St. Peter of Alcantara, Confessor, A.D. 1562. reformer of the Franciscan Order
by VP
Posted on Sunday October 19, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
Artist Luis Tristán (1586–1624)
"Upon a time, the Count Orapsane, a devout nobleman, came to visit
him (Peter Alcantara), and falling into discourse, how much Almighty God
was moved with the sins of the world, out of his zeal breaketh into
these speeches, "O Father! what do you think? What will become of this
wicked world? Do you think the divine justice can contain itself any
longer from revenge? behold, how virtue is oppressed, and sin
triumpheth? How willfully
do we hoard up anger against the day of anger?"
To which the man of God modestly answered and said, "Noble Sir, do not afflict yourself, a remedy will easily be found to cure this disease; the point of the difficulty consisteth only in you and me, for the general perdition of mankind floweth from this fountain, that all and every one dissembling or cloaking their own sins, accuse the whole, when the whole cannot be dead to sin at all, but particular persons in the whole.
Wherefore, men cry out against the wickedness of the
world, that all are naught, and none that do good, when if they would but
look into their own particular, they should find matter enough of
sorrow, and to move themselves to do penance for their own faults; but
now because they blame the whole, they neglect their own particulars,
and justify themselves with a sottish presumption. Therefore, noble Sir,
let your Lordship and I,
mend one a piece, and then a great part of
the world will be amended; we shall appease the angry judge, and repair
a great part of the ruin of mankind by our good example." Source: The Golden Treatise of Mental Prayer by St. Peter Alcantara
"He was born at the village of Alcantara, in Spain; piously educated, and at the age of sixteen, entered into the Order of the Franciscans. There he advanced so much in all virtues, that in a short time he undertook to bring it to the primitive spirit of its founder. His prayer and watching were almost continual. He usually eat but every third day, and slept only as he sat on a stone. His austerities were so extraordinary, that he seemed resolved to give no rest to his body. At the same time he was ever careful to preserve an humble mind. Such was his fervor, that the most painful austerities were neither frightful nor difficult to him. His disengagement from the world was so entire, that he seemed to be not only dead or insensible, but even crucified to it; and the union of his soul with his Creator seemed to suffer no interruption from external employments. Such was the restraint he put upon his eyes, that he had been a considerable time a religious man, without ever knowing that the church of his convent had a vaulted ceiling. He once lived in a house three years, without knowing any of his brethren but by their voices. His ecstasies in prayer were frequent, and he was once seen to remain in prayer a whole hour, with his arms stretched out, and his
eyes lifted up, without moving. After seven and forty years of this life, his penance was changed into joy, in the sixteenth century. The austerities of this saint can be practiced by very few: but all are taught by them, not to neglect the penitential part of a Christian life. His giving no rest to his body condemns the nice method of those,
who study all its inclinations, and avoid every thing which can make it
uneasy. If these have no passions to overcome, if they can find nothing
in themselves to be punished, they may go on safely.
But if all be. contrary in them, it is evident that their gratifying
method is contrary to justice, to prudence, and to that caution, which the security of their future state demands of them." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
"LOVE AFFECTIVE AND EFFECTIVE.-It is a mistake with many Christians to imagine that it is enough to love God, without accomplishing any work to glorify Him. No one loved God more tenderly than St. Peter of Alcantara; his two treatises on "Mental Prayer" and " Peace of the Soul" are two glorious memorials thereof; his whole existence was, so to speak, but one continued act of the love of God, accompanied oftentimes by ecstasies. He did not rest satisfied with loving God by himself alone, but desired that He should be loved by his brethren also; and hence devoted himself with ardent zeal to the preaching of the Divine Word, and had the happiness of converting thousands of sinners. This did not, however, suffice; the humble Franciscan, whose fame had spread throughout Spain and who was honored by the court, was given to the practice of such austerities that it became needful to restrain them. The relaxation that had crept into the Order caused him the keenest chagrin; by way of remedying it he instituted a reform known as that of "the strict observance," and died on the 19th October, at the monastery of Arenas.
MORAL REFLECTION. How can one feel safe about one's way of life, unless able to echo the saying of the Master: "The works that I do bear witness of me!"-(John v. 36.)" Pictorial half hours with the saints by Rev. Fr. Auguste François Lecanu
Prayer:
O thou whom according to our Lord's promise, art never invoked in vain, if thou deign thyself to present our prayers to Him; obtain for us that relish for heavenly things, which causes an aversion for those of earth. It is the petition made by the whole Church, through thy merits, to the God who bestowed on thee the gift of such wonderful penance and sublime contemplation. The great family of Friars Minor cherishes the treasure of thy teaching and example; for the honor of thy holy Father Francis and the good of the Church, maintain in it the love of its austere traditions. Withdraw not thy precious protection from the Carmel of Teresa of Jesus; nay, extend it to the whole religious state, especially in these days of trial. Source: The Liturgical Year: Time after Pentecost (v. 11, 3rd ed.) By Don Prosper Guéranger
Saint Luke, Evangelist
by VP
Posted on Saturday October 18, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
El Greco. St. Luke
"He was bred up a physician in Antioch, and generally believed to be one of the seventy-two disciples. He wrote the Gospel, as he had received it from the apostles,
but particularly from St. Paul. He was his faithful companion in all
his persecutions; so that while many others forsook him, St. Luke did
not: Only Luke is with me. (2 Tim. iv. 11.) For this reason, he is often
commended by St. Paul in his epistles; and not only for his constancy,
but for his being a true disciple of Christ crucified: He always bore
about in his body the dying of Jesus. (2 Cor. iv. 10.) He wrote likewise the Acts of the Apostles.
History says that he was at length put to death in Achaia, whence his
relics, together with those of St. Andrew, were translated to
Constantinople, under the Emperor Constantius.
Read the Gospel, and Read the Gospel, and pray for grace to be faithful in the practice of it; and that no corrupt maxims of the world may take place of it in your heart.
Pray for the constancy of this saint, that no sort of persecution or trouble, no power of convenience or interest, may prevail on you to forsake the commandments or the creed.
Let his example teach you to be a comfort to such as are in trouble. To
be friendly to persons in power and plenty, is to be suspected of
self-love: but to be a friend to the poor and oppressed, is the effect of charity. Keep up your correspondence with these, give them no occasion of scandal, by forsaking those in their trouble, whom you have courted in their
prosperity.
Ask for grace to become a true follower of Christ crucified. Examine of what spirit you are. If you admire and follow the world, with its vanities, you have not yet learnt to be a disciple of Christ. Beseech God to protect you by his heavenly grace, and not suffer you to follow any other spirit than that of his gospel: that as it was His Holy Spirit that assisted the evangelists in writing the Gospel, the same Divine Helper may assist you also to follow it." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. John GOTHER
" [1] And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. [2] And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send laborers into his harvest. [3] Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. [4] Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. [5] Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house." Source: DouayRheims
V. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest.
R-. That He send laborers into His harvest. (St. Luke xi 2)
Let us pray:
O Holy Ghost, Spirit of Wisdom and Divine Love, impart Thy Knowledge, Understanding and Counsel to Youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God’s Holy Will, guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyard where they will labor in God’s holy cause.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy and Mother of all Priests and Religious, turn a merciful ear to our petition that many will dedicate themselves to thy Divine Son. Prompt them to be zealous and self-sacrificing priests, Brothers and Sisters in our beloved country and in foreign missions. Help them to bring love and knowledge of the Most Holy Trinity to souls that otherwise might be lost for eternity. Amen.
Queen of Vocations, hear our prayer!
St. Joseph, pray for us!
St. Pius X, pray for us!
St. John Vianney, pray for us!
Source: Catholic Research Resources Alliance: The Catholic Standard and Times Volume 65, number 27, 25 March 1960
For more prayers for vocations, please visit this page:
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
by VP
Posted on Friday October 17, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"The
special devotions of the Church are various and manifold. They are
suited to the character of the times and of each individual. All are
good. Some are more suited to one class of individuals than to another.
Because of the abundance of these devotions, not all may be practiced by
a single person, and each one chooses such as appeal more strongly to
his inclination and taste. "In selecting devotions we must not supplant
what is essential, nor unduly multiply what is merely accidental.”
There are two, however, which must be fostered by every priest. They are a fervent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a tender affection for His Blessed Mother.The famous moralist, Father H. Noldin, says of the devotion to the Sacred Heart: "The candidate for the priesthood who understands and practices this devotion, will surely acquire the sacerdotal spirit and the characteristic virtues of the priesthood as preparation for Holy Orders. He possesses in this devotion a certain means of preserving and guarding the spirit of his calling throughout life."
From the Sacred Heart of
Jesus the seminarian imbibes that zeal for the salvation of souls which
is the keystone of a good priestly life. "Learn of Me, for I am meek and
humble of heart." Jesus wishes His future priests especially to imitate Him. In the first seminary He was the teacher. The zeal of the Apostles was kindled by the Sacred Heart. Again in His revelations to the Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque He promised to priests who
honor His Sacred Heart, grace to convert hardened sinners. Since those
devotions, which are of benefit not only for himself but also for those
who are to receive his priestly ministrations, are best suited to the
priest, it is evident that devotion to the Sacred Heart is admirably
adapted to the aspirant to the priesthood. It inflames the heart of the
priest with burning love for God, and brings advantages for those under
his charge. "When the priest is kindled with the fire of the Sacred Heart, his people, too, will walk in a great light," says Cardinal Manning." The Seminarian, His Character and Work By Rev. Albert Rung, Diocese of Buffalo 1916
LITANY IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us: Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Pray for us
Holy Mother of God, Pray for us
Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us
St John, Pray for us
St Francis of Sales, Pray for us
St Jane Frances Chantal, Pray for us
Blessed Margaret Mary, Pray for us
Pearl of great price, Pray for us
Flower of the field, Pray for us
Lily of the valleys, Pray for us
Morning rose, Pray for us
Child most dear to Mary, Pray for us
Incense of sweet odor, Pray for us
Palm of patience, Pray for us
Treasure of charity, Pray for us
Despiser of the world, Pray for us
Spouse most beloved of Christ, Pray for us
Violet of the garden of St Francis of Sales, Pray for us
Star shining in the midst of clouds, Pray for us
Rule of obedience, Pray for us
Model of mortification, Pray for us
Seraph before the altar, Pray for us
Sanctuary of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Delight of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Apostle of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Plaintive dove, Pray for us
Dove most beautiful, Pray for us
Rock unmoved in the midst of tempests, Pray for us
Mistress most gentle, Pray for us
Angel of holy counsel, Pray for us
Terror of demons, Pray for us
Intercessor for sinners, Pray for us
Solace of the poor, Pray for us
Relief of the sick, Pray for us
Holocaust of divine love, Pray for us
New star of the Church, Pray for us
Joy of thy holy order, Pray for us
Glory of thy people, Pray for us
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us: Christ, graciously hear us.
Anthem.
The kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls, who, when he had found one of great price, gave all that he had and bought it.
V. Grace is poured abroad in thy lips;
R. Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast wonderfully revealed to the blessed Margaret, Virgin, the unsearchable riches of thy heart: grant that we, by her merits and following her example, may love thee in all things and above all things, and may be found worthy to obtain an eternal resting-place in the same thy heart.
Accept, O Lord, the offerings of thy people, and grant that we may feel the flames of that divine fire, which, issuing from the heart of thy Son, inflamed so ardently the blessed Margaret.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we who have received the mysteries of thy body and blood, may, through the intercession of the blessed Margaret, be made worthy to cast away the proud vanities of the world, and to put on the gentleness and humility of thy heart. The Manual of the Sacred Heart: a Select Volume of Prayer for Daily Us, 1866
St. Hedwig, Widow, A.D. 1243.
by VP
Posted on Thursday October 16, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"She was born in Moravia, piously educated, and married by her parents to Henry, duke of Poland. In this state, she acquitted herself faithfully of all her respective duties to God, her husband, and her family; making it her study in all things to please God, and to sanctify her own soul and her household. After some time, that she might more entirely give herself to God, she engaged her husband to agree to a mutual vow of perpetual continence; from which time they never met but in public places. St. Hedwig had many crosses to endure, by which she learned more bitterly to deplore the miseries and blindness of the world, and more perfectly to disengage her heart from its slavery. Whether in prosperity or adversity, her whole comfort was in God, and the exercises of religion. The simplicity which she observed in her dress, shewed that she was an enemy to all vanity. The love of dress banishes the spirit of Christ and his gospel, cherishes the root of many vices, and cannot find place in one whose conduct is regulated by a true Christian spirit. She fasted every day except Sunday and great festivals. Her tears and piety were extraordinary, when she approached to the Holy Communion; and she heard Mass with a devotion which astonished all who beheld her. After the death of her husband, she entered into a religious house of Bernardine nuns; where, in the exercise of prayer, humility, mortification, and wonderful charity, she ended her days, in the year 1243.
Here are lessons, first, for young persons not to promise themselves in marriage, without the approbation and consent of their parents. It is a state which requires great grace to go well through its duties and difficulties; and to engage unduly in it, is not the way to obtain that grace. Secondly, for married persons to be very faithful in the arduous duties of their state. Thirdly, for widows, teaching them to make use of the opportunity which God puts into their hands, of working out their salvation in all the exercises of piety and charity. Pray for all states, and be faithful in your own, whatever it be." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church By Fr. John GOTHER
Saint Gerard Majella, Redemptorist
by VP
Posted on Thursday October 16, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"Oh, how differently did the saints act! St Gerard Majella was once wickedly calumniated in the most painful, the most humiliating manner. The calumny was such that his pure heart must have been filled with horror at the very thought of it; and it was so cunningly planned, that it was scarcely possible not to hold him guilty. Holy Communion was forbidden him; all, even his superiors, believed him guilty; and he, the saint himself, said not a single word in his own defense, but lovingly left it all to his divine Lord. "It is thy affair, dear Lord," he said. "Wilt thou that I am humbled, that I walk the path which thou hast walked, I am content." With all others he was silent, till the calumniator acknowledged his own wickedness. (...) These are heroic acts, such as saints practice; but we ought often to bring them before our mind, to shame us for not having yet taken a single step along this path, or even turned our steps towards it.
To-day, then, we will make the resolution not to excuse ourselves; but rather-for once in our lives-let blame be put upon us for something we have not done. We will consider our own advantage, and therefore not push the blame on to others either; and if it should happen that we are accused of a thing without cause, we will submit to it in silence, and think to ourselves: "I have deserved it another time, if not now!" or, "For the love of my Lord !" Lenten Meditations By Mother Mary Louis Christine Clare Fey, Imprimatur 1923
Prayer to St. Gerard Majella
St.
Gerard, true lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, do
thou who didst kneel long hours before the tabernacle, and there didst
taste the joy of paradise, obtain for us, we pray thee, the spirit of
prayer, and an undying love for this most Holy Sacrament, that receiving
frequently the Body and Blood of Jesus we may daily grow in His Holy
Love and merit the priceless grace of loving Him even to the end.
Saint Gerard Majella's Resolutions
1. O my God, my only love, today and every day I give myself up to Thy good pleasure. In all temptations and trials I will say always: Thy will be done. All that Thou mayest ordain for me I will embrace with my whole heart, never ceasing to raise my eyes to heaven, there to adore the divine hands which cast towards me the precious pearls of Thy most holy will
2. Amongst all the virtues which are dear to Thee, O my God, that which I love with a love of predilection is holy purity. My trust is in Thee, O infinite holiness, to preserve me from any thought which might sully the brightness of my soul.
3. I will say nothing either good or bad about myself. I will attack no one in conversation, nor will I make any reference to the faults of others, even by way of a joke. I will be careful to excuse everyone, considering in my neighbor the person of Jesus Christ Himself, whom the Jews accused, notwithstanding His innocence. I will defends others, especially in their absence. If I should noting anyone committing a fault, I will be careful not to correct him in the presence of others. I will speak to him on the matter between ourselves and in a low tone of voice.
4. Never will I mix myself up with anyone else's business; I will never say that anyone has done anything badly.
5. In all interior conflicts I will be careful not to listen to self-love. If anyone blames or accuses me, I will strive to make all bitter feelings pass gently away; then tranquility will reign at the bottom of my soul.
6. My supreme resolution is to give myself unreservedly to God. For this reason I will have continually before my eyes this motto: Be thou deaf, blind, and mute. Only one thing do I desire - Thy good pleasure, O my God, and not mine own. In me, O Lord, may Thy will, not mine be done.
7. May my prayers, my communions, and all my good works be always applied for the salvation of poor sinners in union with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
8. In visiting the Blessed Sacrament I will make the following Acts: O Lord Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament, and I adore Thee will all my heart. I have the intention of adoring Thee by this visit wherever Thou art present in the sacred Host, and I offer Thee Thy precious blood for poor sinners; also, I desire to receive Thee spiritually as many times as there are sanctuaries on earth in which Thou dost dwell.
9. I will have all possible veneration for priests, beholding in them Jesus Christ Himself, and striving to be penetrated with the greatness of their dignity.
10. I have obliged myself always to do that which is most perfect. By this I mean that which seems to me to be the most perfect course to take in the sight of God.
Blessed Sacrament Book by Fr. Francis X. Lasance. Life of St. Gerard Majella, by Rev. Fr. O.R. Vassall-Phillips C.SSR.
Litany of St. Gerard Majella:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, foster-father of Christ, Pray for us.
St. Alphonsus, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, enriched with extraordinary graces from early youth, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, perfect model of a faithful servant, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, bright pattern of the working class, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, seraph of love towards the Blessed Sacrament, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, living image of the crucified Savior, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, zealous client of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, bright mirror of innocence and penance, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, admirable model of heroic obedience, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, silent sufferer under ignominious calumny, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, great before God by thy deep humility, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, truly wise by thy childlike simplicity, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, supernaturally enlightened in divine mysteries, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, solely solicitous about the pleasures of God, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, indefatigably zealous for the conversion of sinners, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, wise counselor in the choice of a vocation, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, enlightened guide in the direction of souls, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, loving help of the poor and afflicted, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, wondrous patron of unbaptized children, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, compassionate intercessor in every necessity, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, honor and glory of the Order of Redemptorists, Pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Gracious hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Pray for us, Blessed Brother Gerard, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY.
(Prayer of the Church.)
O God, who wast pleased to draw to Thyself the Blessed Gerard from his youth, and to render him conformable to the image of Thy crucified Son,
grant, we beseech Thee, that following his example we may be transformed into the self-same image. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Manual of the Purgatorian Society: Containing Spiritual Reading and Prayers ...By Purgatorian Society
St. Teresa of Avila, Virgin, Carmelite 1582
by VP
Posted on Wednesday October 15, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Wake Forest, NC
"(...)
All the Discalced of both sexes suffered great and terrible
persecutions, from the heavy accusations and violent oppositions of
almost all the brethren of the mitigated Rule, and from the Pope's
nuncio, Sega, who succeeded Hormaneto, the great favorer of the
Reformed. This new nuncio seemed to be resolved upon the ruin of the
Reformation; and hereupon began with extreme rigor to condemn, imprison
and banish those whom he conceived most likely to make resistance.(...)
As
the holy mother had a great share in this persecution, not only by the
sufferings she endured in her own person, but also by the fellow-feeling
she had for all her children, so it is not to be doubted but that the
happy issue of the whole, to God's greater glory, and the great
advancement of her Order, is in a great measure to be attributed to her
prayers." Source: The life of the Holy Mother Saint Teresa
Prayer for priests by Saint Teresa of Avila
O my Most Sweet Jesus, O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, keep Thy priests in
the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where no one can hurt them. Keep their
anointed hands unsullied, which daily handle Thy Sacred Body. Keep pure
the lips which are reddened with Thy Precious Blood. Keep pure and
unworldly their hearts which are sealed with the sublime token of Thy
glorious priesthood.
Cause them to grow in love and loyalty to
Thee and protect them from the contamination of the world. With their
power of transforming bread and wine, give them the power of
transforming hearts. Bless their work with rich fruit and grant them one
day the crown of eternal life. Amen. Source: Cure d'Ars Prayer Group
At the age of eighteen, she obtained leave of her father to take the habit of the Carmelite nuns; and being professed, she became an example to the rest in the exercises
of humility, patience, prayer, and 'mortification. Here God was pleased
to try her with violent temptations and tedious sickness for above
twenty years. In all which time she remitted nothing of her usual
devotions or austerities; being always accustomed to say: Either suffer, or die!
She undertook to reform the Order of the Carmelites, and bring it to its
primitive austerity; and though she met with great opposition, and many
jealousies, she accomplished her design, and saw two-and-thirty
monasteries built of this institution. Having finished this work, she endeavored to approach still nearer to God in prayer and penance;
making a vow of doing whatever she judged to be most perfect; ever
lamenting the blindness of infidels and
sinners, but above all, her own misery, in being at so great a distance
from God.
Her writings discover what her spirit was, which God was likewise pleased to evidence by many miracles; though of all these, her life was the greatest. She exchanged this for a better, in the year 1582.
Learn from this saint to accustom yourself and those under your care to the reading of good books; and to be careful in the choice of company. Good conversation edifies, but that which is evil and worldly, makes ill impressions, and corrupts the soul.
If you have youth under your charge, be still more solicitous in this
point; and never expose them to bad company on any pretext of education,
preferment, or the like.
Learn not to be discouraged with sickness, temptations, troubles, or opposition. These are often the effects of God's greatest mercy and means for the greater perfection of those who sincerely seek him. Learn to be diligent in humility, charity, prayer, and penance. Pray that you may practice these holy lessons; and pray in particular for all the religious who follow the holy institution of St. Teresa." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER
Traditional Carmelites:St. Callistus, Pope and Martyr A.D. 222 (16th pope)
by VP
Posted on Tuesday October 14, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"He was bishop of Rome, under the Emperor Heliogabalus, and governed the Church five years and two months. He every way promoted exceedingly true religion and virtue, during his administration of the Church in very difficult times. The Emperor Alexander Severus who succeeded Heliogabalus, never persecuted, the Christians, but several martyrs suffered in his reign, through the implacable hatred borne to the Christians by his officers and magistrates. The apostolic labors of St. Callistus were thus crowned with martyrdom, in the year 222.
Pray for the Pope, and for all the pastors of the church; that being watchful over their flocks, they may lead all in the way of salvation.
Beg patience for all who are in troubles, and see that you be not dejected under the difficulties ordained for your portion. Humble yourself under them in the acknowledgment of your unworthiness; and confess God to be just in all his ways. Seek comfort in him who afflicts you, and pray for your persecutors. Keep your eyes on that crown, which is prepared for all who suffer with patience. By this method, your troubles may turn to much better account, than that quiet and peace which you so much desire.
Above all, be careful that your troubles hinder you not from prayer, and the exercise of other spiritual duties: for this would be yielding to the designs of your greatest enemy. But then seek God most, when you stand most in need of his help. All lawful states are capable of a religious spirit. If you make your ill circumstances your plea for neglect of religious duties, the fault is not in your circumstances, but in yourself; and if these were changed, there is too much reason to fear that you would be still the same. Patience is the best preservative of peace in all troubles; and if this proves no remedy to them, it will however crown you." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Fr. John GOTHER
Saint Edward the Confessor: Piety and Grandeur of Soul
by VP
Posted on Monday October 13, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
King Edward the Confessor, holding a ring and a sceptre. Engraving by J. Smith, 1732.
Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.
"PIETY AND GRANDEUR OF SOUL.-In the estimation of worldlings the word "piety" denotes littleness of mind; but this betokens littleness of judgment on their part, for religion shows forth the contrary by illustrious examples. No man was ever more pious, mortified, chaste, and charitable than St. Edward, king of England; but side by side with these purely Christian qualities he displayed a grandeur of soul worthy of the throne. He established a wisely-planned code, which still forms the groundwork of public law in England, and organized an administration so complete that the nation seemed to govern itself as of its own free will; and he proved himself fully able to repel his enemies by armed force whenever it was found needful to engage in war. His subjects loved him like a father. Providence seemed to have singled him out to repair the disasters resulting from forty years of invasion, and to restore his country. He died in 1066, after having founded the abbey of Westminster. "Weep not," he said to his queen Editha; "I am not about to die, but am beginning to live eternally."
MORAL REFLECTION.-"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and thereby "a wise man will increase his wisdom."(Prov. i. 5, 7.) Pictorial half hours with the saints. By Rev. Fr. Auguste François Lecanu
Saint Wilfrid, Bishop and Confessor, A.D. 709
by VP
Posted on Sunday October 12, 2025 at 01:29AM in Saints
St. Wilfrid, St Etheldreda's, Ely
"But as for you and your companions, you certainly sin if, having heard the decrees of the Apostolic See and of the Universal Church, and that the same is confirmed by Holy Writ, you refuse to follow them; for, though your fathers were holy, do you think that their small number, in a corner of the remotest island, is to be preferred before the Universal Church of Christ throughout the world? and if that Columba of yours (and I may say, ours also, if he was Christ's servant) was a holy man and powerful in miracles, yet could he be preferred before the most blessed prince of the apostles, to whom our Lord said, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, and to thee I will give the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." Lives of the English Saints. St. Wilfrid, Bishop of York p35
"Saint Wilfrid was bishop of York, in the beginning of the eighth century. He consecrated his youth to Almighty God, going into the monastery of Lindisfarne, at the age of fourteen. After some years, observing some remissness there, he went to Rome, that he might be there instructed in the rules of greater perfection. Returning into England, he made some stay at Canterbury, and thence carried the rule of St. Benedict into the North, which had not yet been received in those parts. His virtue and learning recommended him to the see of York. Egfrid soon after succeeding to the crown, this prelate's constancy was not accommodated to the temper of that prince, who therefore drove him from his see. But being again admitted, he died there in peace, having labored in all the duties of a good pastor nearly fifty years.
The good seed sown in his youth appeared afterwards in a plentiful harvest. Take the same method, if you have any under your care. Season youth with good principles; for thus only can you hope to secure it against the uncertain, vain, or vicious inclinations of those years, and against the infinite snares of a treacherous and corrupt world. They who are sensible of the many dangers to which these are exposed, will find all the care that they can take little enough to prevent their going astray. Therefore as for those, whose principal solicitude is for a fashionable education, and who for accomplishing this, venture their children into the midst of corruption; it is but too evident, that they are more concerned for this world, than for the next. If they live to see their children miserable, they can only thank themselves. But how will they make reparation for their fault, when it is beyond their power? Good education and example teach children to be saints; but to bring them up to the usual vanities and follies of the world, is putting them into the broad way, even the way of hell." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER
Saint Francis Borgia S.J., Confessor, Priest 1572
by VP
Posted on Friday October 10, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
Saint Francis Borgia praying at an altar.
How much the considerations of the things which we see on the earth ought to increase our humility:
"And, to commence with Bishops, I say that a Bishop has great matter for confusion before God, seeing how little care he takes of his people, despite the example of our Savior, who did not hesitate to give His life for the souls which His Father had confided to Him. Alas! how can anyone render an account of each individual under his charge, who does not even know his flock by sight?
What shall I say of the priest? What should be his confusion when he hears these words of Jesus Christ: "So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be My disciple;" (Luke xiv. 26) and when he compares the recklessness of his behavior with the sanctity of the Victim which he holds in his hands, and of which he is the sacrificer?
What ought also be the confusion of the preacher, when he reflects that he is called to the ministry of the Redeemer of the world, and that his life is so different from that of his Master? Let him consider the life which Jesus Christ led in the desert before He preached the Gospel, and let him form himself on this model. Unhappy is he who does not take care to make his conduct conformable to the doctrine which he teaches. Let him remember that the word of God is a holy word, and that an impure mouth is unworthy to announce it. Let him fear this terrible reproach that God made to the preachers by His Prophet: "But to the sinner God hath said: Why dost thou declare My justice, and take My covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hast hated discipline and hast cast My words behind thee." (Psalm xlix. 16, 17.) If the great Apostle feared to be a reprobate and a castaway when teaching others the way of salvation, should not the preacher tremble and keep himself in humility?" Spiritual Works of St. Francis Borgia, 1875 p 55."He was duke of Gandia in Spain. Having been educated in great piety by the archbishop of Saragossa, he was sent at the age of eighteen, by his father, to the court of the Emperor Charles V. There, being recommended by his singular piety, he was preferred by the emperor, and afterwards married to a Portuguese lady. Amidst these distractions at court, and a married life, he learned to contemn the world. After long soliciting, he obtained leave to quit the court; and the death of his lady gave him some release as to the distractions and dangers of the world. Having therefore founded a college for the fathers of the Society of Jesus, he settled his estate on his eldest son, took the habit of the Society, and was ordained priest. He retired into a hermitage; where he subjected himself to the meanest offices of the house, begged alms for the rest, and catechized children. Being taken from this obscure place by St. Ignatius, he was sent to preach through all Spain, which he did with great fruit. Afterwards, being called to Rome, he was chosen general of the Society; and having done great services to the Church, both by his labors and virtues, he made a holy end, in the year 1572. The instances of such a retreat have been rare in these latter ages; which being their reproach, is the commendation of our saint.
Reflect how little you can persuade yourself to leave for
Christ and then you will see reason to admire him. Let his example,
however, raise in you some desires of following it, though at a
distance. For if you take the other way of admiring the world, and seeking its greatness and riches, upon what title can you hope for heaven, which is promised only to the poor in spirit? And is it not an absurdity to live on with the hopes of heaven, while you are out of the way that leads to it? Carefully study the will of Christ, and the maxims of his gospel; and be conformed to them, and not to the world." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother.
"HIS FIRST MASS AND SERMON.
"It is," says Father Cepari, "altogether beyond the
power of words to express the spiritual content, the joy of soul
experienced by Francis, when he realized
the fact that he had now laid aside his title once and for ever, and
divested himself of all his dignities and possessions. He seemed now for
the first time truly to belong to himself, or, to speak more correctly,
to his Creator and his Lord, since there remained nothing which could
prevent him from giving himself altogether to Him.
Seeing himself to be clothed in the garb of poverty, feeling himself to be at last a Religious in very deed, he once more betook himself to the oratory. There prostrate on the ground before the Blessed Sacrament, with abundance of the sweetest tears, he gave thanks to God for having made him His servant, the bondsman of Jesus Christ. "O Lord," he exclaimed, "I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaid. Those hast broken my bonds; I will sacrifice to Thee the sacrifice of praise." Then, since he had enlisted beneath the banner of Christ, he desired to spread abroad the holy name of Jesus without regard to human respect or the judgments of men."
Francis was not one to allow his grateful joy to evaporate in outpourings of sentiment or bursts of rapture. His eager and energetic character delighted in action, and he now panted to be at work. Not a day did he lose in finding out what he was to do next. Having already, as the reader has seen, completed his studies, his immediate business was to prepare for the reception of Holy Orders. This he did not only by prayer, penance, and mortification, but by a careful and minute study of the ceremonies of the Mass. Even the least and apparently most unimportant of these, were regarded by him with the utmost respect and admiration, on account of the spirit in which the Church has instituted them, and the traditions of the holy Apostles and Pontiffs who have handed them on from age to age.
His
extreme reverence for holy things made him fear lest familiarity should
diminish his sense of the sacredness of the Mysteries of the Altar, and
of his own unfitness to approach them. When, at a subsequent period, his
position in the Society entitled him to speak with authority, he used
to endeavor by every means in his power to instill this reverential awe
into the minds of those who were preparing for the priesthood.
He dwelt with all the greater stress upon the necessity for it, because
he believed it to be too frequently lost sight of. To any one whom he
considered to be deficient in this respect, he would recall the terrible
fate of Oza. With a solemnity of manner which baffles description, he
would repeat and comment upon the words of Holy Scripture: "Oza put
forth his hand to touch the ark. And the Lord was angry with Oza, and
struck him, because he had touched the ark; and he died there before the
Lord." The Life of St. Francis Borgia of the Society of Jesus By A. M. Clarke 1894
