CAPG

SS. Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes and Martyrs, A.D. 89 and 304

2026-04-26T00:00:00-04:00

"Saint Cletus was the third bishop of Rome, and succeeded St. Linus, which shews his eminent virtue among the first disciples of St. Peter. He suffered martyrdom under the Emperor Domitian. St. Marcellinus succeeded St. Caius in the bishopric of Rome in the year 296. He acquired great glory in those stormy times of persecution, and is always styled a martyr, though he did not actually shed his blood in the cause of religion,

Pray for the present bishop who fills that holy see, that he may be assisted from heaven for the just discharge of his duty, and be preserved from all the criminal effects of human weakness. Pray for all who suffer on account of their faith, that they may hazard all extremities, and forsake all rather than Christ and His truth. Tremble at the thoughts of human weakness; and seek the best security in a most profound humility, and an entire dependence on God. How far are you from the disposition of the martyrs, when you can bear nothing with patience, are so easily disturbed, and so often put into a passion! How far are you from this, who are so little prepared to suffer any thing for God's sake: who cannot bear the trouble of an uneasy humor; who shrink from the labor of mortifying your own passions, and too often choose rather to transgress the divine law, than hazard the inconvenience of being faithful to your duty. You must confess, that there is nothing in this of the disposition of a martyr. This is all weakness, and nothing but the conduct of nature. It is nothing but what a heathen would do, who has neither faith to direct him better, nor any promises to encourage him, nor God's judgments to be an awe upon him. How unbecoming must this be in you, who have so many helps, and blessings, mercies, commands, and threats, to oblige you to another method. Confess your extreme misery, and beseech God to let the power of his grace overcome all your weakness." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

Pleasure in serving God

2026-04-26T00:00:00-04:00

Bernhard Plockhorst (1825–1907)

"Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice."— Phil. iv. 4.

"It has often been noticed, my dear brethren, and we every day come across examples of it, that when things are going well men think very little about God and about the practice of their religious duties. We may almost say that, as things are at present, most men will not perform their duty to God unless they are driven to do so by something unpleasant and hard to bear. It is when a man is taken ill that he sends for a priest and makes his confession and receives the Sacraments; as soon, however, as he gets well it is only too probable that he will return to his old ways.

Now, this shows that the service of God is felt by a great many to be a heavy burden and yoke. And I am sorry to say that this feeling is not confined to those whose passions and low propensities are so strong as to hold them down for a great part of their lives in slavery and subjection to sin and vice. Many even of those who have freed themselves for the most part from this degrading bondage seem far from the possession of that spirit of holy joy with which every one trying to serve God should be filled. Many even of these seem to find the yoke of the Lord a heavy one: and if they do not cast it off, it is chiefly because they are afraid to do so.

Now, I am not going to say a word against the service of God which springs from the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.” The fear of God is not merely good-it is necessary for salvation. But it is only the beginning, not the perfection of wisdom. Moreover, it should not be the habitual dominant and constant motive of our religious life it should serve as a motive to fall back upon when higher motives are not felt. As St. Ignatius says: We should ask of God the grace to fear Him, so that if and when through our faults we grow forgetful of God's love, the fear of punishment may hold us back from offending Him. In other words, we ought, as a rule, to be serving God from love and holy joy rather than from fear and dread.

This is the teaching of the Holy Scripture, and especially of the great Apostle our patron, St. Paul. The text is but a sample of similar injunctions which might be found in every one of his Epistles "Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice." Do not be always looking upon the service of God as a heavy burden and yoke to which you must be driven as a fear of punishment, but let that service fill your souls at all times with delight and satisfaction. This is what St. Paul enjoins. Why is it not so with us? Why should it be so?

Well, there are ten thousand reasons why the service of God should be delightful and satisfactory; but I can refer to one only this morning— one, however, of which I think that we can all feel the force. As a rule, the man who is carrying on a profitable and successful business is, so long as everything goes well, tolerably happy. You don't see him going about with a long face, and although he may grumble a little, as most men do, you can see that he does not mean it. Now, if this is the case in the midst of the uncertainties which are inseparable from all human transactions, what ought to be the satisfaction and contentment of a man who has seriously taken in hand the one necessary business? For how does the case stand with such a man? The man who has seriously taken in hand the business of saving his own soul must succeed - for him there is no such thing as failure. So long as he is willing he must be prosperous. And why? Because he has Almighty God as a partner. And God is ready to give him what I hope it is not irreverent to call unlimited credit. In this life he pours into his soul His heavenly grace, and this grace gives to all his actions a value which gives him a right to an eternal recompense. No action from morning to night, from week's end to week's end, but may be made profitable and fruitful, if done with a right intention, and, of course, if there is nothing sinful in it. This is the position in which any and every man may be placed and may remain if he so wills, and of the sense and judgment of a man who is not satisfied by such terms I have but a poor opinion." (Third Sunday after Easter - Five-minute Sermons from the Paulist Fathers 1893)

St. Mark, Evangelist

2026-04-25T00:00:00-04:00

St. Mark the Evangelist by Valentin de Boulogne

St. Mark, Evangelist

"He was a disciple of St. Peter, and one of the Evangelists. Pray that the Gospel may be the rule of your life; and while you profess a faith of what it teaches, see that your practice be not a confutation of your profession. Pray for all those who read the Gospel, that they may not wrest it to their own perdition, through presumption and rashness; but being assisted by the same spirit, by which it was written, may be led into all truth.

St. Mark went into Egypt, and was the first who preached the Christian faith at Alexandria, where by his labours the Church was established, and by his example the faithful were trained up in that exact discipline conformable to the rules of the Gospel, that they were a pattern to all believers, and admired even by the enemies of their faith. And after having suffered great persecution, he was called to the reward of his labours, in the fourteenth year of the Emperor Nero. Pray for all who embrace the true faith; and for all the professors of it; that they may live up to the maxims of the Gospel, and give no occasion to unbelievers to blaspheme the name of Christ. There is nothing so scandalous, as a wicked life, joined with the true faith: it carries everywhere contagion with it, infecting both friends and enemies. There is nothing so provoking to Almighty God, as it involves a contempt of His greatest mercies, and therefore draws down His heaviest judgments. Pray for the reformation of all believers, that infidelity may not be the punishment of abused Christianity. (...)." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

April 25. Rogation Days, Prayer without Ceasing

2026-04-25T00:00:00-04:00

Prescribed days of prayer and penance in spring. Two sets of rogation days were kept since early Christian times: the Major Rogation on April 25, the Feast of St. Mark; and the Minor Rogations on the last three days before Ascension Thursday. They were instituted to appease divine justice, ask for protection, and invoke God's blessing on the harvest. (Catholic Dictionnary, Catholic Culture)

Rogation is simply an English form of the Latin rogatio, which comes from the verb rogare, which means "to ask". The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension day, were called Rogation days or days of solem supplication and prayer. On these days the priest and people went in procession, singing the litanies, to beg God’s blessing upon the fruits of the earth, and be preserved from pestilence, famine, ect. (Right Rev. Dr. Challoner)

Litany of the Saints

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,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of Virgins,
St. Michael,
St. Gabriel,
St. Raphael,
All ye holy Angels and Archangels,
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,
St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
St. Joseph,
All holy Patriarchs and Prophets,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. James,
St. John,
St. Thomas,
St. James,
St. Philip,
St. Bartholomew,
St. Matthew,
St. Simon,
St. Thaddeus,
St. Matthias,
St. Barnabas,
St. Luke,
St. Mark,
All holy Apostles and Evangelists,
All holy Disciples of the Lord,
All Holy Innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
St. Vincent,
SS. Fabian and Sebastian,
SS. John and Paul,
SS. Cosmas and Damian,
SS. Gervase and Protase,
All holy Martyrs,

St. Sylvester,
St. Gregory,
St. Ambrose,
St. Augustine,
St. Jerome,
St. Martin,
St. Nicholas, p
All holy Bishops and Confessors,
All holy Doctors, pray for us.

St. Anthony,
St. Benedict,
St. Bernard,
St. Dominic,
St. Francis,
All holy Priests and Levites,
All holy Monks and Hermits,

St. Mary Magdalen,
St. Agatha,
St. Lucy,
St. Agnes,
St. Cecilia,
St. Catherine,
St. Anastasia,
All holy Virgins and Widows,
All holy Saints of God, intercede for us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.
From all evil, deliver us, O Lord.
From all sin,
From Thy wrath anger,
From sudden and unprovided death,
From the snares of the devil,
From anger, and hatred, and all ill will,
From the spirit of fornication,
From lightning and storms,
From the scourge of earthquake,
From plague, famine, and war,
From everlasting death,
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation,
Through Thy Coming,
Through Thy Nativity,
Through Thy Baptism and holy Fasting,
Through Thy Cross and Passion,
Through Thy Death and Burial,
Through Thy holy Resurrection,
Through Thy admirable Ascension,
Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete,
In the day of Judgment,
We sinners, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare us,
That Thou wouldst pardon us, .
That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance,
That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thy holy Church,
That Thou wouldst preserve our Holy Pope and all orders of the Church, in holy Religion,
That Thou wouldst humble the enemies of holy Church,
That Thou wouldst give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes,
That Thou wouldst grant peace and unity to all Christian people,
That Thou wouldst recall all who have wandered from the unity of the Church, and lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel,
That Thou wouldst confirm and preserve us in Thy holy service,
That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly desires,
That Thou wouldst give eternal blessings to all our benefactors,
That Thou wouldst deliver our souls, and the souls of our brethren, relations, and benefactors from eternal damnation,
That Thou wouldst give and preserve from harm the fruits of the earth,
That Thou wouldst grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed,
That Thou wouldst graciously hear us, Son of God,

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, graciously 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.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, ....

Psalm 69

O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.
Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul.
Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame that desire evils to me.
Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me: ‘tis well, ‘tis well.
Let all that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee. And let such as love Thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.
But I am needy and poor; O God, help me.
Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
V. Save thy servants.
R. Who hope in Thee, O my God.
V. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength.
R. From the face of the enemy.
V. Let not the enemy prevail against us.
R. Nor the son of wickedness have power to hurt us.
V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.
R. Neither requite us according to our iniquities.
V. Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff N....
R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for Thy Name’s sake, to reward with eternal life all those who do us good. Amen.

V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.
R. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. For our absent brethren.
R. Save thy servants who hope in Thee, O my God.
V. Send them help, O Lord, from thy holy place.
R. And from Sion protect them.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Prayer

Let us pray.
O God, whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, receive our humble petition: that we, and all Thy servants who are bound by the chain of sin, may be the compassion of Thy goodness mercifully be absolved.
Graciously hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord the prayers of Thy suppliants, and forgive the sins of those that confess to Thee: that, in Thy bounty, Thou mayest grant us pardon and peace.
In Thy clemency, O Lord, show Thine unspeakable mercy to us: that Thou mayest both loose us from all the punishments which we deserve for them.
O God, who by sin art offended, and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people making supplication to Thee, and turn away the scourges of Thine anger, which we deserve for our sins.
Almighty, everlasting God, have mercy upon Thy servant N, Our Sovereign Pontiff, and direct him according to Thy clemency into the way of everlasting salvation, that by Thy grace he may both desire those things that are pleasant to Thee, and perform them with all his strength.
O God, from Whom are all holy desires, right counsels, and just works, give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give: that both our hearts, given over to Thy commands, and our times, the fear of our foes removed, may by Thy protection be peaceful.
Inflame, O Lord, our reins and hearts with the fire of the Holy Ghost: that we may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a clean heart.
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 pious supplications they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired.
Prevent, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy inspirations, and further them by Thy assistance: that every word and work of ours may begin always from Thee, and by Thee be likewise ended.
Almighty, everlasting God, who hast dominion over the living and the dead, and art merciful to all, of whom Thou fore-knowest that they will be Thine by faith and good works: we humbly beseech Thee, that they for whom we intend to pour forth our prayers whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come hath already received them out of their bodies, may, through the intercession of all Thy Saints, by the clemency of Thy goodness, obtain the remission of all their sins, Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear us. Amen
And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in Peace.

The Lukewarm Priest

2026-04-24T00:00:00-04:00

Peter Fendi: Fridolin Assists with the Holy Mass

"(That) priest is certainly greatly to blame who is filled with the spirit of the age that he ridicules every pious devotion, even those devotions approved of by the Church; who is, on principle, opposed to pious sodalities and confraternities; who makes light of the rosary, the medal, the scapular and so on; who never encourages the people to practice frequent Communion; who discourages and even opposes those who wish to enter the convent, especially when they are useful to himself; who is, on principle, opposed to missions, to retreats and the like; who looks upon Catholic Schools as a foreign notion, or at least as an unnecessary luxury; who takes more interest in fairs and dances than in teaching his poor children the catechism; who finds more pleasure in fast horses than in the conversion of sinners; who spends more time in carousing, in visiting the theaters and watering places than in instructing the ignorant and praying before his Lord hidden in the tabernacle.

Such a priest is clearly a stumbling block to many on the way of salvation. But let us forget that he is also an enemy of souls, who is ever guided by rash, imprudent zeal; who sends people to the convent who have no marks of a divine vocation; who encourages young men to study for the priesthood, who are slaves of the most shameful vices; who allow frequent Communion to worldly-minded young women, passionately addicted to so-called fashionable, yet really indecent dances; who show an insane jealousy of their neighboring priests, especially if these priests have the good or ill fortune to be religious!

(…) He is not very strict in observing the rubrics. He rushes through his breviary with little attention and devotion. He confesses but seldom, and even then with little preparation. He hurries through Mass without preparation or thanksgiving, without devotion or recollection. The lukewarm priest may labor much, but his motives are merely natural. His actions are not prompted by the inspirations of grace. Hence he makes so little progress in the path of virtue. He preaches to others, but how does he practice what he preaches? He prays in the name of the Church, but does he pray from his heart? (…) Every day at the altar, he opens heaven to others, while his own heart has no desire for heaven.

Every day our Lord comes down from heaven to cast fire upon his heart, and his heart remains cold; the fire of divine love will not burn. If a man takes every day the most nourishing food and yet does not get strong, he must certainly be sick; there must be something wrong!" Source: The Catholic Priesthood, Michael Muller p68

Prayer for Priests Who Have Become Unfaithful to Their Vocation

Divine Savior Jesus Christ, Thou are the Good Shepherd who gives His life for His sheep. Oh, be in a very special way the Good Shepherd of those poor lost priests who are also appointed by Thee to be leaders of Thy people, but who have broken the oath of their holy ordination and have become unfaithful to their exalted calling. Bestow upon these poorest of the poor the very fullness of that pastoral solicitude with which Thou dost so faithfully seek the sheep that are lost! Touch their hearts with the irresistible ray of grace which emanates from Thine all-merciful love! Enlighten their minds and strengthen their wills, that they may turn away from all sin and error and come back to Thy holy altar and to Thy people. O most compassionate Savior! Remember that Thou didst once redeem the souls of Thine erring priests with Thy Precious Blood and in infinite preferential love didst impress upon them the indelible character of the priesthood. Put wholly to shame those miserable helpers of Satan who lay snares for the virtue of priests and endanger the holy ideal of the priesthood. Most graciously accept our prayers and sacrifices for poor priests who have gone astray and hear our earnest petition. Amen

St. Anthony of Padua, defender of the Holy Eucharist, obtain for us holy priests.
St. John-Mary Vianney, model of sacerdotal holiness, obtain for us holy priests.
St. Francis Xavier, patron of missionary priests, obtain for us holy priests.
St. Therese of the Child-Jesus and of the Holy Face, victim offered for the sanctification of priests, obtain for us holy priests.
Saints and Servants of God, obtain for us holy priests.

Imprimatur - Bishop John F. Null (April 18, 1948)

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringa, Martyr, A.D. 1622.

2026-04-24T00:00:00-04:00

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo: Saint Fidelis of Sigmarigen and Saint Joseph of Leonessa

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a Capuchin (d. 1622). This holy martyr had a great devotion to Jesus' loving Heart, to which he consecrated himself in the following prayer: "O most sweet Heart of Jesus, I give unto Thee, Who art the source of all good, my heart, with all its affections. I place before Thee all my sins and faults, that they may be blotted out by Thy Precious Blood. But especially I ask of Thee that in the dreadful hour of my death I may find a sure resting place in the wound of Thy adorable Heart.'"The Sacred Heart accepted this consecration, and filled the Saint's heart with so many graces that his most ardent desire was to shed his blood for Jesus Christ and for the Church." This wish was fully realized. When leaving his monastery for the last time, he was told that he would fall into the hands of the heretics and meet with certain death. His brief answer was: "I have offered myself for this." The holy Martyr's breast was stabbed by the heretics, and a sharp spear pierced his heart.† Friends and Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, By Fr. Peter Joseph Chandlery, S.J.

"From his youth, this saint was eminent for singular gifts both of nature and grace. His modesty, meekness, chastity, and other virtues, charmed all who had the happiness of his acquaintance. He received the Blessed Sacrament very frequently: in every town where he came, he visited the hospitals and churches; and passed several hours upon his knees before the Blessed Sacrament. He gave to the poor sometimes the very clothes off his back.

For some time he practiced the law as a counselor at Colmar, with great reputation, but still greater virtue. He abstained from all invective, detraction, and whatever might affect the reputation of any adversary. He conceived a disgust, however, for a profession, which was to many an occasion of sin; and determined to enter among the Capuchin friars. He first received holy orders, and having said his first mass in their convent at Fribourg, he consecrated himself to God by taking the habit. From that moment, humiliations, mortification, and implicit obedience were his delight. In regard to dress and furniture, he always chose that for his own use, which was the least valuable and convenient. His life was a continued prayer and recollection; and at his devotions he seemed rather like an angel than a man.

When he had finished his course of divinity, St. Fidelis was employed in preaching and hearing confessions. He reformed many by his zealous labors, and converted several Calvinists. When a pestilential fever infected the Austrian army, he exercised wonderful charity in assisting the sick and dying. He also exerted himself indefatigably in composing differences between neighbors, and relieving those who were in distress. He was most devout to the Blessed Virgin, and regularly recited the holy rosary. By her prayers and those of other saints, he begged that he might shed his blood in the defense of the Catholic faith. His prayer was granted. For the Calvinists were so incensed against him, for his pious labors to convert them, that they murdered him in the year 1622, the forty-fifth of his age.

Pray for all who are engaged in the holy ministry, and laboring for the conversion of souls. To contribute to the conversion of a sinner, is something more excellent than to raise the dead to life. The soul, which from the death of sin is raised to the life of grace, passes from slavery to the devil, to the dignity and privileges of a child of God. By this divine adoption, she is rescued out of the abyss of infinite misery, and exalted to the most sublime state of glory and happiness, in which all the treasures of grace and of heaven are her portion for ever." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

#12 Acts of Adoration Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in reparation for all the offenses committed against Him by mankind

2026-04-23T01:00:00-04:00

12. We adore Thee, O amiable Jesus, and revere the sacred mystery of the Blessed Eucharist, revealed by Thy divine word, taught by the Church, and proved by miracles; And to repair the doubts which men have had of Thy real presence in the Holy Sacrament, we offer up to Thee the due submission shown by the Prophets to Thy divine oracles. 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.

Source: CAPG

St. George, Martyr, Patron of England, A.D. about 303.

2026-04-23T00:00:00-04:00

St. George

"He is the ancient patron of this nation (England). Pray therefore this day for your country: recommend it earnestly to the divine protection. Beg all blessings upon it, both temporal and spiritual; and let your petitions be multiplied in proportion to the many evils to which it is subject.

St. George was a martyr. Pray for all those who suffer for their faith, that they may be strengthened from above. Pray for all others under whatever kind of trouble, that God would give them patience, and be their comfort.

Authentic history furnishes us with very few particulars relating to this martyr, besides his being a soldier in Cappadocia, and being put to death under Dioclesian for the Christian faith. But the extraordinary devotion of all Christendom to this saint, is an authentic proof how glorious his triumph and name have always been in the Church. According to the best accounts, he was born in Cappadocia, of noble Christian parents. After the death of his father, he went with his mother into Palestine. Having embraced the profession of a soldier, he was made a tribune, or colonel in the army. For his courage and conduct, he was soon preferred to higher stations by the Emperor Dioclesian. When that Prince waged war against the Christian religion, St. George laid aside the marks of his dignity, threw up his commission and posts of honor, and complained to the emperor himself of his severe and cruel edicts. He was immediately cast into prison, and tried, first by promises, and afterwards by the rack, and tortured with great cruelty; but nothing could shake his constancy. The next day he was led through the city and beheaded. St. George is usually painted on horseback, and tilting at a dragon under his feet; but this representation is no more than an emblematical figure, purporting that by his faith and Christian fortitude he conquered the Devil, who is called the dragon in the Apocalypse. The general opinion of his courage in his military profession, and great constancy in his suffering for justice and truth, has been a motive to our forefathers to choose St. George for the patron of this nation. They hoped by his charity to obtain of God a plentiful benediction in all public affairs, and success to their arms. The same considerations may be motives to us this day to enquire into ourselves, and see how much we want his charitable assistance, in order to obtain those so necessary qualifications, which rendered him so eminent to the Christian world, his courage and constancy. Without these, we can neither do what we are commanded, nor suffer what Providence has ordained for us. One that was a soldier is a proper patron for Christians. For, whatever their sex or condition be, they are soldiers of Christ, their whole life is a warfare upon earth, they have many battles to fight, they are to meet very powerful enemies in the field; and without great courage and perseverance, they can never hope for victory.

Courage is necessary in the discharge of our common duties; because of the great opposition we meet with, from the general corruption of those with whom we live and converse. Custom and practice have given such authority to sinful liberty and neglect, that a compliance seems expected from all: and those who refuse to go along with the stream, must look to be charged with pride, singularity, and bigotry. Now while this seems to concern our reputation, those who have not courage to bear the stroke, surrender and yield; and by joining in what they disapprove, show that it is fear that carries them on; and that they would be virtuous, if they were but bold enough to be so. This fear puts numbers upon complying with all the extravagances of fashion and the age: and though sensible how disagreeable, and even opposite many of these are to the spirit of the gospel, yet awed by what the world will say, they choose to follow what they condemn, and become children of the world, because they dare not be the disciples of Christ.

Thus is courage always necessary for a Christian; and without it, he cannot either live or die well. And it being the gift of God, it ought to have a part in our prayers this day, that so every one may hope to obtain such a degree of it, as his state requires. Grant it therefore, O God: leave us not to ourselves, but mercifully assist us by thy grace, that following the example of thy saints, we may with courage and resolution persevere to the end." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

SS. Soter and Caius, Pope and Martyrs, A.D. 177 and 296

2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00

Martyrdom of Pope Caius

" Saint Soter was raised to the papacy, upon the death of St. Anicetus in 173. By the sweetness of his discourses, he comforted all persons with the tenderness of a father, and assisted the indigent with liberal alms, especially those who suffered for the faith. He liberally extended his charities, according to the custom of his predecessors, to remote churches, particularly to that of Corinth, to which he addressed an excellent letter, which was read for edification on Sundays at their assemblies to celebrate the divine mysteries, together with the letter of St. Clement, pope. St. Soter vigorously opposed the heresy of Montanus, and governed the Church to the year 177, when he was put to death for the Christian faith, under Marcus Aurelius.

St. Caius succeeded St. Eutychian in the apostolic see, in the year 283. The Church then enjoyed a calm, but was soon after disturbed by a tumultuous persecution for two years, on the death of Carinus. St. Caius encouraged St. Sebastian and the other martyrs and confessors. However, to preserve himself for his flock, he withdrew for a time to avoid the fury of the storm. Having sat twelve years, he died on the 21st of April, 296; his great sufferings having obtained him the title of martyr.

Pray for the present bishop of the holy see of Rome, and for all bishops and pastors of Christ's Church; that whether in peace or persecution, they may ever bear testimony to the truth. Their lives are powerful persuasives to virtue, if they live up to their character: and to licentiousness, if they give countenance to it. If they are unfaithful, let not this make you question the truth of what you profess. Your faith is built on the truth of God, and the promises of Christ: and however individuals may fail, these can never fail. Let the ill conduct therefore of others make you fear and tremble, and humbly distrust yourself, but not God's power, His goodness, or His truth. Learn the value of crosses and sufferings. Those Christian heroes, of whom the world was not worthy, all suffered, and were persecuted in many ways. These crosses ensured to them their greatest crowns" The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

The priest as one chosen from among men

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Blessed Noël Pinot, Priest and martyr: (1747-1794)

"We recognize the priest as one chosen from among men to serve men in the affairs of God. He is the minister of reconciliation with God, the teacher of the truth, and one who offers the sacrifice, who administers the sacraments, who prays for the people. We distinguish in him that double character of man and priest; we recognize the divine character of the priesthood which forces us to bend the knee to him for the forgiveness of sins and to receive from his hands the holy sacrifice of the Eucharist. His ordination has conferred upon the man the character of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. In the parish he is the ambassador of God, the administrator of the sacraments, the guardian of the sacred deposit of faith, the defender of the people's rights, and the unselfish friend of everyone. From the cradle to the grave, he touches intimately the lives of his people and brings to them in all the circumstances of life the blessing of the Divine Savior of whom he is the commissioned minister. The people feel that in the true priest there is no taint of selfishness, and that he is willing to sacrifice his life in order that the spiritual interests of his people may not suffer " Source: Bishop James Conaty, Our Young People, 1912

Prayer to Blessed Noel Pinot for Priests under Persecution:
Blessed Noel Pinot, who shared in the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus, the Sovereign Priest, deign to show us, your servants, the power of your intercession. Enlighten and strengthen priests; render them, like you, invincible in their defense of the Faith. Foster priestly and religious vocations in our parishes; fill those aspiring to the priesthood and the religious life with an ardent zeal. Obtain for the faithful the grace to better know and practice their religion. Ensure that families are faithful in carrying out their duties and grant that they be humble and respectful towards their pastors.
Preserve children and the youth from the many perils which threaten their beliefs and virtues; undo the plots of those who wish to tear them away from the maternal bosom of the Church. As you did during your life, aid the sick and the infirm; strengthen those who suffer and struggle. Finally, bless and crown with success the apostolic labors of the ministers of Christ and of all the Church militant, with the aim of restoring to our dear France (country) the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Blessed Noel Pinot, pray for us.

General Vicar A. Oger, Angers, France (July 10th, 1944)

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes

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The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (La multiplication des pains) by James Tissot

"Q. Did Christ make any particular promise, as regards the Eucharist, before he instituted it?
A. Yes, a very clear promise, in St. John's Gospel, Chapter 6.

Q. Does this chapter regard the Eucharist?
A. Yes; even the learned Mr. Johnston, a Protestant, in his "Unbloody Sacrifice," shows, at large, that the primitive Fathers understood this chapter as referring to the Eucharist.

Q. Is there any thing remarkable in the first part of this chapter?
A. Yes; the astonishing miracle which Christ performed in feeding five thousand persons, with only five loaves and two fishes, is here related; and such a miracle was truly a suitable prelude to the introduction of that miracle of miracles: the Holy Eucharist, by which He was, with heavenly bread - that is, with His own Body and Blood - to feed all His faithful followers. The very fact, that He wrought this astonishing miracle, before introducing the subject of the Eucharist, shows that He was about to speak on a matter that required strong faith in His followers and audience. If He had merely to announce to them, that He was going to give them common bread and wine, is it likely He would have introduced it by such a tremendous miracle?" Source: Controversial catechism; or, Protestantism refuted, and catholicism established by Rev. Stephen Keenan 1874

Was Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 really a miracle of sharing?
The Heresy of Denying a Miracle (A non-miraculous explanation for Christ’s feeding the 5,000 ignores the plain text of Scripture and does away with a host of Catholic beliefs)

St. Anselm, Arbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, A.D. 1109.

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St. Anselm

"Saint Anselm was born in Piedmont, and reclaimed from the disorders of his youth by the piety of the famous Lanfranc. By his advice, and that of the archbishop of Rouen, he became a religious, and made such advancement in all virtue, that he was soon chosen prior, and then abbot. He was all to all, by courtesy and charity, that he might find occasions of giving every one some suitable instructions to promote their salvation. Going afterwards to England to consult Lanfranc, then archbishop of Canterbury, his virtue so much recommended him to King William II., that after the death of Lanfranc, he obliged him to fill up that vacancy. His zeal however raised up so many enemies against him, and brought upon him so severe a persecution from the king, that he was forced to leave the kingdom. After three years, the king being dead, St. Anselm returned, but met with fresh opposition from the new king, Henry I. Amidst his troubles and public distractions, he often retired to his devotions, and watched long in them during the night. Leaving England to consult Pope Paschal II., he was forbidden by the king to return, unless he would comply with his unjust demands. Soon after, the king himself invited him to return; and he was received with great joy by the whole kingdom. But he survived only three years; and happily expired, laid on sackcloth and ashes, at Canterbury, in the year 1109, in the seventy-sixth of his age.

Let his eminent virtues arm you against despair in regard of those, whose disorderly youth gives you little hopes of good. God often shows his power in their conversion, and makes of them vessels of honour. Upon the same grounds despair not of yourself, whatever your present weakness be; but still continue on your endeavours for amendment, under the conduct of a director, whose prudence, piety, and patience may support you under the delays of your obstinate evil. Zeal is not only commendable, but necessary, amidst the general corruptions of the world; but if it gives up at the displeasure of men, it is not the zeal of the Gospel. He must have courage to suffer for justice and truth, who undertakes their cause." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

Eighth Meditation: The Penitent's Address to God His Father. St. Anselm's book of meditations and prayers, tr. by M.R. By Saint Anselm (Archbishop of Canterbury)

(...) "Rescue me, O Lord my God, and snatch me out of the hands of my enemies; for they too are Thine, they are the subjects of Thy almighty power; and they hate nothing of good works in me except what Thou hast given me. There is nothing in me that they hate, but only that I love Thee. And they scheme with all their endeavours, with all their might, with all their craft, to prevent my loving Thee, glorifying Thee, and ever seeking Thee. Therefore let not the enemies of Thy glory be too strong for me; but let them be the more confounded as they see that I, bent on praising Thee and glorifying Thee, am seeking with all best endeavours that peace and glory of Thine, which they are intent upon diminishing."

A Prayer to Christ for my Enemies. By Saint Anselm

LORD Jesus Christ, Lord of all power and goodness, whom I pray to be gracious to my friends. Thou knowest what my heart desireth for mine enemies. For Thou, O God, who triest the very hearts and reins,Thou knowest the secrets of my heart within me. For it is not hidden from Thee. If Thou hast sown in the soul of Thy servant what he may offer to Thee, and if that enemy and I have sown there likewise what is to be burned with fire, that also is before Thine eyes.

Despise not, most gracious God, that which Thou hast sown, but cherish it and give it increase and bring it to perfection and preserve it for ever. For as I could begin no good thing without Thee, so can I neither finish it nor keep it in safety except by Thy help. Judge me not, O merciful God, according to that which displeaseth Thee in me, but take away what Thou hast not planted, and save my soul which Thou hast created. For I cannot amend myself without Thee, because if we be good it is Thou that dost make us and not we ourselves. Neither can my soul endure Thy judgment, if Thou wilt judge her according to her wickedness. Thou therefore, O Lord, who alone art mighty, whatsoever Thou makest me to desire for mine enemies, be that Thy gift unto them, and Thine answer to my prayer. And if I at any time ask for them anything which transgresseth the rule of love, whether through ignorance or through infirmity or through wickedness, neither do that to them, nor fulfil my petition therein.

Thou who art the true Light, enlighten their blindness. Thou who art supreme Truth, amend their error. Thou art the true Life, quicken their souls. For Thou hast said by Thy beloved Disciple, He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death.1 I pray therefore, O Lord, that Thou grant to them so much love of Thee and of their neighbour as Thou commandest us to have, lest they should have sin before Thee concerning their brother.

Forbid it, O good Lord, forbid it that I should be to my brethren an occasion of death, that I should be to them a stone of stumbling and rock of offence. For it is enough and more than enough that I should be an offence unto myself; mine own sin is sufficient for me. Thy servant entreateth Thee for his fellow-servants that they should not on my account offend so great and good a Master, but be reconciled to Thee, and agree with me according to Thy will for Thy sake. This is the vengeance which my inmost heart desireth to ask of Thee upon my fellow-servants, mine enemies and fellow-sinners. This is the punishment which my soul asketh upon my fellow-servants and enemies, that they should love Thee and one another, according to Thy will and as is expedient for us, so that we may satisfy our common Master both as concerning ourselves and as concerning one another and serve our common Lord in unity by the teaching of charity to the common good. This vengeance I, Thy sinful servant, pray may be prepared against all those that wish me evil and do me evil. Do Thou prepare this also, most merciful Lord, against Thy sinful servant likewise.

Come then, O my good Creator and merciful Judge, and by Thy mercy which passeth all reckoning, forgive me all my debts as I in Thy presence forgive all my debtors. And if not yet, because hitherto my spirit doth not so forgive perfectly according to Thy measure but willeth so to do and accomplisheth by Thy help what it can, doing violence to itself, this imperfect forgiveness I offer to Thee as it is, that Thou mayest be pleased perfectly to forgive me my sins and according to Thy power, be gracious unto my soul.

Hearken unto me, hearken unto me, O great and good Lord, with desire for the love of whom my soul is fain to feed herself, but cannot satisfy her hunger for Thee, to call upon whom my mouth findeth no name that sufficeth my heart. For there is no word that expresseth unto me that which by Thy grace my heart conceiveth concerning Thee. I have prayed, O Lord, as I could, but my will was greater than my power. Hearken unto me, hearken unto me, according to Thy power, who canst do whatsoever Thou dost will. I have prayed as one weak and sinful, hear me, O hear me, as one mighty and merciful; and grant unto my friends and unto mine enemies not only what I have prayed, but what Thou knowest to be expedient for each one, and agreeable to Thy will. Grant to all, both living and dead, the help of Thy mercy; and ever hear me not according to the desires of my heart or the requests of my lips, but as Thou knowest and willest that I ought to will and to ask, O Saviour of the world, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

External Honors

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HNJ Cathedral, Raleigh NC. ©CAPG

"The external honors rendered by the Catholic Church to our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, have been the subject of constant attack from protestant writers, and their objections have been principally founded on these ceremonies and practices being unknown to the primitive Church; nor even introduced till at a comparatively recent period. But those who argue thus, lose sight of the great principle, that the Church is a body directed by the Spirit of God, constantly abiding with it, and acting according to circumstances; hence, whenever a particular heresy arises, some counteracting means is used to arrest its progress.

For this reason the Nicene Creed was framed and introduced in the service of the Church as a test of Arianism; and it is a well-known fact that it was not sung at Rome, during the celebration of Mass, for some centuries after it was used throughout the rest of Europe, on account of the orthodoxy of the people not requiring it. For the same reason the Elevation was introduced in the Mass as a test whereby the followers of Berengarius might be distinguished; and the solemn processions to honor the Holy Eucharist have been designed to compensate in some measure for the irreverence and sacrileges of the last few centuries.

Had the Christians retained their primitive fervor, daily Communion, and purity of heart and conduct, there would have been no occasion for the introduction of these rites; but under the state of things which have existed for the last few centuries, it ought to be a subject of infinite consolation to all sincere Christians that the scoffs and blasphemies of modern infidels may be in some measure atoned for, by the solemnities instituted in especial honor of this great Mystery of love. Had we no other rule but that of mere antiquity, the Catholic Ritual would be reduced to a level with the Mahometan Koran. A rite instituted by a Council of the sixteenth century, has not a less claim on the obedience and the reverence of the faithful that one of an older date." Source: Glossary of Ecclesiastical Ornament and Costume, by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin 1868 page 164

St. Theotimus, Bishop and Confessor, A.D. about 400.

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"He was bishop of Tomes in Scythia, in the fifth century. He had been brought up to a monastic life, and lived with great frugality, eating only when necessity required it. The Huns in the vicinity of the Danube so much admired his virtue, that they called him the God of the Romans. He was a man of so great sanctity and wonderful meekness, that he seemed fitted by heaven to deal with barbarous people, like the Huns, who often gave him disturbance, and with his own flock, whose natural roughness made his charge difficult enough. He was several times assaulted, and as often miraculously delivered; God manifested the sanctity of his servant by his particular protection of him. One day as he was walking in the territory of the Huns, he met some of them, who were going by the same road to Tomes, where he resided. His companions began to cry out, and give themselves up for lost: but he dismounted from his horse, and betook himself to prayer. The barbarians passed by without even seeing him, his attendants, or their horses. As they ill-treated the Scythian by their frequent incursions, he softened their barbarous nature by giving them food and making them presents. This made one of the barbarians imagine that he was rich. He sought to take him prisoner, and having prepared a rope with a slip-knot, he leaned upon his shield, and raising his arm to throw the noose over the saint, his hand remained stretched out in the air, nor could he move it till the holy man had prayed for him.

Let the example of this saint encourage you to be moderate in your words and actions. Roughness and passion destroy all society, and break peace: they are proofs of a weak mind, and a bad education. Labor to avoid them by a softer and more gentle method, as you desire to preserve your reputation, either as to this world, or the next. A warm reproof may sometimes be necessary; but a moderate remonstrance will be more to your purpose than unseasonable heats. Suspect yourself as often as you are disturbed: deliberate, rather than follow disordered reason. Thus governing yourself, you will be in the best disposition for governing others." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

Bearing Injustice

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Let Him Be Crucified (Qu'il soit crucifié) - James Tissot

'Who, when he was reviled, did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not: but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly."— Epistle I. St. Peter ii. 22.

" One of the hardest trials, my dear brethren, to which we can be exposed; indeed, perhaps the hardest one of all, is to be condemned unjustly. And the condemnation need not be pronounced in court, and published to the world. It need not even be given by public opinion; no, there may be only a few who share in it, perhaps only one, and that may be one whose judgment is not of much weight; still, to be falsely judged, to be accused of what we have not done, to have even our motives misinterpreted, is a pretty heavy cross to bear. How often will you hear people alleging as a reason for a permanent breach of friendship with someone, that one has belied them? It is of little use to point out that the person who is or seems to be a false accuser, may really not intend to be guilty of falsehood, nor be conscious of rash judgment, but may in his or her heart actually believe the charge, and feel not only justified, but even under an obligation of conscience in making it, and thus be guiltless before God. No, the sting is perhaps even greater, that he should believe a thing about us that we feel is not true, and could not be.

Nor is it enough to say that there are many things which we ought to be judged guilty of, but are not; and that so we can afford to take some punishment that we do not deserve, as we escape a good deal that we do. No, we say to ourselves: "I would not mind it so much if it were true; I would rather take the burden of all the many wrong things that I have done, than of one that I have not." Perhaps that would not really be the fact, but we feel as if it were.

I think, then, that to find a real cure for our heartache about matters of this kind, we must take the one which St. Peter gives us in this Epistle of today. We must take refuge under the shadow of the cross of Him who, as the Apostle says, suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. The Cross of Christ is the only remedy in the last resort for all the pain and misery of the world, as well as for its sins; and we may as well come to it at once as wait till other consolations have failed.

Let us, then, lay to heart our Lord's example in this matter, as St. Peter tells us; let us keep it always by us, to be ready for use at the first moment. Let us consider how slight and insignificant are all the false judgments that can be made about us, miserable sinners that we are, compared with that which was passed on Him, the Saint of saints; on Him who was not merely holy, but holiness itself, the source of all sanctity, the Giver of every virtue that we can have. Let us consider how He was reckoned with the malefactors, how He was condemned not merely to death, but to the shameful death of a criminal; and how not merely one or two, but the crowds of His own people, whom He had come to save, turned against Him and believed all the false charges which His accusers made.

And let us not imagine that, being in truth God, His human nature was made insensible to all this outrageous injustice by its essential sanctity, or by the homage of the angels, or of those on earth who really knew and loved Him and remained faithful to Him. No; it was no more rendered in this way insensible to the pain of the false charges than it was to the sharp piercing of the nails driven through His hands and feet. Indeed, that He could much better have borne. His infinite purity and sensitiveness to sin only made these suspicions and accusations of it the more intolerable; physical suffering was little in comparison.

Yet, as the Apostle says, in this He did not defend Himself. He was willing to drink this bitter chalice to the dregs. When He was reviled, He reviled not again. He neither cleared Himself, which He could easily have done, nor took the poor remedy which we sinners are too apt to take, of accusing His accusers.

Let us then, when thus tried in our poor way, ask Him to give us the grace to do as He did, and even, if it be possible, to rest for a time at least under accusations which we might remove, when the honor of God is not concerned. And let us remember not to be guilty of rash judgment in our turn, but make, as He did, every possible excuse for those who belie us; let us believe that, so far as they are wrong, they know not what they do. And, lastly, let us take the greater pains to abstain from uncharitable thoughts or words about our neighbors, thus exposing them to a trial which we have found so hard to bear." 2nd Sunday after Easter - Five minute Sermons by the Paulist Fathers, 1893

Sunday for Priests

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"(..) We must pray that the Holy Ghost will descend in the unction of truth and the unction of sanctity upon the Bishops, and Pastors and Priests of the Church throughout the world. They were the first fruits of the Holy Ghost. To them our divine Lord said, when he breathed upon them: "Receive ye the Holy Ghost; on them He descended: they were baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire," that they might be to the end of the world, the image of our Lordʼs own perfection as the Great High Priest, and the Great Shepherd of the sheep. As they are, so will be the flock, if the salt lose its savor, the people will corrupt; if the light burn dimly, the people will wander in darkness.

Pray then for the Bishops who were set by the Holy Ghost to rule the Church of God, which He purchased with His precious blood. Pray for the Pastors that, in charity and courage, they may feed the flock, and if need be, lay down their lives for the sheep. If the seven Gifts rest upon them, their intellect will be guided, they will be strong; they will be holy, humble, undefiled, and separate from sinners, and when Priests are holy the people will be uncontaminated by the spirit of the world." Source: Special devotion to the Holy Ghost : a manual for the use of seminarians, priests, religious and the Christian people, Rev. Fr. Otto Zardetti 1888

Prayer to the Holy Ghost in Favor of the Church.

Sunday Communion Offered to the Holy Ghost in Favor of the Church and of Priests

O Holy Spirit, Creator, be propitious to the Catholic Church; and by Thy heavenly power make it strong and secure against the attacks of its enemies; and renew in charity and grace the spirit of Thy servants, whom Thou has anointed, that they may glorify Thee and the Father and His Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. amen.
Manual of prayers to the Holy Ghost by Very Rev. Fr. Felix of Jesus 1941

St. Alphege, Bishop and Martyr A.D. 1012.

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St. Alphege

"He was born of noble and virtuous parents; but renounced the world whilst he was yet very young. He served God first in the monastery of Derhurste in Gloucestershire; but after some years, he built himself a cell in a desert place of the abbey of Bath, where he shut himself up, unknown to men, but well known to God, for whose love he made himself a voluntary martyr of penance. His eminent virtues invited many to be his followers. But some of them falling from their first fervor, contented themselves with deceiving their superior with pretended exactness, while out of his sight they took very scandalous liberties, particularly in sitting up in the night to feast and drink, and fasting in the day with the rigor of the strictest hermits. But though they imposed upon this good man; yet God's justice soon discovered their hypocrisy in the punishment of it. St. Elphege in a short time reclaimed them; and God, by the sudden death of one, opened the eyes of all the rest. See that you imitate not these unhappy men, but observe discipline exactly. It is the practice of too many to transgress it, and their glory is to deceive those under whose care they are, by unduly going abroad, and unseasonable meetings at home. Break off all such customs: for there is so much folly, injustice, and deceit in them, that they cannot fail of proving your scourge in bringing mischief upon you.

The see of Winchester falling vacant, St. Dunstan was admonished in a vision to oblige St. Elphege to receive episcopal consecration. After he had governed the see of Winchester twenty-two years, he was chosen archbishop of Canterbury. The Danes landing in England took the city of Canterbury, seized the holy prelate, laid him in irons, and confined him for several months in a filthy dungeon. He was then released, but soon after cruelly martyred in the year 1012.

Pray for all the bishops of Christ's Church; and in particular for him, under whose charge you are. Pray for this nation, that God would in His mercy preserve it from atheism and infidelity; and not let these be the punishment of its vice, but make it zealous for virtue, justice and truth." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

Duties of Parents

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The Good Shepherd (Le bon pasteur) - James Tissot

"I am the Good Shepherd: I know mine."-St. John x. 14.

"Our Divine Lord, my dear brethren, not only asserts that He is "the Good Shepherd," but also proves Himself to be so by the care and solicitude which He has for the well-being of His flock. He spared no pain, no labor, in His watchful care over His sheep, and finally shed the last drop of His Blood in their defense, leaving an example to those who are likewise shepherds in their own sphere. St. Augustine says that parents are shepherds in their houses, and that they must have the same care for their children that a shepherd has for his flock. They, like the Good Shepherd, must know and feed their sheep, protect them from the wolves, and go before, leading them in the right way. Parents, you must realize that the sheep entrusted to your care are spiritual beings, that they have souls, that they are images of God, created by God the Father, redeemed by God the Son, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and that, in heaven or hell, they shall continue to live for ever. Stainless and bright in baptismal purity are these sheep when placed in your hands to be led to their inheritance of the kingdom of heaven.

In order that you may be good shepherds you must know your children. Know them interiorly, what their dispositions are, what they wish, desire, and aim at; what troubles they have, what they need, what is good or evil, expedient or injurious to them, what their faults and defects are, whether they are inclined to this or that vice, that evil habits may not be allowed to grow up and take root in them. "Hast thou children," says sacred Scripture, "instruct them and bow down their neck from their childhood." You must instruct your children in the truths of religion. Impress upon them the end for which they were created. Speak to them of the future life, of the eternal happiness or the eternal misery which awaits us - a heaven full of joy or a hell full of suffering. Speak to them of God's knowledge, who knows and sees all things; of God's justice, who leaves no good unrewarded and no evil unpunished. Instruct and warn them regarding all things appertaining to salvation. Let the words uttered by Tobias, when on his death-bed, be re-echoed in every household : Hear, my son, the words of my mouth, and lay them as a foundation in thy mind, and take heed thou never consent to sin nor transgress the commandments of the Lord our God. Never suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy words, for from it all perdition took its beginning. See thou never do to another what thou wouldst hate to have done to thee by another. Eat thy bread with the hungry and needy. Bless God at all times, and desire of Him to direct thy ways and that all thy counsels may abide in Him.Fear not, my son; we indeed lead a poor life, but we shall have many good things if we fear God, and depart from all sin, and do that which is good."

You must protect your children from the wolves. Know who their companions are. Watch over them that no wolf in sheep's clothing may enter amongst the flock, that none of the flock may stray into the wolf's den of the dance-hall, the public house, or any of the other miscalled places of amusement. Be not like the hireling who leaveth the sheep and flieth when he seeth the wolf coming.

You, like good shepherds, must go before your flock leading it in the right way. Children are taught far more by example than by words. You yourselves must be virtuous and God-fearing, diligent in the practice of your Christian duties. Do you go punctually to Confession, or are you slothful and careless, and put off for a year, or years, the worthy reception of Holy Communion? Are all your acts influenced by the consciousness of God's presence? Are you just and forgiving in your transactions with others? Are you solicitous to perform good works, works of charity, of mercy ? Would you have your children live according to the dictates of their holy faith? Then set them good example and they are sure to walk in your footsteps. "If any man have not care of his own, and especially those of his house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Source: 5 minutes Sermons by the Paulist Fathers, Gospels 2nd Sunday after Easter 1893

St. Apollonius, MARTYR, A.D. 186.

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"The Emperor Marcus Aurelius had persecuted the Christians from principle, being a bigoted Pagan: but his son Commodus, who succeeded him in the empire, after some time, shewed himself favorable to them. During this calm, the number of the faithful exceedingly increased, and many persons of the first rank enlisted under the banner of the cross. Of this number was Apollonius, a Roman senator. He was very well versed both in philosophy and the Holy Scriptures. In the midst of the peace, which the Church enjoyed, he was publicly accused of Christianity by one of his own slaves, named Severus. St. Apollonius was ordered to renounce his religion, as he valued his life and fortune; for though Commodus had forbidden any one to accuse the Christians, he had not repealed the former laws against them. The saint courageously rejected such terms, and obtained leave to give an account of his faith in full senate. This he did in an excellent discourse, which has not come down to our times. But it not being in the power of his brethren to overrule the law, he was beheaded; and thus sealed the truth with his blood.

Observe how far a soul goes, which is carried on by the force of truth, without any regard to present convenience, interest, honor, or life? If God ruled in your heart, and you did but look on your salvation as the great business of your life, these selfish considerations would not so often stand in the way of your best proposals. You have thoughts of being good, but have not courage to be so. In some cases, the apprehension of what the world will say; in others, the displeasure of friends; in others, the loss of some preferment or interest; in others, the fear of reproach, or retrenching of state, is a bar to the most essential duties: and the interest of the next world gives place to this. See if this be not your guilt; if not in great things, at least in your ordinary conduct and conversation. Accustom yourself to greater simplicity of mind; and let not little politics carry you on, when plain dealing would be much more to your purpose. Beg this holy apologist and martyr to intercede for you." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother

St. Anicetus, Pope and Martyr, A.D. 173.

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Pope Anicetus

"He was born in Syria, and succeeded St. Pius in the see of Rome, in the latter part of the reign of Antoninus Pius. He sat about eight years, from 165 to 173. He is styled a martyr in the Roman and other martyrologies. If he did not shed his blood for the faith, he at least purchased the title of martyr by great sufferings and dangers. His vigilance protected his flock from the wiles of the heretics, Valentine and Marcion, instruments whom the devil sent to Rome, seeking to corrupt the faith in the capital of the world.

Pray for the present Pope, for all prelates and pastors, and for the whole Church; that as God has promised to lead it into all truth, so by their care who watch over it, it may be delivered from all abuses and scandals. Pray for all those who are divided from it, whether by heresy or schism.

Praise and bless God for His goodness to this holy martyr. For what could nature do amidst so many difficulties, and the terrors of a cruel death, if God had not raised it above itself, and by His grace taught it to overcome? For this mercy to His servant, bow down, adore and bless His name; and as you rejoice in His triumphs, let it be the subject of your joy, that God is glorified in poor creatures like ourselves. Yet while you celebrate the triumph of this martyr, pray that this solemnity may be to you an increase of God's mercy, that you may find some portion at least of that holy spirit in yourself, which you honour in His servant.

For as often as the memory of the martyrs occurs, so often you are reproached with the evidence of your own weakness; and you cannot see their courage and patience, without condemning your own great indisposition of soul, who can discover so little of that in yourself, which you admire and honour in them. Beseech God therefore to hear you, and by His grace to overcome your weakness, change your unhappy temper, and bring you nearer to the happy disposition of the martyrs." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother

There are few saved in the sanctuary

2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00

Giuseppe Passeri - The Cleansing of the Temple

"On the small number of the elect."

"Many are called, but few are chosen." St. Matthew, 22-14 (Knox Bible)

1. There are few saved in the sanctuary: The sentence of our Savior, recorded in St. Matthew, applies to the sanctuary as well as to the Christian life. It is a terrible truth. It is a dreadful idea. It is an awful reflection to make - that, of God's greatest servants and ministers, many will fall down, to their eternal perdition. This is commonly believed. Of all those who offer sacrifice on God's altar, and who labor in his sanctuary, how many are there who never had any vocation, who perform the work of the ministry, but who were never invited to do so by God? They came of themselves, impelled by human motives, entering through the window and not through the door, and if their lives be not changed as well as their motives, God will say to them in the end as well as in the beginning, that He never knew them.

How many are there whom God himself led by the hand into the sanctuary, and who have trampled on His heavenly graces in the holy place?
What use was it for Luther to have been made a religious when he violated his vows, and preferred his passions and his pleasures to eternal life? What value was it to Photius to have been gifted with great learning, and to have been made a prince of the house of God, if he used his great abilities, and his high office, to introduce the evil of schism and heresy; to tear asunder, as far as he could, the seamless garment of Christ; and to waste and destroy that vineyard which God had planted? What utility was it to Nicholas to be one of the first seven deacons, if he allowed the spirit of impurity to seize upon him, body and soul, and to lead him to his destruction? What a misfortune for Judas to have been called to follow the person and doctrine of his Divine Savior, and to have been made an apostle by his side, when he, for the love of money, sold the life blood of his Master, and consummated his iniquity by the destruction of himself? How many are there who have been called to high places, in whose hands have been placed the graces and the treasures of heaven, who have been made rulers in Israel and princes among the people of God, and whose lives are not in accordance with their office, and who despising the graces of God neglect and betray the sacred interests which are committed to their care? How true is it of them that they have been called and that they are not chosen?

Hear the sentiments of St. Chrysostom, one of the wisest and greatest saints of the Church, and one who does not express himself lightly or rashly on this important subject: "Non temere dico, sed ut affectus sum, sentio. Non arbitror inter Sacerdotes, plurimos ess qui salvi fiant; sed multo plures qui pereant. In Causa est qui res ista excelsum requirit animum." And hear also the words which are pronounced by the great St. Augustine upon those who undertake the sacred office, and who discharge its duties in a manner which is careless before God, and flattering to the world: "Nihil esse in hac vita, et maxime hoc tempore, facilius et laetis et hominibus acceptabilius Episcopi aut Prebyteri aut Diaconi Officio, si perfunctorie atque adulatorie res agatur, sed nihil apud Dum miserius, et tristius, et damnablius."

2. Reasons why so few are saved: One of the great reasons why there are so few ecclesiastics saved is that their lives are not in accordance with the sanctity of their state. They preach the Gospel, but they do not follow it. Their state is holy, but their lives are not so. They have upon theirs lips the word and wisdom of God, but there is no holiness in their life, nor no love in their hearts.
Look at the live of Ophni and Phinees, priests of the Old Law, and see did they walk worthy of their vocation. They were called by God to serve in His sanctuary and to labor in His house. They were the sons of the High Priest, and belonged to the peculiar family which God destined for the work of the ministry. But though Ophni and Phinees called to the altar, they had not the virtues of the altar. They oppressed the people, taking largely of their goods and substance, and they gave themselves over to the most wicked vices. They had not the virtues of the priesthood, no more than their father Heli, and God took visible vengeance upon them all for their sins. They increase the number of those unhappy ecclesiastics, who, though called with the many, are not chosen with the few.

Secondly, many ecclesiastics are lost because they come to offer sacrifice and to pray for the people although the voice of God has forbidden them to do so, and His hand pushes them off the altar. Their fate is as certain as their presumption. What could they be in the house of God but "fures and latrones"? What are they but wolves in the clothing of sheep, wolves who ravage and destroy the flock of Christ? Do they no turn the Temple of God, which is the gate of heaven and the place of prayer, into a house of traffic, and would they not change the sanctuary, which is the seat of God's mercy, where He receives the homage and love of the people, into a cavern of Satan, and a den of thieves? They surely are neither called nor chosen.

Besides the want of co-operation with their vocation, and besides the want of vocation itself, there is a third cause which contributes to increase the number of those ecclesiastics who will never see the face of God. It is this, that the sins of ecclesiastics are greater than the sins of other men, and that the repentance of their hearts, and their return to God, are very rare and very difficult. St. Jerome says, "that if a monk sin, the priest will pray for him, but if a priest fall, who will entreat God for him." See what the Scripture (1 Reg. ii, 26) says with regard to those evil priests, whom God on account of their wickedness slew with the sword of the enemy: "Si peccaverit vir in virum placari ei potest Deus, si autem in Dominum peccaverit vir, quis orabit pro eo?"

The sin of the priest is peculiarly against God. The ways and workings of grace are more known to him, and yet with that knowledge he commits the evil in which his heart delights. What changes and touches the minds of others has no effect upon his. In the midst of the proofs of God's love, which surround the priest in the sanctuary, the sinful ecclesiastic loses all feeling of gratitude, and sense of shame. His faith has become so cold or dead that he cannot realize to himself the terrors of the judgment and of the justice of God, and if the Almighty do not save his soul by a miracle of grace, his eyes are blinded for ever, and his heart is hardened. Though he was among the called he will never be among the chosen.

Let us admire and adore the incomprehensible wisdom, and the inscrutable ways of God. Let us bow down before the goodness of Him who loves to exalt His mercy above His justice, and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin let us beg of Him that our whole lives would be a continual struggle to enter by the narrow gate, and that we might be of those happy few who find it." Ecclesiastical meditations suitable for priests on the mission and students in diocesan seminaries, by a Catholic clergyman James Duffy, 1866

#11 Acts of Adoration Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in reparation for all the offenses committed against Him by mankind

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11. We adore Thee, never failing bounty and goodness! And to repair manʼs offensive diffidence in Thy tender mercy, we offer up to Thee the steadfast reliance and assurance of the holy Patriarchs in Thy promises. Eternal praise and thanksgiving be to the Most Holy and Most Divine Sacrament.

Source: CAPG

Saint Bernadette Soubirous

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Sister Bernadette Soubirou, from Lily of Mary 1918

Father Price's Daily Prayer: O Mother Immaculate, Patron of America, who, through little Bernadette, bade us pray and work for the conversion of the countless souls now perishing. I offer all the prayers, actions, and sufferings of this day and every day of my life for their conversion, and I beg of thee to bless my resolution to do what I can throughout my life to bring about their salvation. Hail Mary
St. Bernadette, Pray for Father Price.
Imprimatur: Most Rev. Vincent S. Waters, D.D. May 2 1949

" A priest (NB. Fr. Thomas F. Price) who has been deeply interested in all that concerns Maryknoll from its beginning expresses in printed form from time to time his particular devotion to Bernadette of Lourdes as the little client of Mary Immaculate. Realizing as he does that the Immaculate Conception is the sole National Patron of America, he has aimed consistently during his priestly life to deepen love in American Catholic hearts for her who, inspired by God, exclaimed, "Behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed!" One of this priest's books, Bernadette of Lourdes has been constantly on The Field Afar table, and is known to many of our readers. Another has just taken its place there: The Lily of Mary, a charming little volume that contains a short life of Bernadette of Lourdes." The Field Afar, Volumes 11-12 July 1918, page 101

St. Encratia, Virgin and Martyr, A.D. 303.

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Saint Encratia

"She was a holy virgin, born in Portugal; but coming with her father to Saragosa in Spain, and seeing there the great cruelty of Dacian in persecuting the Christians, she was so strongly moved with holy zeal in their behalf, that she publicly reproached him with his barbarous proceedings. Upon which he was so enraged, that he put her to all the torments that a malicious cruelty could suggest, tearing her flesh with hooks of iron, cutting off her breast, and laying open her liver and bones. He then ordered her to be thrown into prison, to die a lingering death under the corruption of her wounds. Thus she finished a glorious combat at the commencement of the fourth century.

Can you Christian, now complain of what you suffer? Your troubles are no other way great, than as your want of patience makes them so. Stand by this martyr of Christ, and compare. And yet she rejoices, while you are complaining. She casts the devil into despair, while you are pleasing him by your fretful impatience. Repent, ask pardon for what is past, and by your prayers and tears prevail on Heaven to grant you a better spirit. Grieve not at your troubles, but at your weakness: for this is your only affliction. All others may help you on your way: this only puts you back. While you see how much the patient suffering of the martyrs was to their advantage, you plainly see likewise how much you are a loser by your impatience. You see how great is your indiscretion, who being industrious in managing temporal affairs to your own interest, are so very careless in the greater concern, as to neglect the improvement of opportunities daily offered for your salvation. You see how much you are your own enemy, in complaining of the injuries which others offer you, and at the same time doing your own soul more hurt by your impatience, than the whole world could do against you. Amend in earnest, and beg God's grace for your entire reformation." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother

Basilissa and Anastasia, MARTYRS, A.D. about 65.

2026-04-15T00:00:00-04:00

Martyr of Anastasia

"Two noble women, who were disciples of the apostles SS. Peter and Paul at Rome. They were some of the first who suffered martyrdom. Their spirit was according to the Gospel in relieving those who suffered by the cruelty of the Emperor Nero, and comforting such as were obliged to retire. Being seized by the emperor's order, they were so little apprehensive of his threats, that they even raised his fury by defending the innocence of those whom he had put to death. Upon which he commanded their tongues and feet to be cut off, and afterwards finished their sacrifice by the sword.

Strange difference between that primitive age and this! Then it was the great solicitude of Christians to signalize themselves by their generous charity to the distressed, and to prepare for a glorious death. And now the great concern is to be remarkably vain, and to waste all that in extravagance and idleness, which should be the help of the poor. And can you Christian answer this method, that God's blessings being now multiplied to you in peace, you should be less faithful in his service? Let not your plea be in the necessity of complying with the world; for this is a necessity grounded on the love of the world; and had you the spirit of the primitive times, you would soon rank the greater part of this necessity under another head, even that of superfluity and extravagance, The only thing necessary, is to save your soul: study this point and it will soon change all your present ideas.

The martyrs gained in every way by their sufferings, but you lose by not making a good use of what you suffer. You lose when you meet with ill-treatment from your neighbours; laying then aside all mildness, discovering impatience, and treating them with passion. You are losers as often as you are contradicted or opposed, especially by those to whom you are not well affected. You are losers, when you fall under trouble or distress, or are visited with sickness, violence of pain, or loss of friends. In all this confess your weakness, and earnestly beg help of God's goodness." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother

SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, MARTYRS, A.D. 229.

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Saints Cecilia, Valerian, and Tiburtius by Botticini

"Valerian, being espoused to St. Cecily, by her persuasion embraced the Christian faith, and was baptized by St. Urban, pope, together with his brother Tiburtius. And now, changing their lives with their faith, they employed their substance in the relief of the poor, and their time in rescuing the bodies of such as were martyred from the contempt and fury of the heathens, and giving them decent burial. For which charitable offices being accused, and having made a noble defence of their faith in the public confession of the name of Jesus, and detestation of the idols, they were first scourged, and afterwards beheaded. So wonderful an effect had their constancy, resolution, and patience, on the mind of Maximus, one of the officers who had led them to execution, that he declared himself a Christian, and soon after received the crown of martyrdom with several others of his companions.

Pray for all those who suffer for their faith, or labour under any oppression or trouble, that God would give them courage and patience, support them against all dejection of spirit, and teach them to make a right use of their sufferings. Put up the same prayers for yourself.

Pray for all those who embrace the true faith, that with it they may begin a new life, follow the rules of the Gospel, and by their good example contribute to the salvation of others.

Pray for those whose quality and estates set them in a rank above their neighbours; that they may make a Christian use of all their blessings, that they may not rob their own souls or the poor, either by prodigality, or hard-heartedness; but by their moderation give good example, and by their charity learn to lay up treasures in heaven.

Pray for those who seem most obstinate against the truth; and for all oppressors and persecutors. Remember to despair of none, since you see that those who lead others to execution may come to lay down their necks on the same block. Your virtue and patience may be a help to this; and by these you may not only possess your own soul, but contribute to save the souls of others." The Catholic Year by Rev. John Gother.

St. Hermenegild, Martyr, A.D. 586.

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El Triunfo de San Hermenegildo by Francisco Herrera the Younger (1654)

"He was converted from the Arian heresy to the Catholic faith: upon which his father Leovigild, king of the Visigoths in Spain, and an Arian, was so exasperated against him, that he cast him into prison, and loaded him with chains. But perceiving all his cruelty to be fruitless, he ordered him to be murdered on Easter Eve, for refusing to receive the Holy Communion from an Arian bishop. Some time after, being sensible of his error and his crime, he acknowledged the truth of the Catholic faith, though overawed by his people, he never had courage to profess it. And so he died, having first recommended his son Reccared to the care of an orthodox bishop, by whose means, being reclaimed from Arianism, he became the happy instrument of the conversion of the whole nation of Spain in the sixth century.

Learn what your duty is, when for the sake of truth, your parents and dearest friends become your greatest enemies. Christ and His faith are to be preferred to them all; and you cannot be a true disciple, but by forsaking them, and abandoning yourself to their displeasure and cruelty. This martyr, in despising a crown, has taught you to despise all worldly advantages for the sake of Christ. This is the command of the Gospel, and the way to heaven. Pray that this may be your rule whenever you shall be brought into these straits: that you may seek first the kingdom of God and His justice, and make all considerations of flesh and blood give way to this. Pray likewise for all those who are at present under this trial. It is a work of great difficulty, and requires a very powerful grace to renounce all the comforts of tender parents, and the hopes of this world, for the sake of truth, which works only by faith, and has its rewards at a distance. Let them have therefore the assistance of your charity.

Pray for the reclaiming of all those who are the abettors of errors; and beg that none may be obstinate against that light which God gives them, or neglect to follow it, through fear, or human respects. The thoughts of what the world will say, and the difficulty of changing, are temptations to be overcome only by the grace of God." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother

Keep a constant eye on the needs of your flock...

2026-04-12T00:00:00-04:00

Be mindful that the slightest negligence on your part renders you culpable in the eyes of God for He will demand a rigorous account of all the souls committed to your care. I will require his blood at thy hand, says Sacred Scripture in Ezechiel (3,18)."

Source: The Priest His Dignity and Obligations by St. John Eudes

Litany to Obtain Holy Priests

Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, hear us
Christ, Graciously hear us

God, Our Heavenly Father, 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, Three Persons in one God, have mercy on us

Lord, obtain for us priests
Lord, obtain for us holy priests and make us docile to their teachings

Holy Mary, Queen of the Clergy, obtain for us holy priests
Saint Joseph, Patron of the Church, obtain for us holy priests
Saint Michael, splendor and protector of the Church militant, obtain for us holy priests

All you holy Saints and Archangels, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Patriarchs and Prophets, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Martyrs and Virgins, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Bishops and Confessors, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Priests and Doctors, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Founders of religious orders, obtain for us holy priests

St. Anthony of Padua, defender of the Holy Eucharist, obtain for us holy priests
St. John-Mary Vianney, model of sacerdotal holiness, obtain for us holy priests
St. Francis Xavier, patron of missionary priests, obtain for us holy priests
St. Therese of the Child-Jesus and of the Holy Face, victim offered for the sanctification of priests, obtain for us holy priests
Saints and Servants of God, obtain for us holy priests.

To celebrate with reverence the Holy Mysteries, obtain for us holy priests
To offer every day the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, obtain for us holy priests
To feed the people of God with the Bread of life, obtain for us holy priests
To promote the splendors of the Divine Worship, obtain for us holy priests
To regenerate souls through baptism, obtain for us holy priests
To instruct the faithful in the Holy Faith, obtain for us holy priests
To keep the faithful in the fear of the Lord, obtain for us holy priests
To announce to all the Word of God, obtain for us holy priests
To unmask and combat false doctrines, obtain for us holy priests
To fortify the Faith of those who doubt, obtain for us holy priests
To support and encourage those who fail, obtain for us holy priests
To raise up those who fall and to reconcile them to God, obtain for us holy priests
To bring back to God those who rejected Him, obtain for us holy priests
To protect christian morality, obtain for us holy priests

To fight with zeal the corruption of morality, obtain for us holy priests
To bless holy unions, obtain for us holy priests
To defend the honor and sanctity of marriage, obtain for us holy priests
To strengthen the happiness of our christian families, obtain for us holy priests
To fortify and console our sicks and those who suffer, obtain for us holy priests
To assist our dying ones, obtain for us holy priests
To lead our dead to eternal happiness, obtain for us holy priests
To pray and offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for our dead, obtain for us holy priests
To give glory to God, and to give grace and peace to souls of good will, obtain for us holy priests.

Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

The Lord chose for Himself priests so that they will offer Him a worthy thanksgiving.

Let us pray: God Almighty and merciful, favorably grant the prayers of Your faithful and grant to those whom You have given the immense generosity of your clemency, to be elevated to the service of the heavenly mysteries, to become worthy ministers at Your sacred altars, so that their teachings be confirmed by your sanctification, through Our Lord Jesus-Christ, Amen.

Low Sunday: GOD OR THE WORLD?

2026-04-12T00:00:00-04:00

The Disbelief of Saint Thomas (Incredulité de Saint Thomas) - James Tissot

“The friendship of this world is an enemy of God.” — JAS. lv. 4.

1. The love of God and of the world.
2. What is meant by the world.
3. We have to be in the world; the evil and the dangers of it.
4. How to overcome the world: Its twofold attack: adversity, pleasure. The victory won by faith.

"1. St. Augustine tells us that there are two loves, which make two different cities or kingdoms: the love of God, spiritual and infused, which makes the city of God, the Church of the elect; the love of the world and of self, so centered as to exclude God, that makes the city of the wicked, which is the kingdom of the devil, by whom it is possessed and ruled. "Know you not that the friendship of this world is the enemy of God ? Whosoever, therefore, will be a friend of this world becometh an enemy of God." (James iv. 4.) This is the friendship that makes men insubordinate, disobedient, and displeasing to God. "Love not the world," says St. John, "nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him.” (I John ii. 15.) But let us beware of unreality and exaggeration; instead of doing good they do harm. So let us see plainly and exactly what is meant by the world and the friendship of the world.

2. By the world here is meant vain and vicious men, who love carnal, transitory, and earthly things inordinately — that is, to the exclusion of God —and these very things themselves, which such men seek and desire, grasp and cling to, that they may be enriched, praised, and exalted in this short life. Here is the evil and danger of it all.

3. We are in the world, and have to be in the world and mix with the world; where is the evil, then, in loving the things of the world ? God’s love has to be first and foremost in our hearts, and wherever and whenever things of the world seek to take this first place, there is the evil and the danger. Therefore duty to God constantly calls upon us to despise, break with, and even to hate the things and friendships of this world, inasmuch as they hinder us, or actually pervert us, from seeking and loving God. "For all that is in the world is the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but of the world." (1 John ii.16.) We must, then, thus far overcome the world that we shall not allow it or any creature friend of it so to entice us that, for the desire or love of it, we shall transgress the law of God.

As "the friendship of this world is an enemy of God," as the text tells us, we see plainly that we cannot be friends with both. God and the world have nothing in common; their ends are diametrically opposed to each other. The world bows down to wealth, influence, success; Christ blesses poverty, meekness, persecution. The world makes the most of the present and the things of life, for it knows in its heart that it passeth away. Christ bids us remember that we are pilgrims and wayfarers here, to rejoice if the world hates us, for our true home is heaven, whither we are tending. "Wonder not, brethren, if the world hate you." (1 John iii. 13.)

4. A twofold attack does the world advance against the servants of Christ. Adversity threatens that we may lose courage, and through fear be induced to sin. The world tried this for three hundred years of persecution in the early ages; it has tried it again in later times in many countries, and especially in England and in Ireland. And the glorious martyrs gave a triumphant answer, and gladly laid down their lives for the love of God. And the martyrs of more recent times vied in courage and alacrity with the martyrs of the olden days. The children of the Church had not changed with the lapse of centuries. In the same blessed choir of martyrs we behold Ignatius of Antioch and Fisher of Rochester, Cyprian and Thomas More, Lawrence and Campion the Jesuit! And the second mode of attack is an insidious one— the seductions of pleasure and prosperity, amusements and love, to entice and attract, to deceive and ensnare the hearts of the unwary and imprudent. This is the attack to which, in our days, so many, especially the young and impulsive, fall victims. Too self-willed to heed warnings, resenting interference, they are swept on with the crowds of pleasure-seekers, forgetful of God and their souls; the love of the world slowly but surely possessing itself of their heart and ruling it. He alone can withstand this attack who, with the eye of faith, looks up to God, and for His love and honor despises and rejects the blandishments of all created things.

St. John tells us what power it is that overcomes the world - our faith: "This is the victory that overcometh the world, our faith” (1 John v. 4) - the faith that tells us Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Judge, and therefore that our lives and hearts should be all for Him. A lively, strenuous faith pleases God so much! It is above all riches and honors and the substance of this world. It is the gift of God, but we can pray for it, and pray for more and more of it. The Gospels bid us do it. "And Jesus saith, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And immediately crying out, with tears, he said, I do believe, Lord: help my unbelief." (Mark ix. 22, 23.) "And Jesus saith, Have the faith of God. . . . Whatsoever you ask when ye pray, believe that you shall receive; and they shall come unto you." (Mark xi. 22, 24.)

Let us pray for the love of God and the contempt of the world, with faith such as this. Then victory would be ours. May that faith be ours which, as St. Augustine says, "saves sinners, opens the eyes of the blind, cures the sick, baptizes, justifies, restores poor penitents to God’s favor, increases the merits of the just, crowns martyrs, preserves all in a sinless life, and places the elect with the angels in their eternal inheritance.” May the great and Blessed God deign to bestow this faith upon us all!"

Source: Short sermons, by Rev. Fr. Hickey 1913, Low Sunday

Steadfastness

2026-04-12T00:00:00-04:00

The Disbelief of Saint Thomas (Incredulité de Saint Thomas) - James Tissot

"Jesus saith to him: because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and have believed."-St. John xx. 29.

"When Our Lord appeared to the disciples and gave them the commission to forgive sins, and thus instituted the holy Sacrament of Penance, St. Thomas was not present; and when the other disciples told him what had happened, and that He had shown them the wounds in His hands and in His feet, he refused to believe them; he declared he would not believe unless he himself should see them also. He said: "Unless I shall see the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

This disposition of St. Thomas was very wrong. He ought to have believed without hesitation. He had seen our Lord work miracles without number; he had seen Him give sight to the blind, even those blind from birth; make the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak; he had seen Him raise the dead to life, raise Lazarus after being dead and buried already four days. He knew that our Lord had predicted His resurrection. He ought to have believed, and he sinned in not believing. He was obstinate in unbelief, refusing to credit the testimony of his companions, whom he knew to be honest and trustworthy.

Our Lord in the kindness of His heart forgave him, and made him put his finger into the print of the nails and into the wound in His side to convince him, and also to convince us by His testimony of the reality of His resurrection. But at the same time He rebuked him, and taught us all a grand lesson. He said: "Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast believed; blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed.”

We have the faith on the testimony of the apostles and disciples who recorded it in the Gospels, and who sealed their testimony in their own blood.

We have the testimony of all the disciples who repeatedly saw our Lord after His resurrection, sometimes a great number of them, over five hundred at once.

We have the testimony of the Catholic Church; of all those millions on millions who have lived from that day to this; of the wonderful providence of God and His care of His Church until now.

This ought to be enough. This ought to be enough to make us say our act of faith, "O my God, I believe whatever Thy Holy Church proposes to my belief, because Thou hast revealed it to her. Thou who canst neither deceive nor be deceived."

This is the age of unbelief. Very great numbers of men are occupied in trying to undermine the faith. The newspapers are full of infidel objections. The press is teeming with works written expressly to destroy the faith. The flimsiest reasons are brought forward with a bold face as if they were unanswerable. The very fact that the things of God and religion are so high and incomprehensible is brought forward as the principal reason why they are not to be believed.

We have believed once for all, on the truest and most solid evidence. Our business now is to "live by faith." To put in practice the precepts of our faith, and to follow the example of the Author and Finisher of our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are not of those who are to be "beat about by every wind of doctrine.” We are not to be moved by the vain babblings of men, who are wise in their own conceit and think they know everything, though they know very little after all. We will not imitate St. Thomas in his unbelief, and refuse to believe the wonderful things of God because they are so high and wonderful, but imitate him when in wonder and admiration he cried, "My Lord and my God." Believing in the testimony of God and His Church, and putting away all sceptical and imaginative doubts, we shall receive the blessing pronounced by our Lord: "Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed." (Low Sunday - Five minute Sermons by the Paulist Fathers)