Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Other Saints: Saint Cuthbert of Mayne (1543-1577)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 49 The Observance of Lent

Mass:  Rm 10:9-18; Resp Ps 19; Mt 4:18-22

They are more precious than gold.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

(Rm 10:9)

Jesus is walking by. He sees you. Come after me, says the Lord. United in faith and prayer, we follow the lead of Andrew, his brother Simon who is called Peter, and the sons of Zebedee James and John, and follow Him. Immediately.

As soon as Andrew heard the Lord preaching, he left the nets which were his livelihood and way of life,

-and followed the Lord who gives eternal life.

(Office of Readings, Responsory, November 30)

SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE,

SAINT SIMON WHO IS CALLED PETER,

SAINTS JAMES AND JOHN THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE,

SAINT CUTHBERY MAYNE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: An attempt at leaf art. Than a heap of purest gold.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Blessed Bernard Francis de Hoyos (1711-1735); Blesseds Denis and Redemptoris (d. 1638); Saint Sernin (or Saturninus) of Toulouse, First Bishop of Toulouse, Martyr (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:22-25 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass: Is 11:1-10; Resp Ps 72; Lk 10:21-24

Justice shall flower in His days.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord.

(Is 11:9)

We are busy this First Week of Advent rising from any slumber we might find ourselves in. We are also busy with Saint Benedict's Chapter 48 on the Daily Manual Labor. Organizing our days with times for prayer, manual labor, and reading help us to seek the things that are above (see Col 3:1), ordering our lives on the search for God who is always searching for us throughout the daily this and that. As Saint Benedict writes, "Idleness is the enemy of the soul" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 48:1). We don't want to be "remiss or indolent" (RB 48:23), and especially during these days of Advent, a "period of devout and expectant delight" (Norms on the Liturgical Year). We need not be among the wise and learned to praise the Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for the glory of God is revealed to the childlike (see Lk 10:21). United in faith and prayer, we ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, to help us renew the sense of awe and wonder of the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him (Lk 10:21-22).

My past, O Lord, to your mercy; my present, to your love; my future to your providence.

(Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Padre Pio, 1887-1968)

BLESSED BERNARD FRANCIS DE HOYOS, 

BLESSEDS DENIS AND REDEMPTORIS,

SAINT SATURNINUS OF TOULOUSSE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Let things fall where they will. May his name be blessed forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the First Week of Advent

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saint: Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 40:10-21 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Is 4:2-6; Resp Ps 122; Mt 8:5-11

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord's glory will be shelter and protection: shade form the parchment heat of day, 

refuge and cover from storm and rain.

(Is 4:6)

Welcome to Monday of the First Week of Advent. Yes, it is Monday and not much else needs to said about that. At the same time, we are in the holy season of Advent. We remember from the Church's norms on the liturgical year that Advent has a twofold character, "for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ's Second Coming at the end of time." Advent then is a "period of devout and expectant delight" (39).  It is also a time, as put by wife, mother of a disabled son, and by profession an academic dean, Kimberly Shankman, when we find ourselves in what she calls "a new certainty: we long for what has already happened, but is still happening today. When we quiet down, and embrace our neediness, we can see Christ present here and now" ("What Are We Waiting For?", in Magnificat, November 2022, p. 390). We get busy then and as discussed yesterday, awake from sleep, arise from stupor, throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. United in faith and prayer, we want to be prepared for Jesus Christ in our midst right now, in the midst of the daily, even the Monday daily. Christ is in the midst of our relations with others, even the most difficult ones, in our suffering, neediness, joy, sorrow, and trials. Keep an eye out for Him today. Praise to the God who is, praise to the God who was, praise to the God who is to come, for ages unending. Amen.

WHY NOT BE POLITE

by Hafiz, c.1320-1389

Everyone 

Is God speaking.

Why not be polite and

Listen to

Him?

SAINT CATHERINE LABOURE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Perfect for the blessed season of Advent. I will pray for your good.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

First Sunday of Advent

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

In other years: Saint Fergal, Abbot, Bishop, Apostle of the Slovenes (c.700-784); Blessed Bernadino of Fossa (1420-1503)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor

Mass:  Is 2:1-5; Resp Ps 122; Rom 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44

May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

Let us walk in the light of the Lord.

(Is 2:5)

Welcome to the First Sunday of Advent 2022 and the New Liturgical Year 2023. Peace be within you!

Whatever it takes, whatever it is you need to do, do it to awake from sleep, arise from any stupor, throw off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light (see Rm 13:11-12). It is time to put to rest anything that is keeping you away from the living God who is, the living God who was, the living God who is to come. In other words, Be prepared, for at the hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come (Mt 24:44). United in faith and prayer, may we live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth (Eph 5:8-9).

EVERY FOOT A SHRINE*

Every creature has a religion. Every

foot is a shrine where

a secret candle burns.

Every cell in us worships

God.

Every arrow in the bow of desire

has rushed out in hope

of nearing

Him.

SAINT FERGAL,

BLESSED BERNADINO OF FOSSA,

PRAY FOR US.

* Saint Thomas Aquinas, 1225-1274, in D. Ladinsky, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, p. 128.

Today's photo: Our Advent wreath with the beauty that surrounds us. Selected, gathered, and placed with prayer. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Leonard of Porto Maurizio (1676-1751); Saint John Berchmans (1599-1621)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God

Mass: Rev 22:1-7; Resp Ps 95; Lk 21:34-36

An angel showed me the river of life-giving water.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Behold, I am coming soon.

(Rev 22:7)

This is it faithful readers, the last day of Liturgical Year 2022. To prepare for the new year and the holy Season of Advent, we pray that our hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life. United in faith and prayer, may we be vigilant at all times and pray that we have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man. Otherwise, the day will catch us by surprise like a trap; that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth (see Lk 21:34-36). Yes, I am coming soon. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all (Rev 22:20-21).

Mary, Queen of prayer,

Mary, Queen of glory,

cover us in your protective veil.

SAINT LEONARD OF PORTO MAURIZIO,

SAINT JOHN BERCHMANNS,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The McKenzie River, Oregon, for Thanksgiving. Let us joyfully sing psalms to Him.

 © Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr (d. 305); Saint Colman of Cloyne (522-600)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Mass: Rev 20:1-4, 11:21:2; Resp Ps 84; Lk 21:29-33

Consider the fig tree.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

(Lk 21:33)

With Jesus' words above, we are comforted and strengthened. There is no need to let our hearts be troubled, as Jesus tells us, You have faith in God; have faith also in me (Jn 14:1).

We are also comforted by Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who covers us in her protective veil. Yesterday I wrote about beginning a novena to Our Lady of Vailankanni, Our Lady of Good Health. A shrine dedicated to her is found in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. Unable to include the prayer yesterday, I include it today, day two of the novena. It's never too late to pray for the sick and infirmed, for health of mind and body. Mary, mother of health and our heavenly queen, pray for us. 

O Mary! Our Mother of Health and Our Heavenly Queen, we praise and honor you to be our refuge and relief. Relying on your power and goodness, we fly to you and implore you to heal infirmities and to obtain for us health of body and soul. At all times you have been the help and consolation of the sick. You obtain for them health, when it is conducive to their salvation. You assist them at time of their death. Help them O most amiable Mother and obtain for us cure from all sufferings, or patience to endure them in the spirit of resignation agreeable to God's holy will, so that all our trials and sufferings may help to purify our souls and help us to one day enter into eternal joy with you and your Divine Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT COLMAN OF CLOYNE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: About our fig tree, it has shed its leaves for the season. My king and my God!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Thanksgiving Day

Saints: Saints Andrew Dung-Lac and his Companions, Martyrs (17th-19th centuries)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 45 Mistakes in the Oratory

Mass for Thanksgiving Day: Sirach 50:22-24; Resp Ps 145: 1 Cor 1:3-9; Lk 17:11-19

Generation after generation praises Your works. 

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE, 

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth.

(Sirach 50:22)

Dear faithful readers, "I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers" (Philemon 4). Thank you for being there. Happy Thanksgiving! It is a day to give thanks, to express our gratitude to God for the abundance of gifts that have been bestowed upon us. It may be helpful too, to listen to Pope Saint Paul VI, from his encyclical on the Holy Eucharist, Mysterium Fidei: "To visit the Blessed Sacrament is ... a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward the Christ Our Lord" (66). And if nothing else, we can heed these words attributed to Meister Eckhart (1260-1328): "If the only prayer you say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."

May God grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you.

(Sirach 50:24)

SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Please note: Today we begin a novena to Our Lady of Vailankanni, Our Lady of Good Health, a shrine dedicated to her shrine is at the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. You will find a statue of her at Saint Luke Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN, brought there by nuns from India. For the sick and infirmed we pray, for health of mind and body.  

Today's photo: Three generations of women of faith. The beauty in the face of Grandma, who died at the age of 94, speaks volumes; Mother is without guile; Granddaughter and Daughter is a beloved of both. All three beloved children of God. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Pope Saint Clement I (end of the 1st century); Saint Columbanus, Abbot (540?-615); Blessed Miguel Augustine Pro (1891-1927)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 44 Satisfaction by the Excommunicated

Mass: Rev 15:1-4; Resp Ps 98; Lk 21:12-19

He comes to rule the earth.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. 

Just and true are your ways, O king of the nations.

(Rev 15:3)

The following from one our saints of the day who encouraged peace and unity, Pope Saint Clement I, the third pope after Saint Peter, should keep us busy. As it turns out, the pontiff's words fit nicely with the Word proclaimed in the Book of Revelation, above, and below.

Beloved, how blessed and wonderful are God's gifts! There is life everlasting, joy in righteousness truth in freedom, faith, confidence, and self-control in holiness. And these are the gifts that we can comprehend; what of all the others that are prepared for those who look to Him. Only the Creator, the Father of all ages, the all-holy, knows their grandeur and their loveliness. And so we should strive to be among those who wait for Him so that we may share in these promised gifts ... It will come about if by our faith our minds remain fixed on God; if we aim at what is pleasing and acceptable to Him, if we accomplish what is in harmony with His faultless will and follow the path of truth, rejecting all injustice, viciousness, covetousness, quarrels, malice and deceit.

(From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement I, pope, in Office of Readings, November 23)

United in faith and prayer, we go forth and join another saint of the day, Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit who has become "the most recognized martyr-priest of the Mexican Cristeros uprising," using his last words Viva Cristo Rey! (The Loop from CatholicVote, November 23, 2022). By your perseverance you will secure your lives (Lk 21:19).

Who will not fear You, Lord, or glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.

(Rev 15:4)

POPE SAINT CLEMENT I,

SAINT COLUMBANUS,

BLESSED MIGUEL AUGUSTINE PRO,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: On the move Monday afternoon, I stopped and looked up. He has done wondrous deeds.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth, or Last, Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 22:13-19 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Rev 14:14-19; Resp Ps 96; Lk 21:5-11

Then shall all the trees of the forest exalt.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF MARTYRS,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Saint Cecilia kept the Gospel of Christ ever near her heart; day or night she never ceased praying and speaking with God.

(The Liturgy of the Hours, Evening Prayer, Canticle of Mary, Antiphon, November 22)

We are blessed today as we are every day with the abundance of gifts God has bestowed upon us. Special today though as we commemorate Santa Cecilia, one of the saints invoked during the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) at Mass. We beseech God to admit us into the company of all His saints such as Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia ... We pray that God does not weigh our merits, but instead grants us pardon through Christ Our Lord. We pray to Saint Cecilia to cheer us on. We don't know much about her, and many stories have developed over the years. Saint Cecilia is associated with music and is the patron saint of music and musicians. It doesn't really matter whether or not Cecilia herself was a musician or singer or composer; her name sounds like music. Cecilia ... it rolls off the tongue quite melodiously. The Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome, is built over her house. It is a beautiful church and a popular sight for weddings. It is also where I bought my little statue of Saint Cecilia, one my treasures. May we, like Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr, remain faithful until death while singing God's praises. As Jesus tells us, I will give you the crown of life.

SAINT CECILIA,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Taken yesterday late afternoon, the view after I stepped outside. He comes to rule the earth.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 43:1-12 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Rev 14:1-3, 4b-5; Resp Ps 24; Lk 21:1-4

The Lord's are the earth and its fullness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Holy Mother of God, Mary ever-virgin, you are the temple of the Lord and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Beyond all others you were pleasing to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

(The Liturgy of the Hours, Evening Prayer, Canticle of Mary, Antiphon)

Welcome to Monday and the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day when we commemorate the presentation of the Blessed Virgin as a child by her parents Joachim and Anne in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was then that Mary was consecrated to the Lord. After being introduced by the Byzantine Catholic Church to the Roman Catholic Church in the 15th century, the feast was removed from the liturgical calendar, and thankfully reestablished by Pope Sixtus V in 1585. We rejoice then in God Our Savior as we commemorate the faith of Joachim and Anne and the purity of Mary (see Catholic News Agency).

Pope Saint John Paul II canonized many saints during his 26-year pontificate from 1978 to 2005 - 482 of them! It so happens that the Pope Saint beatified my patron for the new liturgical year, but it was our current pontiff, Pope Francis, who canonized my patron Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad on June 5, 2016. And I just read that Pope Francis has canonized 898 saints so far. Dear, Lord. Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad (1850-1957), was a beautiful woman who radiated God's love. Swedish by birth, baptized Lutheran, off to the United States around the age of 18, she was a nurse who encountered many Catholic families, including workers injured while building Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Elizabeth was eventually received into the Roman Catholic Church, went back to Europe, was confirmed in Rome, then founded a new branch of Brigittine nuns (see Magnificat, November 2022, "Saint Who?", p. 167). All in a day's work. As one faithful reader said about her new patron for the year, Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, "I plan to get to know her better." Another faithful reader has Saint Rose of Lima as her new patron. And another one Saint John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco. For all the saints ...

We turn now to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

O Full of Grace

you I congratulate and praise.

You gave birth

to the Loving-kindness I received.

You gave shape

to the candle I accepted.

You prepared the wax

for the touch of the light.

O Virgin,

Virgin of Virgins

when

as the unblemished mother

you clothed in unblemished flesh

the unblemished Word.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070/80-1157)

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY,

SAINT JOHN BOSCO,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: The way I found it; this is a peaceful scene. Peaceful. Just like Our Lady, whose heart is clean.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

In other years: Saint Edmund (d. 869); Blessed Mary Fortunata Viti (1827-1922)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 42 Silence After Compline

Mass: 2 Sm 5:1-3; Resp Ps 122; Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43

We will go up to the house of the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

To Jesus Christ, our sov'reign King,

Who is the world's salvation,

All praise and homage do we bring

And thanks and adoration. 

Welcome to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, a feast instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, the last Sunday of the liturgical year, and a day to "go rejoicing to the house of the Lord" (Ps 122), while singing Christ Jesus, Victor! Christ Jesus, Ruler! Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer! And not only that, as if that is not enough, we pick our patron saint for Liturgical Year 2023 that begins next Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, and reaches all the way to December 3 of next year, the First Sunday of Advent 2023. Who will be your companion and guide in the coming year? Before choosing from your collection gathered these days, remember what the cloistered nun said to Mrs. Elizabeth Scalia (see reflection of November 1, 2022), "The saint chooses you. Pray, first that the patron be guided your way. But the prayer is more for you, for your awareness." Furthermore, remember that "you have been given a great opportunity for spiritual growth, if you stick together." Together, then, we carry our crosses, sing God's praises, and be open to God's merciful love and forgiveness. For Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, gives us a chance, as Pope Francis preached in his homily today at the Cathedral of Asti, Italy, "to reign in this life, if only you surrender to His meek love that proposes but does not impose, a love that always forgives you, that always sets you on your feet, that always restores your royal dignity." United in faith and prayer, with our patron saint by our side, and with one of the criminals hanging near Jesus on a cross, we say to Our Lord, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Listen. Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. 

It is clear that he who prays for the coming of God's kingdom prays rightly to have it within himself, that there it may grow and bear fruit and become perfect. For God reigns in each of His holy ones.

(From a notebook on prayer by Origen, priest, in Office of Readings, Christ the King)

Through cross He bore is life and health,

Though shame and death to Him,

His people's hope, His people's wealth,

Their everlasting hope.

SAINT EDMUND,

BLESSED MARY FORTUNATA VITI,

PRAY FOR US.

Fun fact: I have been to Veroli, Italy, where one will find the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de 'Franconi, also where one of our saints of the day, Blessed Fortunata Viti, was a nun for some seventy-two years. It was there that she served as housekeeper, sometimes as infirmarian, and also as portress. In all that and more, Fortunata Viti did no more than live out the Benedictine ideal of ora et labora based on charity. Pope Saint Paul VI beatified her in 1967 and spoke of her "greatness and littleness." I was sent to Veroli by a dear friend and Benedictine monk of happy memory, Father Paschal Cheline, OSB, who had a special devotion to Fortunata Viti. Essentially, I went wherever Father Paschal told me to go, whether it be to venerate the remains of a saint or two or go to an art museum. At Veroli, I not only spoke to the Abbess through a double grill I prayed before the tomb of Blessed Fortunata Viti. In addition, I was served an overabundance of food for dinner, delivered through the turn. It was a grace-filled day. I have here before me, a Blessed Fortunata Viti holy card. The cause for Fortunata Viti's canonization is on-going and supported by Mount Angel Abbey. You can find more information on their website www.mountangelabbey.org. For all the saints ... 

Today's photo: A view from the deck of a faithful reader, Willits, California, after the first rain in October. Saint Padre Pio, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saints: Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn (c.1241-1298); Saint Rogue Gonzalez and his Companions (-1628); Saint Raphael Kalinowski (1835-1907)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 41 The Times for Meals

Mass:  Rev 11:4-18; Resp Ps 144; Lk 20:27-40

 

My stronghold, my deliverer.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF VIRGINS,

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL DISCIPLES OF SAINT BENEDICT,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON, 

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

One might ask why these photos of me with my patron are on for today when we commemorated Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta on the 16th. It is for this reason. Today we commemorate Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn, another great of Helfta. Mechtilde was the sister of the abbess, her blood sister, Gertrude of Hackeborn. Called "God's Nightengale," and "distinguished by her humility, her fervor; her friendliness, the clarity and the innocence of her life, and by the familiarity and intensity with which she lived her relationship with God, the Virgin, and the saints," Mechtilde of Hackeborn was still very young when she "became the principal of the convent's school, choir mistress, and novice mistress, offices that she fulfilled with talent and unflagging zeal, not only for the benefit of the nuns but for anyone who wanted to draw on her wisdom and goodness" (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, September 29, 2010). And not only that. In 1261, when the young girl of four or five named Gertrude came to the convent at Helfta, Mechtilde became her mentor. Just twenty years old at the time, Mechtilde taught and guided Gertrude in the spiritual life until she not only made her into an excellent disciple but also her confidante (Pope Benedict XVI). Is there more to be said? Surely. However, we will leave it to the following exchange between Gertrude, Dame Mechtilde and the Lord that has something to say about the icon above.

Gertrude besought Dame Mechtilde to petition the Lord for her, especially for the virtues of gentleness and patience, of which she thought she had much need. Praying as she had been asked, Mechtilde received this answer from the Lord: "The gentleness which pleases me in her takes its name from 'dwelling with' or 'indwelling.' And because I dwell in her soul, she should be like a young bride, who enjoys the presence of her spouse all the time; and if she must go out, she takes Him by the hand and makes Him follow her. And so each time that she finds it necessary to leave the repose of interior enjoyment to gain profit by instructing others, she must first make the sign of the cross of salvation on her breast and call upon my name, just that one word, and then, in my grace, she can confidently say whatever occurs to her. The patience which pleases me in her takes its name from 'peace' and 'science' or 'knowledge'; and such is her diligence in acquiring the virtue of patience that even in adversity she does not lose the peace of her heart, but always patiently strives to remember why it is that she suffers. Of course it is out of love that she does it, as a sign of true fidelilty."

(Gertrude of Helfta, The Herald of Divine Love, I, 16)

SAINT MECHTILDE OF HACKEBORN,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT GERTRUDE OF HACKEBORN,

SAINT MECHTILDE OF MAGDEBURG,

SAINT ROGUE GONZALEZ AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT RAPHAEL KALINOWSKI,

PRAY FOR US.

Please note: Saint Gertrude the Great is not to be confused with Abbess Gertrude of Hackeborn, the blood sister of Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn, who is not to be confused with Saint Mechtilde of Magdeburg, a Beguine who sought refuge at Helfta later in life, therefore, also becoming another great of Helfta. God is praised. 

Friendly reminder: Tomorrow is the big day to choose your patron saint for the new liturgical year, or rather, be open to letting one choose you! Ready or not, here one comes. 

Today's photos: See the text above. Image of the icon of Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso, who also took the photo of two Gertrudes on November 9th, this Gertrude's 58th birthday. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Friday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Saint: Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852); Saint Odo of Cluny, Abbot (c. 880-942) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

Mass: Rev 10:8-11; Resp Ps 119; Lk 19:45-48

In the way of your decrees I rejoice.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The bodies of the saints have been buried in peace, but their names live on for ever.

(The Liturgy of the Hours, Antiphon for the Canticle of Mary, Evening Prayer, November 18)

I learned this morning that one of our saints of the day, another great, Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, in addition to being known as "The Lady of Mercy," or "Woman Who Prays Always," is the patroness of "opposition of Church authorities." She, like many other women religious, and men too, throughout the centuries, had her fair share of opposition. Born in France to a family with wealth and political connections, Saint Rose Philippine spent the last ten years of her life in a tiny shack at the convent of the Society of the Sacred Heart in Saint Charles, Missouri, the "Show Me State." In between time Rose Philippine traveled extensively, founded schools for girls, did charitable work, and ministered to Native Americans. It was in Saint Charles, MO, that she lived in austerity and in constant prayer.  Rose Philippine died November 18, 1852, was beatified in 1940 by Pope Pius XII, and canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1988.* As I have said to not a few others, "they" just don't make religious like her and so many others like her anymore. United in faith and prayer, may we be inspired.

Our experience has shown, as our predecessors have proved, that we may believe and hope that in all the labors of the present life, by the mercy of God, we shall always be helped by the prayers of our special patrons. Just as we are humbled by our own sins, so we shall be raised up by the merits of these apostles.

(From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope, in Office of Readings, November 18)

SAINT ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL,

SAINT ODO OF CLUNY,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Rose Philippine Duchesne," The Loop, "Saint of the Day," November 18, 2022, and Butler's Lives of the Saints, November volume, pp. 164-167, 171 (there is a great map on p. 171, Places associated with St. Philippine Duchesne).

Today's photo: After having passed by these for some days, I finally passed prepared for today's reflection. The joy of my heart they are.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Thursday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious (1207-1231); Saint Hilda of Whitby (614-680); Saint Hugh of Lincoln (1140-1200); Saint Dionysius of Alexandria, Bishop (190-265)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 39 The Proper Amount of Food

Mass: Rev 5:1-10; Resp Ps 149; Lk 19:41-44

Sing to the Lord a new song.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Greater love has no on than to lay down his life for his friends.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

We have more powerful intercessors today featuring Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, wife and mother; Saint Hilda of Whitby, Abbess of the famous double monastery (a monastery with both men and women) at Whitby and as Saint Bede the Venerable wrote, gave "a great example of peace and charity ... all who knew her called her mother, such were her wonderful godliness and grace." Then we have the first Carthusian to be canonized in Saint Hugh of Lincoln, and Saint Dionysius of Alexandria who was taught by Origen. God continues to be praised. 

One of the great things about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary is that she did not have to contend with a husband who was opposed to his wife's corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It is said that he even grew to love Elizabeth's open-handed care of the poor, as he said to her, "Dear Elizabeth, it is Christ whom you have cleansed, nourished, and cared for," to which Pope Benedict XVI commented, this was "a clear witness to how faith and love of God and neighbor strengthen family life and deepen ever more the matrimonial union" (Wednesday General Audience Catechesis, October 20, 2010).

The daughter of the King of Hungary, Elizabeth was devoted to her husband Ludwig who she married at the age of 14. They had three children. There is so much to say about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Sadly, time limits our time together. Please look to Pope Benedict XVI and what he said in that October 20, 2010, General Audience, go to the Catholic News Agency and their newsy news "St. Elizabeth of Hungary," and then the awesome second reading from today's Office of Readings, "From a letter by Conrad of Marburg, spiritual director." Among other things, Conrad of Marburg wrote, "Apart from these active works, I declare before God that I have seldom seen a more contemplative woman. When she was coming from private prayer, some religious men and women often saw her face shining marvelously and light coming from her eyes like the rays of the sun." Let the sun like the Son then!

And a very fun fact is that Elizabeth's mother was named Gertrude. And Saint Gertrude the Great is commemorated today (November 17) in Switzerland so we have Elizabeth's mother Gertrude, Saint Gertrude the Great, and Abbess Gertrude of Hackeborn, the Abbess at the great monastery of Helfta. United in faith and prayer, we are good to go. 

SAINT ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY,

SAINT HILDA OF WHITBY,

SAINT HUGH OF LINCOLN,

SAINT DIONYSIUS OF ALEXANDRIA,

ORIGEN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From the August archives, I thought Saint Elizabeth of Hungary might like this. And all the Gertrudes and other greats too!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301/2); Saint Margaret of Scotland (1046-1093); Saint Edmund of Abingdon (1175?-1240); Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn (Vilnius, Lithuania)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 38 The Reader for the Week

Mass: For Solemnity of Saint Gertrude the Great: Songs 8:1-4 or 6-7; Eph 3:14-19; Jn 15:1-8

Ferial Day: Rev 4:1-11; Resp Ps 150; Lk 19:11-28

You will find me in the heart of Gertrude.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF VIRGINS,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith.

(Eph 3:17)

We have more heavy hitter saints on tap for today. Before the featured stories, we invoke Saint Edmund of Abingdon, "venerated as a vigorous and reforming bishop and as a peacemaker, as well as being a distinguished commentator on the Scriptures and an effective spiritual writer." God is praised. Then there is Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn. She is in Vilnius, Lithuania, in the Chapel of the Gate of Dawn. Venerated by the faithful since the 17th century, she has become a symbol of the national identity that Lithuania's invaders like the Prussian, Austrian and Russian Empires in 1793, and the Soviet Union until 1989, sought to obliterate. Pope Saint John Paul II was there in 1993; I was there around 2010.  God is praised.

And if that's not enough we have two very different, most powerful and holy women to commemorate. First, Saint Gertrude the Great who, as a little girl of four years old, the Lord withdrew from the turmoil of the world to introduce her into the bridal chamber of holy religion (see Gertrude the Great, The Herald of Divine Love, I, 1). She is my patron saint and I have so much to say about her that I do not know where to begin and then I may never stop. So, let's leave it at this. Jesus lived in the heart of Gertrude (see today's image). Jesus is praised. One will find too, like I just did when I randomly opened Gertrude's Herald of Divine Love (I, 16), that a man unknown to her except that she had recommended herself to his prayers, was praying for Gertrude and received this answer from the Lord: "I have chosen to dwell in her because it delights me to see that everything that people love in her is my own work. Those who know nothing of interior, that is, spiritual things, love in her at least my exterior gifts, such as intelligence, eloquence and so on. Therefore I have exiled her from all her relatives, so that there should be no one who would love her for the sake of the ties of blood, and that I may be the only reason why all her friends love her." Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta is my patron. Thank you, Jesus!

And then we have Saint Margaret of Scotland, wife to King Malcolm III of Scotland and mother of eight children. Saint Margaret is remembered for the "happiness of her marriage, for her devotion to prayer and learning, and especially for her generosity to the poor." God is praised.

United in faith and prayer, may we remain in Jesus as He remains in us. Whoever remains in Him will bear much fruit, because without Him we can do nothing. This is how His Father is glorified, that we bear much fruit and become His disciples (see Jn 15:4-5, 8). Amen.

Bless me, most loving Jesus, bless me and have mercy on me in the loving-kindness of Your most gracious heart. Ah! That my soul may choose to know nothing apart from you and that, disciplined by Your grace and instructed by the anointing, I may progress well, passionately, and powerfully in the school of Your love.

(Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, Spiritual Exercises, II, 51-55)

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT EDMUND OF ABINGDON,

OUR LADY OF THE GATE OF DAWN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's image: This is what Jesus told one of the nuns at Helfta: You will find me in the heart of Gertrude. Imaged used with the kind permission of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR. Set me as a seal on your heart. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Tuesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Saint Albert the Great Doctor Universalis, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1206-1280); Commemoration of All Carmelite Souls 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 37 The Elderly and Children 

Mass: Rev 3:1-6, 14-22; Resp Ps 15; Lk 19:1-10

He who does these things shall never be disturbed.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.

(Lk 19:5)

We are privileged to commemorate another great saint, this one another Great, Saint Albert the Great, teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris, a bishop, Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of scientists. God is praised!

Since we are busy praising God, we praise Him with our friend Zacchaeus who wanted to see Jesus, no matter what. Jesus looked at Zacchaeus up there in that tree; the Lord looks at you, wherever you are too. He wants to stay at your house. United in faith and prayer, we go to Jesus quickly and receive Him with joy. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what what lost (Lk 19:10).

In the conversion of a sinner we see contrition, confession, and penance; and, on the other hand, the tenderness of God, His mercy and love, His glory and His goodness.

(Saint Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church)

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

ALL CARMELITE SOULS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This is the way I found them. He honors those who fear the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Saints: Blessed John Licci, op (1400-1511)*; Saint Dyfrig or Dubric or Dubricius (d. 612); Saint Laurenc O-Toole (1128-1180); The Beatified Martyrs of the Clifton Diocese (16th century); The Reading Martyrs (16th century); Saint Joseph Pignatelli (1737-1811); All Carmelite Saints 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 36 The Sick Brothers

Mass:  Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5; Resp Ps 1; Lk 18:35-43

For the Lord watches over the way of the just.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!

What do you want me to do for you?

Lord, please let me see.

Have sight; your faith has saved you.

(Lk 18:39, 41-42)

Welcome to a sandwich Monday. This text comes as the meat in the middle of our ever-increasing number of saints to invoke, today with an almost equal amount of bread on the top and bread the bottom. Bring out the real mayonnaise! And what saint did you include in your collection of saints' names today? 

With the servant John, may we give witness to the word of God this day (see Rev 1:2), and follow Jesus, giving glory to Him in word and deed so that others give praise to God too (see Lk 18:43).

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

(Gospel versicle, Mass, November 14, 2022)

BLESSED JOHN LICCI,

SAINT DYFRIG,

SAINT LAURENC O'TOOLE,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF THE CLIFTON DIOCESE,

THE READING MARTYRS,

SAINT JOSEPH PIGNATELLI,

ALL CARMELITE SAINTS,

PRAY FOR US.

*Fun fact: There is no typo here as Blessed John Licci, op, died at 111 years of age, "one of the longest-living figures in Church history." Furthermore, John joined the Dominicans in 1415 and "wore the habit for 96 years which is the longest known period for any religious." Among many other things, John "prevented disease coming to the cattle of his parishioners [in his hometown of Caccamo, Sicily] and cured three people whose heads had been crushed in accidents." We invoke Blessed John Licci then as the patron saint of head injuries. God is praised. (See Catholic News Agency, "Blessed John Licci").

Today's photo: Welcome to the first snowfall of the season in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Hoosier state. Thanks bro TBF.

 

© Gertrude Feick 2022