Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

December is the month dedicated to Advent and Christmas

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 47 Announcing the Hours for the Work of God - Ch 51 Brothers on a Short Journey

He guides me in right paths.

ALL FOR WHOM LOVE OR DUTY BIDS ME PRAYER,

MY JESUS MERCY!

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

So that God may be all in all.

(1 Cor 15:28)

Welcome to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and entry into the Last Week in Ordinary Time. How worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honor. To Him belong glory and power for ever and ever. Amen. (Entrance Antiphon, Mass). 

Let us continue during these final days of November to pray for those who have died, for the poor souls in Purgatory, and especially for those who don't have anyone to pray for them. We pray too, for the repose of the soul of Ruth Burrows (Sister Rachel, OCD), the Quidenham Carmelite who died on November 10, 2023. Ruth summarized her insights in this way: "God offers Himself in total love to each one of us. Our part is to open our hearts to receive the gift." Thank you, Sister Rachel, for your service to God and the Church. Rest in peace.

Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent and the start of the new liturgical year. Is there a saint calling out to be your patron saint for the year? Has there been a nudge from one of the saints you've read about or heard from throughout the days of November? Just who is it that could help you respond to the universal call to holiness and reach out to those in need - the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned - for those in need of your attention and care at home, work, parish, or in your neighborhood. You don't have to go far to find someone in need of your love. Just who is it that will help you open your heart to receive the gift of God's love and then pass it along to others ...

Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of the brothers or sisters of mine, 

you did for me.

(Matthew 25:40)

And now the time you've been waiting for. Let us rejoice and be glad as we hear from our voices for the week. With all the saints, we join our holy father Saint Benedict "ready to give up our own will, once and for all, and armed with the strong and noble weapons of obedience to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 3).

The saints in each generation, joined to those who have gone before and filled like them with light, become a golden chain, in which each saint is a separate link, united to the next by faith, works and love.

(Saint Simeon the New Theologian, 949-1022)

A person can wait for the Lord the more trustfully if his conscience is so at rest as to let him say: Every smallest possession of mine, Lord, is entirely yours.

(Guerric of Igny, 1070/80-1157)

Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.

(Blessed Solanus Casey, 1870-1957)

May we always welcome the word which you send us and give it flesh in our lives, that those who come after us may learn the message of your love from what we do and say.

(Blessed Arnold Jules Reche, 1838-1890)

Love knows no measure, so in love and for love we should just suffer and work.

(Blessed Ulrike Franziska Nisch, 1882-1913)

I wish to be a poor woman and I am happy with it, because it seems to me that this way I am loved even more by the Lord ... It is not riches but doing the will of God that makes the heart happy.

(Blessed Eurosia Fabris, 1866-1932)

Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.

(Saint John Chrysostom, 347-407)

The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.

(Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, 1922-1962)

O my God, let me remember with gratitude and confess to Thee Thy mercies toward me.

(Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.

(Saint Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582)

SAINT LEONARD OF PORTO MAURIZIO,

SAINT FRANCESCO ANTONIO FASANI,

SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS,

SAINT FERGAL,

BLESSED BERNARD FRANCIS DE HOYOS,

BLESSEDS DENIS AND REDEMPTUS,

SAINT ANDREW, APOSTLE,

BLESSED CLEMENTINE ANUARITE,

SAINT ALEXANDER BRIANT,

ALL SAINTS OF THE SERAPHIC ORDER,

SAINT SATURNINUS,

SAINT CATHERINE LABOURE,

SAINT JAMES OF THE MARCHES,

SAINT FRANCESCO ANTONIO FASANI,

SAINT JAMES INTERCISCUS,

SAINT SECHNALL OF IRELAND,

SAINT LEONARD OF PORT MAURICE,

SAINT PETER OF ALEXANDRIA,

BLESSED SANTIAGO ALBERIONE,

SAINT RALPH SHERWIN,

SAINT EDMUND CAMPION,

SAINT ELIGIUS,

SAINT BIBIANA,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For years to come.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is World Day of the Poor

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 41 The Times for Meals- Ch 46 Faults Committed in Other Matters

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS,

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

FOR THE WORLDY-MINDED, WHO FAILED TO USE THEIR WEALTH AND TALENTS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD,

MY JESUS MERCY!

For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.

(1 Th 5:5-6)

Welcome to the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time, still in the month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. It is this week that we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Give God the praise!. It is fitting and right, then, that we think about all the gifts and blessings Our loving God has given each one of us, individually and collectively. At the same time, we think about what we have, or have not done, with the gifts, or "talents", that God has bestowed upon us in abundance. There could be many reasons why we don't use the gifts God has given us. Perhaps we feel unworthy, or we do not trust God to give us the strength we need to carry out what is asked of us, or maybe we are afraid of the unknown. Or maybe we do not even know what our gifts are, and sadly, no one else has bothered to help us develop our gifts. And there could be plenty of reasons to wonder why another would be bothered by such a thing. There are not a few things, then, to keep in mind. First, remember how Saint Benedict begins Ch 40 of the Holy Rule, "The Proper Amount of Drink." Our holy father begins with words from Saint Paul and reminds us that "everyone has his own gift from God, one this and another that" (1 Cor 7:7/RB 40:1). That would be everyone, not just a select few. And Saint Paul tells us elsewhere that "God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength" (1 Cor 10:13). It seems to me then, that we should just go for it and give glory to God. If others are jealous, envious, in the comparing mode, or whatever, that is their problem, not yours. It's all for the glory of God and the good of the Body of Christ. Build up; don't tear down. And if you notice something good in another, for the sake of Our living and true God, tell her! We turn once again to Saint Benedict who turns to Saint Paul who declared: "By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10), and again, "he who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17)/RB Prologue 31-32. And while we are at it, we might as well cry out with Saint Joan of Arc and declare, "I am not afraid; I was born to do this."

As we go forth this week, united in faith and prayer, we join Pope Francis and all those gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus, and pray, 

Lord, I trust in You; give me the strength to keep going; I trust in You, in the things You have given me; let me know how to carry them forward.

Inspired, we keep going, and listen to this week's voices, all from saints. The first shout helps us keep things in perspective as we respond to the universal call to holiness and remember that holiness is for everyone no matter your state of life.*

There is no harm to the saints if their faults are shown as well as their virtues.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

You learn to speak, by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving. Begin as a mere apprentice and the very power of love will lead you on to become a master of the art.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

We are not called upon to be successful, but to be faithful.

(Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997)

Cling inseparably to eternal treasures but things temporal we must use like passers-by, that as we are sojourners beginning to return to our own land, all the good things of this world which meet us may be as aids on the way, not snares to detain us.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)

Praise the Lord with the lyre, make melody to Him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to Him a new song ...

Let us sing a new song not with our lips but with our lives ... 

Everyone one of us tries to discover how to sing to God. You must sing to Him, but you must sing well. He does not want your voice to come harshly to His ears, so sing well, brothers! ...

See how He Himself provides you with a way of singing. Do not search for words, as if you could find a lyric which would give God pleasure. Sing to Him "with songs of joy." This is singing well to God, just singing with songs of joy ...

Your heart must rejoice beyond words, soaring into an immensity of gladness, unrestrained by syllabic bonds. Sing to Him with songs of joy.

(From a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, in Office of Readings, November 22, Memorial of Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr)

Monks should diligently cultivate silence at all times, but especially at night.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 42:1)

Let us not imprint on ourselves the image of a despot, but let Christ paint His image in us with His words: My peace I give you, my peace I leave with you. But the knowledge that peace is good is of no benefit to us if we do not practice it. The most valuable objects are usually the most fragile; costly things require the most careful handling. Particularly fragile is that which is lost by wanton talk and destroyed with the slightest injury of a brother. Men like nothing better than discussing and minding the business of others, passing superfluous comments at random and criticizing people behind their backs. So those who cannot say: The Lord has given me a discerning tongue, that I may with a word support him who is weary should keep silent, of if they do say anything it should promote peace.

(From an instruction by Saint Columban, abbot, in Office of Readings, November 23)

Creator God, you have endowed each one of us with unique talents and possibilities. Give us the strength to use these gifts to develop ourselves, to serve the community in which we live, and to give glory to you, the source of all giftedness. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.**

SAINT RAFAEL GONZALEZ AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT RAFAEL KALINOWSKI,

SAINT EDMUND,

SAINT CECILIA,

POPE SAINT CLEMENT I,

SAINT COLUMBANUS,

BLESSED MIGUEL AGUSTIN PRO,

SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND HIS COMPANIONS,

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

*For a fun essay, see Donald Demarco, "The Eccentricities of Saints," in Catholic Exchange, November 8, 2023. 

**See Michael Casey, Balaam's Donkey: Random Ruminations For Every Day of the Year (Liturgical Press, 2019).

Today's photo: A contribution from a faithful reader and longtime friend of Redwoods, who just happens to take beautiful photos too. This one from her recent retreat with us. Who walk in His ways!

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 35 Kitchen Servers for the Week - Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

My lips shall glorify you.

THOSE WHO ARE LEAST REMEMBERED,

MY JESUS HAVE MERCY.

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.

(Wisdom 6:12)

Welcome to the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time as we continue to blaze through the glorious month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. For all who have died, for the poor souls in Purgatory, for all those who don't have anyone to pray for them, and for all those who pray for us as we continue on our journey of faith and respond to the universal call to holiness. Give praise to God! And how fitting it is this week as we commemorate All the Saints of the Benedictine Family to heed the words of our holy father Benedict in the Prologue to the Holy Rule. After all, it is Jesus who tells us to Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come. It behooves us to be ready. And if it's not Wisdom that you run into, run the other way! 

Let us get up then, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: It is high time for us to arise from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the Light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: If you hear His voice today, do not harden your hearts, And again: You that have ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. And what does He say? Come and listen to me, sons; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Run while you have the light of life, that the darkness of death may not overtake you. 

(Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 8-13)

And for our voices for the week, we give praise as we hear first from my patron saint, commemorated November 16. A voice that turns out to be a nice little mantra for just about all situations, those pleasant and not so pleasant as we are bound to be presented with a little of both. ☺

In all that concerns me, Lord, Your adorable will be done.

(Saint Gertrude the Great of Helfta, 1256-1301)

Teach me the language you speak, O God, and make me understand those little signs, by which you give understanding hearts to know what is your will.

(William of St. Thierry, c. 1085-1148)

You are the tabernacle of God; you the temple of God. As the Apostle says: Holy is the temple of God which you are. A temple, because the Lord will reign forever in you. And yet a tabernacle, because God is on pilgrimage in you, God hungers in you, God thirsts in you.

(Aelred of Rievaulx, 1110-1167)

Humility is not a coward's virtue. Its beatitude is found through an abandonment in faith that touches the heroic.

(Bishop Eric Varden, ocso, Bishop of Trondheim, Norway) 

God will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

Everything may be taken from us, but God we shall find everywhere. Courage, Sisters, courage!

(Saint Julie Billiart, 1751-1816, in collaboration with a devout noblewoman, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame)

We must keep the flame of faith alive in our heart. This flame is lit with the oil of charity and prayer; charity performed through and for the love of God.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

The greater my unworthiness, the more abundant His mercy.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

All for God, and all through Mary.

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron, 1911-1938)

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER CABRINI,

ALL SAINTS OF THE BENEDICTINE FAMILY,

SAINT MACHAR,

BLESSED MARIA TERESA SCRILLI,

SAINT DYFRIG OR DUBRIC OR DUBRICUS,

SAINT LAURENC O'TOOLE,

THE BEATIFIED MARTYRS OF THE CLIFTON DIOCESE,

THE READING MARTYRS,

SAINT JOSEPH PIGNATELLI,

ALL CARMELITE SAINTS,

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

COMMEMORATION OF ALL CARMELITE SOULS,

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT JOSEPH MOSCASTI,

SAINT EDMUND OF ABINGDON,

OUR LADY OF THE GATE OF DAWN,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY,

SAINT HILDA,

SAINT HUGH OF LINCOLN,

SAINT DIONYSIUS OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL,

SAINT ROSE-PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE,

SAINT ROMAN OF ANTIOCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one from a little walk my beloved sister and I took a few days ago. Don't forget to look down; don't forget to look up. Lifting up my hands, I will call upon Your name. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 29 Readmission of Brothers Who Leave the Monastery - Ch 34 Distribution of Goods According to Need

O Lord, my heart is not proud.

Those who endure the greatest suffering, 

my Jesus, mercy!

MARY, QUEEN OF THE HUMBLE OF HEART,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Has not the one God created us?

(Malachi 2:10)

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

(Mt 23:12)

Welcome to the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time and the month of November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. 

There is plenty for us to do this week. One is to humble ourselves and be busy about serving others, whether we are in the mood or not. I already passed along these words from Mother Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997); however, they are clear: "If you are truly humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are." And that is what we are now, children of God made in the image and likeness of the one, living and true God. As children, we declare boldly: "By God's grace I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10), and again, "he who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17)/Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 31-32. 

And remember, the word of God is now at work in you who believe (see Th 2:13). I believe, help my unbelief. 

Now our voices for the week as we keep the faith and respond to the universal call to holiness. We begin with Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), to help us as we pray for the dying and the already deceased, those who die alone and suffer alone in purgatory with no one on earth to pray for them. And this is one reason why I ask a dying person not to forget me and help me get to Heaven to join them. Give God the praise. 

The practice of recommending to God the souls in Purgatory, that He may mitigate the great pains which they suffer, and that He may bring them to His glory, is most pleasing to the Lord and most profitable to us. For those blessed souls are His eternal spouses, and most grateful are they to those who obtain their deliverance from prison, or even a mitigation of their torments. When, therefore, they arrive in Heaven, they will be sure to remember all who have prayed for them.

Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.

(Pope Saint Clement I, d. 99)

In everything, do that which will make God loved the more.

(Blessed Frances d’Amboise, 1427-1485)

My fellow Christians, do we wish to celebrate joyfully the birth of this temple [the Lateran Basilica]? Then let us not destroy the living temples of God in ourselves by works of evil. I shall speak clearly, so that all can understand! Whenever we come to church, we must prepare our hearts to be as beautiful as we expect this church to be. Do you wish to find this basilica immaculately clean? Then do not soil your soul with the filth of sins. Do you wish this basilica to be full of light? God too wishes that your soul not be in darkness, but that the light of good works shine is us, so that He who dwells in the heavens will be glorified. Just as you enter this church building, so God wishes to enter your soul, for He promised: I shall live in them, and I shall walk the corridor of their hearts.

(From a sermon by Saint Caesarius of Arles, d. 542, in Office of Readings, November 9)

Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp.

(Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)

Here was a man [Saint Martin of Tours] words cannot describe. Death could not defeat him nor toil dismay him. He was quite without a preference of his own; he neither feared to die nor refused to live. With eyes and hands always raised to heaven he never withdrew his unconquered spirit from prayer ... he left this life a poor and lowly man and entered heaven rich in God's favor.

(From a letter by Sulpicius Severus, 363-425, in Office of Readings, November 11)

The human mind is prone to pride when not supported by power; how much more, then, does it exalt when it has that support.

(Pope Saint Gregoy the Great, d. 604)

The lively consideration of graces received makes us humble 

because knowledge of them excites gratitude.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622, Introduction to the Devout Life, IV, 5)

Whoever needs less should thank God and not be distressed, but whoever needs more should feel humble because of his weakness, not self-important because of the kindness shown to him.

(The Rule of Saint Benedict, 34:2-4, Distribution of Goods According to Need)

Hold the cross high so I may see it through the flames!

(Saint Joan of Arc, 1412-1431)

BLESSED FRANCES D'AMBOISE,

SAINT JEAN-THEOPHANE VENARD,

SAINT ENGELBERT,

ALL THE SAINTS OF IRELAND,

ALL SAINTS OF AFRICA,

SAINT ILLTUDE OR ILLTYD,

SAINT NUNO ALVARES PEREIRA,

BLESSED JOSEPH GIRBES,

SAINT WILLIBRORD,

ALL SAINTS OF WALES,

BLESSED GEORGE NAPIER,

SAINT ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY,

SAINT JOHN,

POPE SAINT LEO THE GREAT,

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I walk by this little beauty more than once a day. Thankfully, no creature great or small has managed to eat it. Give God the praise.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary

November is the month dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 22 The Sleeping Arrangements of the Monks - Ch 28 Those Who Refuse to Amend after Frequent Reproofs

Praised be the Lord, I exclaim.

MARY, QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS,

MARY, REFUGE OF SOULS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

For I am compassionate.

(Ex 22:26)

Welcome to the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time. Jesus gives us a tall order in today's Gospel, that is, You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And, love your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:37-39). Do not be daunted. Instead, go to Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (13:1-13) and Saint Benedict's Tools for Good Works found in Chapter 4 of the Holy Rule, for help. Just say no resounding gongs or clashing cymbals (see 1 Cor 13:1). 

So faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

(1 Cor 13:13)

Never lose hope in God's mercy.

(Rule of Saint Benedict 4:74)

I learned about a new saint last Thursday. I was especially thinking of him yesterday when we commemorated Saints Simon and Jude. It occurred to me that Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes (and desperate situations, forgotten causes, hospital workers, hospitals, impossible causes, and the diocese of Sr. Petersburg, Florida!) was certainly busy working on Blessed Bartolo Longo (1841-1946). And what a story (see reference below *). In short, our dear Bartolo grew up in a family of faith who prayed the Rosary together daily. Then, Bartolo sort of wandered from the fold, to say the least. After his mother's death, Bartolo not only fell in with a paganic group, they "ordained" him as Satanist priest. He participated in all sorts of extracurricular activities - please read for yourself. In any case, Bartolo ultimately experienced a mental breakdown, and with help from his dead father's voice, "Return to God! Return to God!", and Dominican priest who heard Bartolo's confession, Bartolo returned to God and His Church. In 1871, Bartolo became a Third Order Dominican, took the name of Br. Rosario in honor of the Rosary, married a local widow on the advice Pope Leo XIII, and all this goes on to lead to the Basilica of the Most Holy Rosary in Pompeii. I am telling you that you have to read the story for yourself. Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Bartolo on October 26, 1980, calling him the "Apostle of the Rosary." And it is said that over 30,000 people attended the ceremony. There will more to this story as our faith unfolds. All told, with God, ALL things are possible. Give God the praise!

In this week when we say farewell to October and welcome to November, our first three voices speak to us of the Most Holy Rosary, and the following honor saints, including some we commemorate this week, or those who preached on the most holy days we celebrate this week. And something to keep in mind throughout the whole of the liturgical year are the words of Blessed Columba Marmion: "We should be by grace what Jesus was by nature, a child of God and a child of Mary." Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

If I ever come to the end of the day without having said the rosary, I confess that I feel disappointed. There are some people who say: "The rosary is a good thing for women and children." Granted. But what does the Lord say? Unless you become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven-and for my part, I want to go there!

(Blessed Columba Marmion, 1858-1923)

By its nature the recitation of the rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord's life as seen through the eyes of Her who was closest to the Lord. In this way the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are unfolded.

(Pope Saint Paul VI, 1897-1978, Marialis Cultus, 47) 

The rosary is not a devotion to the Blessed Virgin, it is the devotion to Mary!

(Blessed Pauline Jaricot, 1799-1862)

Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of patriarchs, the ranks of the prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of confessors and the choir of virgins. In short, we long to be united in happiness with all the saints ...

we must above all seek the prayers of the saints. Thus, what is beyond our own powers to obtain will be granted through their intercession.

(From a sermon by Saint Bernard, abbot, in Office of Readings, November 1)

Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire. Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die. Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God's gaze is upon you, wherever you may be.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:46-49)

The example of Martin's life is ample evidence that we can strive for holiness and salvation as Christ Jesus has shown us: first, by loving God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; and second, by loving your neighbor as yourself ...

Saint Martin, always obedient and inspired by his divine teacher, dealt with his brothers with that profound love which comes from pure faith and humility of spirit. He loved men because he honestly looked on them as God's children and as his own brothers and sisters. Such was his humility that he loved them even more than himself and considered them to be better and more righteous than he was.

(From a homily at the Canonization of Saint Martin de Porres by Pope John XXIII, in Office of Readings, November 3)

If you wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new ardor.

(Saint Charles Borromeo, 1538-1584)

And finally, we join Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (1928-2002) in prayer, and at the same time remember that "Whenever one person does something good for another, there God is especially near. Whenever someone opens himself for God in prayer, then he enters into His special closeness."**

Lord, give to our world many saints. I may produce material goods, but you alone, Lord, can give us saints.

(Venerable Francis Xavier Van Thuan)

BLESSED BARTOLO LONGO, APOSTLE OF THE ROSARY,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

BLESSED CHIARA LUCE BADANO,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF DOUAI COLLEGE,

SAINT COLMAN MACDUAGH,

SAINT MARCELLUS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF WINCHESTER,

SAINT THOGER,

BLESSED DOMINIC COLLINS,

BLESSED MARIA TAUSCHER,

SAINT ALPHONSO RODRIGUEZ,

SAINT WOLFGANG AND THE 14 HOLY HELPERS,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT GIANNA MOLLA,

SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES,

SAINT WINEFRIDE,

SAINT MALACHY,

BLESSED JOHN BODY,

BLESSED RUPERT MAYER,

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO,

SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX,

SAINT BENEDICT,

PRAY FOR US. 

* See Angelo Stagnaro, "Blessed Bartolo Longo, the ex-Satanist Who Was Freed Through the Rosary," in National Catholic Register, December 12, 2016.

**Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, God and the World: A Conversation with Peter Seewald (Ignatius, 2002).

Today's photo: Acadia National Park, in the woods near Long Pond, Bar Harbor, Maine, The Pine Tree State. Thank you, beloved Marshall family.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 18 The Order of the Psalmody - Ch 21 The Deans of the Monastery

For great is the Lord and highly to be praised.

MARY, VIRGIN MOST VENERABLE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

I am the Lord, there is no other.

(Is 45:6)

Welcome to the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, a week that begins on World Mission Sunday while we are still deeply immersed in October, the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. At the same time, it is not too early to begin preparation for the new Liturgical Year 2023/2024 that commences on the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023. You may remember last year that I suggested choosing a patron saint for the New Year, or rather, letting a patron saint choose you as a companion for the year. My faithful companion for Liturgical Year 2022/2023 is Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad (1870-1957), a Briggintine nun. Sadly, I do not remember her enough. However, I trust that she remembers me. That is something saints do - they do not forget all of us here on earth still responding to the universal call to holiness.

On the subject of saints, in other years we would commemorate the great Pope Saint John Paul II on October 22. I had the privilege of attending his beatification, May 1, 2011. I could go on about that forever. However, put simply, it was an awesome gathering of thousands of people from all over the world. And it is true that we may be inspired by the words of a saint, like ones below from our saint of day, or at least I hope so. That is one reason most of our voices for the week come from the mouths of saints. I am inspired by what they have to say to me, and perhaps you will be inspired too. Inspired, you just may decide to learn about a particular saint's life and be further inspired. In an article, the author Father Michael Rennier writes about the importance of knowing the lives of saints: "Through their lives-not simply by their words-the saints bring theological concepts to reality."* So maybe you have read, or will read, the words of a particular saint included in our voices for the week that is coming through loud and clear. Is there a saint that is inviting you to learn more about his or her life, and then inviting you to have a new patron saint for the Liturgical Year 2024? Remember to be open, your patron beckons in unexpected ways. 

With all this and more in mind, then, some of our voices come from saints commemorated this week, others not. 

Our first voice, though meant for clerics, is relevant for all the faithful and a nice one to help us "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Rm 13:12). 

You are the light of the world. Now a light does not illumine itself, but instead it diffuses its rays and shines all around upon everything that comes into its view. So it must be with the glowing lives of upright and holy clerics ... Their own lives should be an example to others, showing how they must live in the house of the Lord.

(From the treatise Mirror of the Clergy by Saint John of Capistrano, priest, 1386-1456, in Office of Readings, October 23)

The love of Christ arouses us, urges us to run, and to fly, lifted on the wings of holy zeal. The man who truly loves God also loves his neighbor ... The zealous man desires and achieves all things and he labors strenuously so God may always be better known, loved and served in this world and in the life to come, for this is holy love without end.

(From a work by Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bishop, in Office of Readings, October 24)

But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. On those who waver, have mercy.

(Jude 20-22)

To be always close to Jesus, that's my life's plan.

The Eucharist in my highway to heaven. 

The Rosary is the ladder to climb to Heaven.

(Blessed Carlo Acutis, 1991-2006)

I need nothing but God and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus.

(Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, 1647-1690)

To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without battling constantly for truth, is not to live but to "get along"; we must never just "get along."

(Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)

If the saint is to become himself, he must become himself in Christ.

(Father Gregory Pine, O.P., Friar of the Province of Saint Joseph)

And we conclude with a prayer for the week, united as we are in faith and prayer. May we follow the example of Saint Paul, and, as he wrote to the Thessalonians, give thanks to God for each other, remember each other in prayer, and remember that each one of us is loved by God (see Th 1:1-5b). God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me (Rule of Saint Benedict, 18:1/Ps 70:2). Keep going.

O Virgin Mother,

guide and sustain us

so that we may always live

as true sons and daughters

of the Church of your Son.

Enable us to do our part

in helping to establish on earth

the civilization of truth and love,

as God wills it,

for His glory.

(Pope Saint John Paul, II, 1920-2005, Christifideles Laici The Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, 64)

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO,

SAINT ETHELFLAEDA,

SAINT ANTHONY MARY CLARET,

SAINT MAGLIORE,

FREI GALVAO,

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT CEDD, 

SAINT OTTERAN,

SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES,

PRAY FOR US.

*Father Michael Rennier, "Knowing the Lives of Saints Will Transform Your Lives," in Aleteia, September 17, 2023.

Today's photo: Coming from the "House on the Hill" the other day, I stopped and looked. With awe and reverence, the words heard later from Anne Frank (1929-1945) now ring true: "I looked up in the sky and trusted in God." It is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being. Give God the praise. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary

Readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict for the Week: Ch 12 The Celebration of the Solemnity of Lauds - Ch 17 The Number of Psalms to Be Sung at These Hours

He refreshes my soul.

MARY, SINGULAR VESSEL OF DEVOTION,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!

(Is 25:9)

Marching on in this month of October dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, we have more heavy-hitter saints to invoke this week kicking it off with the great Doctor Saint Teresa of Avila, who wrote, "Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you ..." Why is it that we let things disturb us though 🤔. Rather, why not take a moment to breathe in the Holy Spirit and breathe out the Peace the world cannot give. And Saint Teresa continues ... 

All things pass away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

He who has God

Finds he lacks nothing;

God alone suffices. 

It happens that I have been going through some old journals which has proven to be both fun and enlightening, among other things. Fun? A November 1997 entry found me in New Zealand where I wrote, "I've written 45 postcards with two left." Rest assured, I did much more than write postcards. ☺However, I love to write postcards (and cards and letters!) and receive them too (hint). Just last week I received three postcards from the state of Maine! Enlightening? A 2003 entry found me in the midst of this exchange. Voice 1: "I don't have time to myself. My personal life is non-existent. Why?" Voice 2: "Because you said 'Yes', Sister." "Yes," is a very powerful word, one voice commented just the other day. And as it relates to today's Gospel (see Mt 22:1-14), the Lord invites each of us to the daily feast. Do you accept the invitation? Does your "Yes" really mean "Yes", no matter what? So, we pray with Pope Francis and all the faithful gathered today in Saint Peter's Square for the Angelus Address, "May Mary, who with her 'yes', made room for God, help us not to be deaf to his invitations." 

United in faith and prayer, we “rejoice and be glad that God has saved us" (Is 25:9). And as we go forth, we thank Saint Paul for his words of encouragement: "My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen" (Ph 4:19-20). Thy will be done.

Our voices this week come our great Saint and Doctor of the Church, Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, who influenced our beloved Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), also known as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.* At the name of Jesus every knee should bend!

Oh, what a good friend You make, my Lord! How You proceed by favoring and enduring. You wait for others to adapt to Your nature, and in the meanwhile You put up with theirs!

(The Book of Her Life, Ch 8, 6)

Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else but an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.

(The Book of Her Life, Chapter 8, 5)

The important thing is not to think much but to love much.

(The Interior Castle)

Let us love the virtues and inward goodness, and let us always apply ourselves and take care to avoid attaching importance to externals.

(The Way of Perfection, Ch IV)

I mean that the King of glory will not come to our souls-that is, so as to united with them-unless we strive to gain the greatest virtues.

(The Way of Perfection, Ch XVI)

Although it is a great grace from God to practice self-examination, yet "too much is as bad as too little," as they say; believe me, by God's help, we shall advance more by contemplating the Divinity than by keeping our eyes fixed on ourselves, poor creatures of earth that we are ...

Our understanding and our will become more noble and capable of good in every way when we turn from ourselves to God.

(The Interior Castle, Ch 3, 8, 11)

Let the Christian be valiant.

(The Interior Castle, Chapter I, 13)

Getting used to solitude is a great help to prayer. Since prayer must be the foundation on which the house is built, it is necessary for us to learn to like whatever gives us the greatest help in it.

(The Way of Perfection, Chapter IV)

Humility, however deep it be, neither disquiets nor troubles nor disturbs the soul; it is accompanied by peace, joy and tranquility.

(The Way of Perfection, Ch XXXIV)

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT HEDWIG,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUES,

SAINT MARGARET D'YOUVILLE,

SAINT RICHARD GWYN,

SAINT GALL,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH,

SAINT LUKE,

SAINT JOHN DE BREBEUF AND ISAAC JOGUES AND THEIR COMPANIONS,

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS,

SAINT PHILIP HOWARD,

SAINT FRIDESWIDE,

SAINT PETER OF ALCANTARA,

BLESSED DAUDI OKELO AND JILDO IRWA,

SAINT BERTILLA BOSCARDIN,

SAINT HILARION,

SAINT GASPARE OF THE BUFALO,

BLESSED CHARLES OF AUSTRIA,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. Check out the Holy Father's hot off the press issued today, October 15, 2023, Apostolic Exhortation to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth the great Doctor and Saint Therese of Lisieux, C'est la confiance It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love. See www.vatican.va. Go Little Flower ⚘ go!

Today's photo: For our viewing pleasure, my beloved bro Thomas captured this live while doing a little work in his yard, Indianapolis, Indiana, The Hoosier State. Raindrops keep falling on my head ... Sun and moon, bless the Lord, praise and exalt Him forever! Saint Thomas, Saint Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023