St. Peter Claver, of the Society of Jesus.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday September 09, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"At the beginning of the seventeenth century the Jesuit College of Majorca was blessed with the presence of a holy lay brother, called Alphonsus Rodriguez, whose name has lately been added to the catalogue of the Saints. Though holding the humble office of college porter, he was able by his admirable example and burning words, issuing from a heart inflamed with Divine love, to exercise a powerful influence for good upon the students. Among these was a youth of noble birth, a native of Catalonia, named Peter Claver, whom he inflamed with so ardent a zeal for the salvation of the poor abandoned negro slaves in the Spanish colonies of South America, that the labours and sacrifices of this painful apostolate became the object of his longing desires and his highest ambition. Almighty God responded to his generous aspirations, and in the year 1615 he was sent by his superiors to reinforce the mission at Carthagena, the principal seaport of Peru.
Upon his arrival at his destination, Father Claver was moved with the most tender compassion on beholding the sufferings of the poor negroes who were landed at this port from the slave ships, and bought and sold like cattle. Their fate was indeed a hard one, for no sooner were they discharged from the vessel where they had been crowded together for weeks beneath the hatchways, enduring all the horrors of hunger, thirst and foul air, than they found that their sufferings were just commencing. The silver mines where they had to labour in the bowels of the earth, and the plantations where they had to toil beneath the burning sun, were to be the scene of their life-long misery; and when exhausted by excessive labours and debilitated by hardship and disease, they became no longer of service to their brutal masters, they were often thrust aside and left to perish uncared for either in soul or body. It was to alleviate the cruel sufferings of these poor outcasts and ensure them the enjoyment of eternal happiness hereafter that Claver devoted the forty years of his missionary life.
During the long course of his laborious apostolate the following was the routine of his daily life. As soon as a slave ship anchored in the harbour, Father Claver hastened on board, carrying with him a supply of biscuits, lemons, brandy and tobacco, for the use of the unhappy negroes. Upon these poor creatures, already half brutalized by the hardships and cruelties which they had endured during the course of their long voyage, he lavished the most tender affection. He spoke to them-exiles from their native land and dearest friends of their Heavenly Father who loved them tenderly, and of a happy home beyond the skies which was still within their reach. He nursed the sick, he baptised the infants, he encouraged every one, assuring them that he would be ever at their service, ready to share their sorrows, to advise and instruct them, and in a word to devote to them his time, his means, his labour and his whole existence.
To supply their wants he was not ashamed to beg from door to door, and to stand with his hand stretched out in the public places. But he was not content with assisting them on their first arrival. With staff in hand, and bearing on his shoulders the supplies intended for them, he followed them to the mines and plantations, enduring incredible hardships, and braving every danger in order to bring them consolation and relief.
Upon his arrival at a slave settlement, his first care was to visit the quarters of the sick, whom he considered to have the earliest claim upon his charity. After washing their hands and faces and dressing their wounds, he would distribute among them remedies for their ailments, and various little delicacies, at the same time raising their thoughts and hearts to God, and exhorting them to bear their sufferings patiently for the love of Jesus who had shed all His Blood for them. When he had soothed and calmed the minds of all, he assembled them before a little Altar which he had set up and decorated, and over which he had placed a picture of Jesus crucified. He arranged the men on one side and the women on the other upon seats or mats which he had prepared, and then in the midst of these degraded beings, naked and covered with vermin, he with a smiling countenance and in simple and loving words began to explain to them the truths of our holy Faith, especially the mystery of the Blessed Trinity, and that of a God made man who shed his Precious Blood for the salvation of all, master and slave, negro and European.
When taking his four final vows Father Claver added
a fifth, intended to bind him more closely to his heroic work. It is
expressed by the words in which he signed his solemn act of profession, "Peter,
slave of the negroes for ever." Faithful to his vow he wore himself out
by his unceasing labours in their behalf, until at length, utterly
exhausted in body and paralysed in all his limbs, he breathed out his
soul to God on September 8, A.D. 1654, at the age of seventy-four." Short lives of the saints, for every day in the year, Volume 3,Catholic Truth Society By Rev. Fr. Henry Gibson, 1897 p. 29
Nativity of our Lady: Mary's Sublime Vocation
by VP
Posted on Monday September 08, 2025 at 12:00AM in Meditations
Giotto di Bondone: Scenes from the Birth of Our Lady
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
GIVE God thanks for all the graces and privileges bestowed on the Blessed Virgin. Rejoice in spirit on this day of her birth, and for the approaching mercy of the incarnation, which was then drawing near. While God is liberally pouring forth his graces on her, step in, and beseech him to give you a blessing also. Let his bounty confirm your hope, and make you earnest in your prayers.
Pray in particular for that virtue, of which you are most in want. How far are you from her humility, her purity, charity, and patience? Be not then dull and slothful, when you see your wants, and have encouragement enough to hope for remedy.
The memory of past blessings ought to be a subject of perpetual joy and thanksgiving. Heaven is the place, where these holy affections are to be perfected; but here on earth we are not to be wanting in those exercises, which we hope will be our employment for ever. Bow down therefore, and with a true sense of gratitude, bless and adore the infinite goodness of your God, for the rich present which he made this day to the earth, in the birth of the Blessed Virgin, of whom was to be born the Saviour of the world. Repeat your thanks; and see that the real sentiments of your heart exceed the expressions of your lips. And having sincerely performed this part of your devotion, then turn your thoughts, and see what lessons the present festival affords.
"Mary was born in order to be the Mother of Jesus. : "Of whom was born Jesus." This is the principle of all her privileges, the summing up of all her praises. (...) It is as the Mother of the Redeemer of mankind that she will be the refuge and advocate of sinners. She is the aurora which precedes and ushers in the morning sun. (...) Certain it is that if men had known the blessings which Mary's nativity drew upon them, there would have been throughout the whole world a repetition of that which occurred among the Jews at their having been preserved from death through the meditation of Ester. "A new light seemed to rise, you, honor, dancing in all peoples...wonderful rejoicing." (Est. viii. 16,17). You also, O Priests, were born for a sublime destiny! Accomplish it faithfully, and you shall be the cause of an unspeakable joy for heaven and earth. To give Jesus to the world, and with Jesus to give it all blessings, such is your vocation, and such was the vocation of Mary. This is the reason why the holy Virgin has such a warm affection for good priests and lavishes upon them such truly maternal cares. Source: September 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin p444. Meditations for the Use of the Secular Clergy, from the French of Father Chaignon, S.J. Volume 2. 1907
St. Cloud, Confessor
by VP
Posted on Sunday September 07, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"St Cloud, or Clodoald, was the only son of Clodomir, king of Orleans, the brothers of the young prince having been murdered by their uncle clothaire in his guilty desire to become master of their possessions. Brought up in retirement, Saint Cloud was so impressed with the nothingness of all earthly things, that, even when he reached the age to assert his claim to the throne, he declined to embrace the favorable opportunities of success which were offered to him. He renounced the world, and placed himself under the direction of St. Severinus, then living as a recluse near Paris. Later, having been ordained priest, St. Cloud spent a few years in the exercise of his holy ministry but again mastered by the charms of a secluded life, he withdrew to the spot which now bears his name, founded a monastery there, and died in the year 560, after having edified all by a career of prayer, preaching, and good deeds." source: Short lives of the Saints by Eleanor C. Donnelly 1910
Prayer
Collect: O God, who didst exalt Blessed Clodoald thy confessor, humbled for thy sake in this world, both by raising him to the dignity of the priesthood and by enduing him with the splendor of many virtues: grant unto us, following his example, to do thee worthy service and, helped by his prayers, ever grow in virtue and merit.
Secret: With thy Holy priest, Clodoald, we confess thee, O Lord, to be the author of our faith and of our salvation: and we beseech thee mercifully to receive at our hands this sacrifice of praise; and to grant that with the same fervor as he, we may render our vows to thee.
SELFISHNESS
by VP
Posted on Sunday September 07, 2025 at 12:00AM in Sunday Sermons
"Where are the nine ?"-LUKE Xvii. 17.
1. Our petitions very different from our thanks: selfishness the cause.
2. The miracle proves that nine out of ten were selfish and ungrateful.
3. How our Blessed Lord suffered from ingratitude.
4. Let us learn unselfishness from our Savior, and unite our thanks with His in the Holy Eucharist.
"ALL prayer is not simply a prayer of petition, of asking, however much we may need mercy and grace and forgiveness. Praise and thanksgiving are due to the almighty and loving God. The angels and blessed in heaven sing without ceasing the glory and praise of God, and their grateful thanks will last throughout eternity. But on earth how different are nine out of every ten of mankind! We are earnest when we want anything; in fear and misery and pain we make our petitions to God repeatedly and earnestly. The favor granted; the fear removed; the pain alleviated; oh, how poor our gratitude! The old saying is true, "Eaten bread is soon forgotten."
We cannot help but think thus with the example of the lepers fresh in our minds to-day. Anxious, earnest, imploring were those lepers in their misery. The voice of the Savior filled them with hope, they obeyed; they were cleansed, to their utter joy and amazement; but only one returned, giving thanks to his divine benefactor. Selfish in their prayer, to get rid of their loathsome disease; selfish even when miraculously cured, they went on their way selfishly rejoicing!
“Where are the nine ?" It is a humiliating avowal to own that we too have been selfish; that we find ourselves amongst the nine. Our conscience can recall anxiety, fear, tears in the past, when we humbly begged of God for forgiveness of some grave sin; in dread of a calamity or the expectation of death. Yes, and conscience is ashamed to own the brief, halfhearted, or perhaps forgotten gratitude with which we repaid our loving Lord. Selfishness led us to beseech and pray; selfishness led us to forget the grateful thanks that were due.
How, then, can we overcome this love of self, which is the cause of our want of thankfulness? Gratitude is due to God, and He loves us to be grateful. gratitude hurt the Sacred Heart of our divine Lord, not now indeed, but in His lifetime. Continually, all through those thirty-three years of His days on earth, our Lord had present in His mind the ingratitude of men, and it grieved Him. He knew all that He would do and suffer for sinners, and infinite love could do no more and He knew all the neglect, the forgetfulness, the ingratitude of those whom He had loved so much. We are told that the sufferings of His soul were greater far than the sufferings of His sacred Body in His Passion. The scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails through His hands and feet were less agonizing than the stabs of ingratitude through His tender, loving Heart. The bodily sufferings of the Passion, from His Betrayal to His Death, were over on Good Friday, but in His Heart He had suffered all His life. It was not merely the ingratitude with which He was treated whilst on earth, but all the ingratitude that would be shown Him, the Prisoner of love in the Holy Eucharist. He foreknew how He would be treated, even by those who believe in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar-all their neglect, forgetfulness, disdaining to visit Him, to receive Him. They know that Mass and Holy Communion are the supreme acts of love and thanksgiving to Almighty God. Alas! "where are the nine?" Some few are faithful and loving, but where are the nine? By most men, He is often and carelessly forgotten.
What a model of unselfishness is our dear Lord! Though He knew all this and suffered it, yet did He give Himself not only to the Cross; but to continue His Redemption, He renews it in each Holy Mass, and dwells continually with us in the tabernacle: “I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world" (Matt. xxviii. 20). If we would only study His unselfishness and make the memory of it live within our hearts, it would shame us; it would make us annihilate the self-love within us. Let us, then, learn unselfishness from our Lord in the tabernacle. He is there longing for us to visit Him, to pray to Him, to love Him and receive Him. Look back at our own lives. For days, weeks, months perhaps, we have forgotten Him. How cold and distracted we are even in His sacred Presence! During how many a Mass of obligation it has been merely by our bodily presence that we have been before Him, and our hearts far from Him. Selfishness again! Distractions born of worldly desires, of uncharitableness, because self had been slighted or hurt, of memories of self-gratification, of memories of our sinful past perhaps, have occupied our minds. And all the time, He, our Divine Benefactor, Whom we were pretending to worship, was waiting for a loving word of thanks.
Our poor thanks - are they worth offering? Are they worthy of His acceptance? Yes, indeed; for in His mercy He has made Himself our own thank offering! Jesus, in the Holy Eucharist, is the thank offering. At Holy Mass, at Holy Communion, we are united to Him; and our poor thanks are borne up to heaven with His, and accepted before the throne of God." Short Sermons on the Epistles & Gospels of the Sundays of the Year By Fr. Francis Paulinus Hickey OSB (13th Sunday after Pentecost)
The Bishop
by VP
Posted on Sunday September 07, 2025 at 12:00AM in Documents
"The bishop saying Mass, administering the sacraments or preaching the Gospel is the most perfect image of Christ. He does so according to the laws of the universal church. In him the clergy and people see Christ the Bishop of eternity. "He that receiveth you receiveth me. He that despiseth you despiseth me." That relates not only to the Pope. to the bishop, but in a less degree to any pastor, to any minister of Christ. For the ministers of Christ preach not themselves but "Christ and Him crucified."
The bishop is the head of the diocese. He is the father of all the faithful in the diocese. For he brings forth his spiritual children, his priests and clergymen by rite of holy ordination. They are the images of himself. The Priests he ordains are his sons whom he brings forth to God. He feeds his children by the words of life, by good example, by heavenly food, by the teachings of eternal life.
Happy is the diocese and the clergy who have a bishop after the heart of Jesus Christ, who lives the life of the Master.
The good bishop loves his clergy; looks on them as a father on his children; he upholds the good priest; he rewards the men of God; he defends the weak; he treats them with justice, benignity, gentleness, kindness; he is clothed with the bowels of the mercy of Jesus Christ, with forgiveness looking down from on high on those who falter on the way.
Behold his name will be called blessed, his clergy and people will love him, they will uphold him; like Moses on the mount, they will stand under his weary hands, strengthening him till he gains the victory over all enemies of the Lord and of his church. Both clergy and people will love him because he is "like unto the only begotten Son of God full of grace and truth" who "for us men and for our salvation left the bosom of his Father, came down from heaven and was made man and dwelt among us: to show pastors how to rule their subjects."
Source: Christ's Kingdom on Earth, or, The Church and Her Divine Constitution , organization, and Framework: Explained for the People by Fr. James Meagher 1892St. Eleutherius, Abbot
by VP
Posted on Saturday September 06, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Jacques Gallot 1636, St. Eleutherius, Abbot
"St. Eleutherius, was abbot of St. Mark's, near Spoleto in Italy, and favored by Almighty God with the gift of miracles. A wonderful simplicity and spirit of compunction were the distinguishing virtues of this holy man. A child who was possessed by the devil, being delivered by being educated in his monastery, the abbot said one day that since the child had been among the servants of God, the devil had not dared to approach him. These words seemed to savor of vanity, and they were no sooner spoken, than the devil began again to torment the child. The abbot humbly confessed his fault, and fasted with his whole community, till the child was again freed from the devil, who never more entered into him. St. Gregory the Great not being able to fast on Easter Eve, on account of the extreme weakness of his breast, engaged St. Eleutherius to go with him to the church of St. Andrew, and put up his prayers to God for his health, that he might join the faithful in that solemn practice of penance. The saint prayed with many tears, and St. Gregory coming out of the church found himself suddenly strengthened, so that he was enabled to keep the fast as he desired. St. Eleutherius also raised a dead man to life. Resigning his abbacy, he died in St. Andrew's monastery in Rome, about the year 585. From the first event above related, you see the evil of vanity, and how great reason you have to be on your guard, since the elect of God are thus in danger. As vanity is displeasing to God, be careful to oppose the first approaches of it; and set the memory of your sins against whatever supposed advantages come into your mind. Never praise yourself, nor think well of yourself; and never put others upon praising you. Boast not of anything belonging to you: but if after your boasting, you find something unusual befall you, wonder not; for it is thus that God punishes your rashness, and brings you to the true knowledge of yourself." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER
Moral reflection: "Appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in heaven, and thy Father, Who seeth in secret, He will repay thee." (St. Matthew 6.18) Pictorial half hours with the saints by Rev. Fr. Auguste François Lecanu
Priests' First Saturdays
by VP
Posted on Saturday September 06, 2025 at 12:00AM in Prayers
Saint Catherine of Siena, Wake Forest
"The first Thursday of the month of the first Saturday of the month is dedicated to the priesthood. The faithful offer all their prayers and good works of the entire day, their sacrifices, Masses, communions, sufferings, and joys, through the pure hands of Mary, the Mother of Priests, to Jesus, the “Supreme and Eternal Priest,” for the sanctification of priests and candidates for the priesthood. Parishioners are asked to pray especially for their parish clergy. If Jesus prayer for His Apostles; if the Mother of God prayed for them; why should not our Catholic people pray for their successors, the Pope, the Bishops, and the priests?"
"As recently as 1934 the General of the Salvatorians suggested to Pope Pius XI that one Saturday each month might become a day specially devoted to prayers for priests. Pius XI agreed wholeheartedly, declaring that he praised and blessed the suggestion, and since 1934, bishops of more than fifty European dioceses have recommended this practice. How does one take part in Priestsʼ Saturday? It means offering the Saturday after the First Friday of the month wholly and entirely for the sanctification of priests throughout the world; offering Mass and Holy Communion together with all the prayers, actions, joys, sorrows of the day and offering it all to Christ through the hands of Mary. Priestsʼ Saturday is intended to help all priests--the Pope, the bishops, missionaries, all who teach in seminaries and schools, the contemplative religious, the parish priests. For some people a weekday Mass will be impossible. Still they can make an offering of their whole day, and they could say this prayer at least once on Priestsʼ Saturday:"
Source: Priests' Saturday
Priests' First Saturday
Divine Savior, Jesus Christ, Who hast
entrusted the whole work of Thy redemption, the welfare and salvation of
the world, to priests as Thy representatives, through the hands of Thy
most holy Mother and for the sanctification of Thy priests and
candidates for the priesthood I offer Thee this present day wholly and
entirely, with all its prayers, works, sacrifices, joys, and sorrows.
Give truly holy priests who, inflamed with the fire of Thy divine love,
seek nothing but Thy greater glory and the salvation of our souls.
And thou, Mary, good Mother of priests, protect all priests in the
dangers of their holy vocation and, with the loving hand of a Mother,
also lead back to the Good Shepherd those poor priests who have become
unfaithful to their exalted vocation and have gone astray.
In addition to the above make it a point also to recite frequently the following:
Divine Savior, Jesus Christ, Who Hast entrusted the weal and woes of
Thy Holy Church to priests, with all the fervor of my heart I recommend
to Thee the wants of my pastor and all priests. Enrich them more and
more with true priestly sanctity. Give them generous, all embracing,
apostolic hearts, full of love for Thee and for all Thy souls, so that
they, being themselves sanctified in Thee, may sanctify us who are
confided to their care, and may lead us safely to heaven. Bestow upon
them in rich abundance all Thy priestly graces!
Let them ever
give us a glowing example of love and fidelity towards Holy Mother
Church, towards the Pope, and bishops, and grant that by word and
example they may shine as models of every virtue.
Most loving
Jesus, bless all their priestly labors and sacrifices! Bless all their
prayers and words at the altar and in the confessional, in the pulpit,
and in school, in confraternities, and at the bedside of the sick!
Protect and preserve them in all dangers from within and from without.
Divine Savior, give to Thy Church priests who abound in true holiness!
Call many good boys and young men to the priestly and religious state!
Aid and sanctify all those who are to become Thy priests! And to the
souls of departed priests grant everlasting rest. But to me
give a true spirit of faith and humble obedience, in order that in my
pastor I may ever behold the representative of God and willingly follow
all his teachings. Amen
St. Lawrence Justinian, Bishop and Confessor
by VP
Posted on Friday September 05, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Statue of Saint Lawrence Justinian in the Cathedral of Padua
"BORN at Venice, in 1380, of a noble family, St. Lawrence Justinian at the age of nineteen entered the Congregation of the Canons Regular of St. George of Alga, and became distinguished in his community by his fervor, humility, and other virtues. After having, in consequence, been elected General of his Order in 1433, he was appointed bishop of Venice by Pope Eugenius IV. Here his sanctity shone forth in brilliant colors. He was accustomed to style the poor and unfortunate his "household," and therefore granted them an audience whenever they wished it. He deprived himself personally of all the accessories of his high position, and lived an austerely poor life, in order to amply supply the wants of his adopted family. He became the idol of his flock. He reformed all abuses in his diocese, and equalled, at last, even the Doge in authority. St. Lawrence died in 1455, illustrious for his miracles.
Generous as brave,
Affection, kindness, the sweet offices
Of love and duty, were to him as needful
As his daily bread.
SAMUEL ROGERS.
Favorite Practice: To tend the poor lovingly for the sake of Him whom they represent.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
by VP
Posted on Friday September 05, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"Jesus loves His priests very much and wants them to grow in holiness by
living the priesthood to the full – this simple way will help very
much. Let us pray and ask Our Lady to take care of them as she did of
Jesus.”
-- Mother Teresa of Calcutta ©Mother Teresa Center. Used with Permission.
Our Lady, Holy Name Cathedral, Raleigh NC
Prayer for Priests
Mary, Mother of Jesus, throw your mantle of purity over our priests.
Protect them, guide them, and keep them in your heart.
Be a Mother to them, especially in times of discouragement and loneliness.
Love them and keep them belonging completely to Jesus.
Like Jesus, they, too, are your sons, so keep their hearts pure and virginal.
Keep their minds filled with Jesus, and put Jesus always on their lips,
so that He is the one they offer to sinner and to all they meet.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, be their Mother, loving them and bringing them joy.
Take special care of sick and dying priests, and the ones most tempted.
Remember how they spent their youth and old age, their entire lives serving and giving all to Jesus.
Mary, bless them and keep a special place for them in your heart.
Give them a piece of your heart, so beautiful and pure and immaculate,
so full of love and humility, so that they, too, can grow in the likeness of Christ.
Dear Mary, make them humble like you, and holy like Jesus.
Amen.
#7 Acts of Adoration Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in reparation for all the offenses committed against Him by mankind
by VP
Posted on Thursday September 04, 2025 at 12:00AM in Thursday Reparation
7. We adore Thee, O source and origin of all sanctity and innocence! And to repair the abominations committed by wicked priests, who consecrate and receive Thee in the state of mortal sin, we offer up to Thee the profound adoration and holiness of the Powers. Eternal praise and thanksgiving be to the Most Holy and Most Divine Sacrament.
O Queen of heaven and earth, hope of mankind, who adores thy Divine
Son incessantly! We entreat thee, that, since we have the honor to be of
the number of thy children, thou would interest thyself in our behalf
and make satisfaction for us, and in our name, to our Eternal Judge, by
rendering to Him the duties which we ourselves are incapable of
performing. Amen
