Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

S. Ignatii Confessoris **Saint Ignatius of Loyola**: He was a Spanish Basque Catholic priest and theologian, who co-founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and became its first Superior General.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, born as Iñigo López de Oñaz y Loyola, is a significant figure in the Catholic Church. He was born on October 23, 1491, in Loyola, Castile, Spain, and died on July 31, 1556, in Rome, Italy.

He was a Spanish Basque Catholic priest and theologian who, along with six companions, founded the religious order of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Paris in 1534. Ignatius envisioned the purpose of the Society of Jesus to be missionary work and teaching.

In addition to the vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty of other religious orders in the church, Loyola instituted a fourth vow for Jesuits of obedience to the Pope, to engage in projects ordained by the pontiff. The Jesuits were instrumental in leading the Counter-Reformation.

Ignatius paid particular attention to the spiritual formation of his recruits and recorded his method in the Spiritual Exercises (1548). Over time, this method has become known as Ignatian spirituality. He was beatified in 1609 and was canonized as a saint on March 12, 1622. His feast day is celebrated on July 31.

A Spaniard, born at Loyola in Cantabria, Ignatius first served in the court of the Most Catholic King and then in the army. In the defence of Pampeluna, he was wounded. As he lay in a long convalescence, the chance reading of some holy books gave him a burning desire to follow in the footsteps of Christ and the Saints.

He went to Montserrat, hung up his arms before the Altar of the Blessed Virgin, and spent a whole night in prayer, thus entering on his new profession of holy warfare.

The austerity of his life was extraordinary. He was ignorant of letters but, refreshed by brilliant illuminations from God, he composed the Exercises, a wonderful book approved by the Apostolic See and also by its usefulness to everyone.

At Paris he was joined by nine companions of different nations all studying at the university, and there at Montmartre he laid the first foundations of the Society of Jesus which were later completed at Rome.

To the three customary vows was added one to carry out the command of the Apostolic See concerning the Missions. Ignatius gave aid in increasing the beauty of churches, in teaching catechism, and in fostering attendance at sermons and the reception of the sacraments. He was most zealous for the spread of the Christian religion everywhere, and exercised a wonderful power over demons.

In the sixty-fifth year of his age, he went to receive the embrace of his Lord, whose greater glory he had always sought in all things. Pius XI appointed and declared him the heavenly patron of all spiritual exercises or retreats.

He is the patron saint of the Basque provinces of Gipuzkoa and Biscay as well as of the Society of Jesus. He was declared the patron saint of all spiritual retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922. He is also venerated in the Anglican Communion.

Ignatius of Loyola's life and works continue to inspire and guide many people around the world in their spiritual journeys. His teachings and the order he founded have had a profound impact on the Catholic Church and beyond.

(1) Ignatius of Loyola - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_of_Loyola. (2) St. Ignatius of Loyola - Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/St-Ignatius-of-Loyola. (3) . https://bing.com/search?q=St.+Ignatius+of+Loyola. (4) St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church. https://www.silcc.org/. (5) Ignatius of Loyola: a saint for difficult times. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258435/ignatius-of-loyola-a-saint-for-difficult-times.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Why was Jesus' death necessary?

Jesus' death is a central event in Christianity and is seen as necessary for several reasons:

1. **Sin and Separation**: The ultimate problem Jesus came to address was sin. The presence of sin in the world is what separates humanity from God. Without Jesus' sacrifice, we would be forever separated from God.

2. **Sacrifice for Sins**: Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His death provided forgiveness of our sins. If Jesus hadn’t died on the cross to take our place, our sins would not have been paid for.

3. **Reconciliation with God**: By dying on the cross, Jesus provided a pathway for people to be reconciled with God. His perfect existence from womb to tomb paved the way for believers to reach God the Father.

4. **Defeat of Death**: Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection are seen as a victory over death itself. We receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.

5. **Demonstration of Love**: Jesus' death provides the ultimate example of selflessness—a tangible picture of his deep love for us.

The Catholic Explanation:

The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus' death was necessary for the redemption of humanity, but the exact understanding of why and how it was necessary has been a subject of theological debate. Here are some key points:

1. **Expiation for Sins**: The Bible teaches that Jesus is “the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). This means that Christ made satisfaction for our sins (paid a debt) through his death on the cross.

2. **God's Omnipotence**: St. Thomas Aquinas argued that given God's omnipotence, He could have delivered mankind from sin in some way other than Jesus’ death. The idea of God remitting the debt of sin in some way other than Jesus’ death doesn’t entail a logical contradiction.

. 3. **Sin Against God Alone**: Sin is ultimately against God alone. So for God to forgive sin without willing satisfaction, He would in no way act against justice. Rather, His forgiveness would simply be an act of mercy.

4. **Substitution, Satisfaction, or Ransom Theology**: This theory, championed by St. Anselm in the 11th century, posits that Christ’s sacrificial death was necessary to liberate humanity from sin and restore communion with the Father. The blood of Jesus was seen as “payment” to God for human sin.

5. **Act of Love**: Some theologians, such as Peter Abelard, a contemporary of Anselm, insisted that Christ’s death on the cross had been an act of love, not payment.

6. **God's Great Love**: The Father lovingly sent his only begotten eternal Son to redeem us from sin and death (John 3:16-17). The Passion and Death of his Son Jesus Christ served as a fitting way to show us God’s great love for us as well as the ugliness of sin.

(1) Did Jesus Have to Die for Us? | Catholic Answers Magazine. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/did-jesus-have-to-die-for-us.

(2) Why did Jesus have to die for our sins? - Catholic Courier. https://catholiccourier.com/articles/why-did-jesus-have-to-die-for-our-sins/.

(3) Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross? | Catholic Answers Q&A. https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-did-jesus-die-on-the-cross.

(4) What was the point of Jesus' death and Resurrection?. https://becoming.catholic.au/s/article/What-was-the-point-of-Jesus-death-and-resurrection.

Protestant explanation:

(1) Why Did Jesus Die For Us? Understanding the Depth of His Sacrifice. https://churchleaders.com/christianity/472412-why-did-jesus-die-for-us.html.

(2) Why Did Jesus Have to Die to a Cross? - Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-did-jesus-have-to-die-for-our-sins-on-the-cross.html.

(3) Why Did Jesus Have to Die for Us? - Christianity. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christ/why-did-jesus-have-to-die-for-us.html.

(4) Why Did Jesus Have to Die? - Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. https://billygraham.org/story/why-did-jesus-have-to-die/.

(5) “Why Did Jesus Have To Die?” (A Question Worth Unpacking). https://bibleproject.com/articles/why-did-jesus-have-to-die-a-question-worth-unpacking/.

(6) Why Did Jesus Have to Die to a Cross? - Bible Study Tools. https://bing.com/search?q=Why+was+Jesus%27+death+necessary%3f.

Saints Abdon and Sennen

"S. Abdon et Sennen Martyrum" refers to Saints Abdon and Sennen, who are recognized by the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church as Christian martyrs⁴. Here's some information about them:

- **Origins**: They are described as Persian nobles.

- **Martyrdom**: They suffered martyrdom under Decius, around A.D. 250.

- **Veneration**: They are venerated with a feast day on July 30. In some places, they have been honored on March 20, and the first Sunday of May.

- **Acts**: Their Acts, written mostly before the 9th century, describe them as Persian nobles who were captured and taken to Rome during a military campaign in the third century. There, they became slaves, converted to Christianity, and helped bury the Christian dead. They came to the attention of Emperor Decius who had them taken in chains before the Roman Senate, where they refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods, and so were dismembered by gladiators in the Colosseum.

- **Burial**: The Roman Martyrology indicates that they were buried on July 30 in the Cemetery of Pontianus on the Via Portuensis, outside Rome.

- **Patronage**: They are the patrons of children, invoked for good harvest, burying the dead, coopers, Pescia; Sahagún, León; Calasparra.

- **Capture and Conversion**: They were captured and taken to Rome during a military campaign in the third century¹. There, they became slaves and converted to Christianity.

- **Service to the Christian Community**: They committed themselves to caring for Christian martyrs and properly interring their bodies.

- **Arrest and Trial**: Once discovered by the Roman authorities, Abdon and Sennen were arrested and commanded to pay homage to idols. They refused and even spat upon the idols in contempt of anything other than the true religion.

- **Imprisonment and Torture**: They were imprisoned and tortured until the Emperor returned to Rome.

- **Martyrdom in the Colosseum**: Abdon and Sennen were then thrown before the wild beasts in the arena, but the animals miraculously refused to attack despite the urging of the keepers. Finally, gladiators were sent into the amphitheater to dispatch the two faithful Persians by the sword.

- **Burial**: A Christian named Quirinus rescued and buried their bodies, which were eventually reinterred with honor during the reign of the Emperor Constantine.

Please note that their Acts, written for the most part prior to the ninth century. The historical accuracy of these accounts is uncertain.

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Catholic_Encyclopedia_%281913%29/Sts._Abdon_and_Sennen. (1) Abdon and Sennen - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdon_and_Sennen.

(2) Abdon and Sennen, Saints | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia. https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/abdon-and-sennen-saints.

(3) The Daily Mass: SS. Abdon & Sennen, Martyrs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjfTi1Y4v4g.

(4) Saint of the Day — July 30 — Saint Abdon and Saint Sennen #saintoftheday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNGfA5-_TZQ. (5) Ss. Abdon & Sennen (30 July). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb4zupybWR0.

(6) The Daily Mass: SS. Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFF8B-q5FLo.

(7) Guillaume Courtois | Abdon and Sennen carrying the early Christian .... https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/819341.

(8) undefined. https://sensusfidelium.us/the-liturgical-year-dom-prosper-gueranger/july/july-30-sts-abdon-and-sennen-martyrs/. (9) undefined. https://www.tanbooks.com/.

(10) undefined. https://www.olmcfssp.org/index.php/olmc.

(11) Sts. Abdon and Sennen - CatholiCity.com. https://www.catholicity.com/encyclopedia/a/abdon_and_sennen.html. (12) Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)/Sts. Abdon and Sennen.

Monday, July 29, 2024

Saint Martha

Saint Martha, also known as Martha of Bethany, is described in the Gospels of Luke and John. Here are some key details about her:

- **Family and Residence**: Martha lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem with her siblings Lazarus and Mary¹. She was the middle child, with Lazarus being the eldest and Mary being the youngest.

- **Interactions with Jesus**: Martha is known for her interactions with Jesus Christ. She often hosted Jesus in her home, especially during His preaching in Jerusalem. She was a witness to Jesus resurrecting her brother, Lazarus.

- **Faith**: Martha is recognized for her strong faith. Even in the face of what seemed impossible, she had complete confidence in Jesus.

- **Symbolism**: Martha is often symbolized with a broom and keys. She is considered the patron saint of various professions including butlers, cooks, dietitians, domestic servants, homemakers, hotel-keepers, housemaids, housewives, innkeepers, laundry workers, maids, servants, servers, single laywomen, and travellers.

- **Feast Day**: Martha is commemorated each year on July 29 in the Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions, and on June 4 in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

Martha's story serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing our daily duties with spiritual nourishment. She teaches us that while it's important to be diligent in our work, it's equally important to nourish our spirit and listen to the Word of God.

Martha was born of noble and wealthy parents, but is most renowned for her hospitality to Christ the Lord. Tradition says that after his Ascension she was arrested by the Jews, together with her brother and sister, and many other Christians, and put into a boat without sail or oars, which came to harbour in Marseilles. Because of this miracle and their preaching, the people of Marseilles and the neighbouring tribes believed in Christ. Martha won the love and admiration of all the people of Marseilles by her wonderful holiness of life and her charity. She retired with other good women to a place far removed from men. There she lived for a long time, highly renowned for her piety and her prudence. At length, famous for miracles, she went to the Lord, having foretold her death long before it occurred.

According to Provençal tradition, after the resurrection of Christ, Saint Martha, along with Mary Magdalene, Lazarus, and their companions, set sail from their homeland due to persecution. They were carried by the currents and winds to Gaul, more precisely to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

After their arrival, the disciples and faithful separated. Martha traveled towards Avignon and ended up in Tarascon. Mary Magdalene, Lazarus, Maximin, and Cedonius traveled on to **Marseille**. Here, **Saint Martha** and her companions began to preach and ended up converting the whole of Provence. Lazarus became the first bishop of Marseille².

This journey of Saint Martha and her companions is a significant part of the Christian history in Marseille and the broader region of Provence. Their work laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity in this region.

(1) The relics of Mary-Magdalene | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism. https://provence-alpes-cotedazur.com/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/traditions/relics-mary-magdalene/.

(2) Mary Magdalene Relics in France - Magdalene Publishing. http://www.magdalenepublishing.org/about/.

(3) Saint Martha, Disciple of the Lord - Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/07/29/st--martha--disciple-of-the-lord.html.

(4) Martha - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha.

(5) Saint Martha | Newman Ministry. https://www.newmanministry.com/saints/saint-martha.

(6) Saint Martha, Disciple of the Lord - Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/07/29/st--martha--disciple-of-the-lord.html.

(7) Saint Martha | Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/philosophy-and-religion/saints/saint-martha.

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Saint Pantaleon the Martyr

"S. Pantaleonis Martyris" refers to Saint Pantaleon the Martyr. Saint Pantaleon, also known as Panteleimon, is venerated as a Great Martyr and Unmercenary Healer in Christianity.

Here's a brief overview of his life and significance:

- He was born around 275 AD in Nicomedia, modern-day Izmit, Kocaeli, Turkey.

- Pantaleon was the son of a rich pagan, Eustorgius of Nicomedia, and had been instructed in Christianity by his Christian mother, Saint Eubula.

- He studied medicine under a renowned physician Euphrosinos and became the physician to the emperor, Maximian.

- He was won back to Christianity by Saint Hermolaus, who convinced him that Christ was the better physician.

- By miraculously healing a blind man by invoking the name of Jesus over him, Pantaleon converted his father.

- After his father's death, he came into possession of a large fortune. He freed his slaves and distributed his wealth among the poor.

- He was martyred in Nicomedia during the Diocletianic Persecution of 305 AD.

Saint Pantaleon is regarded as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers of the Late Middle Ages in Western Christianity, and one of the Holy Unmercenary Healers in Eastern Christianity. He is the patron saint of physicians, apothecaries, midwives, livestock, lottery, lottery winners and victories, lottery tickets; and is invoked against headaches, consumption, locusts, witchcraft, accidents, and loneliness. His feast day is celebrated on July 27.

(1) Saint Pantaleon - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Pantaleon.

(2) S. Pantaleonis Martyris ~ Simplex. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzcQWxM85N4.

(3) Apolytikion of St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRThiF58xOY.

(4) Saint Pantaleon Biography | Pantheon. https://pantheon.world/profile/person/Saint_Pantaleon.

(5) The Daily Mass: St Pantaleon - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY-OpS1Tc0g.

(6) Ordo: Julius 2024 - Divinum Officium. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/kalendar.pl.

(7) undefined. https://www.officium.sanctamissa.pl/cgi-bin/missa/missa.pl.

(8) undefined. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ktGI3ZgLLA.

Friday, July 26, 2024

Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"S. Annae Matris B.M.V." is Latin for "Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary".

This phrase is often used in the context of the Traditional Latin Mass.

The Mass in honor of Saint Anne is often called the "Missa 'Gaudeámus'".

Saint Anne's feast day is celebrated on July 26th. She is revered as the mother of Mary, the mother of Jesus, making her the grandmother of Jesus in Christian tradition.

Saint Anne, also known as Hannah, is revered in Christian tradition as the mother of the Virgin Mary, making her the grandmother of Jesus. Here are some more details about her:

- **Birth and Life**: Saint Anne was born in Bethlehem in Judaea¹. She and her husband Joachim led a wealthy and devout life at Nazareth. Grieved by her barrenness, Anne promised God that she would dedicate her firstborn child to the Lord’s service.

- **Mother of Mary**: The couple then received a vision of an angel, who announced that Anne would conceive and bear a most wondrous child, Mary¹. When Mary was three years old, Joachim and Anne, in fulfillment of her divine promise, brought Mary to the Temple of Jerusalem, where they left her to be brought up.

- **Significance**: The account of the life of St. Anne became the foundation for establishing the liturgical feasts of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (September 8) and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8), which is usually observed as a holy day of obligation.

- **Patronage**: Saint Anne is one of the patron saints of Brittany and Canada and of women in labor. As the grandparents of Jesus, Anne and her husband Joachim are also considered the patron saints of grandparents.

- **Feast Day**: Her feast day is celebrated on July 26.

- **Depictions**: In the Middle Ages, Saint Anne was often depicted as teaching Mary to read, as education was often associated with mothers.

(1) Saint Anne | Life, Feast Day, & Patronage | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Anne.

(2) Saint Anne - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Anne.

(3) Saints Anne and Joachim | Tradition, Legends, & History. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saints-Anne-and-Joachim.

(4) The enduring legacy of Saint Anne: Mother of the Virgin Mary and .... https://www.catholic365.com/article/25790/the-enduring-legacy-of-saint-anne-mother-of-the-virgin-mary-and-grandmother-of-jesus.html.

(5) Saint Anne - Bio, Facts, Family Life, Achievements - Famous People in .... https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/saint-anne-38067.php.

(6) Saint Anne - CATHOLIC SAINTS. https://www.catholic-saints.info/roman-catholic-saints-a-g/saint-anne.htm.

(7) undefined. https://theoldroman.com.

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Saint Christopher

"S. Christophori Martyris" refers to Saint Christopher the Martyr. Here are some key details about him:

- **Name**: Saint Christopher (Greek: Ἅγιος Χριστόφορος, Hágios Christóphoros, lit. 'Christ-bearer'; Latin: Sanctus Christophorus) is venerated by several Christian denominations.

- **Martyrdom**: He is known as a martyr who was killed in the reign of the 3rd-century Roman emperor Decius (r. 249–251), or alternatively under the emperor Maximinus Daia (r. 308–313).

- **Legend**: One of the legends about him is that his persecutors attempted to kill him in the same manner that would later befall St Sebastian, by tying him to a stake and shooting him full of arrows.

- **Patronage**: He is the patron saint of travelers, and small images of him are often worn around the neck, on a bracelet, carried in a pocket, or placed in vehicles by Christians.

- **Feast Day**: His feast day is celebrated on July 25 in Roman Catholicism and May 9 in Eastern Churches.

(1) Saint Christopher - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Christopher.

(2) New Liturgical Movement: The Feast of St Christopher. https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2015/07/the-feast-of-st-christopher.html.

(3) Christopher | TORCH | The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities. https://www.torch.ox.ac.uk/article/christopher.

(4) undefined. https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicArchive/videos%29.

Saint James the Apostle

Saint James the Apostle, also known as James the Great, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus¹². Here are some key details about him:

- **Birth and Death**: He was born in Galilee, Palestine, and died in 44 CE in Jerusalem.

- **Family**: James was the son of Zebedee and Salome. Salome was a sister of Mary (mother of Jesus) which made James the Great a cousin of Jesus¹. James the Great was the brother of John the Apostle.

- **Role in Jesus' Ministry**: James, along with his brother John, and Peter, formed an informal triumvirate among the Twelve Apostles. He was part of Jesus' innermost circle and witnessed major events such as the raising of Jairus's daughter, the Transfiguration, and Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

- **Martyrdom**: James the Apostle was the only apostle whose martyrdom is recorded in the New Testament (Acts 12:2). He was beheaded by order of King Herod Agrippa I of Judaea.

- **Patronage**: Saint James is the patron saint of Spain and, according to tradition, his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. He is also the patron saint of pilgrims, soldiers, veterinarians, pharmacists, and people with arthritis.

James, the Son of Zebedee and brother of the Apostle John, was a Galilean, and with his brother one of the first of His Apostles whom the Lord called, whileas they were in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets and they immediately left the ship, and their father, and followed Him. Matth. iv. 21, 22.

And He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder. Mark iii. 17.

Peter, and James, and John, were the three Apostles whom the Saviour loved best; them He took and brought up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them, Matth. xvii. 1,2;

when He went to the house of the ruler of the synagogue to raise his daughter from the dead, He suffered no man to follow Him save Peter, and James, and John, Mark v. 37;

and, at the last, just before the Jews took Him, when He cometh unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples: Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Matth. xxvi. 36, 37.

After that Jesus Christ was ascended into heaven, James preached how that He was God, and led many in Judaea and Samaria to the Christian Faith. A while afterward, he went to Spain, and there he brought some to Christ, of whom seven were afterwards ordained Bishops by Blessed Peter, and were the first such sent into that country.

From Spain James went back to Jerusalem, where he taught the Faith to diverse persons, and, among others, to the Magian Hermogenes.

Thereupon Herod Agrippa, who had been raised to the kingdom under the Emperor Claudius, to curry favour with the Jews, condemned James to death for his firm confession that Jesus Christ is God.

The officer who led James to the judgment-seat, at sight of the courage wherewith he was ready to offer up his testimony, declared himself also to be a Christian.

As they were being hurried to execution, this man asked pardon of James, and the Apostle kissed him, saying, Peace be unto thee. James healed a paralytic, and immediately afterwards both the prisoners were beheaded.

The body of the Apostle was afterwards taken to Compostella, (in the province of Galicia, in Spain,) where his grave is very famous. Multitudes of pilgrims from all parts of the earth betake themselves thither to pray, out of sheer piety or in fulfilment of vows.

The Birthday of James is kept by the Church upon this day, which is that of the bringing of his body to Compostella. It was about Easter-time Acts xii. 2-4 that he bore witness to Jesus Christ with his blood, at Jerusalem, being the first of the Apostles to do so.

He is also known as James, son of Zebedee, Saint James the Greater, Saint James the Elder, or Saint Jacob or Santiago.

His feast day is celebrated on July 25 in Roman Catholicism and April 30 in Eastern Orthodoxy.

(1) James the Great - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Great.

(2) St. James | Biography, Apostle, the Greater, Death, Feast Day, & Facts .... https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-James-son-of-Zebedee.

(3) Who Was Saint James? The Beginner's Guide - OverviewBible. https://overviewbible.com/saint-james/.

(4) James, Saint Apostle – Church Encyclopedia & Biblical Lexicon. https://churchpedia.org/james-saint-apostle/.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Psalm 48(2-13) They that trust in their own strength, * and glory in the multitude of their riches,

Psalm 48(2-13)
Hear these things, all ye nations: * give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world.
All you that are earthborn, and you sons of men: * both rich and poor together.
My mouth shall speak wisdom: * and the meditation of my heart understanding
I will incline my ear to a parable; * I will open my proposition on the psaltery.
Why shall I fear in the evil day? * the iniquity of my heel shall encompass me.
They that trust in their own strength, * and glory in the multitude of their riches,
No brother can redeem, nor shall man redeem: * he shall not give to God his ransom,
Nor the price of the redemption of his soul: * and shall labour for ever, and shall still live unto the end.
He shall not see destruction, when he shall see the wise dying: * the senseless and the fool shall perish together:
And they shall leave their riches to strangers: * and their sepulchres shall be their houses for ever.
Their dwelling places to all generations: * they have called their lands by their names.
And man when he was in honour did not understand; * he is compared to senseless beasts, and is become like to them.

Saint Christina, Virgin and Martyr

"S. Christinæ Virginis et Martyris" is Latin for "Saint Christina, Virgin and Martyr". Saint Christina is a Christian saint and martyr who is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church.

Her feast day is observed on July 24.

The phrase you provided is often seen in liturgical texts, such as the Mass Proper, where prayers and readings specific to her feast day are included.

For example, one prayer from the Mass Proper for St. Christina's feast day is: "Dómine, beáta Christína Virgo et Martyr implóret: quae tibi grátia semper éxstitit, et mérito castitátis, et tuae professióne virtútis. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum."

This translates to: "O Lord, may blessed Christina, Virgin and Martyr, who always found favor with You by her chastity and by her profession of virtue, implore Your forgiveness for us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever."

There are several saints named Christina, and their stories vary:

1. **Christina the Astonishing** (c.1150 – 24 July 1224), also known as Christina Mirabilis, was a Christian holy woman born in Brustem, Belgium¹. She is primarily known for her legendary resurrection during her funeral mass, and numerous other miracles attributed to her during her life. Orphaned at a young age, she remained under the care of her two older sisters². When she was in her early 20s she apparently had a seizure and was thought to be dead.

2. **Saint Christina of Tyre** was from Tyre in Syria, the daughter of a pagan named Urban. Enlightened in her heart to believe in Christ, she broke her father's idols, made of gold and silver, and distributed the pieces to the poor. When her father learned this, he punished her ruthlessly, then cast her into prison.

3. **Saint Christina of Bolsena**, also known as Christina Anicii, was born in the 3rd century, probably in Rome, Italy, into the prominent pagan Anicii family. From a young age, she showed a strong devotion to her Christian faith and a burning desire to serve God.

Each of these saints has a unique story and is celebrated for their faith and dedication. Their lives continue to inspire many people around the world. Let me know if you want to know more about any specific Saint Christina.

(1) Christina the Astonishing - Wikipedia. https://bing.com/search?q=Saint+Christina+biography.

(2) Christina the Astonishing - Students - Britannica Kids. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Christina-the-Astonishing/310685.

(3) Christina the Great Martyr of Tyre - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of .... https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=139.

(4) Saint Christina of Bolsena - Catholic Saint | Saint for a Minute ....
(5) Christina the Astonishing - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_the_Astonishing.

(6) Ordo: Julius 2024 - Divinum Officium. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/kalendar.pl.

(7) S. Christinæ Virginis et Martyris, Missa “Me ... - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1ooZikSDro.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Saint Apollinaris

"S. Apollinaris Episcopi Mart" refers to **Saint Apollinaris**, who was a bishop and a martyr. He is believed to have served as the first Bishop of Ravenna for twenty to twenty-six years. He was a disciple of Saint Peter and was made by him the Bishop of Ravenna. He was crowned with martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Vespasian

. The phrase "S. Apollinaris Episcopi Mart" is often seen in the context of the Traditional Latin Mass, specifically on the feast day of Saint Apollinaris, which is celebrated on July 23. The phrase "Missa 'Sacerdótes Dei'" refers to the Mass of "Priests of God", which is often celebrated on this day.

Saint Apollinaris, also known as Apollinaris of Ravenna, is a revered figure in Christian history. Here are some key details about his life and legacy:

Apollinaris came from Antioch to Rome with the Prince of the Apostles, who ordained him a bishop and sent him to Ravenna to preach the Gospel of the Lord Christ. Here, when Apollinaris had converted many pagans to faith in Christ, he was seized by the priests of the idols and beaten severely. When his prayers brought the gift of speech to a nobleman named Boniface who had been dumb for a long time and freed his daughter from an unclean spirit, a commotion was again raised against Apollinaris, and he suffered many kinds of torments. Afterwards, preaching the Gospel throughout Emilia, he turned many of the people away from the worship of idols. He came back to Ravenna, exhorted the Christians to constancy in the faith and died the glorious death of a martyr. His body was buried near the city wall.

- **Origins**: Saint Apollinaris was born in Antioch, Syria, which is now Antakya in modern-day Turkey.

- **Bishop of Ravenna**: According to tradition, he was made the first Bishop of Ravenna by Saint Peter himself. His tenure as bishop lasted for twenty-six years during which he faced nearly constant persecution.

- **Preaching and Miracles**: Saint Apollinaris was known for his preaching and the miracles he performed. His efforts won many converts to the faith, which attracted the attention of government officials and pagans of that time.

- **Martyrdom**: He was martyred in Ravenna, Italy, and his death is commemorated on July 23. He was honored by the Church of Classis near Ravenna with a glorious martyrdom.

- **Patronage**: Saint Apollinaris is the patron saint of epilepsy and gout, as well as the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy and several cities including Aachen, Burtscheid, Düsseldorf, Ravenna, and Remagen.

- **Legacy**: A beautiful basilica honoring Saint Apollinaris was built in the sixth century in Classis, a suburb of Ravenna.

Saint Apollinaris' life and work exemplify the dedication and sacrifice often associated with early Christian leaders. His story continues to inspire many people around the world.

(1) Apollinaris of Ravenna - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollinaris_of_Ravenna.

(2) St Apollinaris of Ravenna – Feast Day – July 20 2023. https://catholicreadings.org/saint-apollinaris-of-ravenna-bishop-and-martyr/.

(3) St. Apollinaris - Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-apollinaris-110.

(4) Saint Apollinaris | Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-apollinaris/.

(5) Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr - My Catholic Life!. https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-20-saint-apollinaris-bishop-and-martyr/.

(6) St. Apollinaris – Bishop, Martyr | The Fatima Center. https://fatima.org/fatima-messages/saint-of-the-day/st-apollinaris-bishop-martyr/.

(7) The Daily Mass: St Apollinaris of Ravenna - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FNUQg60dm8.

(8) undefined. https://theoldroman.com.

(9) undefined. https://www.theoldroman.com.

(10) undefined. https://gofund.me/63af7b8d.

(11 undefined. https://www.paypal.me/ArchbishopOfSelsey.

(12) undefined. https://rebrand.ly/i1378tp.

Monday, July 22, 2024

Saint Mary Magdalene

"S. Mariae Magdalenae Poenitentis" refers to Saint Mary Magdalene the Penitent. In Christian tradition, Mary Magdalene is often depicted as a penitent, a sinner who repented and devoted her life to following Jesus Christ.

One of the most famous depictions of Mary Magdalene as a penitent is a wooden sculpture by the Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello, usually dated to around 1440. This sculpture, known as the "Penitent Magdalene," was probably commissioned for the Baptistery of Florence. The piece is renowned for its unprecedented realism and is now housed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence.

The sculpture conveys Mary Magdalene's sorrow and repentance, drawing viewers into a world of introspection. Through intricate carving and subtle features, Donatello captures human frailty and divine redemption, inviting timeless contemplation. This depiction of Mary Magdalene as a penitent reflects the period’s emphasis on penitence and redemption.

It's important to note that the term "penitent" in her title refers to her repentance and spiritual renewal following her encounter with Jesus Christ⁴. This is a significant aspect of her story and her role in Christian tradition.

Mary Magdalene is said to have traveled to Marseille, France, after the death of Jesus. According to Provençal tradition, she arrived in France near Arles, at a place now called Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. From there, she is said to have gone to Marseille and converted the locals to Christianity.

After her missionary work in Marseille, Mary Magdalene is believed to have retired to a cave in La Sainte-Baume Mountain, where she spent several years in prayer and contemplation. This cave, known as the "Holy Cave" or "Baumo" in the Provençal language, is now a Christian pilgrimage site.

At the time of her death, it is believed that she was buried in an oratory built by the first Christians. Today, this oratory is located in a town called Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. Some of her remains are said to reside in the Basilica of Mary Magdalene in this town.

This rich vein of tradition about Mary Magdalene's life in Provence has inspired numerous monuments and continues to draw visitors from around the world. Her story is a significant part of the religious history of this region.

(1) Mary Magdalene in Provence Legend or Fact. https://perfectlyprovence.co/mary-magdalene-provence-legend/.

(2) Mary Magdalene's tomb in France: Exploring Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. https://snippetsofparis.com/saint-maximin-la-sainte-baume/.

(3) Sainte-Baume - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Baume.

(4) Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

(5) Saint Mary Magdalen, the Beautiful Penitent - Catholicism.org. https://catholicism.org/mary-magdalen.html.

(6) Penitent Magdalene (Donatello) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penitent_Magdalene_%28Donatello%29.

(7) "Penitent Magdalene" by Donatello - A Detailed Analysis - artincontext.org. https://artincontext.org/penitent-magdalene-by-donatello/.

(8) Penitent Magdalen - The Collection - Museo Nacional del Prado. https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/penitent-magdalene/1f0c2f5f-5eed-46cc-978f-a4a301b7dc55.

Friday, July 19, 2024

Saint Vincent de Paul

"S. Vincentii a Paulo Confessoris" refers to **Saint Vincent de Paul**, a renowned French Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving the poor. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He was canonized in 1737 and is celebrated on **July 19**.

Saint Vincent de Paul founded the **Congregation of the Mission**, a society of missionary priests commonly known as the Vincentians, and with Louise de Marillac, the **Daughters of Charity**. He is also known for his compassion, humility, and generosity.

The phrase "S. Vincentii a Paulo Confessoris: Missa \"Justus\"" refers to the Mass for Saint Vincent de Paul, with "Justus" being the introit, or entrance chant, of the Mass. The Traditional Latin Mass is often recorded at the Brighton Oratory, UK.

Saint Vincent de Paul was a French Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving the poor. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

From his very boyhood, Vincent de Paul, born at Puy in Gascony, was remarkable for his great charity toward the poor. Called from the care of his father's flock to the study of letters and then ordained to the priesthood, he fell into the hands of the Turks, who took him captive into Africa.

With his master, an apostate whom he had won back to the faith of Christ, he escaped and went back to France.

In the parishes entrusted to him and then as chaplain of the galleys, he zealously undertook the work of the salvation of souls.

As director of the Visitation nuns for about forty years, he governed them most wisely.

Even in his old age, he worked untiringly for the evangelization of the poor, especially of those who lived in the country.

He had founded a Congregation under the name of the Secular Priests of the Missions, and he bound them to this apostolic work by a perpetual vow confirmed by the Holy See.

He established many associations for seeking out and aiding the unfortunate and for the education of girls.

At length, worn out by bodily mortification, labours and old age, he peacefully fell asleep in the Lord in the year of salvation 1660.

Famous for his miracles, he was placed among the Saints by Clement XII, and Leo XIII declared and appointed him the special heavenly patron of all charitable associations in the whole Catholic world which trace their origin in some way to him.

Here are some more details about him:

- **Society of St. Vincent de Paul**: Saint Vincent de Paul founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, also known as SVDP. This society harnesses the power of community and partnerships to feed, clothe, house, and heal individuals and families in the community who have nowhere else to turn for help. The volunteer members of this society, known as Vincentians, are women and men who are compelled by their Catholic Christian faith to serve those who are needy and suffering.

- **Local Chapters**: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has local chapters across the United States, providing Vincentians with financial support, training, education, and spiritual formation as they assist millions of our most vulnerable neighbors. You can find information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul closest to you from the location listings on their website.

- **Charitable Works**: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the United States provides more than $1.4 billion in aid to more than 4 million people every year. They offer a range of services, from rental assistance and homelessness prevention to thrift stores and food pantries, to disaster recovery and charitable pharmacies.

- **Mission**: The mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is “a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need”.

Saint Vincent de Paul's legacy continues to inspire and guide many people around the world in their service to those in need.

(1) Home - SVDP USA. https://ssvpusa.org/.

(2) Finding Your Local St. Vincent de Paul Chapter - SVDP USA. https://ssvpusa.org/assistance-services/.

(3) . https://bing.com/search?q=Saint+Vincent+de+Paul.

(4) St Vincent de Paul Society Paris, TX. https://www.facebook.com/SVDPVolunteer/.

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Saint Camillus de Lellis

"S. Camilli de Lellis Confessoris" refers to **Saint Camillus de Lellis**, a confessor in the Catholic Church.

He was born in 1550 and died in 1614. Throughout much of his life, he struggled with a gambling addiction, which even led him to destitution. However, by the grace of God, he overcame this vice.

Camillus eventually found his way to a military career, where he picked up his gambling vice. After leaving the military, he sought work in a hospital for incurables, hoping to be cured of abscesses in his feet. His gambling and quarrelsome disposition got him fired from the hospital, so he went back to soldiering.

After his term of service ended, he worked on a construction project for some Capuchins. This time, the guardian managed to turn his gambling around and, though he sought admission to the community, they refused him because of his feet problems.

Camillus returned to Rome and the hospital where he previously worked. He obtained temporary relief of his foot problems and, with a changed life, became a nurse and eventually director of that hospital. He announced plans to create a religious order of infirmarians, which eventually took root.

At 32, he set on the path of priesthood. He also founded a new religious order, the "Fathers of a Good Death," whose members devoted themselves to the plague-stricken and to assist those who were dying. The "Order of the Ministers of the Sick," as its name came to be, elected Camillus its first superior, but eventually resigned to devote himself directly to the community’s ministry.

The feast day of Saint Camillus de Lellis is celebrated on **July 14**. His life and work are commemorated in various ways, including through prayers and the veneration of his relics.

(1) St. Camillus De Lellis, a Gambling Addict Who Became a Saint. https://ewtn.co.uk/article-st-camillus-de-lellis-a-gambling-addict-who-became-a-saint/.

(2) PRAYER TO SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSaODOChlrw.

(3) The Heart of St. Camillus de Lellis (in HD Video). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEJRSkO5tB4.

(4) St. Camillus de Lellis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCTeMNeoCAY.

(5) The Daily Mass: St Camillus de Lellis - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyNkz1DWCgg.

(6) Saint Camillus de Lellis ‘Theologian’ of the Concern of God. https://www.camilliani.org/en/saint-camillus-de-lellis-theologian-of-the-concern-of-god/.

(7) Ad Laudes - S. Camilli de Lellis Confessoris - IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26409371/parentalguide. (8) undefined. https://theoldroman.com.

(9) undefined. https://www.theoldroman.com.

(10) undefined. https://gofund.me/63af7b8d.

(11) undefined. https://www.paypal.me/ArchbishopOfSelsey.

(12) undefined. https://rebrand.ly/i1378tp.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

S. Alexii Confessoris" refers to **Saint Alexius of Rome

"S. Alexii Confessoris" refers to **Saint Alexius of Rome**, who was a confessor.

He was born in Rome in the fourth century and was the only son of parents who were pre-eminent among the Roman nobles for both their virtue and their great wealth.

Although this fourth-century saint had become popular very early among the eastern Christians, in Western Europe St Alexius was the recipient of a wave of devotion only in the ninth and tenth century. From the ninth century onwards, different versions of his life spread in diverse religious communities from Spain to England.

Around 1040 his Vita was even translated into vernacular Old French language, known as Chanson de saint Alexis. The expansion of the cult of St Alexius seems most obviously to have been due to the activities of popes in the tenth century.

In 977, Sergios, an exiled bishop from Damascus, arrived in Rome. It is likely that he brought with him the legend and the veneration to St Alexius. Having received the church of St Boniface on the Aventine from Pope Benedict VII, Sergios created a monastery there. The second abbot of the monastery, Leon, then erected a church of St Alexius in 986. Since then, the saint became a second patron of the city.

The legend of St Alexius thus became a text of Roman and papal propaganda that depicted the saint as a Roman, who was born, died and was buried in Rome, and his relics stemming from Saint-Boniface were Roman too. Therefore, Rome was one of the main forces disseminating St Alexius’s cult.

Saint Alexius of Rome, also known as Alexius of Edessa, was a fourth-century Greek monk who lived in anonymity and is known for his dedication to Christ¹. He was born into a wealthy Christian family in Rome, the only son of a respected Roman senator⁵. From an early age, Alexius felt called to devote himself entirely to God, seeking a life of holiness and service.

Two versions of his life exist, one in Syriac and the other in Greek. According to the Syriac tradition, St. Alexius was an Eastern saint whose veneration was later transplanted to Rome. The relocation of the veneration to Rome was facilitated by the belief that the saint was a native of Rome and had died there. This Roman connection stemmed from an earlier Syriac legend, which recounted that, during the episcopate of Bishop Rabbula (412–435), a "Man of God", who lived in Edessa, Mesopotamia as a beggar and shared the alms he received with other poor people, was found to be a native of Rome after his death.

The Greek version of his legend made Alexius the only son of Euphemianus, a wealthy Christian Roman of the senatorial class¹. Alexius fled his arranged marriage to follow his holy vocation. Disguised as a beggar, he lived near Edessa in Syria, accepting alms even from his own household slaves, who had been sent to look for him; they did not recognize him until a miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary singled him out as a "Man of God". Fleeing the resultant notoriety, he returned to Rome, so changed that his parents did not recognize him, but as good Christians took him in and sheltered him for seventeen years, which he spent in a dark cubbyhole beneath the stairs, praying and teaching catechism to children. After his death, his family found a note on his body which told them who he was and how he had lived his life of penance from the day of his wedding, for the love of God.

The life of St Alexius is also recounted in a French poem, la Vie de saint Alexis, believed to date from the early or mid-11th century. This is regarded as one of the earliest works of French literature, and also one of the first poems in any romance language to be written in the 10 or 11-syllable iambic line which later became the iambic pentameter.

(1) Alexius of Rome - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexius_of_Rome.

(2) Saint Alexius of Rome - Catholic Saint | Saint for a Minute: Blesseds .... https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_alexius_of_rome.

(3) Saint Alexis | Biography & Feast Day | Britannica. https://bing.com/search?q=Life+of+Saint+Alexius.

(4) Saint Alexis | Biography & Feast Day | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Alexis.

(5) Venerable Alexis the Man of God - Orthodox Church in America. https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/03/17/100822-venerable-alexis-the-man-of-god.

(6) Saint Alexius of Rome, Confessor - sanctoral.com. https://sanctoral.com/en/saints/saint_alexius_of_rome.html.

(7) The cult of St Alexius: a new veneration of an old saint and Italian .... https://arts.st-andrews.ac.uk/after-empire/2018/05/15/the-cult-of-st-alexius/.

(8) The Daily Mass: St Osmund of Salisbury - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgSyzQB8azM.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Beatæ Mariæ Virginis de Monte Carmelo

The phrase "Beatæ Mariæ Virginis de Monte Carmelo" is Latin for "Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel". It is associated with the **Carmelite Order**, a Roman Catholic religious order that was founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel.

This order is also known as the **Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. The Carmelites trace their roots and their name to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where a group of European men gathered in the 13th century to live a simple life of prayer¹. Their first chapel was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and they called themselves the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.

There is also a branch of the Carmelite Order known as the **Discalced Carmelites**. The term "discalced" is derived from Latin, meaning "without shoes". This branch was established in the 16th century, pursuant to the reform of the Carmelite Order by two Spanish saints, Teresa of Ávila (foundress) and John of the Cross (co-founder).

The phrase "Beatæ Mariæ Virginis de Monte Carmelo" is particularly significant on July 16th, when the Carmelite Order celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

(1) Carmelites - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelites.

(2) Carmelites - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelites.

(3) Discalced Carmelites - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discalced_Carmelites.

(4) Die 16 Julii. Decimo septimo Kalendas Augusti. Festum beatae Mariae .... https://www.korazym.org/105134/die-16-julii-decimo-septimo-kalendas-augusti-festum-beatae-mariae-virginis-de-monte-carmelo/.

More:

The Carmelite Order, also known as the **Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel** (Ordo Fratrum Beatissimæ Virginis Mariæ de Monte Carmelo in Latin), is a mendicant order in the Roman Catholic Church¹. Here are some key points about the Carmelite Order:

- **Origins**: The order traces its origins back to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. It was probably founded in the 12th century by a group of European men who had settled near the traditional fountain of Elijah. These men, possibly former pilgrims or crusaders, lived as hermits in separate cells or huts, observing vows of silence, seclusion, abstinence, and austerity.

- **Founders**: While historical records about its origin remain uncertain, Berthold of Calabria and Albert of Vercelli have traditionally been associated with the founding of the order.

- **Spiritual Fathers**: The Carmelite Order is unique in that it does not refer to a charismatic founder, but to a prophet of the Old Testament. Elijah and his disciple Elisha are considered by the Carmelites as the spiritual fathers of the order.

- **Transition to Mendicant Order**: Around 1240, due to the losses of the Crusading armies in Palestine, the Carmelites migrated to Cyprus, Sicily, France, and England. The first general chapter of the Carmelites was held in England in 1247 under St. Simon Stock, and the order transformed itself from one of hermits into one of mendicant friars.

- **Discalced Carmelites**: In the 16th century, a reform of the Carmelite Order was initiated by two Spanish saints, Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross. This led to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites, who wore sandals in place of shoes and stockings.

- **Today**: As of 2022, the Carmelite Order had 2,041 members, including 1,303 priests. The order has spread throughout the world and has grown many branches, collectively referred to as 'the Carmelite family'.

(1) Carmelites - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmelites.

(2) Carmelite | Definition, Meaning, & History | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Carmelites.

(3) The Carmelites – Order of Carmelites. https://carmelites.net/the-carmelites/.

(4) The History of the Carmelite Order – The Carmel of St. Joseph. https://thecarmel.ca/the-history-of-the-carmelite-order-2/.

Monday, July 15, 2024

S. Henrici Imperatoris Confessoris

"S. Henrici Imperatoris Confessoris" is Latin for "Saint Henry the Emperor, Confessor".

Saint Henry II was a Holy Roman Emperor and a devout Catholic who was later canonized.

The term "Confessor" refers to a saint who confessed their faith in Christ by their lives while not being a martyr.

The phrase you provided is often seen in the context of liturgical texts, such as those for the Traditional Latin Mass.

It appears that there are also podcast episodes titled "Ad Vesperas - S. Henrici Imperatoris Confessoris ~ III. classis" and "Ad Laudes - S. Henrici Imperatoris Confessoris ~ III. classis", which suggest that these are parts of the Divine Office (a set of prayers marking the hours of each day) dedicated to Saint Henry.

The feast day of Saint Henry is celebrated on July 13th.

Saint Henry II, born in 972, was a Holy Roman Emperor and a devout Catholic. He was the son of Henry, the Duke of Bavaria, and Gisella, daughter of King Conrad of Burgundy. He received an excellent education under the care of St. Wolfgang, Bishop of Ratisbon.

In 995, he succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria. Upon the death of his cousin, Otto III, in 1002, he claimed the throne and was crowned King of Germany. He was later crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII in Rome in 1014.

Henry, surnamed the Pious, was first Duke of Bavaria, then King of Germany, and finally Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

He devoted himself zealously to the spread of religion. The bishopric of Bamberg, which he had founded with his family wealth, he made tributary of St. Peter and the Roman Pontiff.

He received Benedict VIII when he was a fugitive and restored him to his See.

To protect the Roman Church, he undertook a war against the Greeks and recovered Apulia, which they had held for a long time.

Protected by divine aid, he fought the barbarian nations more with prayers than with force of arms.

When Hungary was still pagan, he gave his sister in marriage to its king, Stephen, who was baptized and brought the whole kingdom to the faith.

Henry joined matrimony with holy virginity, and when he was near death he restored St. Cunegunda, his wife, as a virgin to her family.

Finally, even more famous for his holiness than for his temporal rule, he was called to the reward of the heavenly kingdom in the year 1024, and was added to the number of the Saints by Eugene III.

Saint Henry was known for his great faith and close relationship with the Church. He appointed devout and loyal bishops, reformed German bishops, created new dioceses, and endowed bishops with temporal power alongside their spiritual power. He was also a man of great charity, often visiting churches in each city he visited for extended periods of time.

Saint Henry was canonized by Pope Eugene III in 1146. His feast day is celebrated on July 13th. He is the patron saint of kings, Benedictine Oblates, handicapped people, and those rejected from religious orders. He is also invoked against sterility.

(1) Saint Henry - My Catholic Life!. https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-13-saint-henry/.

(2) Saint Henry | Newman Ministry. https://www.newmanministry.com/saints/saint-henry.

(3) Saint Henry | uCatholic. https://ucatholic.com/saints/henry/.

(4) St. Henry bio. http://www.sainthenrys.org/CatholicChurch/StHenry.

(5) Saint Henry | Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-henry/.

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato

The phrase "Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato" is Latin and it is associated with the Catholic Church's tradition of dedicating Saturdays to the Virgin Mary¹. This phrase translates to "Holy Mary on Saturday" or "Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday".

This observance occurs on all Saturdays that are Ferias (i.e., IV class), which means whenever there is no feast on a Saturday, it becomes a "Sancta Maria in Sabbato". This tradition emphasizes certain values such as the maternal example and discipleship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, strengthened by faith and hope, held vigil in expectation of the Lord's resurrection¹. It also serves as a prelude and introduction to the celebration of Sunday, the weekly memorial of the Resurrection of Christ.

This tradition is observed in the Divine Office (also known as the Liturgy of the Hours or the Roman Breviary) of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church¹. The Divine Office is a set of prayers that priests, religious and some lay people say at different times of the day to sanctify the day and fulfill the command of Christ to pray without ceasing.

I added a hymn titled "The God whom earth, and sea, and sky". This hymn is often sung in religious services.

The God whom earth, and sea, and sky

Adore, and laud, and magnify,

Who o'er their threefold fabric reigns,

The Virgin's spotless womb contains.



The God, whose will by moon and sun

And all things in due course is done,

Is borne upon a maiden's breast,

By fullest heavenly grace possest,



How blest that mother, in whose shrine

The great artificer divine,

Whose hand contains the earth and sky,

Vouchsafed, as in his ark, to lie.



Blest, in the message Gabriel brought;

Blest, by the work the Spirit wrought;

From whom the great desire of earth

Took human flesh and human birth.



All honour, laud, and glory be,

O Jesu, Virgin-born to thee;

All glory, as is ever meet,

To Father and to Paraclete.



Amen.

The hymn is a beautiful expression of the Christian belief in the Incarnation, the doctrine that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. The hymn speaks of the divine ("The God whom earth, and sea, and sky Adore, and laud, and magnify") being contained within the Virgin Mary's womb ("The Virgin's spotless womb contains"). It also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the conception of Jesus ("Blest, by the work the Spirit wrought").

The hymn ends with a doxology, a short hymn of praise to the Christian Trinity: Jesus ("O Jesu, Virgin-born to thee"), the Father, and the Holy Spirit ("Paraclete")

. This hymn was originally written by Venantius Fortunatus (530-609) and later translated by John Mason Neale (1818-1866). It is often sung to the tune of "Eisenach" by Johann Hermann Schein (1586-1630), harmonised by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

It's a beautiful hymn that encapsulates key aspects of Christian theology and devotion.

Question on "Sancta Maria in Sabbato" : r/divineoffice - Reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/divineoffice/comments/t1u0y8/question_on_sancta_maria_in_sabbato/.

(1) The God whom earth and sea and sky | Hymnary.org. https://hymnary.org/text/the_god_whom_earth_and_sea_and_sky.

(2) The God Whom Earth And Sea And Sky (Eisenach, Organ, 4 Verses) - Hymns .... https://play.hymnswithoutwords.com/the-god-whom-earth-and-sea-and-sky/.

(3) Here I Am, Lord - GodTube. https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/here-i-am-lord/.

(4) The God whom earth and sea and sky - Traditional Music. https://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/hymn-lyrics/pdf/the_god_whom_earth_and_sea_and_sky-lyrics.pdf.

(5) The God Whom Earth, and Sea, and Sky - hymntime.com. http://hymntime.com/tch/htm/g/w/e/s/gwesasky.htm.

Friday, July 12, 2024

Saint John Gualbert

"S. Joannis Gualberti Abbatis ~ III. classis" refers to Saint John Gualbert, Abbot, and the term "III. classis" is a classification used in the Roman Catholic Church's liturgical calendar.

Saint John Gualbert (Italian: Giovanni Gualberto) was an Italian Roman Catholic saint, the founder of the Vallumbrosan Order. He was canonized in 1193 by Pope Celestine III. His feast day is celebrated on July 12.

John Gualbert, born of a noble Florentine family, took up a military career at his father's wish.

His only brother, Hugh, was slain by a relative, and it happened that on Good Friday, attended by armed soldiers, John met the slayer alone and unarmed on the road where they could not avoid each other.

Because of John's reverence for the sign of the holy Cross, which his enemy, seeing death at hand, made with his arms in supplication, John graciously spared him and received him as a brother.

Then he went to the Church of St. Minias, where, as he adored the Crucified, the image bent its head to him.

Moved by this, he gave up the military life and, at the persuasion of St. Romuald, then living in the hermitage of Camaldoli, he put on the monastic habit.

Later he founded a monastic Order under the Rule of St. Benedict in Vallombrosa, which had as its primary aims to do away with the stain of simony and to promulgate the apostolic faith.

Full of virtues and merits and blessed with the companionship of Angels, he went to the Lord in his seventy-eighth year, the 12th day of July, 1073, at Passignano.

In the context of the liturgical calendar, "III. classis" refers to the third class, which is a ranking system for feast days. The higher the class (I being the highest), the greater the importance of the feast. So, "III. classis" indicates that this is a third-class feast, which is of lesser importance compared to first or second-class feasts.

This information is often found in resources like the "Divinum Officium", which provides the daily liturgical texts for the Roman Catholic Church.

Saint John Gualbert (Italian: Giovanni Gualberto) was an Italian Roman Catholic saint and the founder of the Vallumbrosan Order. He was born in Florence, Italy, in the year 985 or 995. His family was a noble one.

John's life took a dramatic turn on Good Friday when he encountered the murderer of his brother. Filled with vengeance, John was about to strike the man down, but the man fell to his knees and begged for mercy in the name of Christ. John forgave him, seeing this as a sign from God.

After this event, John decided to dedicate his life to God. He became a monk and later founded the Vallumbrosan Order, which followed the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monks of this order led simple lives dedicated to prayer and labor.

John was known for his piety and his miracles. He was said to have miraculously cured a leper and to have brought a child back to life. His dedication to the monastic life and his ability to inspire others led to the growth of the Vallumbrosan Order.

John passed away on July 12, 1073. He was canonized in 1193 by Pope Celestine III. His feast day, as mentioned earlier, is celebrated on July 12 and is classified as a third-class feast in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.

(1) Catholic Faith - July 12 - S. Joannis Gualberti Abbatis - Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/catholicfaithPH/posts/july-12-s-joannis-gualberti-abbatis-iii-classisgospelcontinuation-of-the-holy-go/1908387052687189/.

(2) Ordo: Julius 2024 - Divinum Officium. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/kalendar.pl.

(3) Divinum Officium. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/officium.pl.

Thursday, July 11, 2024

St. Benedict of Nursia (revised calendar of 1970)

In the revised calendar of 1970, the feast day of **St. Benedict of Nursia** is celebrated on **July 11**. This change was made because the original date, March 21, often falls within Lent, and the days of Lent have their own proper liturgies. In 1947, Pope Pius XII named St. Benedict the “Father of Europe,” and in 1964, Pope St. Paul VI declared St. Benedict the “Patron Saint of Europe.” It is under this latter title that the Roman Church and all Benedictine houses celebrate the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11. For non-Benedictine communities and parishes in the United States, the day is recognized liturgically as a memorial rather than a feast.

St. Benedict of Nursia, known as the **Father of Western Monasticism**, made significant contributions to monasticism:

1. **Establishment of the Benedictine Rule**: St. Benedict established the **Rule of St. Benedict**, a set of guidelines for monastic life that became the standard for monasticism in Western Christianity. This rule emphasized prayer, work, simplicity, and hospitality.

2. **Foundation of Monasteries**: St. Benedict founded the **Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino**, and his first monasteries were established in the Anio valley outside Subiaco. These monasteries served as models for future monastic establishments.

3. **Moderation of Ascetic Practices**: The Benedictine order, founded by St. Benedict, called for moderation of ascetic practices. This was a significant shift from the extreme asceticism practiced by some monks at the time.

4. **Regular Worship Services**: St. Benedict established worship services at regular hours, providing a structured daily routine that is still followed in many monastic communities today.

5. **Influence on Civilization and Culture**: The work of monks following the Benedictine Rule in the evangelization and civilization of many European countries in the Middle Ages was so significant that Pope Paul VI proclaimed St. Benedict the patron saint of all Europe.

Through these contributions, St. Benedict shaped the course of monasticism and had a profound impact on the Church and society. His influence continues to be felt in monastic communities around the world today.

(1) Benedictine Monks: Order, Life, Rule, and Legacy - Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/benedictine-monks-4777847.

(2) Saint Benedict | Biography, Rule, Patron Saint Of, Death, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Benedict-of-Nursia.

(3) History and significance of monasticism | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/monasticism.

(4) Saint Benedict, Abbot, Founder of Western Monasticism | EWTN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/saint-benedict-abbot-founder-of-western-monasticism-5225.

(5) The Monastic Movement: Origins & Purposes - World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/930/the-monastic-movement-origins--purposes/.

(6) Feast of St. Benedict–July 11th | Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, AL. https://www.shmon.org/community/blog/feast-of-st-benedict-july-11th/.

(7) St. Benedict Feast day: Jul 11 - Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-benedict-537.

(8) How to Celebrate St. Benedict Day — The Roman Catholic Store. https://theromancatholicstore.com/blogs/blog-post/st-benedict-day.

Saint Pius I

"S. Pii I Papæ et Martyris" is Latin and refers to Saint Pius I, who was a Pope and Martyr. He served as the Bishop of Rome (Pope) from around 140 to his death in 154 AD. He is considered a saint in the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on July 11⁷. The phrase "S. Pii I Papæ et Martyris" is often seen in liturgical texts and calendars.

Here are some more details about his life and papacy:

- **Birth and Early Life**: Pius I was born in Aquileia, Venetia, in Italy. He was formerly enslaved, according to his supposed brother, the Apostolic Father Hermas.

- **Papacy**: As the successor to St. Hyginus, Pius I continued the fight against gnosticism, a religious movement teaching that matter is evil and that emancipation comes through spiritual truth attained only by revelatory esoteric knowledge. He also combated the Marcionites, followers of a heretical Christianity proposing a doctrine of two gods as taught by the semi-gnostic Marcion.

- **Legacy**: Pius I is considered to have opposed both the Valentinians and Gnostics during his papacy. He is also said to have decreed that Easter should only be kept on a Sunday. Pius I is also said to have built one of the oldest churches in Rome, Santa Pudenziana.

- **Martyrdom and Sainthood**: The claim that Pius I was martyred is unsubstantiated. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is celebrated on July 11.

(1) St. Pius I | Biography, Papacy, Feast Day, Death, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Pius-I.

(2) Pope Pius I - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_I.

(3) Pope Pius I - New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pope_Pius_I.

Monday, July 8, 2024

"S. Elisabeth Reg. Portugalliae, Viduae"

"S. Elisabeth Reg. Portugalliae, Viduae", refers to **Saint Elizabeth of Portugal**, who is also known as **Santa Isabel** in Portuguese. She was a queen consort of Portugal, the wife of King Denis, and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal was known for her devout faith and her works of charity. Despite being a queen, she led a life of humility and was known for her efforts to promote peace within her kingdom². She is often commemorated in the Traditional Latin Mass.

Her feast day is celebrated on July 8th, and she is the patron saint of the Third Order of St. Francis². She is also remembered in various liturgical celebrations, including the Missa “Cognóvi, Dómine".

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, also known as Elizabeth of Aragon, was born around 1271. She was the daughter of Peter III of Aragon and was named after her great-aunt, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. She received a strict and pious education.

In 1282, when she was about 12 years old, she was married to King Dinis (Denis) of Portugal. Despite her husband's infidelity and immoral lifestyle, Elizabeth showed remarkable grace, treating her husband with love and fulfilling her duties as queen with humility. They had two children: their daughter, Constance, and a year later, their son, Afonso, who would succeed his father as King of Portugal.

Elizabeth was born of the royal family of Aragon in the year of our Lord 1271. The joy of her birth put an end to the unhappy quarrels between her grandfather and her father, thus making it clear from the outset that she would be a blessed peacemaker between kings and kingdoms. She was remarkable for the way in which she chastised her body, for her constancy in prayer, and for her exercise of the works of charity. When she was married to Denis, King of Portugal, she devoted herself no less to the work of cultivating virtue than to that of educating her children, striving to please her husband, but still more to please God. She not only had monasteries, colleges and churches built, but gave them magnificent endowments. She was wonderful in settling the disputes of kings, unwearied in relieving the private and public calamities of her fellow-men, and famous for her miracles. When King Denis had died, she put on the habit of the Seraphic Order, and whatever she had that was dear and precious to her she offered at the church of Compostella for the soul of the king and used for works of devotion and mercy. Finally, having fallen ill as a result of a journey she made to establish peace between two kings, her son and her grandson, she died a most holy death, after receiving a visit from the Virgin Mother of God. Famous for miracles, she was enrolled among the Saints by Urban VIII. ℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth maintained her devout habits, helped the sick and the poor, and founded charitable establishments. She was deeply devout from a young age, spending hours in prayer². By age eight, she regularly fasted, attended Mass, and prayed the entire Divine Office daily. Her deep love for the poor and sick remained steadfast, and she sought daily opportunities to aid them.

After King Dinis died in 1325, she lived at Coimbra, Portugal, near a Poor Clare convent that she had founded, and she devoted herself to people in need. She died on July 4, 1336, on her way to the battlefield to make peace between her son, then King Afonso IV, and Alfonso XI of Castile.

She was canonized in 1625, and her feast day is celebrated on July 4. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is the patron saint of the Third Order of St. Francis. She is also remembered for her efforts to promote peace within her kingdom.

(1) Saint Elizabeth of Portugal | Biography, Feast Day, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Elizabeth-of-Portugal.

(2) Saint Elizabeth of Portugal - My Catholic Life!. https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-4-saint-elizabeth-of-portugal/.

(3) Saint Elizabeth of Portugal | Biography, Feast Day, & Facts. https://bing.com/search?q=Life+of+Saint+Elizabeth+of+Portugal.

(4) Saint Elisabeth of Portugal - Museo Nacional del Prado. https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/saint-elisabeth-of-portugal/70f72f87-85dd-4923-8d05-e4d7940f8c0b.

(5) Saint Elizabeth of Aragon, Queen of Portugal - lisbon.vip. https://www.lisbon.vip/lisbon-essentials/history-heritage/saint-elizabeth-of-aragon-queen-of-portugal.

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Abisag a Sunamitess

Now king David was old, and advanced in years: and when he was covered with clothes, he was not warm. His servants therefore said to him: Let us seek for our lord the king, a young virgin, and let her stand before the king, and cherish him, and sleep in his bosom, and warm our lord the king. So they sought a beautiful young woman in all the coasts of Israel, and they found Abisag a Sunamitess, and brought her to the king. And the damsel was exceeding beautiful, and she slept with the king: and served him, but the king did not know her.

Abishag was a beautiful young woman from Shunem who was chosen to serve King David in his old age. She provided him with care and companionship, but it's important to note that the king did not have sexual relations with her. This is what is meant by the phrase "the king did not know her" in the biblical context.

After King David's death, his son Solomon became king. Adonijah, another of David's sons, asked to marry Abishag. This request was seen as an attempt to usurp the throne, and as a result, Solomon ordered Adonijah's death.

(1) Douay-Rheims Bible, 3 Kings (1 Kings) Chapter 1. https://drbo.org/chapter/11001.htm.

(2) Is the Sulamitess of Cant. 6:12 & 7:1 a reference to Abisag?. https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/88361/is-the-sulamitess-of-cant-612-71-a-reference-to-abisag.

(3) 1 Kings 2:21 - Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/1_kings/2-21.htm.

(4) Abishag the Shunammite - Jewish Virtual Library. https://bing.com/search?q=Abisag+a+Sunamitess.

(5) Sunamitess - definition and meaning - Wordnik. https://www.wordnik.com/words/Sunamitess.

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato

The text is in Latin and it's related to the Catholic liturgical calendar.

- "Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato ~ IV. classis" translates to "Saturday of Saint Mary ~ 4th class". In the context of the Catholic liturgy, a "class" refers to the rank of a feast day, with 1st class being the highest and 4th class being the lowest.

- "Sabbato infra Hebdomadam VI post Octavam Pentecostes" translates to "Saturday within the 6th week after the Octave of Pentecost". The Octave of Pentecost is the eight-day period, or octave, that begins on Pentecost Sunday. So this refers to a Saturday that falls within the sixth week after that period.

(1) Divinum Officium. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/officium.pl?version=Rubrics%201960&browsertime=13-08-2022.

(2) Ordo: Julius 2024. https://officium.sanctamissa.pl/cgi-bin/horas/kalendar.pl.

(3) Ordo: Julius 2024 - Divinum Officium. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/kalendar.pl.

(4) Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato IV. classis - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPRM9kNosWs.

(5) Sanctae Mariae Sabbato ~ IV. classis Sancta Missa Capilla Santa María ....

https://www.facebook.com/JuventudTradicionalGT/videos/sanctae-mariae-sabbato-iv-classissancta-missacapilla-santa-mar%C3%ADa-de-la-asunci%C3%B3n-/606541470113160/.

(6) Divinum Officium. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/Pofficium.pl.

Friday, July 5, 2024

Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria

Today, we focus on Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria, a confessor of the Roman Catholic Church. He was an early leader of the Counter Reformation and the founder of religious orders. He promoted the devotion to the Passion of Christ, the Eucharist, and the renewal of the religious life among the laity.

The term "III. classis" refers to the rank of the feast day in the liturgical calendar. In this case, it indicates that Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria's feast day is of the third class, which is a ranking system used in the 1960 Rubrics of the Roman Breviary and Missal.

Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria was born in 1502 and died on July 5, 1539. His feast day is celebrated on July 5. He is the patron saint of the Barnabite order, Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, Laity of St. Paul, and Physicians¹. His major shrine is located in San Paolo convent, Milan, Italy.

Born at Cremona of a noble family, Anthony Mary Zacharias even from his boyhood shone by his virtuous character and his mercy to the poor. During his education in the humanities, philosophy and medicine, he excelled his companions both in holiness of life and in keenness of mind. At a sign from God, he zealously cultivated the sacred sciences. After his ordination, the zeal of his priestly life soon earned for him the titles of Father and Angel of his country, bestowed on him by his fellow-citizens. At Milan, with the holy men Bartholomew Ferrári and James Morigia, he founded the Society of Clerks Regular named after St. Paul, and the society of nuns called the Angelicals. He was zealous in adoration of the Holy Eucharist and strongly promoted the public exposition of the most holy Sacrament. Enriched by God with heavenly gifts and worn out by his great labours, he contracted a serious illness, and he died a most holy death on the 5th day of July, 1539, at Cremona. Leo XIII approved and confirmed the cult already paid to him and enrolled him in the list of the Saints.

Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria is venerated in several ways today:

1. **Feast Day**: His feast day is celebrated on **July 5** every year in the Catholic Church.

2. **Devotions**: He is remembered for his teachings, particularly his emphasis on love for the Eucharist and Christ crucified. His followers continue to practice these devotions.

3. **Forty-Hour Devotion**: He popularized the Forty-hour devotion for the laity – the solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for adoration by the faithful.

4. **Church Bells**: He is credited for reviving the custom of ringing church bells in Milan at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, in remembrance of the passion and death of Jesus.

5. **Shrine**: His mortal remains are enshrined at the Church of Saint Barnabas in Milan, Italy.

6. **Online Celebrations**: There are online celebrations and discussions about his life and teachings, such as on YouTube.

Through these practices, the legacy of Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria continues to inspire and guide the faithful today. His teachings and the religious orders he founded continue to have a significant impact on the Catholic Church. His life and works are a testament to his dedication to the service of others and his deep love for God. His veneration serves as a reminder of these values and his contributions to the Church.

Miracles attributed to Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria:

1. **Miraculous Occurrence During First Mass**: It is said that during his first Mass, Anthony was surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of angels during the consecration of the Eucharist. This event was witnessed by contemporaries who testified to it after his death.

2. **Cures After His Death**: After his death, a number of cures were attributed to the intercession of Anthony Mary Zaccaria.

3. **Incorrupt Body**: 27 years after his death, his body was found to be incorrupt. This is considered a miracle in the Catholic Church.

These miracles contributed to his canonization by Pope Leo XIII on May 27, 1897. His mortal remains are now enshrined at the Church of Saint Barnabas in Milan, Italy. His life and miracles continue to inspire the faithful and attest to his sanctity.

(1) St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria - Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-anthony-mary-zaccaria-529. (2) Anthony Zaccaria - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Zaccaria. (3) Saint Anthony Zaccaria | Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-anthony-zaccaria/. (4) St Anthony Maria Zaccaria – Feast Day – July 5 2023. https://catholicreadings.org/saint-anthony-maria-zaccaria/. (5) JULY 5TH (ST ANTHONY MARIA ZACCARIA) - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_mfljdNayw. (6) Anthony Zaccaria - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Zaccaria. (7) Anthony Zaccaria - Wikiwand. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Anthony_Zaccaria.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Feria quinta infra Hebdomadam VI post Octavam Pentecostes ~ IV. classis & the Forth of July

"Feria quinta infra Hebdomadam VI post Octavam Pentecostes ~ IV. classis", is in Latin and it's related to the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.

"Feria quinta" translates to "Thursday", "infra Hebdomadam VI post Octavam Pentecostes" means "in the sixth week after the Octave of Pentecost", and "IV. classis" refers to the fourth class.

In the context of the liturgical calendar, this phrase is indicating a specific Thursday in the sixth week after the Octave of Pentecost, which is a period of eight days following Pentecost Sunday. The "IV. classis" denotes the rank of the day in the liturgical calendar, with the fourth class being a feria or weekday.

This phrase is often seen in the context of the Divine Office, which is the official set of prayers "marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer". It appears that this particular phrase may be associated with the Matins service, which is traditionally said in the early morning.

In the United States,we celebrate a national holiday.

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

On this day, the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies to be free from British rule. This marked the birth of the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence was a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson and other members of a committee including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston.

The Fourth of July has been celebrated as the birth of American independence since 1776, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues¹. The tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

Interestingly, John Adams believed that July 2nd, the day the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence. He would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest¹. Despite this, July 4th remains the day that is celebrated nationwide.

So, the Fourth of July signifies the birth of American independence and the establishment of the United States as a free country. It's a day of patriotic celebration and remembrance across the nation.

(1) History of the Fourth of July - Brief History, Early Celebrations .... https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th.

(2) Independence Day | History, Meaning, & Date | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Independence-Day-United-States-holiday.

(3) 4th of July | History & Origin | Dictionary.com. https://www.dictionary.com/e/historical-current-events/4th-of-july/.

(4) Independence Day (United States) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29.

(5) What to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditions. https://apnews.com/article/fourth-of-july-meaning-facts-a3376f7b1898300ff3116fd221cd30a6.

(1) Divinum Officium Matutinum. https://www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/horas/Pofficium.pl?date1=7-4-2024&command=prayMatutinum&version=Rubrics%201960%20-%201960.

(2) Feria quinta infra Hebd VI post Octavam Pentecostes IV. classis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPrR13wODGc.

(3) Ad Laudes - Feria Sexta infra Hebdomadam I post Octavam Paschæ ~ IV .... https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/praying-the-breviary/episodes/Ad-Laudes---Feria-Sexta-infra-Hebdomadam-I-post-Octavam-Pasch--IV--classis-ev2nlh.

(4) Ad Vesperas - Feria quinta infra Hebdomadam VI post Octavam Pentecostes .... https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26409113/faq/.

(5) Ad Vesperas - Feria quinta infra Hebdomadam VI post Octavam Pentecostes .... https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26409113/.

(6) undefined. http://www.FSSPX.pl/.

(7) undefined. http://www.piusx.org.pl/darowizny.

(8) undefined. http://www.tedeum.pl/.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Saint Irenaeus

Saint Irenaeus was a significant figure in the early Christian Church. Here are some key details about his life and contributions:

- **Birth and Early Life**: Irenaeus was born around 130 AD in Smyrna, Asia Minor, which is now İzmir, Turkey². He was of Greek descent.

- **Connection to the Apostles**: As a child, Irenaeus heard and saw St. Polycarp, the last known living connection with the Apostles, in Smyrna¹. This places him just three generations away from Jesus of Nazareth¹.

- **Bishop of Lyon**: After persecutions in Gaul in 177, Irenaeus succeeded the martyred Pothinus as bishop of Lugdunum, now Lyon¹. Prior to his becoming bishop, he had served as a missionary to southern Gaul and as a peacemaker among the churches of Asia Minor¹.

- **Works and Theology**: Irenaeus is best known for his work "Adversus haereses" (Against Heresies), written around 180 AD¹². This was a refutation of Gnosticism, particularly that of Valentinus². In his writings, Irenaeus promoted the development of an authoritative canon of the New Testament⁴. He is the earliest surviving witness to regard all four of the now-canonical gospels as essential².

- **Legacy**: Irenaeus is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, which celebrates his feast on June 28, and in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, which celebrates the feast on August 23². Pope Francis declared Irenaeus the 37th Doctor of the Church on 21 January 2022².

Irenaeus's contributions to early Christian theology were formative, and his influence continues to be felt in the Church today¹²⁵.

(1) Irenaeus - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irenaeus.

(2) Saint Irenaeus | Biography, Works, Apologist, Theology, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irenaeus.

(3) Saint Irenaeus summary | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Irenaeus.

(4) Irenaeus - New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Irenaeus.

(5) Saint Irenaeus | Biography, Works, Apologist, Theology, & Facts. https://bing.com/search?q=Saint+Irenaeus+biography.

Monday, July 1, 2024

"Pretiosissimi Sanguinis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi" translates to "Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ"

The Latin phrase "Pretiosissimi Sanguinis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi" translates to "Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ" in English. This phrase is associated with several aspects of the Catholic faith:

1. **Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ**: This is a litany, or prayer, in honor of Jesus in His Most Precious Blood. It was drawn up by the Sacred Congregation of Rites and promulgated by Pope John XXIII on February 24, 1960.

2. **Devotion of the Month of July**: The entire month of July is traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus in the Catholic Church. This devotion is a recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice and how he spilled his blood for the salvation of humanity.

3. **Missionaries of the Precious Blood**: This is a congregation of apostolic life of pontifical right with its own constitution and statutes⁴. The name "Missionaries of the Precious Blood" is a shortened English translation of the Latin "Congregatio Missionariorum Pretiosissimi Sanguinis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi".

The blood of Jesus holds a significant place in Christianity for several reasons:

1. **Cleansing of Sin**: The blood of Jesus is seen as a cleansing agent. It is believed to cleanse us from all sin¹. This is based on the biblical verse, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

2. **Cleansing of Conscience**: Beyond cleansing of sins, the blood of Jesus is also believed to cleanse our conscience¹. This is crucial because a guilty conscience can affect every aspect of a person's relationship with God.

3. **Redemption and Forgiveness**: The blood of Jesus represents the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for the redemption and forgiveness of mankind³. It carries a special weight that goes beyond our understanding, connecting us to our creator.

4. **Foundation of New Covenant**: In the New Testament, the blood of Jesus Christ becomes the foundation for God's new covenant of grace.

5. **Spiritual Protection**: The blood of Jesus provides spiritual protection because He was the perfect and final sacrifice for humanity’s sins.

These beliefs underline the importance of the blood of Jesus in Christianity. It's seen as a source of hope, healing, and restoration⁴. The significance of Jesus' blood is a central theme in Christian worship, theology, and practice. It's often mentioned in hymns, prayers, and biblical readings. The belief in its power shapes the faith and lives of Christians around the world.

(1) Why Is Blood So Important in Christianity? - Topical Studies. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-is-blood-so-important-in-christianity.html.

(2) The Significance of the Blood of Jesus: Understanding Its Spiritual and .... https://www.live-in-hope.com/the-blood-of-jesus/.

(3) Why the Blood of Jesus Christ Is All-Important - Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/blood-of-jesus-700166.

(4) What Makes The Blood Of Jesus So Powerful? - Christian Website. https://www.christianwebsite.com/what-makes-the-blood-of-jesus-powerful/.

(5) The Blood of Jesus: Meaning in the Bible & Power For Us - Christianity. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christ/what-is-the-power-in-the-blood-of-christ.html.

(1) Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/litany-of-the-most-precious-blood-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-11888.

(2) DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JULY TO THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS. https://www.prayersandpetitions.org/devotion-of-the-month-of-july-to-the-most-precious-blood-of-jesus-2/.

(3) our mission - Sorrowful Mother Shrine. https://sorrowfulmothershrine.org/our-mission/.

(4) Missionaries of the Precious Blood - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionaries_of_the_Precious_Blood.

Saint Januarius, Bishop, and his Companions, Martyrs

**S. Januarii Episcopi and Sociorum Martyrum** refers to **Saint Januarius, Bishop, and his Companions, Martyrs**. Saint Januarius, also kno...