blessed art thou above all women. And thus the fulness of blessing in Mary took away entirely whatever curse was put upon Eve. In her praise Solomon writes in the Canticle of Canticles, Come, my dove, my spotless one. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. And again. Come from Libanus, come, thou shalt be crowned.

Not unfittingly therefore is she bidden to come from Libanus, for Libanus means a radiant whiteness. For she was dazzlingly white with her many virtues and merits, and by the gifts of the Holy Ghost she was cleansed whiter than snow; showing in all things the simplicity of a dove; for all in her was purity and simplicity, truth and grace; all mercy and justice, which has looked down from heaven: and for this reason was she immaculate, because corruption was not found in her. She encompassed a man in her womb, as holy Jeremias testifies, and she received him from no other person.

The Lord, he says, has made a new thing upon the earth, and a woman shall encompass a man. Truly a new thing, and a novelty of power preeminent above all novelties, in that God (whom the world cannot bear, nor man see and live), entered the hospice of her womb, as if unaware of her virginity; was so borne therein that the whole God was in her; and so came forth that, (as Ezechiel prophesies), the door remained shut. So the same Canticle sings of her: A garden enclosed, a fountain sealed up, thy plants are a paradise. Truly a garden of delights, in which were all manner of flowers, and the perfume of virtues; so enclosed that neither violation nor corruption by any deceit were known. Therefore: a fountain sealed with the seal of the whole Trinity.

Hymn: Praeclara custos

Fair guardian of the virgin choir, Unsullied Mother of the Lord, Our hope, the Angels' joy, in whom A door to heaven is restored;

Thou lily, white amid the thorns, Thou dove, with wondrous beauty girt; Thou tender stem from Jesse's root Whose Blossom heals our deadly hurt.

Thou tower beyond the dragon's reach; Thou friendly star to shipwrecked men, From error guide us by thy light, That we may find our course again:

Dispel the mists that dim our eyes, From treacherous shoals divert our way, Lest on the storm-tossed sea of life From thy safe course we go astray.

All honor, laud, and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born, to thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

Amen

†

December 7th, St. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Vigil of the Immaculate Conception: Day of Fast and Total Abstinence

Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st St. Ambrose St. Augustine of Hippo I.       On the Coming and
         Cruelty of Antichrist Part 1: Temptations:
             Why we have them Temptations and the Devils who Tempt Death-Bed Repentance How to Teach Little Ones: A Children's Catechism On the Mode of Teaching Christian Doctrine to Children The Month of the Nativity Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

Vigil of the Immaculate Conception

O God, Who didst wondrously preserve the Mother of Thy Only-begotten Son from original sin in her conception, grant, we beseech Thee, that strenghtened by her intercession we may be ready to keep her festival with pure hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church

O God, Who didst give blessed Ambrose to be a minister of eternal salvation to Thy people: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who have had him on earthy as Teacher of life, may be worthy to have him for advocate in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

V. The Lord loved him, and adorned him.

R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Ant. O excellent Doctor, light of holy Church, blessed Ambrose, lover of the divine law, pray unto the Son of God for us.

(Roman Breviary)

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was the son of another Ambrose, a Roman citizen, and was born when his Father was Prefect of Gaul. It a is related that a swarm of bees settled upon his lips when he was in his cradle, which was considered an omen of his future eloquence. He received a liberal education at Rome. He was afterwards, under the Prefect Probus, made governor of Liguria and Aemilia, and so came with authority to Milan.

When the Arian Bishop, Auxentius, died, the most violent disputes arose among the people about the choice of a successor. Ambrose came to the church in his official capacity and urged upon the contending factions, in a long and powerful speech, the necessity of keeping the public peace; whereupon a child suddenly cried out, "Ambrose, Bishop," and the whole assembly tool it up, and unanimously called for his election.

On his refusing to accede to their entreaties, the earnest request of the people was presented to the Emperor Valentinian. He was very much pleased that those whom he had selected as judge were sought after as priests. It was also pleasing to the prefect Probus, who, as though he foresaw the event, said to Ambrose in his departure: Go, act not as judge, but as bishop.

The desire of the people being thus seconded by the will of the emperor, Ambrose was baptized (for he was still a catechumen), and was admitted to sacred orders, ascending all the degrees of orders as prescribed by the Church; and on the eighth day, which was the seventh of the Ides of December (December 7), he took up the burden of the episcopacy. Being made bishop, he most strenuously defended the Catholic faith and ecclesiastical discipline. He converted to the true faith many Arians and there heretics, among whom as that outstanding light of the Church, St. Augustine, the Spritual child of Ambrose in Christ Jesus.

When the Emperor Gratian was killed. Ambrose again set out as Ambassador to his murderer Maximus, to insist on his doing penance for his crime; and in his refusal, Ambrose refused to hold communion with him. The Emperor Theodosius, having been responsible for the massacre at Thesalonica, was forbidden by the saint to enter the church. On the emperor's excusing himself by saying that King David had also committed murder and adultery, Ambrose replied: Thou hast imitated his sin; now, imitate his repentance. Whereupon, Theodosius humbly performed the public penance which the bishop had imposed upon him.

The holy Bishop having thus endured the greatest labors and solicitudes for the Church of God, and having written many admirable books, foretold the day of his death, even before before he was taken with his last sickness. Honoratus, bishop of Vercelli, after three admonitions from God to go to the dying saint, hastened and administered to him the Sacred Body of the Lord. Ambrose having received it, arranged his hands in the form of a cross, prayed, and yielded his soul up to God, on the day before the Nones of April (April 4), in the year of our Lord 397.

       †

December 6th, St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor

St. Nicholas of Myra Instructions for the Feast of St. Nicholas, Epistle and Gospel
Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st Children Prayers and Sermons for the Season of Advent and Christmas How to Teach Little Ones: A Children's Catechism On the Mode of Teaching Christian Doctrine to Children The Month of the Nativity Vol. 1, Part 1: The Holy Childhood from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899, for the Advent and Christmas Season Behold the Lamb, A Book for Little Folks About the Holy Mass, 1912 Jesus of Nazareth, the Story of His Life: A Catholic Children's Book, 1906 Catholic Bible Stories Short Catechism of Church History for Youth Children's Devotions to the Guardian Angels

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor

O God, Who didst glorify the blessed Bishop Nicholas with numberless miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his merits and prayers we may be saved from the fires of hell. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

†

December 5th, St. Sabbas, Abbot. First Saturday

The Month of the Nativity

Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st The Purity Required to Prepare Our Souls
for Christ Purifying the Interior Powers of the Soul

The Purity of Our Actions

The Month of the Nativity

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

St. Sabbas, Abbot

May the intercession of the blessed Abbot Sabbas, procure favor for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord: that we may gain, by his patronage, those things of which we are not capable by our own merits. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon a rock.

V. The Lord loved him, and adorned him.

R. He clothed him wtih a robe of glory.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Sabbas, one of the most renowned patriarchs of the monks of Palestine, was born in the year 439, near Caesarea. In order to settle a dispute which had arisen between some of his relatives in regard to the administration of his estate, while still young he forsook the world and entered a monastery, wherein he became a model of fervor.

When Sabbas had been ten years in this monastery, being eighteen years old, he went to Jerusalem to visit the holy places, and attached himself to a monastery there under control of St. Euthymius; but on the death of the holy abbot our Saint sought the wilderness, where he chose his dwelling in a cave on the top of a high mountain, at the bottom of which ran the brook Cedron. After he had lived here five years, several came to him, desiring to serve God under his direction. He was at first unwilling to consent, but finally founded a new monastery of persons all desirous to devote themselves to praise and serve God without interruption.

His great sanctity becoming known, he was ordained priest, at the age of fifty-three, by the patriarch of Jerusalem, and made Superior-General of all the anchorites of Palestine. He lived to be ninety-four, and died on the 5th of December, 532.

Prayer from the Liturgical Year

O Sabas, thou man of desires! in thy expectation of that Lord, who has bidden His servants watch until He come, thou didst withdraw into the desert, fearing lest the turmoil of this world might distract thy mind from God. Have pity on us who are living in the world, and are so occupied in the affairs of that world, and yet who have received the commandment, which thou didst so take to heart, of keeping ourselves in readiness for the coming of our Savior and our Judge. Pray for us, that when He comes we may be worthy to go out to meet Him. Remember also the monastic state, of which thou art one of the brightest ornaments; raise it up again from its ruins; let its children be men of prayer and faith, as of old; let thy spirit be among them, and the Church thus regain, by thy intercession, all the glory which is reflected on her from the sublime perfection of this holy state.

†

December 4th,
St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

St. Peter Chrysologus Advent Calendar The Month of the Nativity

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

O God, Who didst miraculously point out the eminent Doctor Peter Chrysologus, and choose him to be a ruler and teacher of Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that as on earth he taught us the way of life, so in heaven he may be our intercessor with Thee. Through our Lord etc. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

R. Jerusalem, thy salvation cometh quickly: why art thou wasted with sorrow? Is there no counselor in thee, that pangs have taken thee? I will save thee, and deliver thee, fear not.

V. For I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Redeemer. I will save thee, and deliver thee, fear not.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Peter gained the name Chrysologus, which means "speech of gold" by his great eloquence. As the Collect reminds us, his promotion to the See of Ravenna (A.D. 433), owing to an apparition of the Apostle St. Peter to Pope Sixtus III., was miraculous.

You are the salt of the earth. . . and the light of the world," says the Gospel. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke . . . . . do the work of an evangelist." That is what St. Peter did; he composed more than one hundred and sixty homilies, full of learning, which earned him the title of Doctor of the Church.

It was he who wrote this well-known saying: "He who amuses himself with Satan cannot rejoice with Christ." He died at Imola in A.D. 450.

Also Commemorated
Dec. 4th, St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr

Novena to St. Barbara, Holy Helper: Nov. 26th - Dec. 4th Instructions on the Feast of St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr The Fourteen Holy Helpers Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Dying The Bad Death Influence of the Example of Parents Upon Their Children

O God, who amongst the many marvels of Thy power hast granted the triumph of martyrdom even to weak women: grant in Thy mercy, that we, who keep the festival of blessed Barbara, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may, by her example, advance nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

†

The Season of Advent begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas. This time is set aside by the Church to bring before our eyes the Incarnation of our Lord, the coming of Jesus Christ through Grace, and the coming of our Lord on the Last Day to judge the living and the dead.

The proper Christian sentiments to be developed during this time are: a desire for the coming of the Messias, the victory of the soul over wordly temptations; and finally, penance, to prepare for the coming of our Savior.

December 3rd, First Sunday in Advent

The Season of Advent Taking an Account of Your Life During the Season of Advent; Penance and Looking to the End First Sunday of Advent First Sunday in Advent: Fear of the General Judgment Are you prepared for the
2nd Coming of Christ by Fr. Francis Xavier Weninger First Sunday of Advent: Epistle and Gospel First Sunday of Advent: for Children and Parents Christ Our Lord Dies Irae (Day of Wrath)
by Rev. Nicholaus Gihr Sermon for Youth on the End of the World The Second Coming Sermon on the End of the World and General Judgment by St. Vincent Ferrer Sermon on the Last Judgment: Sheep and Goats by St. Vincent Ferrer A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. 24th Sunday After Pentecost. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

4 Part Series on the Person of the Christ at the Last Judgement:

Part 1: The Judge as God Part 2: The Judge as Man Part 3: The Judge as Redeemer Part 4: The Judge as Our Model

The End of Man The fewness of those saved. Will you be one of them? Consideration of Last End

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD

by St. Alphonsus Liguori

Baltassar, the godless Baltassar, sat drinking at his licentious banquet, surrounded by his courtiers. Sunk, as it were, in sensuality and drunkenness, he blasphemed the Lord, abused the mercy of God, and even went so far as to profane the consecrated vessels of ths temple. He considered this day as a day of joy and revelry. Unhappy man! it is thy judgment day! Suddenly, an awful hand was seen, writing on the wall these words: "Mane: Thecel: Phares:" I have numbered, I have weighed, I have divided! I have numbered thy days, they are ended: I have weighed thy deeds, they condemn thee: I have divided thy kingdom, and deliver thee to thine enemies. This was the verdict given, and the judgment pronounced against him. On the same night it was fulfilled; he who had lived a profligate, died a reprobate.

Let us fear the impenetrable judgments of God; let us think of them day and night, that we may always be prepared for them; let us tremble before the powerful arm of God, and never forget that even as God is a God of mercy, so also is he a God of justice.

St. Jerome was one of the greatest penitents in the Church of God. Disgusted by the tumult and grandeur of Rome, he retired into Palestine, and buried himself, so to say, in solitude. The austerity of his life and of his penance are not to be described nore his mortifications, discipline, and holy severity which he inflicted upon himself. He beat beat his breast with a stone, so that his body was always wounded and bathed in blood. With all this he kept continually before his mind, in fear and trembling, the severity of the judgment of God. Absorbed in profound meditation on this thought, "Alas!" he exclaimed with a shudder, "I think I hear at every moment the dreadfull trumpet, which will one day call us to judgment. Day and night it is sounding in my ears, and my troubled soul can find no rest, reflecting always upon the majesty of that God who is one day to judge it" Thus he passed his life in fear, and in the expectation of judgment. Happy was he, to anticipate that fearful trial by his constant and severe penance.

Let us also learn to reflect upon the judgment of God, for we must one day appear before it. Let us learn to fear it, for it will decide our fate for eternity. Let us learn to prepare for it, for our happiness or misery depends upon this preparation. Let us judge ourselves severely, that God may judge us in His mercy. Let us rise above the vain judgment of men, for this it is which turns us aside from the law of God. Finally, let us ask of God that he wrill be gracious to us on the dreadful day of retribution.

December 3rd, St. Francis Xavier, Confessor.

St. Francis Xavier Apostle of India and Japan         St. Francis Xavier I.         St. Francis Xavier II. Novena to St. Francis Xavier: Nov. 25th - Dec. 3rd Christian Instruction Sermon: The Pleasure of Serving God

Advent Calendar: with daily meditations through Dec. 31st The Month of the Nativity

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

St. Francis Xavier, Confessor

O God, Who wast pleased by the preaching and miracles of blessed Francis, to bring into Thy Church the nations of the Indies: mercifully grant that we who honor his glorious merits, may also follow the pattern of his virtues. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

V. The Lord loved him, and adorned him.

R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Ant. I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon a rock.

(Roman Breviary)

A young Spanish gentleman, in the dangerous days of the Reformation, was making a name for himself as a Professor of Philosophy in the University of Paris, and had seemingly no higher aim, when St. Ignatius of Loyola won him to heavenly thoughts. After a brief apostolate amongst his countrymen in Rome he was sent by St. Ignatius to the Indies, where for twelve years he was to wear himself out, bearing the Gospel to Hindostan, to Malacca, and to Japan.

Thwarted by the jealousy, covetousness, and carelessness of those who should have helped and encouraged him, neither their opposition nor the difficulties of every sort which he encountered could make him slacken his labors for souls. The vast kingdom of China appealed to his charity, and he was resolved to risk his life to force an entry, when God took him to Himself, and on the 3rd of December, 1552, he died, like Moses, in sight of the promise

       †

December 2nd, St. Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr. First Saturday.

Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Five First Saturdays Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart The Revolt of Society from God

December Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena --Begins the Feast of St. Andrew and ends Christmas Day

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Season of Advent

O God, the giver of all good s, who didst unite in thy servant Bibiana the flower of virginity with the palm of martyrdom: so unite our souls to Thee in the bond of charity by virtue of her intercession, that being freed from all dangers, we may obtain the rewards of everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Bibiana was a native of Rome, born in the fourth century, the daughter and sister of martyrs. Flavian, her Christian father, was apprehended during the reign of Julian the Apostate, branded on the face as a slave, and banished to Toscany, where he died of his wounds a few days later. Her mother, Dafrosa, was beheaded two weeks later. Their two daughters, Bibiana and Demetria, after the death of their parents were stripped of all they had in the world, and then imprisoned with orders to give them no food. The Roman praetorian offered them rewards if they would abandon their faith, and threatened a cruel death if they would not conform, but they replied courageously that the goods and advantages of this world had no attraction for them, and that they would endure a thousand deaths rather than betray their faith and their Saviour. Demetria, after having pronounced this ardent defense, fell to the ground and expired at her sister's side; she is inscribed in the Roman martyrology on June 21st.

The officer gave orders that Bibiana be placed in the custody of a woman named Rufina, who was commanded to corrupt her or mistreat her. But the martyr made prayer her shield and remained invincible. Enraged at the courage and perseverance of the young virgin, the persecutor ordered her to be tied to a pillar and whipped until she expired, with scourges tipped with leaden plummets. The Saint underwent this punishment cheerfully, and died at the hands of the executioners. She was buried by a holy priest at a site where afterwards a chapel and then a church were built above her tomb. In 1628 the church was splendidly rebuilt by Pope Urban VIII, and in it he placed the relics of the two sisters and of Saint Dafrosa, their mother.

†

November 30th,
St. Andrew, Apostle

St. Andrew I. St. Andrew II. Feast Day of St. Andrew, by Rev. Geoffine, 1896 St. Andrew's Christmas Novena (26 Days): Nov. 30th - Dec. 25th The Labor of the Apostles:
Their Teaching of the Nations The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Vol. 2: Parables and Teachings of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Stations of the Cross Exaltation of the Holy Cross Finding of the Holy Cross The Holy Ways of the Cross
by Henri Boudon, 1875

As we approach the end of the month of November which is dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, please continue to pray for them--especially those departed members of your family--each day, using the prayers and devotions included in the Purgatory Index below:

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Prayers for Deceased Parents

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Andrew, Apostle

We humbly beseech Thy majesty, O Lord: That as blessed Andrew was raised up to be a preacher and ruler in Thy Church, so he may be our constant intercessor with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. The Lord saw Peter and Andrew, and He called them.

Follow me, I will make you fishers of men, saith the Lord.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Andrew was one of the fishermen of Bethsaida, and was the brother of Saint Peter. He became a disciple of Saint John the Baptist. When called himself by Christ on the banks of the Jordan, his first thought was to go in search of his brother, and he said to Peter, "We have found the Messiah!" and brought him to Jesus.

It was Saint Andrew who, when Christ wished to feed the five thousand in the desert, pointed out a little lad with five loaves and a few fishes. After Pentecost, Saint Andrew went forth upon his mission to plant the Faith in Scythia and Greece and, at the end of years of toil, to win a martyr's crown at Patrae in Achaia. When Saint Andrew first caught sight of the gibbet on which he was to die, he greeted the precious wood with joy. "O good cross!" he cried, "made beautiful by the limbs of Christ, so long desired, now so happily found! Receive me into thy arms and present me to my Master, that He who redeemed me through thee may now accept me from thee!" After suffering a cruel scourging he was left, bound by cords, to die upon this diagonal cross. For two whole days the martyr remained hanging on it, alive, preaching with outstretched arms from this chair of truth, to all who came near, and entreating them not to hinder his passion.

†

November 29th, St. Saturninus, Martyr; the Vigil of St. Andrew

November 29th, The Vigil of St. Andrew

As we approach the end of the month of November which is dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, please continue to pray for them--especially those departed members of your family--each day, using the prayers and devotions included in the Purgatory Index below:

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Prayers for Deceased Parents

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Saturninus, Martyr

O God, Who dost vouchsafe that we may rejoice on the festival of blessed Saturninum Thy Martyr; grant that we may be assisted by his merits. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. This Saint hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not fearred for the words of the ungodly; for he had been founded upon a firm rock.

V. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, O Lord.

R. And hast set him over the works of Thy hands.

(Roman Breviary)

St. Saturninus went from Rome, by direction of Pope Fabian, about the year 245, to preach the faith in Gaul. He fixed his episcopal see at Toulouse, and thus became the first Christian bishop of that city. There were but few Christians in the place. However, their number grew fast after the coming of the Saint; and his power was felt by the spirits of evil, who received the worship of the heathen. His power was felt the more because he had to pass daily through the capitol, the high place of the heathen worship, on the way to his own church.

One day a great multitude was gathered by an altar, where a bull stood ready for the sacrifice. A man in the crowd pointed out Saturninus, who was passing by and the people would have forced him to idolatry; but the holy bishop answered: "I know but one God, and to Him I will offer the sacrifice of praise. How can I fear gods who, as you say, are afraid of me? On this he was fastened to the bull, which was driven down the capitol. The brains of the Saint were scattered on the steps. His mangled body was taken up and buried by two devout women.

Reflection--When beset by the temptations of the devil, let us call upon the Saints, who reign with Christ. They were powerful during their lives against the devil and his angels. They are more powerful now that they have passed from the Church on earth to the Church triumphant.

The Calling of St. Andrew with St. Peter

Vigil of St. Andrew
from the Liturgical Year, 1903

Christmas begins to glimmer on the horizon. The last Sunday after Pentecost has given us the closing instructions of the moveable Cycle. Beginning with the twenty-seventh of this month, the present days belong in some years to the new Cycle, in others to the one which is ending.

The last Lesson from the Scripture of the Time (Saturday before first Sunday in Advent) ends with the solemn declaration of the last of the Prophets, announcing the approach of a new era: From the rising of the sun even to the going down, my Name is great among the Gentiles, and in every place there is sacrifice, and there is offered to my Name a clean oblation! for my Name is great among the Gentiles, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 1:11) And in today's Gospel (John 1:35-51) we have St. John the Baptist echoing the words of Malachias, and joining the old and the new times together: Behold the Lamb of God! He points out to us the Messias close at hand.

Andrew, brother of Peter, and another of John's disciples, asked this Messias: Rabbi, where dwellest thou? Jesus answered: Come and see. And they went, continues the Evangelist, and saw where he abode, and they stayed with him that day. Whereupon St. Augustine speaking in the name of the Church on this Vigil, says: "Let us build him a dwelling in our hearts, that he may come to us, and teach us, and live with us." (Homily on the Vigil, Tract 7 on John) Here is our Advent planned out for us.

Let us put that blessed season under the protection of the Apostle of the Cross, and also of the holy Martyr Saturninus, whom the Church has honored on this day from time immemorial.

We beseech thee, O Almighty God, that the blessed Apostle Andrew, whose festival we anticipate, may implore thy help for us; that absolved from our sins, we may also be delivered from all dangers. Through our Lord.

†

November 28th, in some places St. Catherine Laboure

St. Catharine Laboure The Miraculous Medal
the Origin and History

As we approach the end of the month of November which is dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, please continue to pray for them--especially those departed members of your family--each day, using the prayers and devotions included in the Purgatory Index below:

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Prayers for Deceased Parents

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

On the soul's being presented before the tribunal of God.
by St. Alphonsus Di Liguori

When criminals are presented before their judges, though they fear and tremble, yet flatter themselves that either their crimes will not be proved against them, or that their judges will remit in part the punishments which they have deserved. O God! how great will be the terror of a guilty soul when presented before Jesus Christ, from whom nothing will be hidden, and who will judge her with the utmost severity! I am the judge and the witness, Jer. xxix. 23., will He then say to her: I am thy judge and I am witness of all the offences thou hast committed against me. O my Jesus, I deserved to hear this from thy mouth, had the hour of my judgment arrived. But now thou art pleased to assure me, that if I will repent of my sins, thou wilt no longer remember them: I will not remember all his iniquities. Ez. xviii. 22.

It is the opinion of divines, that in the same place in which the soul is separated from the body, she will be judged, and her lot decided either for eternal life or eternal death. But should the soul unhappily depart from the body in sin, what shall she be able to say when Jesus Christ shall remind her of His abused mercies, of the years He granted her, of the calls by which He invited her, and of the many other means which He afforded her of securing her salvation? Jesus my Redeemer, Thou who condemnest obstinate sinners, dost not condemn those who love Thee and who are sorry for having offended Thee. I am a sinner, but I love Thee more than myself, and I am sorry above every evil for having displeased Thee; O, do Thou pardon me before the time comes when Thou wilt judge me.

At what hour you think not, the Son of Man will come. St. Luke xii. 40. When, therefore, O my Jesus and my judge, Thou shalt judge me, after my death, Thy wounds will be a terror to me, reproaching me with my ingratitude for the love which Thou hast shown me in suffering and dying for me; but now they encourage me and give me confidence to hope for pardon from Thee, my Redeemer, who, for the love of me and that Thou mayest not have to condemn me, didst suffer Thyself to be tormented and crucified. We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood. O my Jesus! have pity on me, who am one of those sheep for whom Thou didst shed Thy sacred blood. If hitherto I have despised Thee, I now esteem and love Thee above all things. Make known to me the means by which I may be saved, and strengthen me to fulfil Thy holy will. I will no longer abuse Thy goodness. Thou hast placed me under too many obligations to Thee, I will no longer suffer myself to live at a distance from Thee and deprived of Thy love. Mary, mother of mercy, have compassion on me.

†

November 26th, Twenty-sixth and Last Sunday After Pentecost. The Last Judgment.

The End of the World: Parts 1 - 6
Last Sunday After Pentecost: Epistle and Gospel Last Sunday After Pentecost: The General Judgment & 2nd Coming of Christ The Second Coming Five Short Sermons On:
1.) The Terrors of the Last Days 2.) The General Resurrection 3.) The Coming of the Judge 4.) The Separation of the Good from the Bad 5.) The Opening of the Books The End of the World and Last Judgment, Vincent Ferrer

The fewness of those saved. Will you be one of them? Sins of Omission
by Cardinal Manning Fear of Divine Justice On the Number of Sins, by St. Aphonsus Di Liguori Death-Bed Repentance

The End of the World and the General Judgment Dies Irae (Day of Wrath)
by Rev. Nicholaus Gihr Death and the Importance of Salvation The Sinner at Death Meditations on Saving Your Soul: Will it be Heaven or Hell? Sermon on Keeping the 10 Commandments Salvation: from the Catechism of St. John Vianney No Salvation Outside the Catholic Church Litany of Faith and the Necessity of the Catholic Faith for Salvation

4 Part Series on the signs that are to precede the Last Judgement:

I.       On the Coming and
         Cruelty of Antichrist II.     Terrible signs preceeding
         The Last Judgment III.   The Causes of these
         Terrible Signs IV.    The Suddenness of the
         Last Day

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. 24th Sunday After Pentecost. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

November 23rd,
St. Clement I., Pope and Martyr and St. Felicitas, Martyr

St. Clement I. and St. Felicity The Seven Brothers The Christian Mother Prayers for Catholic Mothers Children Prayers and Sermons

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Clement I., Pope and Martyr and St. Felicitas, Martyr

O Eternal Shepherd, watch over the peace of Thy flock, and through blessed Clement, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst appoint shepherd over the whole Church, keep her under Thy constant protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation: for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

Ant. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of good pearls. When he finds a single one of great price, he gives all that he has and buys it.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 22nd, St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

Novena and Devotions to St. Cecilia The Life of St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr, by Dom Gueranger, 1866 Your Guardian Angel throughout life

Prayers for Deceased Parents Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

O God, Who dost gladden us with the yearly festival of blessed Cecilia thy Virgin and Martyr: grant, that we who honor her with our service, may also follow the example of her godly life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. There is a secret, O Valerian, which I wish to tell thee: I have a lover, an Angel of God, who with great jealousy guards my body.

V. With thy comeliness and thy beauty.

R. Set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 21st, The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I. Presentation of the
    Blessed Virgin Mary II. Presentation of the
    Blessed Virgin Mary Explanation of the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Novena of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Nov. 13th - Nov. 21st The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Joachim
and St. Anne, 1859 Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

O God, Who didst will the blessed and ever-Virgin Mary, herself the dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost, should this day be presented in the temple; grant, we beseech Thee, that through her intercession we may be found worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

V. Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, O Holy Virgin.

R. Give me stregnth against thy enemies.

Ant. O Blessed Virgin Mother of God, Mary, ever a Virgin, temple of the Lord, sanctuary of the Holy Ghost, thou alone without peer didst please our Lord Jesus Christ, alleluia.

(Roman Breviary)

The Presentation of
Mary in the Temple

The king shall greatly desire thy beauty: for He is the Lord Thy God, and Him they shall adore. (Psalm xliv. 12.)

Mary from the first moment of her existence offered herself to God as an entire and an unblemished holocaust. From the instant when she was conceived immaculate the burden of her continual song was this: "I live; not I, but God Who lives in me." Oh, glorious child, who was thus from the first a participator of the divine nature!

But she was not content with this mere offering of her heart. She must in outward act consecrate herself to God. As soon as her tine feet could walk she was brought to the Temple by her holy parents, Joachim and Anne. With what an ecstasy of delight she must have entered into the Temple, crying out: "How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts: my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord." (Psalm lxxxiii. I, 2.) Have I any of the same desire to consecrate my life to God?

Mary knew that God is not to be found in the midst of the tumult and confusion of distracting cares, but that it is in silence and in solitude that He speaks to the heart (Osee ii. 14). She was teaching us to give, in some quiet retreat, now and again, our thoughts and our hearts to God and God alone.

Mary, it was thy lowliness,
Well pleasing to the Lord,
That made thee worthy to become
The Mother of the Word.

       †

November 19th, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow

Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Five First Saturdays Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart The Revolt of Society from God

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena to St. Elizabeth of Hungary: Nov. 11th - Nov. 19th Blessings of Many Children Index of Children Prayers The Corporal Works of Mercy Prayers for Catholic Mothers The Christian Mother What is it to be a Mother?

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Where is Purgatory Daily Meditations for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow

Enlighten the hearts of Thy faithful O God of mercy; and through the renowned prayers of blessed Elizabeth, grant that we may despise worldly welfare, and ever be gladdened by consolation from heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of good pearls. When he finds a single one of great price, he gives all that he has and buys it.

V. With thy comeliness and thy beauty.

R. Set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 18th, Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles Ss. Peter and Paul, Apostles The Lives of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul: The Apostles Creed The Labor of the Apostles:
Their Teaching of the Nations St. Peter, Apostle and First Pope Vol. 1, Part 2: The Ministry of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Vol. 2: Parables and Teachings of Jesus Christ from the Latin Vulgate, as Illustrated by Catholic Artist and Historian, James Tissot, 1899 Prayers and Novena to Your Patron Saint at Baptism

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Where is Purgatory Daily Meditations for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul

O God, Who year by year bringest round once more the day of the consecration of this Thy holy temple, and summonest us, still hale and well, to take part again and again in these holy mysteries: graciously hear Thy people's prayer, and grant that, whosoever shall enter into this holy temple to ask good things from Thee, they may receive with joy whatever they shall ask. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. This is the house of the Lord, strongly built.

R. It is well founded upon a firm rock.

Ant. The Lord hath sanctified his tabernacle: for this is the house of God, wherein his name shall be invoked, of which it is written: And my name shall be there, saith the Lord.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 17th, St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, Bishop and Confessor

St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Saints: the Gift of Miracles The Sacrament of Baptism Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity Part 3: Temptations and the
            Devils who Tempt St. Michael/ Exorcism

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Where is Purgatory Daily Meditations for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, Bishop and Confessor

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God: that the holy festival of blessed Gregory Thy Confessor and Bishop may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

Ant. O priest and Bishop, and worker of virtues, good shepherd of the people, pray unto the Lord for us.

V. The Lord loved him and adorned him.

R. He clothed him with a rob of glory.

(Roman Breviary)

       †

November 16th, St. Gertrude the Great, Abbess

St. Gertrude the Great Devotions and Prayers to
St. Gertrude The Life and Revelations of Saint Gertrude, Virgin and Abbess Devotions to the Sacred Heart Feast of the Sacred Heart Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Manual of the Sacred Heart The Holy Hour

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Where is Purgatory

St. Gertrude the Great, Abbess

O God, Who in the heart of the blessed Virgin Gertrude, didst provide for Thyself a dwelling very pleasing in Thy sight: through her merits and intercession mercifully wash the stains from our hearts and grant that we may enjoy fellowship with her. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. With thy comeliness and thy beauty.

R. Set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

Ant. Come, Spouse of Christ, receive the crown, which they Lord hath prepared for thee for all eternity.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 15th, St. Albert the Great, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

St. Albert the Great Albert the Great, His Life and Scholastic Labours, 1876

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us Where is Purgatory

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

St. Albert the Great, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

O God, Who didst make Blessed Albert, Thy Bishop and Doctor, great through subordinating human wisdom to divine faith: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may keep so firmly in the path of his authoritative teaching that we may enjoy perfect light in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. The Lord loved him and adorned him.

R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Ant. O excellent Doctor, light of holy Church, blessed Albert, lover of the divine law, pray unto the Son of God for us.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 14th, St. Josephat, Bishop and Martyr

St. Josaphat Saint Josaphat, Martyr of Catholic Unity Abjuration of Heresy and Profession of Faith of the Council of Trent, Pius IV., 1565

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the Season of Advent

St. Josephat, Bishop and Martyr

Stir up within Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the Spirit which did so fill blessed Josaphat, Thy Martyr and Bishop, that he laid down his life for his sheep: by his intercession let us be so stirred and strengthened by the same Spirit, that we may not shrink from giving our lives for the brethren. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, O Lord.

R. And hast set him over the works of Thy hands.

Ant. This Saint hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; for he had been founded upon a firm rock.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 13th, St. Didacus, Confessor. In some places St. Stanilaus Kostka.

St. Didacus, Confessor The Corporal Works of Mercy Litany of the Holy Cross The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross. Offer for the Poor Souls in Purgatory

St. Stanislaus Kostka Prayers for the Preservation of Chastity. An Explanation and Defense of the Virtue of Chastity Holy Purity The Sin Unto Death
by Cardinal Manning Death-Bed Repentance

Links for Prayers and Devotions to the Poor Souls during the month of November Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the Season of Advent

St. Didacus, Confessor

Almighty and everlasting God, Who in Thy wonderful providence hast chosen the weak things of the world to confound the strong, mercifully grant to us, Thy humble servants, that through the good prayers of blessed Didacus Thy confessor, we may become worthy to be raised to everlasting glory in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

V. The Lord loved him and adorned him.

R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Ant. I will liken him to a wise man that built his house upon a rock.

(Roman Breviary)

Born in Spain about A.D. 1400, he gave up all he possessed and entered, as a lay-brother, the Franciscan monastery at Arrizafa. He devoted himself especially to contemplation and was favored by God by such wonderful light that he spoke of heavenly things in an almost divine way. His ardent desire for martyrdom while he was in the Canary Islands was partly satisfied by all manner of tribulations.

He returned to Rome the year of the Jubilee, under the pontificate of Nicholas V, was put in charge of the sick at the convent of Ars Caeli, and practiced so much charity, that in spite of the scarcity which desolated the city, those who were committed to his care never wanted the necessaries of life. The passion of Jesus was the ordinary subject of his meditations and prayers. Feeling that his end was near, with his eyes fixed on the cross, he uttered the words of the sacred hymn: "Wood and nails full of sweetness, ye bear the sweetest of loads; how great your glory since you have been judged worthy to bear the King of heaven." He piously gave up his soul to God at Alcala de Henares in 1463.

†

November 12th, St. Martin I, Pope and Martyr

Our Lady's Saturday Our Lady of Fatima Five First Saturdays Novena of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fatima and the Rosary Remodel Your Home After Mary's Heart The Revolt of Society from God

Why the World Continually Persecutes the Church Abjuration of Heresy and Profession of Faith of the Council of Trent, Pius IV., 1565 What Cannot and What Can Be Reformed in the Church. What Every Christian Must Believe and Do to be Saved. November Devotions to the
Poor Souls in Purgatory Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the Season of Advent

Related links for the Sacrament of Penance

St. Martin I, Pope and Martyr

O Eternal Shepherd, watch over the peace of thy flock, and through blessed Martin, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst appoint shepherd over the whole Church, keep her under Thy constant protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ant. This Saint hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; for he had been founded upon a firm rock.

V. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, O Lord.

R. And hast set him over the works of Thy hands.

(Roman Breviary)

Martin was born at Todi in Umbria. At the beginning of his pontificate he sent letters and emissaries to Paul, patriarch of Constantinople in an endeavor to recall that bishop from his deplorable apostasy from the true Catholic faith. But Paul, supported by the heretical emperor Constans, had become so steeped in that madness that he banished the legates of the Apostolic See to various places in the islands. The Pontiff, indignant at this outrage, summoned a council at Rome. One hundred and five bishops attended this assembly which condemned Paul.

Constans, therefore, sent the exarch Olympius into Italy to plan either to assassinate Pope Martin or to bring him prisoner to the emperor. When Olympius reached Rome he ordered a lictor to slay the Pope while he was celebrating Mass in the basilica of Saint Mary at the Manger. As the lictor arrived at the church he was suddenly stricken blind.

From that time on Constans suffered many calamities but they did not make him better. He sent Theodore Calliopas to the City to lay hands upon the Pope. Theodore arrested Martin through treachery and took him to Constantinople. Constans exiled him to the Chersonesus, where on September 16th, worn out by his sufferings for the Catholic faith, Martin died. Even then he was renowned for miracles. Later his body was taken to Rome and buried in the church dedicated to Saint Sylvester and Saint Martin. He had ruled the Church six years, one month and twenty-six days. During that time he had held two ordinations in the month of December, ordained eleven priests, five deacons, and consecrated thirty-three bishops for various sees.

†

November 11th, St. Martin of Tours, Bishop and Confessor

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    St. Martin of Tours Instructions for the Feast of St. Martin of Tours The Corporal Works of Mercy

Related Links to Fr. Weninger's Practical Considerations from the Life of St. Martin of Tours

On Death-Bed Performances Temptations and the Devils Who Tempt

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us November Devotions to the
Poor Souls in Purgatory

A Memorial to those who have served in the Military Prayers for Peace Prayers for America and Guidelines for Making a Moral Decision Litany on Behalf of Country,
Leo XIII, "Columbus is Ours"

Patron Saints of Soldiers and the Military

St. Michael/ Exorcism Devotions to St. Michael Part 12: Resisting the Enemies of Our Salvation St. George St. Ignatius of Loyola, Confessor St. Francis of Assisi, Confessor St. James the Greater, Apostle St. Sebastian, Martyr St. Eustace and Companions, Martyrs St. Martin, Bishop and Confessor

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the Season of Advent

St. Martin of Tours, Bishop and Confessor

O God, Who knowest that we stand not by any strength of our own: mercifully grant, that by the intercession of blessed Martin Thy Confessor and Bishop, we may be shielded from all harm. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

V. The Lord loved him, and adorned him.

R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Ant. O blessed man, whose soul now possesses paradise! Wherefore the Angels exult, the Archangels rejoice, the choir of the Saints proclaims, the throng of Virgins ask: Abide with us for ever.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Martin, born in Pannonia (Hungary), followed his father, a military tribune in the service of Rome, to Italy. Although he was raised in paganism, he felt nothing but contempt for its cult, and as though he were Christian by nature, he took pleasure only in the assemblies of the faithful, which he attended despite his family's opposition. When he was fifteen years old, he was forcibly enrolled in the Roman armies and went to serve in Gaul, the land he was predestined to evangelize one day. What would become of this young boy, when exposed to the libertinage of the camps? Would his faith not be obliterated? No, for God was watching over His vessel of election.

The most famous episode of this period in his life is his meeting with a poor man almost naked in the dead of winter, and trembling with cold. Martin did not have a penny to give him, but he remembered the text of the Gospel: I was naked, and you clothed Me. My friend, he said, I have nothing but my weapons and my garments. And taking up his sword, he divided his cloak into two parts and gave one to the beggar. The following night he saw Jesus Christ in a dream, clothed with this half-cloak and saying to His Angels: It is Martin, still a catechumen, who covered Me. Soon afterwards he received Baptism.

Disinterested charity, purity, and bravery distinguished the life of the young soldier. He obtained his discharge at the age of about twenty. Martin succeeded in converting his mother, but was driven from his home by the Arians. He took refuge with Saint Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers. After having given striking proofs of his attachment to the faith of Nicea, he founded near Poitiers the celebrated monastery of Ligue the first in Gaul. The brilliance of his sanctity and his miracles raised him in 372 to the episcopal throne of Tours, despite his lively resistance. His life thereafter was but a continual succession of prodigies and apostolic labors. His flock, though Christian in name, was still pagan at heart. Unarmed and attended only by his monks, Martin destroyed the heathen temples and groves, and completed by his preaching and miracles the conversion of the people. His power over demons was extraordinary. Idolatry never recovered from the blows given it by Saint Martin.

After having visited and renewed his diocese, the servant of God felt pressed to extend his journeyings and labors beyond its confines. Clothed in a poor tunic and a rude cloak, and seated on an ass, accompanied only by a few religious, he left like a poor missionary to evangelize the countryside. He passed through virtually all the provinces of Gaul, and neither mountains, nor rivers, nor dangers of any description stopped him. Everywhere his undertakings were victorious, and he more than earned his title of the Light and the Apostle of Gaul.

       †

November 10th, St. Andrew Avellino, Confessor

St. Andrew Avellino Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Dying The Art of Dying Well
by St. Robert Bellarmine Rendering Our Accounts to God On Death-Bed Performances Reflections on: the Terrors of Death; the Assaults of Satan at the Hour of Death; the Apparition of the Spirits of Darkness; the Fear of Hell; the Judment Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Sick Contrition: Explanation of Perfect Contrition and the Necessity of Contrition for Forgiveness of Sins Death Time is No More The Penitent Christian They that Live in Sin The Sinner Seeks God The Sinner at Death, the Demons Appear Death-Bed Repentance The Sacrament of
Extreme Unction The Mercy and Justice of God

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Novena for the Poor Souls The Cry of the Souls in
Purgatory to us What must we do in order to be admitted with the Saints into Heaven? Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

November 10th, St. Andrew Avellino, Confessor

O God, Thou didst marvelously lift up to Thyself the heart of blessed Andrew Thy Confessor, by means of his steadfast vow to advance in virtue daily: grant, we beseech Thee, that through his merits and intercession we may share in the like grace, so that, by ever following the more perfect way, we may happily be brought to Thy glory on high. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

After a holy youth devoted to serious studies of philosophy and the humanities in Venice, Lancelot Avellino was ordained priest by the bishop of Naples. He was assigned to the chaplaincy of a community of nuns, sadly in need of reform; his intrepid courage and perseverance finally overcame many difficulties, and regular observance was restored in the monastery. Certain irritated libertines, however, decided to do away with him and, waiting for him when he was about to leave a church, felled him with three sword thrusts. He lost much blood, but his wounds healed perfectly without leaving any trace. The viceroy of Naples was ready to employ all his authority to punish the authors of this sacrilege; the holy priest, not desiring the death of sinners but rather their conversion and their salvation, declined to pursue them. One of them, however, died soon afterwards, assassinated by a man who wished to avenge a dishonor to his house.

He was still practicing law, which he had studied in Naples; one day a slight untruth escaped him in the defense of a client, and he conceived such regret for his fault that he vowed to practice law no longer. In 1556, at the age of thirty-six, he entered the Theatine Order, taking the name of Andrew out of love for the cross. After a pilgrimage to Rome to the tombs of the Apostles, he returned to Naples and was named master of novices in his Community, a duty he fulfilled for ten years. He was also chosen to be Superior of the house there, and then was sent out to found two houses elsewhere, at Milan and Piacenza. At the latter city he again met the opposition of libertines; but the Duke of Parma, to whom letters accusing him were directed, was completely charmed when he met him, and regarded him thereafter as a Saint.

He then became Superior of the Milan foundation, where his friendship with Saint Charles Borromeo took root; the two Saints conversed together often. And Saint Andrew, with his admirable simplicity, confided to the Archbishop that he had seen Our Lord, and that since that time the impression of His divine beauty, remaining with him constantly, had rendered insipid all other so-called beauties of the earth. Petitions were presented to Pope Gregory XIV to make him a bishop, but he declined that honor with firmness, having always desired to remain obedient rather than to command. When his term as superior ended, he was successful in avoiding the government of another Theatine residence for only three years, then became superior at Saint Paul of Naples.

Once when Saint Andrew was taking the Viaticum to a dying person and a storm extinguished the lamps, a heavenly light surrounded him, guided his steps, and sheltered him from the rain. But he was far from exempt from sufferings. His horse threw him one day on a rough road, and since his feet were caught in the stirrups, dragged him for a long time along this road. He invoked Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas, who came to him, wiped his face covered with blood, cured his wounds, and even helped him back onto the horse. He attributed such episodes to his unworthiness, believing he was among the reprobate, but Saint Thomas once again came to him, accompanied by Saint Augustine, and restored his confidence in the love and mercy of God.

On the last day of his life, November 10, 1608, Saint Andrew rose to say Mass. He was eighty-eight years old, and so weak he could scarcely reach the altar. He began the Judica me, Deus, the opening prayer, but fell forward, the victim of apoplexy. Laid on a straw mattress, his whole frame was convulsed in agony, while the ancient fiend, in visible form, advanced as though to seize his soul. Then, while the onlookers prayed and wept, he invoked Our Lady, and his Guardian Angel seized the monster and dragged it out of the room. A calm and holy smile settled on the features of the dying Saint and, as he gazed with a grateful countenance on the image of Mary, his holy soul winged its way to God.

†

November 9th, Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Saviour and St. Theodore

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica The Cry of the Souls in Purgatory to us What must we do in order to be admitted with the Saints into Heaven? Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory Meditations on The Poor Souls in Purgatory for the Month of November

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

O God, Who dost encompass and shield us by the glorious confession of blessed Theodore Thy Martyr: grant that we may profit by his example, and be strengthened by his intercession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Saint Theodore Tyro
Martyr in Asia Minor, 304

St. Theodore, Soldier and Martyr

Saint Theodore Tyro, one of the most celebrated of the oriental martyrs, was born of a noble family in the East, and enrolled while still a youth in the imperial army. Early in 306, when he had just joined the legion and marched with its soldiers into the Pont, the Roman Emperor issued an edict requiring all Christians to offer sacrifice. The young man was faced with the choice between apostasy and death. He declared before his commander that he was ready to be cut in pieces and offer up every limb to his Creator, Who had died for him. Wishing to conquer him by gentleness, the commander left him in peace for a while, that he might think over his resolution.

He profited from his liberty to fortify other confessors for martyrdom, and in his ardor for the downfall of idolatry he set fire to a temple dedicated to the goddess Cybel, called "the mother of the gods." He did not attempt to conceal his act, but when arrested admitted at once that he was the author of it, and that he had undertaken it to prevent the sacrileges committed every day in that place of abomination. The judge could not persuade him to renounce this "crime" and adore the empire's divinities; he therefore had him cruelly whipped and then shut up in a solitary cell with the order to give him nothing to eat and let him die of hunger.

Our Lord visited him during the night and consoled him, and He told his servant He Himself would nourish him invisibly. This visit filled him with such joy that he began to sing; and at the same moment, Angels in white robes appeared in his prison, to sing hymns of joy with him. The jailers and guardians all witnessed this spectacle, as did also the judge Publius who had condemned him, but none of them were touched by it. They gave him an ounce of bread and a flask of water every day, only to prolong his martyrdom. The Saint refused these offerings.

When the authorities made him fine promises and attempted to persuade him to conform, he protested that never would he say one word or make one gesture contrary to the fidelity he owed to his sovereign Lord. He was again beaten and tortured with iron hooks, then burnt with torches, and condemned finally to be burnt alive, to punish him for the fire he had ignited. He made the sign of the Cross, and filled with faith, hope and pure love of God, gave up to Him his beautiful soul, victorious and laden with merits. The year was 304. The Christians saw his soul rise to heaven like a flash of light and fire.

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

The residence of the Popes which was named the Lateran Palace was built by Lateranus Palutius, whom Nero put to death to seize his goods. It was given in the year 313 by Constantine the Great to Saint Miltiades, Pope, and was inhabited by his successors until 1308, when they moved to Avignon. The Lateran Basilica built by Constantine near the palace of the same name, is the first Basilica of the West. Twelve councils, four of which were ecumenical, have assembled there, the first in 649, the last in 1512.

If for several centuries the Popes have no longer dwelt in the Palace, the primacy of the Basilica is not thereby altered; it remains the head of all churches. Saint Peter Damian wrote that "just as the Saviour is the Head of the elect, the church which bears His name is the head of all the churches. Those of Saints Peter and Paul, to its left and its right, are the two arms by which this sovereign and universal Church embraces the entire earth, saving all who desire salvation, warming them, protecting them in its maternal womb."

The Divine Office narrates the dedication of the Church by the Pope of Peace, Saint Sylvester:

"It was the Blessed Pope Sylvester who established the rites observed by the Roman Church for the consecration of churches and altars. From the time of the Apostles there had been certain places dedicated to God, which some called oratories, and others, churches. There, on the first day of the week, the assembly was held, and there the Christian people were accustomed to pray, to hear the Word of God, and to receive the Eucharist. But never had these places been consecrated so solemnly; nor had a fixed altar been placed there which, anointed with sacred chrism, was the symbol of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who for us is altar, victim and Pontiff. But when the Emperor Constantine through the sacrament of Baptism had obtained health of body and salvation of soul, a law was issued by him which for the first time permitted that everywhere in the world Christians might build churches.

Not satisfied to establish this edict, the prince wanted to give an example and inaugurate the holy labors. Thus in his own Lateran palace, he dedicated a church to the Saviour, and founded the attached baptistry under the name of Saint John the Baptist, in the place where he himself, baptized by Saint Sylvester, had been cured of leprosy. It is this church which the Pontiff consecrated in the fifth of the ides of November; and we celebrate the commemoration on that day, when for the first time in Rome a church was thus publicly consecrated, and where a painting of the Saviour was visible on the wall before the eyes of the Roman people."

When the Lateran Church was partially ruined by fires, enemy invasions, and earthquakes, it was always rebuilt with great zeal by the Sovereign Pontiffs. In 1726, after one such restoration, Pope Benedict XIII consecrated it anew and assigned the commemoration of that event to the present day. The church was afterwards enlarged and beautified by Popes Pius IX and Leo XIII.

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November 8th, Octave of All Saints.

Octave of All Saints On the Veneration of the Saints and their Relics What must we do in order to be admitted with the Saints into Heaven? On the Perfection of Our
Ordinary Actions Find your patron saint: their life history, prayers and devotions. Link to All Saints Day: Prayers Devotions and Readings

How to Make a Moral Decision Prayers for the Conversion of America The Seven Steps to Killing a Conscience The Crime of Abortion Prayer in Honor of the Immaculate Conception, Partoness of America Prayers for Peace The Evil Scourge of War

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Meditations on The Poor Souls in Purgatory for the Month of November Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

Sermon of St. John Chrysostom

The Apostles, disciples of Christ, are held to be teachers of the faithful; the valiant Confessors give battle, the heroic martyrs triumph, and Christian hosts, armed by God, always prevail over the devil. All these have been men, alike in valor, unlike in their strife, glorious in their victory. Hence, O Christian, you are but a faint-hearted soldier if you think you can conquer without a battle, triumph without a struggle. Use your strength, fight manfully, wage a fierce battle. Remember your covenant, consider your situation, study your battlefield. You have pledged yourself to a contract, you have taken up a responsibility, you have enlisted in an army.

Four Holy Crowned Martyrs

These four brothers, Severus, Severian, Carpophorus, and Victorinus are so called because they suffered martyrdom together for the Faith in 304.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we, who acknowledge the boldness of the glorious Martyrs in their confession, may enjoy their loving intercession with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 7th, Within the Octave of All Saints

What must we do in order to be admitted with the Saints into Heaven? How to become a Saint The 8th Commandment

How to Make a Moral Decision Prayers for the Conversion of America The Seven Steps to Killing a Conscience The Crime of Abortion Prayer in Honor of the Immaculate Conception, Partoness of America Prayers for Peace The Evil Scourge of War

Are we bound to profess our Catholic Faith openly? Final Perseverance by St. Bonaventure Find your patron saint: their life history, prayers and devotions. Link to All Saints Day: Prayers Devotions and Readings Catholic Worship, Explained Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

Almighty and everlasting God, by Thy mercy we pay honor to the merits of all Thy saints on this single feast day; and since so many are pleading for us, grant us, we beseech Thee, the fullness of Thy mercy, for which we long. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

†

November 5th,
23rd Sunday After Pentecost

23rd Sunday After Pentecost Twenty-third Sunday After Pentecost: Epistle and Gospel Children's Sermon for the 23rd Sunday After Pentecost What must we do in order to be admitted with the Saints into Heaven? Death: Salvation and Your Choice The fewness of those saved. Will you be one of them? The Hound of Heaven
by Francis Thompson--
A Scriptural Interpretation
of the Poem

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. 23rd Sunday After Pentecost. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

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November 5th, Commemoration of
the Holy Relics within the Octave of All Saints.

Two Short Sermons on the Imitation of the Saints and Heaven Feast of the Holy Relics On the Veneration of the Saints and their Relics Honor and Invocation of the Saints Veneration of the Saints Finding of the Relics of St. Stephen Instructions on the Festival of the Finding of the Holy Cross How to become a Saint

During the Octave of All Saints, the following links are Beneficial for Instruction and Devotion.

Feast of All Saints:
Prayers and Devotions Feast of All Saints: Part 1 Feast of All Saints: Part 2 Feast of All Saints: Part 3 Instructions for the
Feast of All Saints
Children's Sermon on
the Feast of All Saints
Mary Queen of All Saints The Church Triumphant Litany of the Saints Communion of Saints Heaven Complete Index of the Lives of the Saints and their feast days

Video: Te Deum Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory

Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Why Catholics are obligated to visit their loved ones at the cemetery Catholic Burial of the Dead

The Providence of God and why He permits evil

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

Commemoration of the Holy Relics

Lord, who workest miracles by the relics of Thy saints, increase our faith in the resurrection, and give us fellowship with them in that undying glory of which their reverend ashes are a pledge: through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

It is one of the nobler traits of man's nature, that he treats with love and respect the earthly remains of departed friends. Decently and solemnly he buries the dead body, he demands inviolability for the place of burial, and over the last resting place he erects a monument to perpetuate the memory of the dear departed. And this feeling of piety extends even to the articles of dress, and to the books and playthings, once used by the dead. How often do we not hear people say: "I should not mind the loss so much, if the ring or brooch had not been a keepsake from my mother." Who of us does not treasure up some article, possibly insignificant in itself, yet redolent with sweet memories of some dear one now in heaven.

This pious feeling is the natural basis of what Catholics practice in the veneration of relics. For relics, in the sense of the Church, are the earthly remains of the bodies of saints, and in a wider sense, also the articles of wear and the instruments of martyrdom, and whatever has come in immediate contact with the bodies of saints, alive or dead.

The Church holds that the relics of saints are worthy of Christian veneration, because they are the parts of the bodies that shall one day be irradiated with the light of glory, in the heavenly home, shining as stars, throughout the ages of eternity.

Almighty God has on innumerable occasions shown by miracles and wonders that this veneration of relics, is most pleasing to Him. The Holy Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testaments, contain not a few signal instances of miraculous effects produced by the use of sacred relics. The Book of Ecclesiasticus says of the prophet, Eliseus: "In his life he did great wonders, and in death he wrought miracles." (c. 48). One of this latter is recorded in Kings IV. c. 13: "And Eliseus died, and they buried him. And the rovers from Moab came into the land the same year. And some that were burying a man saw the rovers and cast the body into the sepulchre of Eliseus. And when it touched the bones of Eliseus the man came to life and stood upon his feet." Thus the relics of Eliseus were honored by God. In like manner the sick, and infirm and the possessed were healed by the hem of Christ's garment, by the shadow of St. Peter, by the handkerchief of St. Paul, as the Scripture tells us.

Guided by these and similar facts and testimonies the Church has always honored the relics of the saints. The Fifth Council of Carthage ordains that no altar shall be consecrated, unless it contains some sacred relics. Hence every altar, on which mass is celebrated, has an altarstone, which contains the necessary relics of the saints. Now, it is in honor of these very relics preserved in every Church, that the Feast of the Holy Relics has been instituted.

In honoring these relics, however, our thoughts are chiefly inclined to the living saints of God themselves, those heroes of faith and constancy, who once, in these fragile bodies carried the Spirit of Holiness and Truth. The pious touch and kiss of these earthly remains of sainted ones, and the fervent prayer, and child-like confidence in their presence, bring those saints in spirit to our side, and our thoughts and aspirations to their home above.

†

November 4th, St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop and Confessor. First Friday

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus First Friday Devotions Consecration of Children to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Two Short Sermons on the Imitation of the Saints and Heaven St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop and Confessor Novena to St. Charles Borromeo: Oct. 27th - Nov. 4th St. Charles Borromeo Book, A Sketch of the Reforming Cardinal Part II. in a series of sermons by St. Alphonsus Liguori regarding the betrayal of Jesus and the Catholic Faithful by Sinful Priests

                 Newly Added
Part II. The Incontinent Priest and Sacrilegious Mass                  Newly Added
Part I. Grievousness and Chastisement of Sin in a Priest

On Bearing False Witness Against Thy Neighbor and On Avoiding All Manner of Lies

Links for Prayers and Devotions during the Octave of All Saints

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop and Confessor

O Lord, keep Thy Church, we beseech Thee, under the continual protection of St. Charles, Thy Confessor and Bishop: that as his watchful care over his flock won him glory, so his intercession may always make us fervent in Thy love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.   Amen.

(Roman Breviary)

Saint Charles Borromeo was born in 1538 in the castle of Arona on the borders of Lake Major, fourteen miles from Milan. He was the son of Count Gilbert Borromeo, a descendant of one of the most ancient families of Lombardy, very famous for its great men. The Count was known for his almsgiving and his rigorous fasts; it was his custom never to eat a meal without first giving alms. The Countess, Charles' mother, was also exceptionally virtuous. Their family was composed of two sons and four daughters, all of whom manifested in their lives the splendor of their Christian heritage. Their maternal uncle, John Angelus of Medici, became Pope Pius IV. Charles was clearly destined for the ecclesiastical vocation; all his preferences in study made it clear.

When he was twelve years old, a paternal uncle willed to him an abbey in commendam; and the child constantly reminded his father that this revenue was the patrimony of the poor. His father wept for joy, seeing his son's solicitude for the just application of his trust.

Count Gilbert died when Charles was twenty years old, and he was obliged to come home from Pavia where he had been studying law; he returned there, however, to complete his doctorate at the university after settling his affairs. One year later, when his maternal uncle became Pope Pius IV, he created Charles cardinal, and after another year nominated him Archbishop of Milan. The Pontiff detained him in Rome, however, seeing his extensive capacities and adding to these offices other administrative duties which ordinarily require the prudence of mature years. No one was disappointed in his services, despite the fact he was maintaining delicate papal relations with other nations, as protector of Portugal and the Low Countries, and was at the head of the Knights of Malta, the Orders of Carmel and Saint Francis, among other duties.

When the Council of Trent (1545-1563) was nearing its conclusion, Saint Charles, who had participated with authority in many of its twenty-five sessions, desired to leave Rome to attend to his diocese of Milan, a duty which his vicar general had carried out until that time. The urgency of the situation there persuaded the Pope to consent regretfully to his departure. Saint Charles intended to put into execution the reforming decrees of the Council, create seminaries and schools and in general restore discipline in the Church of Milan.

As Archbishop of Milan he enforced the observance of the decrees, and thoroughly restored the discipline of his see. Criticism hounded him there, but left him unmoved; he kept with him in his episcopal household of about one hundred persons, a certain priest who delighted in finding fault with whatever he did; he treated him with great consideration, and in his will left him a pension for life. He was very severe with himself, eating only once a day, and limiting himself often to bread and water. When someone suggested he should have a garden at Milan to get some fresh air, he replied that the Holy Scriptures should be the garden of a bishop.

The sermons of Saint Charles produced great fruits among all ranks of the people. When young he had manifested a speech defect with a tendency to speak too fast, but he overcame these handicaps with many efforts. A man who admired him said that he always forgot the orator himself when he preached, so transported was he by the great truths he heard explained, and the longest sermons of Saint Charles seemed short to him. Everywhere the holy Archbishop established schools of Christian doctrine, numbering in all seven hundred and forty, in which over three thousand catechists were employed, presiding over forty thousand students.

Once Saint Charles heard a cardinal who was a bishop of a small diocese say that his diocese was too small to require his constant residence there, as canon law required; Saint Charles said to him with force that the price of one soul is such as to merit the residence and entire time of the greatest of men. He himself visited the most remote corners of his diocese, traveling in mountainous regions amid the greatest dangers, which he regarded as nothing unusual, and unworthy of mention.

Inflexible in maintaining discipline, to his flock he was a most tender father. He would sit by the roadside to teach a poor man the Pater and Ave. During the great plague which broke out in Milan, which he had foretold as a chastisement for the disorders of the Carnival, he refused to leave, asking those who remonstrated with him if it were not more perfect to remain with one's flock than to abandon them in need, and adding that a bishop is obliged to choose what is most perfect. He was ever at the side of the sick and dying. He stripped his palace of literally everything to aid those who had lost their support in their fathers and spouses, even giving away his straw mattress. As he lived, so he died, having governed his church for twenty-four years and eight months. To the heroic sanctity of this faithful copy of the Good Shepherd, many miracles came to testify, through his relics and his intercession. In 1610 he was canonized by Pope Paul V.

       †

November 3rd, Within the Octave of All Saints

On the Means we all have to become Saints

On the Perfection of our Ordinary Actions

On the Obligation of Christians to be Saints Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory Resisting the Enemies of Our Salvation The Spiritual Combat
by Fr. Scupoli, 1865 On Serving Two Masters Two Short Sermons: 1.) One Thing Necessary; 2.) Strive to Enter by the Narrow Gate Short Explanation of the Prayer: Our Father Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

The Most Holy Rosary

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

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November 2nd, All Souls' Day

Novena for the Poor Souls Instructions for the Feast of All Souls Children's Sermon for the Feast of All Souls Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Prayers and Devotions for the Faithful Departed Prayers and Devotions for Souls in Purgatory Short Sermon: On the Commemoration of All Souls The Church Suffering Indulgences/ All Souls All Souls Day: Part 1 All Souls Day: Part 2 All Souls Day: Part 3 All Souls Day: Part 4 Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory Dies Irae (Day of Wrath)
by Rev. Nicholaus Gihr The Spiritual Works of Mercy Spiritual Work of Mercy:
On Praying for the Dead The Cry of the Souls in Purgatory to us Three Glances at the Cemetary Where is Purgatory Catholic Burial of the Dead Index of Prayers and
Devotions for the Dying

Related Links: Devotions that can be Applied to the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Clock of the Passion The Holy Hour The Psalter of Jesus Stations of the Cross The Short Method of the
Stations of the Cross Seven Penitential Psalms

The Most Holy Rosary

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent

Related Links: Saints devoted to the Souls in Purgatory and the Scapular

St. Nicholas of Tolentino St. Gertrude Our Lady of Mount Carmel History of Our Lady
of Mount Carmel

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our devout prayers, they may obtain the pardon, which they have always desired. Who livest etc.

V. From the gate of hell.

R. Deliver their souls, O Lord.

V. May they rest in peace.

R. Amen

(Roman Breviary)

The Church teaches us that the souls of the just who have left this world with traces of venial sin remain for a time in a place of expiation, where they suffer whatever punishment may be due to their offenses. Even if pardon has been obtained for our sins, satisfaction must be made to God, our Creator, in this world or in the next; for His sanctity has been, as it were, insulted by the self-will of one of His ignoble creatures. The more noble the person offended, the more serious the offense, even according to human laws. It is a dogma of our faith that the suffering souls are relieved by the intercession of the Saints in heaven and by the prayers of the faithful upon earth. To pray for the dead is therefore an act of charity and of piety, certainly obligatory for a Christian who professes to have charity in his heart. We read in Holy Scripture: It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins. (II Maccabees 12:46)

When towards the close of the tenth century, Our Lord inspired Saint Odilon, Abbot of Cluny, to establish in his Benedictine Order a general commemoration of all the faithful departed, the practice was soon afterwards adopted by the entire Western Church and has been continued unceasingly to our day. Let us always bear in mind the departed who have died in the love of God, and offer up our prayers and sacrifices to help expiate for them. By showing this mercy to the suffering souls in purgatory, we gain for ourselves very devoted friends, who will in their turn pray for us. We shall then be entitled to be treated with mercy at our departure from this world, and to share more abundantly in the suffrages of the Church, continually offered for all who have fallen asleep in Christ.

Reflection: When we offer satisfaction to God in this life for our offenses, there is merit attached to our penances. There is no longer any merit in purgatory; others must provide. Let us reflect well that if we do not ourselves repair our sins and faults, we place our burden on others; is that what we want?

The Punishments of Purgatory

Every punishment that God sends in this life upon sin has a double object: to satisfy His justice, and to bring about the reformation of the offenders. God always has in view the salutary effects of the punishment on him who suffers it, and, for this purpose He gives a grace to enable him to use it aright. Through the Divine mercy, the very punishment of our sins may thus promote our happiness here and our glory in Heaven.

It is not so with the punishment of Purgatory. It is purely a poena vindicative a penalty which has for its object the reparation, as far as may be, of the outrage offered to the majesty of God by sin. It is this which gives it its character of awful severity. The sinner has no opportunity of making good use of it to learn a lesson for the future. He has not the consolation of knowing he can turn it into a source of heavenly joy. It must simply be endured as long as God shall please, and at the end will have produced no fruit of additional glory in Heaven for ourselves.

The punishment of Purgatory, moreover, does not, for the most part, follow close on the offences of which it is the penalty. God waits, and this always means a heavier and more terrible penalty. In the days of the Flood, He waited one hundred and twenty years: so God waits to see whether the sinner will expiate in this life the sins for which temporal punishment still remains. He gives him the graces necessary, and if these are neglected, God takes into His own hands the vindication of His majesty. What reason have I to fear God's terrible wrath for my sins? Ask for the privilege of atoning for your sins in this life.

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November 1st, All Saints Day

A Devout Guide to follow the Tridentine Latin Mass of Pope St. Pius V. Recommended for Those Who Cannot Attend Mass in Person. Christ the King The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. O' Keeffe, 1891 Papal Bull: Quo Primum, the Tridentine Mass for all Times Why the Mass is in Latin Catholic Worship, Explained Manner of Hearing Mass At Home: For those who on account of sickness, old age, or for other proper reasons cannot assist at holy Mass, especially on Sundays and Holidays Spiritual Communion

Feast of All Saints:
Prayers and Devotions Feast of All Saints: Part 1 Feast of All Saints: Part 2 Feast of All Saints: Part 3 Instructions for the
Feast of All Saints
Children's Sermon on
the Feast of All Saints
Two Short Sermons:
1.) On the Feast of All Saints
2.) On How to Become a Saint Mary Queen of All Saints The Church Triumphant Veneration of the Saints Litany of the Saints Honor and Invocation of the Saints Communion of Saints Heaven Complete Index of the Lives of the Saints and their feast days

Video: Te Deum

Twelve Months Sanctified by Prayer, November--Dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory

In Defence of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, her Perpetual Virginity, the Rosary and the Angelus Domini Index of Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory Children Prayers and Sermons 30 Days Prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from Candlemas until Advent Daily Rosary: Joyful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries with Meditations Daily Rosary: Glorious Mysteries with Meditations

The Three Steps to Heaven On Serving Two Masters

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

November Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.

All Saints Day

Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast granted us to venerate in one solemn feast the merits of all Thy saints, we beseech Thee, that, since so many are praying for us, Thou wouldst pour forth upon us the desired abundance of Thy mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon:

I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, standing before the throne.

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and they fell down before the throne upon their faces, and adored God.

O Lord God, Thou hast redeemed us in Thy blood, out of every trib e, and tongue, and people, and nation, and hast made us a kingdom to our God.

Bless ye the Lord, all His elect, keep days of joy, and give glory to Him.

A hymn to all His Saints, to the children of Israel, a people approaching to him: this glory is to all His Saints.

(Roman Breviary)

The Church day by day gives special veneration to one or more of the holy men and women who have helped to establish it by their blood, develop it by their labors, or edify it by their virtues. But, in addition to those whom the Church honors by special designation or has inscribed in her calendar, how many martyrs are there whose names are not recorded! How many humble virgins and holy penitents! How many unknown anchorites and monks, Christian fathers and mothers, young children snatched away in their innocence! How many courageous Christians, whose merits are known only to God and His heavenly court!

Should we forget those who remember us in their intercession? Are not some among them our ancestors? members of our immediate family? our friends and fellow-Christians, with whom we have lived in daily companionship? In fact, all of Heaven is but one family--Our Lord's, as He Himself said: Who is My mother and who are My brethren? And stretching forth His hand towards His disciples, He said, Behold My mother and My brethren! For whoever does the Will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and sister and mother. Today we have the opportunity to thank God, if at other times we forget, for their aid and their love. And today we adore Him with them, for the grace which raised them to their present joy. The Church requires this homage of us, by making this day a holy day of obligation for all. Our place, too, is awaiting us in this home of eternal light, peace and love, if we persevere to the end in the fulfillment of God's holy Will.

Reflection: Let us be solicitous to render ourselves worthy of that chaste generation, so beautiful amid the glory where it dwells. (Wisdom 4:1)

†

October 31st, Vigil of All Saints. Day of Fast and Partial Abstinence

Vigil of All Saints from the Liturgical Year

54 Day Rosary Novena--27 Days of Petition and 27 Days of Thanksgiving

October Novenas can also be said at any time before or after the Saints Feast Day.