Category: Feastdays: Our Lady, Saints, Prayers and Reflections

The Power of a Name!

AM+DG

 

 

 

The Power of a Name

Today, in the Traditional Rite, we celebrate the Holy Name of Jesus. The Power of this name is something, that we were always taught, but it is rarely mentioned now. It is a weapon, a comfort, a help we should never ignore.

Today, however, this most Powerful and Beautiful Name is used to curse and swear; it is blasphemed and mocked. Once upon a time, we would see every person in Church bow their heads or give a little nod every time It is heard.

Benefits of invoking the Name of Jesus:

  • brings us help in bodily needs:

“In my name They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

In the Name of Jesus the Apostles gave strength to the lame (Acts 3:6; 9:34) and life to the dead (Acts 9:40).

  • It gives consolation in spiritual trials:

The Name of Jesus reminds the sinner of the prodigal son’s father and of the Good Samaritan; it recalls to the just the suffering and death of the innocent Lamb of God.

  • It protects us against Satan and his wiles, for the Devil fears the Name of Jesus, who has conquered him on the Cross.
  • In It we obtain every blessing and grace for time and eternity:

“If you ask the Father anything in my name he will give it you.” (John 16:23)

Bernadine loved this devotion to the Holy Name. Below is a prayer he would say every day:

Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength! 
You are the refuge of those who repent,
our banner of warfare in this life,
the medicine of souls,
the comfort of those who mourn, 
the delight of those who believe, 
the light of those who preach the true faith,
the wages of those who toil, the healing of the sick.
To you our devotion aspires;
by you our prayers are received; 
we delight in contemplating you. 
O Name of Jesus, you are the glory of all the saints for eternity. 
Amen.

 “The Golden Arrow Prayer,” was revealed by Jesus to a Carmelite nun of Tours in 1843 as a reparation for blasphemy:

“May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most mysterious and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in heaven on earth and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament of the altar.”

From: https://aleteia.org/2019/01/14/st-bernardine-of-sienas-prayer-to-the-holy-name-of-jesus/

In the following Litany, (one of my favourites) there is a different reason/power  for every line – i.e. each time the Name of Jesus is invoked.

Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

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

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Splendor of the Father, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Brightness of eternal Light, [etc.]
Jesus, King of Glory,
Jesus, Sun of Justice,
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary,
Jesus, most amiable,
Jesus, most admirable,
Jesus, the mighty God,
Jesus, Father of the world to come,
Jesus, angel of great counsel,
Jesus, most powerful,
Jesus, most patient,
Jesus, most obedient,
Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Jesus, Lover of Chastity,
Jesus, our Lover,
Jesus, God of Peace,
Jesus, Author of Life,
Jesus, Model of Virtues,
Jesus, zealous for souls,
Jesus, our God,
Jesus, our Refuge,
Jesus, Father of the Poor,
Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful,
Jesus, good Shepherd,
Jesus, true Light,
Jesus, eternal Wisdom,
Jesus, infinite Goodness,
Jesus, our Way and our Life,
Jesus, joy of the Angels,
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs,
Jesus, Master of the Apostles,
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists,
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs,
Jesus, Light of Confessors,
Jesus, Purity of Virgins,
Jesus, Crown of all Saints,

Be merciful unto us, spare us, O Jesus. 
Be merciful unto us, graciously hear us, O Jesus.  

From all evil, Jesus, deliver us. 
From all sin, Jesus, deliver us. 
From Your wrath, [etc.]
From the snares of the devil,
From the spirit of fornication,
From everlasting death,
From the neglect of Your inspirations,
Through the mystery of Your Holy Incarnation,
Through Your Nativity,
Through Your Infancy,
Through Your most divine Life,
Through Your Labors,
Through Your Agony and Passion,
Through Your cross and Dereliction,
Through your Sufferings,
Through Your Death and Burial,
Through Your Resurrection,
Through Your Ascension,
Through Your Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist,
Through Your Joys,
Through Your Glory,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us, O Jesus.
Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said: Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask the gift of Thy most divine love, that we may ever love Thee with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease praising Thee. Give us, O Lord, a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy name; for Thou never failest to govern those whom Thou dost solidly establish in Thy love. Who livest and reignest, world without end. R. Amen.

 

 

 

Happy Feast Day, dear Guardian Angels. They are our best friends!

       AM+DG  

Today is a very special Feastday. Where would we all be without our Guardian Angels? Most of us at least say a short simple prayer to our angel each morning and/or night. But we can never underestimate their presence or their love for us. I. too was taught this little simple prayer and was faithful to it, but it wasn’t until I was older, and met Fr Alessio Parente, who wrote the book about  Padre Pio‘s own guardian angel, that I started to really take notice. I managed to get a signed copy of his book years ago when I visited San Giovanni Rotundo. This book is a treasure – it is worth getting hold of and a great source to retell the stories to Children. See the video below: (Fr Parente was a personal carer for Padre Pio for many years – his stories are first hand)

Devotions to the Holy Angels

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?”–Heb.i. 14

“The Angels,” says St. Augustine, “love us as their fellow-citizens, and hope to see us fill up what has been lost to their own number by the fall of the rebel angels.

For this reason they are always present with us, and watch over us with the greatest care.

At all times, and in every place, they are ready to help us, and to provide for our wants.

They walk with us in all our ways; going out and coming in, they follow us still, anxiously considering whether we live piously and purely in the midst of a wicked world.

They assist those who labor;

they guard those who rest;

they encourage those who light;

they crown those who conquer;

they rejoice with the joyful, and sympathize with the suffering.

When we do well, the angels are glad, but the devils are sad.

When we sin, the devils rejoice, but the angels are cheated of their joy.” (Solil.ap. 27.)

We ought, therefore, to honor these blessed spirits with very great reverence and affection, and to pray to them, especially our guardian angels, to whom God has given charge over us, to keep us in all our ways (Ps. xc), and we may be sure that this devotion will be most pleasing to them, and most useful to ourselves.

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Previous posts

During the last few years (since 2015) my daughter (Remnant Child of Mary) and I, have shared some stories about our Guardian angels – some personal and from family members and others from Prayer group members. There are also other posts you may wish to read. See some of them here.

They can all be found on our site:

Personal story

https://wp.me/p64cbI-ly

Angels and the Eucharist:

https://wp.me/p64cbI-ly

My angel speaks

https://wp.me/p64cbI-ly

A letterbox and a phone:

https://wp.me/p64cbI-ly

and also:

Angels in the Bible:

https://wp.me/p64cbI-ly

All we need to know:

https://wp.me/p64cbI-ly

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A Special Prayer to our guardian angels in these times:

Litany of those Saints
(Who have been specially favored by the Angels)

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

God, the Father of Heaven,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One only God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, who hast been saluted by the Archangel Gabriel, pray for us *

St. Joseph, who received the divine commands by Angels,*
St. Peter, delivered from captivity by an Angel,*
St. John, taught sublime secrets by an Angel,*
St. Gregory and St. Philip Neri, whose charity to the poor caused the Angels to appear among them, when you administered relief to their wants,*
SS. Nicholas and Martin, whom the Angels gratified at death with heavenly music,*
St. Pachomius, who received by an Angel a rule for the religious whom you governed,*
St. Francis, who received the stigmas of the Passion by a Seraph,*
St. Wenceslaus, whom the Angels visibly protected in battle,*
SS. Raymond and Stanislaus, who are said to have received the Holy Eucharist by the ministry of Angels,*
St. Thomas of Aquin, who received the gift of chastity through the agency of an Angel,*
St. Isidore, whom the Angels assisted at work to furnish you with more time for prayer,*
St. Camillus, protected by Angels in your journeys,*
St. Mary Magdalene, who learned the Resurrection of Jesus from Angels,*
St. Catherine of Sienna, espoused by Jesus Christ in the presence of the Angels,*
SS. Agnes and Cecily, protected by Angels,*
St. Francis, who often conversed with and received from your good Angel innumerable favours,*
St. Catherine of Sweden, whose soul at death was received by Angels,*
St. Teresa, the transformation of whose heart with Divine love was accomplished by an Angel,*
St. Rose of Lima, who, in recompense of your purity, enjoyed the familiarity of your Angel,*
O all ye Holy Saints who have been most devoted to and favored by the Angels,*

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Pardon us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Lord hear my prayer,
And let my supplication come to Thee.

O God! Who with wonderful order hast regulated the functions of angels and of men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend us here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Litany From:

https://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/Guardian%20Angels%20Popup.html

 

“Be mindful of Thy creatures Lord, whom Thou hast  redeemed by Thy Precious Blood.”

AM+DG

Today, 1st July, is a wonderful Feast — “The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. As will as that it is the First Friday. In fact, the whole of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood.

In the last few weeks, we have celebrated Corpus Christi  – 16th June; Sacred Heart of Jesus – 24th June; Eucharistic Heart of Jesus – 30th June, and today the Precious Blood – 1st July.

In 1843 Sister Marie of St Peter, a Carmelite nun in Tours, France, reported visions of Jesus and Mary in which she was urged to spread the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, in reparation for the many insults Jesus suffered in His Passion.

The Blessed Sacrament contains the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Devotion to the Holy Eucharist is devotion to the Blood of Christ. 

In Eucharistic adoration, we are adoring the Blood of Christ, which is also contained in the sacred host in the Monstrance.

The early Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ, and that the sacraments were brought forth through His Blood.   

We must make every effort this month to cover ourselves, our families, our priests, our government leaders, the powerful elite, with the most Powerful and Precious  Blood of Jesus Christ.

It is a good practice to offer up our loved ones (and our enemies)  at the Consecration of the Mass, particularly at the Consecration of the Blood. “Be mindful of Thy creatures Lord, whom Thou hast  redeemed by Thy Precious Blood.”

Scripture tells us:

“Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He handed it to them saying, ‘Drink from this, all of you, for this is My Blood, the Blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26: 27-28

“But one of the soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out Blood and water.” John 19:34

On beholding those who are before the throne of God, St. John the Evangelist points out that “these are they who are come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:14

More on on the Precious Blood

We know that the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian Life.” We also know that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ

“The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Saviour shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it.” The Church’s Year of Grace, by Fr. Pius Parsch

Also, contemplate that, between Jesus and Mary, there was an interflow of blood for nine months when He was a Child in her womb!

The Saints explain:

St. Peter: “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, as gold or silver… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unspotted and undefiled.” 1 Peter 1:18-19)

St. Paul: “And through him to reconcile all things unto himself, making peace through the blood of his cross.” (Col 1:20)

St. Paul:  “How much more will the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14)

St. Augustine: “… save me through Thy Precious Blood.”

Our Lord to St. Mechtilde: “I show these bleeding wounds to My Father, to appease His wrath. He pardons when he see the Blood. Let sinners but look upon Me, and they will be moved to repentance, confidence and love.”   “Through My Blood, I conquer My Father’s anger and reconcile man with his God.”

St. Catherine of Siena’s letters to bishops, cardinals and popes always began with the words:  “I address you in the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.”

St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi “Every time a creature offers up this Blood by which he was redeemed, he offers a gift of infinite worth, which can be equaled by no other!”

St. John Vianney said of asking Our Blessed Mother to offer the Precious Blood in our stead “My children, mark this well: whenever I obtained some grace, it was obtained in this manner which I never found to fail.”

“Jesus told St. Faustina:  ‘My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners…[I]t is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy.’ (Diary of St. Faustina, 367)”In regards to Mortal Sin:

 “If every evening, before we retire, we would ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to offer to God the Precious Blood of her Divine Son Jesus  (…)  that thereby one mortal sin which might be committed somewhere (..) might be prevented, and if every morning this offering were renewed from day to day, we could prevent many mortal sins.” ( Fr Faber)

“O Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary, offer to the Eternal Father the Precious Blood of thy Divine Son for the intention that one mortal sin may be prevented this day (or this night)”.

The Gospels and the shedding of Jesus’ Blood :

  • the Blood of the Circumcision,
  • the Blood of the Garden of Gethsemane,
  • the Blood of the Flagellation,
  • the Blood of the Crowning of Thorns,
  • the Blood of the Ascent to Calvary,
  • the Blood flowing from Christ’s side pierced by the lance. (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy)

Invocations of the precious Blood:

Precious Blood of Jesus, shed in the Circumcision, make me chaste of mind, heart and body.

Precious Blood, oozing from every pore in the Agony of Jesus, grant me to love above all things the holy and Adorable Will of God.

Precious Blood, flowing abundantly in the Scourging at the Pillar, inspire me with a keen sorrow for my sins and a love of suffering.

Precious Blood, falling in profusion from the Crown of Thorns, grant me a love of humiliations.

Precious Blood, furrowing the way to Calvary, fill me with courage to walk unfalteringly in the bloody footsteps of Jesus.

Precious Blood, shed so profusely in the Crucifixion of my Jesus, make me die entirely to self-love.

Precious Blood, shed to the very last drop by the opening of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, give me that generous love that sacrifices all for God.

Precious Blood, sacred source from whence flow all graces, apply Thine infinite merits to my soul.

Precious Blood, Whose virtue animates and vivifies our actions, apply Thine infinite merits to all our works.

Life-Giving Fountain, in which the soul fully slakes its thirst, saturate me with pure love.

O Divine Blood of my Jesus, I adore Thee from the depths of my heart. Thee I fervently invoke, for Thou art my salvation, and by Thee I hope to obtain the joys of Paradise.

Eternal Father, be merciful, for the sake of the Blood of Thine only-begotten Son; we beseech Thee, show us Thy mercy.

Most Precious Blood of Jesus, cry to the Heavenly Father for mercy for us, and deliver us.

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood in atonement for my sins and for the needs of Holy Church.

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 The Devotion to the Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest devotion He has ever given the Church. 

“This is the ark that will protect and bring the Holy Catholic Church, the remnant faithful and all those you love and pray for safely through the bitter trials of the coming chastisement and into the promised Era of Peace.”

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My own favourite daily prayer Is that of St Gertrude:

“Eternal Father, I offer thee the most Precious Blood of The Divine Son Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the souls in Purgatory, for sinners in the universal Church, in my own home and in my own family. Amen”

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Sources:

https://eucharisticadorationcanada.com/devotion-to-the-precious-blood/

https://www.preciousbloodinternational.com/prayers_02.html

 

Feastday: 31 May – Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Traditional)

AM+DG

This is a most beautiful Feastday – a great way to end May – the Month of Our Lady!

We celebrate Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Some Christians might ask – why do Catholics honour Mary as Queen?

In the Old Testament, it wasn’t the wife of the King who was the Queen, It was the mother of the King, and she sat at his right hand. Jesus is the King of Heaven and Earth, so this means that Mary is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. It makes wonderful sense to Catholics. We have a Heavenly Mother to intercede for us and pray for us, to guide us, and to distribute graces  to us.

We love our Heavenly Mother.

We started with a hymn , a little procession and the crowning of Mary as Queen, followed by a special prayer of Consecration to our blessed Mother. Then we all sang Hail Queen of heaven, which then led into the Mass. We had a sermon, and the litany which was sung in Latin while we processed. At the end we sang “On this day, O Beautiful Mother,,,” before we all hurried off to our places of work/ dropping children off to school etc…

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I was most taken at Mass this morning by the beautiful words in the Proper of today’s Mass. What a beautiful way to start the day!

Introit

Let us all rejoice in the Lord,
celebrating a feast in honor of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
at whose solemnity the angels rejoice and join in praising the Son of God.
(P.T. Alleluia, alleluia) (Ps. 44: 2) My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King.…

Collect:

Grant us, we beseech Thee, Lord, that we who celebrate the festival of the
Blessed Virgin Mary our Queen, may,by her assistance, obtain peace in this
life and glory in the next.…

EPISTLE: Ecclesiasticus 24: 5, 7, 9-11, 30-31

I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the firstborn before all creatures.
I dwelt in the highest places, and my throne is in a pillar of cloud. And I
have stood in all the earth and in every people, and in every nation I
have had the chief rule. And by my power I have trodden under my feet
the hearts of all the high and low. He that harkeneth to me shall not be
confounded, and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me
shall have life everlasting.

Alleluia:

Alleluia Alleluia, Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst take thy stand
beneath the cross of the Lord. Alleluia. Now, with Him dost thou reign
forever. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Luke 1: 26-33

(The story of the Annunciation)

OFFERTORY

Sprung from a royal race Mary shines with glory. Devoutly in hearts and
minds we plead for the help of her prayers.  Alleluia

SECRET

Receive, O Lord, we implore Thee, the gifts of Thy rejoicing Church, and grant that through the merits of the blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen, they may avail to our salvation.…

COMMUNION

O Mary, ever Virgin, who because of thy great worth, God set up as Queen
of the whole world, pray for our peace and salvation, for Thou hast brought
forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of us all.  Alleluia.

POSTCOMMUNION

With joy we have celebrated these mysteries, O Lord, on the feast of the
blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen; we beseech Thee that as they have been
performed with joy in her honor, so by her intercession they may avail for our salvation….

“O Mary conceived without sin,

pray for us who have recourse to Thee”

 

The Holy Name of Jesus -“every knee shall bend”

AM+DG

According to the Traditional Rite, we celebrate today (2nd January)  the Feast of  the Most  Holy Name. On 1st January — the Octave day of Christmas – we celebrated the Circumcision of Our Lord. It seems most fitting, then, that today we celebrate His Holy Name.

( Psalm 103:1-2; 20-22)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within thee bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for thee. … Bless the LORD, all you his angels, mighty in strength, acting at his behest,obedient to his command. 21 Bless the LORD, all you his hosts, his ministers who carry out his will. 22 Bless the LORD, all his creatures, everywhere in his domain. Bless the LORD, my soul!

The name itself signifies the power of the Name. “Jesus” means ‘God saves’.

At the Annunciation the Angel Gabriel revealed His Name (Luke2:21)  “His name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb.” At the Incarnation, the Word of God became Jesus –  God made man.

By His word, God created all things out of nothing, He sustains the whole universe. His words are indicative of His infinite power. The name of ‘Jesus’ signifies God’s infinite Power.

Through it we can do wonders; through it St Peter cured a lame man.  Sts. Peter  and John met a beggar at the temple, but they had nothing to give him. St Peter said -” * Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean,[rise and] walk.”  (Acts 3:6)

Fr Paul O”Sullivan ( in his book ‘The Wonders of the holy Name‘ tells us that St Paul did everything through Jesus’ Holy Name. He uprooted paganism, and cast out idols. He told us that “In the Name of Jesus every knee shall bend in Heaven, on earth and in Hell”.Many saints tell us of the power of this Holy Name. It is a Name, we should call on at all times – in trials and tribulations, in joy and sorrow. The Holy Name of Jesus is the easiest and shortest of prayers. It can be said by all, even in the midst of daily work.“We need to invoke the name of Jesus “asking Him to save us from the calamities that threaten us.” (Fr Paul O’Sullivan)

St Paul suffered much in all his travels, spreading the Name of Jesus.

 “He bore  the Name of Jesus on his forehead because he gloried in proclaiming it to all men; he bore it on his lips because he loved to invoke it; on his hands, for he loved to write it in his epistles; in his heart, for his heart burned with love of it. “

In these times, we must take his advice and do the same.

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The readings at Mass today (in the Extraordinary form) were really beautiful. ( 1962 missal)

INTROIT Philip. 2:10-11

At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of the Father.
Ps. 8:2. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, it was You who conferred the name of Jesus upon Your only-begotten Son, the Savior of the world. Grant that by venerating His holy name on earth we may enjoy His presence in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

EPISTLE Acts 4:8-12

In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: “Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole: Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you, whole.

” This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved.”
GRADUAL Ps. 105:47; Isa 63:16

Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising You.
V. You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer. From eternity is Your name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 144:21

My lips shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all men bless His holy name.  Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 2:21

At that time, after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 85:12, 5

I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. For You, O Lord, are sweet and mild, abounding in kindness to all who call upon You, alleluia!

SECRET

O Most Merciful God, may Your blessing, which gives life to all creation, sanctify the sacrifice we offer in honor of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let this act of praise be pleasing to Your majesty and profitable towards our own salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 85:9-10

All the nations You have made shall come and worship You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For great  You are and do wondrous deeds. You alone are God. Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Almighty and eternal God, who created and redeemed us, graciously hear our petitions. Receive kindly and favorably this saving Sacrificial Victim, which we have offered to Your majesty in honor of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Pour out Your grace upon us, that we may rejoice to see our names written in heaven under the glorious name of Jesus, who is the pledge of our eternal predestination. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Feastday: St Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop) 8th August

J.M.J

St Mary of the Cross

Today is a very special day, here in Australia and New Zealand.

Mary Mackillop is the patroness of Australia and is our first saint. She is dearly loved and respected in this land.

She was one of eight chidren. The Australian colonies were still young and developing. It was within the first 80 years that she started to teach poor children in a stable; and soon after joined a priest to start her religious order of Sisters of St Joseph.

Up to about 1970 when religious orders started to disappear from our schools), you could find these nuns in almost every parish. I myself was educated by these beautiful nuns and have fond memories of them.

St Mary MacKillop had many trials during her whole life – she herself described her early years as “a most unhappy” early life, largely due to financial hardship. Towards the end of her life she suffered a stroke.

To read her life story is inspiring. She even chose her religious name to be Mary of the Cross. She had great courage and zeal. She was even excommunicated  for a time because she did not agree with the bishop.

An article written for her canonisation, said of her:

“Mary MacKillop has quite rightly gained a reputation in recent times as ‘The Australian Peoples’ Saint’. Largely, this is because people can relate to her. She was one of us. Born in Melbourne, and fired by a deep desire to serve God and to help alleviate the plight of the poor, Mary was an ordinary person who lived a holy life.

Perhaps it is because of her down to earth nature that we relate to her so well. Mary MacKillop could be feisty and stubborn. She suffered terrible setbacks, discouragement and injustice and yet through all of this her faith in God did not falter. Plagued by ill health for much of her life, she was still able to found a religious institute aimed at serving the poor, particularly in the field of education, which remains a vibrant and active presence in the fabric of Australian life today.

Mary MacKillop is to become a saint not only of the Australian people, but for the Australian people and indeed, for the world. Her motto of “Never see a need without doing something about it” continues to call us forth to action. At a time when real heroes are in short supply, Mary MacKillop is a true inspiration. Her heroism is all the more firm because it is built not on celebrity or sporting skill but on her love for Jesus Christ and a life of dedication to God and her fellow human beings.”

( https://www.columban.org.au/media-and-publications/articles/mary-mackillop/blessed-mary-mackillop)

Mary of Cross 692bc245840e5edfd245eab719acc6a2

There are about 800 Sisters of St Joseph, still working with the poor and marginalised in Australia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, Scotland, Ireland and Peru.

sisters of st Joseph logoOne thing I remember, most clearly, that we always wrote “J.M.J” at the top of each page in our exercise books at school. The sisters of St Joseph had a special devotion to the Holy Family. This logo was also on the front of their habits. The habits were dark brown. They had the long Rosary beads draping down the front and had the Crucifix tucked into their belt. The logo was blue.

WE pray today to our dear Saint: we pray for courage, determination, perseverance, charity, for our bishops and most of all our educators.

God knows how we need her prayers in this country (and indeed the world) today!

Some inspirations from St Mary of the Cross

(From her letters to her mother):

Mary wrote to her mother in 1867:

  • Dearest mamma, you ever taught me to look up to and depend on Divine Providence in every trouble and when you saw me dull or unhappy you always had the same sweet reminder for me. Ah do not now forget what you were the first to teach me.
  • Mary wrote again to Flora in January 1868, “Oh Mamma let us belong to Him completely and He will take care of us all.”
  • In September 1869 Mary wrote to her mother, “You used to tell me to love the Will of God – to submit to it in all things. Your words still often ring in my ears and I bless God that they were my mother’s word’s to me.”
  • Mary wrote to her mother on 7 January 1868: “God in His infinite mercy has been extremely good to one and all of us. His greatest blessing has been what to the worldly eye appears a severe and heavy trial, or a continuation of trials..”

Sr. Mary’s voting advice (to her sisters):

At a time when women had just earned the right to vote, as the Mother Superior of her order, she urged her Sisters to take voting seriously.

Non-Aboriginal women were given the right to vote for the new Commonwealth Parliament in 1901, having first been enfranchised in South Australia in 1894, followed by Western Australia in 1899. Women in Australia first voted for the Commonwealth Parliament in the second Federal election in 1903.

In that year, Mary MacKillop wrote to her Sisters on July 16, directing them to get on the electoral roll, and, according to the conventions of the times, to inform themselves of the issues and the candidates.

“My dear Sisters,

It is a duty on us all to vote, and for this reason all must have their names on the Electoral Rolls where they are placed. See to this at once. Get advice from some leading man in whom you have confidence, or from the priest, but keep your voting secret. Find out who are the members proposed for election and vote for those who are considered most friendly to the Church and Religion. Every so-called Catholic is not the best man. I can say no more, but with love and blessing and praying for God to guide you in this important matter, remain as ever.

Your fond Mother in JMJ,

Mary of the Cross.”

Sr Sheila McCreanor rsj, who arranged and edited the book in which the letter has been published, Mary MacKillop on Mission to her last breath, said Mary’s message to her Sisters remains relevant today.

“I am sure that the essence of her message remains true today – be responsible in casting your vote; weigh up the attitudes and values of those standing for election and above all, pray for wisdom.”

Her life and achievements:

  • Mary MacKillop was born in Victoria in 1842.  She was the eldest child in her family and had 3 sisters and 4 brothers.
  • Her father had an excellent religious education and most of Mary’s education was at home.
  • Mary’s first job was as a clerk when she was 14, she then worked as a governess looking after her cousins and teaching them (and other farm children) their lessons.
  • She loved children and later became a school teacher.
  • In South Australia she met a priest named Father Julian Tenison Woods who also wanted to help poor children attend school.
  • Together Mary MacKillop and Father Tenison Woods started the ‘Stable School’ in 1866.
  • All of the children had lessons in reading, writing, math and singing. The girls also enjoyed learning to sew whilst the boys enjoyed woodwork.  Mary and her sisters also taught the children about God and taught them to trust in Jesus.
  • In 1866 Mary MacKillop and Father Tenison Woods started the religious order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (the Josephites) and in 1867 Mary MacKillop became a nun – Sister Mary of the Cross.
  • Mary and the Josephite nuns set up schools in Australia and New Zealand.
  • They also set up houses for elderly women, young girls and women without jobs.
  • They gave their life to people in need often giving comfort to the sick and dying and even visiting people in jail to give them whatever help they could.

masry mackillop quote

St Mary of the Cross, pray for us.

Pray for Australia and New Zealand!

Pray this special Litany for the Church today (6th August)

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St John Bosco's dream

t. Boniface, an English Benedictine Monk appointed Archbishop, is known as the Apostle of Germany. He was martyred at the age of 79, while on a mission to Holland – attacked and killed by pagans, along with 52 of his companions. He once said:

“In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course.”

Can we agree that the sweeping changes  and demanding call presented in the new Motu Proprio – Traditionis Custodes has caused a “tsunami wave” inside of our Holy Catholic Church threatening to pull much of what we love out to sea?

Cardinal BurkeOn July 22nd, Cardinal Burke issued a statement writing that “Many faithful – laity, ordained and consecrated – have expressed to me the profound distress which the Motu Proprio «Traditionis Custodes» has brought them.”

In a moment, I am going to ask you to join me and Rosary Warriors around the world in reciting a special Litany for the Church in our time. First, let us take a moment to reflect on the words of Cardinal Burke, from a presentation given on July 10th and then take action accordingly:

“Drawn close to the Mother of God who unfailingly takes us to her Divine Son, we must remain serene because of our faith in Christ who will not permit the “gates of hell” to prevail against His Church.[10] Serenity does not mean that we ignore or deny the gravity of the situation in which the world and the Church find themselves. It means rather that we are fully conscious of the seriousness of the situation, while, at the same time, we address all of the needs of the world and the Church to Christ our Savior through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Joseph, and the whole company of the saints.”

Please save the date to join me in answering the desire of His Eminence to pray fervently for Pope Francis, the Bishops and priests by saying the Litany for the Church in Our Time, on this First Friday, August 6th, which is the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. When we come together, as one powerful voice crying out to heaven, we know that prayer can change any situation which seems hopeless.  

Litany for the Church in Our Time

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, Divine Founder of the Church,
hear us.
Christ, Who didst warn of false prophets,
graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven,
have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the World,
have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost,
have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us.

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for us.
St. Michael, Defender in Battle, pray for us.
St. Peter, the Rock upon which Christ built His Church, pray for us.
St. Paul, Protector of the Faithful Remnant, pray for us.
St. Francis of Assist, Re-builder of the Church, pray for us.
St. Anthony, Hammer of Heretics, pray for us.
St. Pius V, Restorer of the beauty of the Sacred Liturgy, pray for us.
St. Pius X, Foe of Modernism, pray for us.
All ye Holy Angels and Archangels, pray that we may resist the snares of the Devil.
St. Catherine of Siena, pray that Christ’s Vicar may oppose the spirit of the world.
St. John Fisher, pray that bishops may have the courage to combat heresy and irreverence.
St, Francis Xavier, pray that zeal for souls may be re-enkindled in the clergy.
St. Charles Borromeo, pray that seminaries may be protected from false teachings.
St. Vincent de Paul, pray that seminarians may return to a life of prayer and meditation.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, pray that religious may rediscover their vocation of love and sacrifice.
St. Thomas More, pray that the laity may not succumb to the Great Apostasy.
St. Francis de Sales, pray that the Catholic press may again become a vehicle of Truth.
St. John Bosco, pray that our children may be protected from immoral and heretical instruction.
St. Pascal, pray that profound reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament may be restored.
St. Dominic, pray that we may ever treasure the Holy Rosary.

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

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray.

Jesus, our God, in these dark hours when Thy Mystical Body is undergoing its own Crucifixion, and when it would almost seem to be abandoned by God the Father, have mercy, we beg of Thee, on Thy suffering Church. Send down upon us the Divine Consoler, to enlighten our minds and strengthen our wills.

Thou, O Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived, have promised to be with Thy Church until the end of time. Give us a mighty Faith that we may not falter; help us to do Thy Holy Will always, especially during these hours of grief and uncertainty. May Thy Most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Thy Holy Mother be our sure refuge in time and in eternity. Amen.

May we find strength from the company of saints, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, who gives Comfort to the Afflicted.

Your friend in Christ,

Thomas McKenna

Catholic Action For Faith And Family
http://www.catholicaction.org/

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother!

Today we pour out our hearts in love and gratitude- and rejoicing for the birth of such a pure and holy soul: born to be blessed among women: to be Mother of God and us also- forevermore!


Why It it Mary that on your birthday, we receive all the graces? The gifts are truly ours this day, although it’s your birthday!

Thank you Blessed Mother, evermore!

August 5th 2021

In honour of Our Mother’s birthday, another Jesus to Mankind prayer group leader has posted a beautiful document on the presentation of “Our Lady’s Role in Salvation”, which was originally given on June 5th.

Please visit here for details and download the document for reading and reflection.

https://missionofsalvation.com/2021/08/05/virgin-mary-the-holy-mother-of-god-and-her-role-as-the-mother-of-salvation-in-the-gift-of-our-salvation-june-5-event/

Jesus, our loving Saviour, shares our grief

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“Think not Thyself wholly forsaken, though for a time I have sent thee some tribulation, or withdrawn from thee thy wished-for consolation, for this is the way to the kingdom of heaven.” (from Marian Missal 1958)

Call out to God

This thought sums up the readings for Mass today (Traditional Rite: 9th Sunday after Pentecost). The other readings today directly relate to us today.

The Bible is the Word of God, Divinely inspired. We need to hear these words, and meditate on them frequently. God guides us with His Words, because He is our loving Father, Who cares for us and will guide us, consoles us and shows us the way.

The Introit expresses feelings the prayer within our hearts that many of God’s children are feeling today:

“Behold God is my helper, and the Lord is the protector of my soul: turn back
the evils upon my enemies, and cut them off in Thy truth, O Lord my protector. (Ps. 53: 3) Save me, O God, by Thy Name, and deliver me in Thy strength…”

In the next prayer,(the Collect)  the priest implores God for us:

“Let Thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Thy suppliant people:and that Thou may grant their desire to those that seek, make them to ask such things as shall please Thee.”

In the Epistle (1 Corinthians 10: 6-13) St Paul reminds us of temptations to sin which come from the world, the flesh and the devil. One priest today, in his homily explained that there were 2 meanings for “temptation”: that it refers to sin; and also the other meaning is “being put to the test”. This last point lit up like a lightbulb for me. It explains a lot of our crosses and events in our daily lives – God tests us, and in being tested and overcoming, we grow in virtue. God does not allow us to undergo anything which we are not able to withstand. In our present climate (spiritual and secular), this is important to remember.

“Brethren, let us not covet evil things, as they also coveted. Neither become
ye idolaters,…. Neither let us commit fornication, … Neither let us tempt Christ,
…. Neither do you murmur, …and were destroyed by the destroyer. …Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human: and God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able, but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.”

In the Gradual, our prayer which  is welling up in the hearts of so many today, is repeated :

“Alleluia, alleluia. (Ps. 58: 2) Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: and defend me from them that rise up against me. Alleluia”

The Gospel reading is from  Luke 19: 41-47. It tells us how Jesus wept over Jerusalem because He foresaw what would happen to them. But right after that, he went to the temple and cleansed it of the sellers that were within it, denigrating the house of God.

“At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, seeing the city, He wept over it, saying: If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace: but now they are hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, and thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee on every side, and beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are in thee; and they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a stone, because thou  hast not known the time of thy visitation. And entering into the temple, He began to cast out them that sold therein, and them, that bought, saying to them: It is written, “My house is the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” And He was teaching daily in the temple.”

Jesus-garden

In these times, we can depend on God, our Father, and Jesus, our Saviour who weep for us; who have seen what is to happen and warned us, but have not taken heed. But we also know, from His Divine Word in the Scriptures, that He will act. The church is filled with Apostasy and heresy and error, the Word of God is twisted – all this has kept into the worship which is offered and the false teachings that are promulgated- unworthy Communions, LGBT, blasphemy against Our Lady, Pachamama worship….

Yes indeed … Heaven weeps!!!Deluge of tears.png.jpg

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In the Book of Truth, we see so clearly that Jesus shares our grief. He continually, in almost every message shares His grief for us, our anguish and anxiety, our feelings of helplessness, our fear of what is coming, to console our breaking hearts re what is happening in the Church and in our families. We know, as we read, that we have a heavenly Father, Saviour and Mother, who care for us deeply, and do not want to lose any of us,; who warn us against what is to come, so that we are ready for the fight.

In the meantime, we must feed our souls with heavenly food and worship God in a way that is built on Holy Scripture, on the Tradition which stems from Christ, and on the Holy Magisterium that is faithful to the Church that Christ established. As the Holy Bible tells us, Jesus will cleanse His Church of anything that is not Holy and does not induce true worship of our Supreme God and Saviour.

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In the meantime, we have to make do, and thank God for live-streamed Masses, for the rebel priests who do secret Masses and spread the word, all the while with the danger of our actions being observed during the “lockdowns” and some who offer the Holy Sacrifice in homes, and all the others who at least visit homes to offer us the Sacraments of Penance and holy Communion.

In the meantime, it is well to dwell on the Communion Verse in today’s Mass:

“(John 6: 57) He that eats My Flesh, and drinks My
 Blood, abides in Me, and I in him, saith the Lord.”

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Excerpts from the Book of Truthjesus-my-love1

Jesus warns us of what to look out for :

‘The devil will deceive many who belong to My Church in this time in history. He will do this in the most charming and convincing way and he will justify lies when his servants will say that I would approve of these new changes. I, Jesus Christ, will be misquoted in order to win over souls. My Teachings will be twisted in order to destroy My Church and steal those souls closest to Me. Millions will accept the lies, without a care in the world. You must pray for them in the hope that they will realise, in time, that something is wrong.”( 6 Oct 2013)

Jesus consoles us:

“While I weep at the way in which evil and greed have gripped the world I am also full of joy because of the pure love My followers show to Me, their Jesus. How they bring Me solace, comfort and how I wish I could wrap them in My Arms.Jesus loves sinners How I wish they could hear Me tell them how much I love them. How I long for the day when I reach out My hand, grasp their hand in Mine and draw them into My New Kingdom when they will come home to Me at last.”( 2 June, 2012)

He reminds priests of Church teachings:

“My Church is My Body. All those who believe in Me are part of My Body. Those who are part of Me will follow My Teachings. Those who say they lead My followers must abide by the Word of God. Their role is to defend the Truth – not deviate from it.”(1 Jan. 2015)

Advice to priests:

“If you are being pulled away from Me, and if My Word is being rejected by the world, then the duty of My sacred servants is to remind the world of what is right and what is wrong. When they remove themselves from matters, which concern the soul in exchange for matters, which amount to socialism, then know that this is a subtle and cunning deception. It also betrays all trust in Me.” (1 Jan. 2015)

God the Father tells us what to expect, what we will feel, and its effect on some priests

“As I draw you away from the enemy, many of you will find it difficult to remain true to the Word of God. You will be tormented by doubts, lack of courage to adhere to the Holy Word and a terror of being declared a traitor to the Church. The battle for souls will be as intense, as it was during My Son’s Time on Earth. The greatest difficulty will be brought about because of the failure on the part of My Son’s holy servants to detect deceit within their own ranks. And so, they will, because of their lukewarm faith and lack of discernment, lead many of their fellow clergy into serious error, as foretold.”(March 24, 2014  

We are warned:

“You must not allow yourselves to be taken like slaves. You must not succumb to absurd laws, which deny your free will. Never forget that you were born with the gift of free will – a Gift from God.” ( 31 March 2013  

“…The global vaccination I told you about in 2010 will soon be witnessed….” (3 Oct. 2014)

“Democracy will be replaced with dictatorships, yet they will not be presented to nations as such. When millions have signed away all their rights, in the name of new tolerant laws, it will be too late. You will become prisoners. (9 N0v. 2012)

The Seals of Revelation are explained:

“My dearest daughter, the famine, which will grip the world as the Third Seal is opened, will not be confined to the lack of food for the body. The famine I speak of will be starvation of the spirit, as every trace of the Truth will be erased by the enemies who infiltrate the Church, created on Earth by My Son, Jesus Christ, in union with His Body”. (March 24, 2014)

A Promise from God the Father:

“To those who do hear My Voice, follow Me and help Me build My Remnant Church on Earth. I will lead you through the havoc, which will be wielded by the antichrist.You will not suffer the torment, which will befall those who refuse to reject false idols, greed, materialism and lust for power.I Call on all of My children, to listen. I ask you to open your eyes, before it is too late.” (21 Feb 2012”

Psalm 125

 

 

A Saint for our time: St Oliver Plunkett

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St Oliver Plunkett

July 11th is the feastday of this great saint. it is not in the Traditional Mass hand Missal, but you will find it in the Supplement for Australia and New Zealand. This year the date was on Sunday – 7th Sunday after Pentecost. The priest’s homily really hit home . You will understand after reading his life story. (Irish Saints are often celebrated in Australia, I guess because the Faith in Australia was handed down to us by convict priests, who endured much hardship in doing so. The Catholic Faith was forbidden.)

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Basically, St Oliver Plunkett was born in Ireland in 1625. At the time, Ireland was under intense persecution. There had been no bishop for decades; priests were generally uneducated and had to say Mass in houses and wherever they could. He always wanted to be a priest, but at the time, it was too dangerous to travel. Up to 12,000 people had been killed in the uprisings and atrocities  in Ulster at this time.

Finally, he and a group of future seminarians, set off for Rome in 1647. To do this, he had to go to England, where Catholics were also hunted. It,  it was strictly forbidden for young men to travel to the continent to enter seminaries.(At the moment, we are in another lock-down, much worse than ever before – Churches are closed – there is only on-line streaming. Some of us are aware of at least 3 parishes which are ignoring the rules and Mass is continuing. Police are everywhere checking, and we are forbidden to go beyond out local area and less than 10 km from home. The Saint is an example to us.))

The perilous journey included being followed by 2 warships. After praying for deliverance, a storm came and fixed that problem. After that they were abducted by robbers and left penniless. Eventually he got to Rome, but he was a pauper student. The Irish College in Rome could not accept him straight away. He was a gifted student and eventually became Professor of Theology and later Professor of Apologetics or Controversies. After many years, when the problems in Ireland had eased a bit after Cromwell’s death, Rome appointed new bishops. He was chosen to be the Bishop of Armagh. Pope Clement IX stated that Oliver was the ideal candidate and he so declared his appointment.

His journey entailed going to London, where he passed himself off as a tourist. He also stayed for some time incognito in the Royal Palace under the protection of the confessor to Queen Catherine, who was a Catholic.But this was also dangerous, because there were agents looking for him. He remained there, unnoticed right under their noses.

He ended up staying for the entire winter because of the harsh weather conditions. During this time he met a priest who was previously an army officer. Oliver, subsequently adopted the disguise as Captain Browne, with wig, sword and pistols.

He finally arrived in Ireland in 1670. The viceroy was on the lookout for him, so he continued in disguise. The laws on the statute books were strongly anti-Catholic and it very often depended on the Viceroy or a local official or dignitary as to how strictly they were enforced. However, when a new Viceroy was installed, things became a little easier. In time, he became well liked and respected even by Protestant clergy. He managed to build Catholic schools,  and travelled around doing Confirmations (as there had not been a bishop for over 40 years).

St. Oliver was a diplomat, who astutely steered clear of politics, but he kept on good terms with many leading citizens, including the President of Ulster, who allowed him the use of his courtyard in Armagh for confirmation ceremonies and another who allowed him a public church with bells on estates, which were exempt from the jurisdiction of the royal ministers.

He worked hard in transforming the bad habits of many of the clergy, who were mostly uneducated, and had not had any authority in place to guide them. He ordained 100 priests, who knew how perilous it was to be a priest at the time.

In the end, it was rogue clergy who betrayed him. He was sent to England for trial (as in Ireland, the courts held him in good standing and many times allowed him to get off). In England, he was denied a defence counsel, but he disputed the right of the court to try him in England and he also drew attention to the criminal past of the witnesses.

He pleaded not guilty;  he asked for more time to produce his defence witnesses, but this was denied him. He was sentenced to hang, and to be drawn and quartered.

His reply to the sentence was ‘Deo Gratias”

Oliver’s trial, conviction and martyrdom in July 1681, was such an outrageous episode that it greatly discredited those who brought it about and the credibility of the plot and of its advocates collapsed completely thereafter. Lord Shaftesbury the principal promoter of the plot was arrested and imprisoned on the following day and another conpirator was arrested soon afterwards on a charge of perjury.

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There is much in St Oliver Plunkett’e life that we should take note of. The persecution of all  Catholics; the law which was anti-Catholic; priests who said Masses everywhere except in a church; the faithful who supported him; his disguises enabling him to do God’s work without being noticed; his hard work ethic; his dedication to study, Charity and  Good Works; his many sufferings and his joy. Despite all, there were many blessings from God and he was grateful to God. The people and priests who were able to visit him, hear his confession, and the way in which he received the things he needed to say Mass whilst locked away for months before his trial; his acceptance of the verdict; his forgiveness of his enemies…. He is indeed a saint for our times.

“Deo Gratias”

St Oliver Plunkett, pray for us and
pray for our priests and clergy.

 

Read more about his life adventures and sufferings at:

http://www.saintoliverplunkett.com/literature.html