"Do not fear..."

Fear is a powerful emotion which can tend to govern, or at least strongly influence human life. Of course, a healthy fear can be a good thing: the fear of dangerous things which could harm us; the fear of offending God or others – these are fears which keep our lives on the right path.  They make us better people. But there are other fears which can cripple our lives: the fear which keeps us from doing some good thing because of the possibility of failure; or the fear of standing up for some unpopular truth because we might be ridiculed by others. Fear can be a great force for good in our lives, but there are times when it is a destructive and harmful thing which keeps us from reaching the potential of what God wants us to do and to be.

It is made clear in the gospel accounts that our Lord Jesus Christ gave the apostles the mission to “seek out the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” and He entrusted to them the powers they would need to carry out that mission. He also warned them about the real dangers they would have to face. He warned them about the difficulties they would endure because people would not want to hear what they would have to say. They would feel the power of the wrath of others. And having described the persecutions they would face, He told them, “You will be hated by all on account of me.” But Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid to proclaim His message, and He told them exactly why:

“…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven…” [St. Matthew 10:28-32]

Of course, the message given by our Lord to His apostles is His message to us, too. Our Lord’s words can help us to overcome a common fear that often holds Christians back: that is, the fear of clearly proclaiming the Gospel to others with our words and in our lives – to be public in showing our faith – whether that involves giving our Catholic witness in the workplace, within our circle of friends, and within our own families. How essential it is that parents be bold in living their Catholic lives! What greater gift can we give our children than a firm, clear example of what it is to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ?

The nearly universal message we get from society is that faith is a “private” matter, which is why there are those who try to change “freedom of religion” into “freedom of worship.”  Their thought is that few people will care how faith is expressed behind closed doors, as long as their faith is not demonstrated out in the open. People very often make their faith so “private” that others have no real idea that they actually belong to Christ. There are all too many Catholics, whether clergy or laity, who have allowed fear of “what people will think” to make them shy away from a direct and powerful proclamation of God’s truth. This leads to an uneasy peace with the world, seeing the gospel message as something completely private, or perhaps even abstract, useless, and outdated. Even from some of our spiritual leaders, the gospel is sometimes presented in a way that there is such a wide gap between the gospel and the current values of the world, that seeds of doubt are sown about the value or the validity of Christ’s teachings. When laypeople see uncertainty in their clergy, or when children see confusion in their parents, it is no surprise that this same uncertainty and confusion is found in the hearts and minds of those who are looking for a strong example.

As more Christians remain silent about their faith, or water down their convictions, so the gap between the word of God and the needs of the world widens. As believers show themselves to be afraid to speak out because they are no longer certain of what they believe, or because they do not want to seem to be “out of step” with the rest of the world, or because they are fearful of losing employment, so our children and others who are seeking truth are left empty and confused. And because a void eventually must be filled with something, that “something” is very often some false religion, or an immoral life, or a destructive lack of direction and values.

This fear of “standing up” for the truth is a real fear. We have seen faithful priests and religious set upon and cancelled by their own spiritual fathers for daring to speak words of truth. Jeremiah reflected the horror of being turned upon by one’s own acquaintances when he wrote of hearing others say, “Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” And to be quite honest, few people want to be denounced for some principle which does not seem to be valued even by many of our spiritual leaders. But Christ wants to strengthen the integrity of our faith so that we can be bold in our witness to Him. So how does He do this?

First of all, He makes a point which is simply plain common sense: “Nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” In other words, people cannot hide God’s truth forever. In any attempt to conceal the truth, the real story eventually comes to light. We know this, even from our human experience in childhood: “Mom and Dad eventually find out.” And so it is with the truth of God: people can try to escape it, but the consequences of trying to live outside God’s truth will eventually catch up. And then Jesus draws a conclusion about this: because the truth cannot be hidden forever, there is really no reason for us to hide or to keep silent about the truth which has been entrusted to us – it will all be revealed eventually anyway.

And then Jesus gets down to a harsh reality. He makes it clear that there is a real danger in proclaiming the truth to a world which is opposed to the truth. The apostles would risk their lives in the mission which was being given to them. And so we might be, too – whether figuratively or even literally. So Christ makes a distinction between those who can kill the body, and the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell. In other words, Christ is saying that bodily death is not the most serious risk. After all, death is the eventual fate of all physical existence. The real danger, Christ, says, would be to let the devil rob us of that eternal life which God has promised, which is precisely what would happen if a person refused or was afraid to speak the whole truth that has been revealed to him by Christ through the Church.

Our Lord knew this would be hard for the apostles, and also for us, to understand, and so He explains it further. He uses the beautiful image of the sparrows that were sold in the marketplace. They were so little regarded that they were sold for next to nothing, and yet each one of them was under the watchful eye of Almighty God. And as for us, He reminds us that every hair of our head is counted. We are worth more than an entire flock of sparrows. Christ’s point (which is a difficult one, but a true one) is that the only risk we face as His witnesses is the risk of bodily death, or perhaps only a death of our reputation in the eyes of the world. But that’s not the essential thing. No one can rob us of our souls unless we show cowardice in proclaiming the truth of our faith. Only we ourselves can put our infinite trust in our heavenly Father.  No one can do it for us.

There may well be times when our fear and timidity mean that we fail to show sufficient courage and boldness in proclaiming God’s truth. It is not easy to strike a proper balance between appropriate boldness and the danger of being simply overbearing. Sometimes silence is preferable to making a statement which will only inflame rather than be helpful. But silence must never be prompted by some personal fear of endangering our reputation, or upsetting our worldly comfort. 

The Lord has called each one of us to speak the word boldly, as a medicine which is needed by a sick world. It is the solution to every problem. We have heard the Lord Jesus Christ, and we know Him to be true. Let us then be faithful witnesses, so that the whole world may know real peace and true liberty – freedom from fear – which Christ came to give to us all.

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Painting: "Christus Consolator" 

by Ary Scheffer (1795-1858)

St. Alban, Protomartyr of England

THE STORY OF SAINT ALBAN

as recounted in the

Ecclesiastical History of the English People

by the Venerable Bede [672 - 735]

When infidel rulers were issuing violent edicts against the Christians, Alban, though still a heathen at the time, gave hospitality to a certain cleric who was fleeing from his persecutors. When Alban saw this man occupied day and night in continual vigils and prayers, divine grace suddenly shone upon him and he learned to imitate his guest's faith and devotion. Instructed little by little by his teaching about salvation, Alban forsook the darkness of idolatry and became a wholehearted Christian. When this cleric had been staying with him for some days, it came to the ears of the evil ruler that a man who confessed Christ, though not yet destined to be a martyr, was hiding in Alban's house. He at once ordered his soldiers to make a thorough search for him there. When they came to the martyr's dwelling, St. Alban at once offered himself to the soldiers in place of his guest and teacher, and so, having put on the garment, that is to say the cloak, which the cleric was wearing, he was brought in bonds to the judge.

Now it happened that, when Alban was brought in to him, the judge was standing before the devils' altars and offering sacrifices to them. Seeing Alban, he immediately flew into a rage because this man of his own accord had dared to give himself up to the soldiers and to run so great a risk on behalf of the guest whom he had harboured. He ordered Alban to be dragged before the images of the devils in front of which he was standing and said, 'You have chosen to conceal a profane rebel rather than surrender him to my soldiers, to prevent him from paying a well-deserved penalty for his blasphemy in despising the gods; so you will have to take the punishment he has incurred if you attempt to forsake our worship and religion.' St. Alban had of his own accord declared himself a Christian before the enemies of the faith, and was not at all afraid of the ruler's threats; arming himself for spiritual warfare, he openly refused to obey these commands. The judge said to him, 'What is your family and race?' Alban answered, 'What concern is it of yours to know my parentage? If you wish to hear the truth about my religion, know that I am now a Christian and am ready to do a Christian's duty.' The judge said, 'I insist on knowing your name, so tell me at once.' The man said, 'My parents call me Alban and I shall ever adore and worship the true and living God who created all things.' The judge answered very angrily, 'If you wish to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, you must sacrifice at once to the mighty gods.' Alban answered, 'The sacrifices which you offer to devils cannot help their votaries nor fulfill the desires and petitions of their suppliants. On the contrary, he who has offered sacrifices to these images will receive eternal punishment in hell as his reward.' When the judge heard this he was greatly incensed and ordered the holy confessor of God to be beaten by the torturers, thinking that he could weaken by blows that constancy of heart which he could not affect by words. Alban, though he was subjected to the most cruel tortures, bore them patiently and even joyfully for the Lord's sake. So when the judge perceived that he was not to be overcome by tortures nor turned from the Christian faith, he ordered him to be executed.

As he was being led to his execution, he came to a rapid river whose stream ran between the town wall and the arena where he was to suffer. He saw there a great crowd of people of both sexes and of every age and rank, who had been led (doubtless by divine inspiration) to follow the blessed confessor and martyr. They packed the bridge over the river so tightly that he could hardly have crossed it that evening. In fact almost everyone had gone out so that the judge was left behind in the city without any attendants at all. St. Alban, whose ardent desire it was to achieve his martyrdom as soon as possible, came to the torrent and raised his eyes towards heaven. Thereupon the river-bed dried up at that very spot and he saw the waters give way and provide a path for him to walk in. The executioner who was to have put him to death was among those who saw this. Moved by a divine prompting, he hastened to meet the saint as he came to the place appointed for his execution; then he threw away his sword which he was carrying ready drawn and cast himself down at the saint's feet, earnestly praying that he might be judged worthy to be put to death either with the martyr whom he himself had been ordered to execute, or else in his place.

So while he was turned from a persecutor into a companion in the true faith, and while there was a very proper hesitation among the other executioners in taking up the sword which lay on the ground, the most reverend confessor ascended the hill with the crowds. This hill lay about five hundred paces from the arena, and, as was fitting, it was fair, shining and beautiful, adorned, indeed clothed, on all sides with wild flowers of every kind; nowhere was it steep or precipitous or sheer but Nature had provided it with wide, long-sloping sides stretching smoothly down to the level of the plain. In fact its natural beauty had long fitted it as a place to be hallowed by the blood of a blessed martyr. When he reached the top of the hill, St. Alban asked God to give him water and at once a perpetual spring bubbled up, confined within its channel and at his very feet, so that all could see that even the stream rendered service to the martyr. For it could not have happened that the martyr who had left no water remaining in the river would have desired it on the top of the hill, if he had not realized that this was fitting. The river, when it had fulfilled its duty and completed its pious service, returned to its natural course, but it left behind a witness of its ministry. And so in this spot the valiant martyr was beheaded and received the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. But the one who laid his unholy hands on that holy neck was not permitted to rejoice over his death; for the head of the blessed martyr and the executioner's eyes fell to the ground together.

The soldier who had been constrained by the divine will to refuse to strike God's holy confessor was also beheaded there. In his case it is clear that though he was not washed in the waters of baptism, yet he was cleansed by the washing of his own blood and made worthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. Then the judge, who was astonished by these strange heavenly miracles, ordered the persecution to cease and began to respect the way in which the saints met their death, though he had once believed that he could thereby make them forsake their devotion to the Christian faith. The blessed Alban suffered death on 22 June near the city of Verulamium which the English now call either Uerlamacaestir or Uaeclingacaestir (St. Albans). Here when peaceful Christian times returned, a church of wonderful workmanship was built, a worthy memorial of his martyrdom. To this day sick people are healed in this place and the working of frequent miracles continues to bring it renown.

O Eternal Father, who, when the Gospel of Christ first came to England, didst gloriously confirm the faith of Alban by making him the first to win the martyr’s crown: grant that, assisted by his prayers and following his example in the fellowship of the Saints, we may worship thee, the living God, and faithfully witness to Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Image from the 13th century manuscript 

"The Life of St. Alban" 

by Matthew Paris (1200-1259)

Pater Noster

"Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

- St. Matthew 6:9 

Jesus gave His disciples the perfect prayer which addresses God as "Our Father." It’s probably the most familiar prayer in history, and yet its familiarity means that sometimes we don’t think about the words as much as we should when we say it. Even the first word is important, as it is in our English translation – “Our.” When Jesus taught this prayer, he set it very much in the context of “all of us together.”

Certainly, God loves each one of us individually, and He deals with us individually, but He has called us individually to be part of His Body, the Church. Throughout the whole prayer, it’s prayed in the plural – and it’s a reminder to us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, and what we do or neglect to do has an effect on others.

When we were baptized, that sacrament affected us individually, certainly – it took away the stain of original sin – but it also incorporated us into something; namely, the Church, the Body of Christ.

When we were confirmed, each of us was sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. But it also made us active members of an army – the army of Christ - and we were given grace and power to join with others in fighting against sin, the world and the devil.

When we receive Holy Communion, each of us individually receives the Body and Blood of Christ, but we receive it in communion with the Church throughout the world, and in union with the saints throughout the ages.

Even when we pray to God by ourselves, when we say the Amen, we say it with the whole Church – Militant, Expectant, and Triumphant.

The great poet, John Donne, wrote, “No man is an island entire of itself…” which is a reminder that what I do, what I say, or what I neglect to do or say, has to do not just with me, but also with all those around me.

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Pictured: Le "Pater Noster" 

by James Tissot (French, 1836-1902)

St. Romuald, Abbot

Saint Romuald founded the Camaldolese monastic order during the early eleventh century, but he did not always appear to be called to the religious life. He was born into an aristocratic family and grew up in luxury. His life had little in the way of self-restraint or religious devotion.

It was a shocking tragedy that changed the course of his life. When Romuald was twenty years old, he saw his father Sergius kill one of his relatives in a dispute over some property. Romuald was horrified by the crime he had witnessed, and he was moved to take refuge in a monastery to do penance for his father.

The experience in the monastery awakened a vocation in him, and he had the overwhelming desire to live an entire life of penance as a monk. In fact, Romuald’s father Sergius repented of his crime and ultimately followed his son into religious life.

Romuald traveled extensively, serving the Church, and eventually helping to establish or reform almost a hundred hermitages and monasteries. His work resulted in the foundation of the Camaldolese order in 1012, when a piece of land called the “Camaldoli,” was given to Romuald. His monastic foundation combined hermits’ cells with community life, giving it a distinct identity and charism.

Here is the “Brief Rule” of St. Romuald for his monks:

Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish. The path you must follow is in the Psalms — never leave it.

If you have just come to the monastery, and in spite of your good will you cannot accomplish what you want, take every opportunity you can to sing the Psalms in your heart and to understand them with your mind.

And if your mind wanders as you read, do not give up; hurry back and apply your mind to the words once more.

Realize above all that you are in God's presence, and stand there with the attitude of one who stands before the emperor.

Empty yourself completely and sit waiting, content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him.

O God, who through Saint Romuald didst renew the manner of life of hermits in thy Church: grant, we beseech thee; that, denying ourselves and following Christ, we may merit to reach the heavenly realms on high; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Fathers' Day

This Sunday we celebrate Fathers’ Day. It isn’t a religious holiday. It’s not on the liturgical calendar. But it’s a good reminder to all of us who have authority over children, whether we be fathers, or grandfathers, or godfathers, or priests, or teachers, or uncles – any and all men who are in a position to influence and guide the young. We’re to be a kind of icon – an image – of Christ, showing love to those for whom we have responsibility.

It’s a good time for us to think back upon our own experiences, and remember how it was when our fathers, and other important men in our lives, took time to give gentle guidance, rather than just barking out orders. Remember how important it was to see the authoritative men in our lives showing that they were men of faith, rather than leaving religion to women and children. Remember how it was when our fathers and other important men in our lives showed trust in us, rather than trying to control our every decision, our every action.

The happiest and best times were when we saw the image of Christ, and when we experienced Christ’s compassion in the men who had authority over us.

And lest this be just about fathers, here is a brief reminder to wives and mothers: how important it is that you give that good example to your children by showing your love and respect, by not treating husbands as though they’re simply another child in the family, by not using phrases like “that father of yours…” in the hearing of your children. The foundation of good fatherhood is the same foundation of a good marriage: a mutual respect, and a constant seeking of the will of God for the whole family.

Remember, fathers, our children’s understanding of God is very much influenced by the image they have of us. Their experience of what we show of fatherly love and fatherly strength and fatherly justice is a great influence upon their own understanding of God our Heavenly Father.

Christ our Good Shepherd gives us the model. He had compassion upon the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And what kind of a shepherd is He? He’s one whom we obey because we know He was willing to sacrifice Himself for us. He’s one whom we follow because He gently leads us rather than impatiently shoving us along through life. He’s the one we stay close to, because He is generous with His gifts to us, and then allows us to use them, rather than dictating our every thought and action.

Fathers, and men who are in fatherly roles, need to look to the compassionate Christ for the model of what our own authority over others should be like, not like the Scribes and Pharisees, who bound great burdens upon others.

And, of course, we have as our intercessor the great St. Joseph – the man who was, above all else, obedient to God. May our children learn obedience through our own obedience, and may they learn to love because we have loved them with the depth of the gentle love and compassion we have received from God, our own Heavenly Father.

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Painting: "In His Spirit"

by Norman Rockwell (1894-1978)

St. Richard of Chichester

Richard of Wyche was born in 1197 at Droitwyche, the son of a prosperous yeoman farmer. He and his brother were orphaned at an early age, and an incompetent guardian wasted their inheritance. Richard worked long and hard to restore the family property, and when he had succeeded, he turned it over to his brother and went off to Oxford to become a scholar. He was too poor to afford a gown or a fire in winter, but he did very well at his studies, with Robert Grosseteste among his teachers, and he established what would be a lifelong friendship with his tutor, Edmund Rich (Edmund of Abingdon). He studied canon law at Oxford (and probably also at Paris and Bologna) and, having acquired a doctorate, he became Chancellor of Oxford in 1235.

Meanwhile, his tutor had become Archbishop of Canterbury, and soon asked Richard to become his Chancellor. When the Archbishop rebuked King Henry III for keeping various bishoprics vacant as long as possible (because as long as they were vacant their revenues went to the Crown), Henry forced him into exile, and Richard accompanied him to France and nursed him in his final illness. After the Archbishop's death in 1240, Richard studied at the Dominican house in Orleans, and was ordained priest in 1243.

In 1244 he was elected Bishop of Chichester, but Henry would not recognize the election, locked him out of the bishop's residence, and pocketed the revenues. Richard accepted shelter with a village priest, and spent the next two years walking barefoot through his diocese, preaching to fishermen and farmers, and correcting abuses. He held synods to legislate, and insisted that the sacraments must be administered without payment, and the Liturgy celebrated with reverence and order. The clergy were required to be celibate, to wear clerical dress, and to live in the parishes to which they were assigned and to carry out their duties in person. The laity were required to attend services on all Sundays and holy days, and to know by heart the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Apostles' Creed. After two years, Henry was pressured into recognizing Richard as Bishop, but Richard continued to live as he had before. He caught a fever and died in 1253.

A well-known prayer written by him reads in part as follows:

Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ

For all the benefits Thou hast given me,

For all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.

O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,

May I know Thee more clearly,

Love Thee more dearly,

Follow Thee more nearly,

Day by day.  Amen.

__________________________________

MOST merciful Redeemer, who gavest to thy Bishop Richard a love of learning, a zeal for souls, and a devotion to the poor: grant that, encouraged by his example, and aided by his prayers, we may know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day; who livest and reignest with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Compassion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  

 - St. Matthew 9:36 

St. Matthew describes how our Lord looks upon a crowd of people, some of whom had come great distances, all gathered to hear Him, and as He sees them, we're told that "He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.”

People often think of compassion as being a kind of sympathy, feeling sorry for someone. But in the original Greek, compassion isn’t so much describing a feeling or an emotion, but rather, it indicates a thought which leads to an action. It is probably best translated as having a love so deep that it is almost like an inner pain – a love which drives a person to do something to help someone in need.

What was it that caused this compassion – this “painful love” – which Jesus had? He saw the crowds of people, ordinary men and women who had come out to hear what He had to say. Some were looking for comfort in their otherwise difficult lives; many were looking for something to fill the spiritual emptiness they felt. Their own religious leaders should have been giving them spiritual strength to live by, but instead were simply bewildering them with subtle and intricate arguments about the Law – arguments which contained no comfort, no spiritual help. These spiritual leaders should have been helping the people to face the difficulties of their daily lives, but instead they were weighing them down under the intolerable demands of countless man-made laws. They were making religious demands which served as a handicap instead of a support.

At the time of our Lord’s earthly ministry, religious teaching within Judaism had, for the most part, become a discouragement to the people, rather than an inspiration to grow closer to God. The people had become, in those sad words we find in the Gospel, like “sheep without a shepherd.”

Of course, the people in those days were not so different from people throughout the ages, or from us as we are today. People want and need something to live by. Whether we admit it or not, we want some authority which can inform us about what is right and what is wrong. We want an authority to help us as we make decisions for the direction of our lives.

But authority can often be twisted. It was twisted by the scribes and pharisees, and it is twisted by those who act like scribes and pharisees in our own day. The result is that authority comes to be viewed by many as being a negative, oppressive thing.

A selfish authority, an authority without compassion, an authority which is coercive, can become an oppressive yoke – a yoke which weighs people down, rather than lifting them up. That kind of authority can become a veil of darkness, rather than a guide to the light of truth. We need only to look at some of the totalitarian governments and political systems, not only in the past, but which we see in the world today. We see individuals who have positions of authority without an accompanying sense of loving responsibility, and it becomes evident just how easily authority can be abused, and so cause terrible suffering to those who labour under it.

But we do not have to look as far as political systems or totalitarian governments to consider the proper use of authority. We should look at the Church and at those who have spiritual authority over others.

Whether it be the authority we are bound to follow, or the authority we might have over others, it is Christ our Shepherd who gives us the model. He had compassion upon the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

And what kind of a shepherd is Christ? He is one whom we obey because we know He willingly sacrificed himself for us. He is one whom we follow because He gently leads us rather than impatiently shoving us along through life. He is the one we stay close to, because He is generous with His gifts to us, but then allows us to use them, rather than dictating our every thought and action.

Each one of us needs to look to the compassionate Christ for the model of what authority over others should be like – not like the scribes and Pharisees, who bound great burdens upon others, but rather reflecting the depth of the gentle love and compassion we receive from God Himself.

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Painting: "Christ Preaching"

by James Tissot (1836-1902)

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Following upon the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is the commemoration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was first in her heart that the Blessed Virgin formed her response to the message God sent through the Archangel Gabriel. As she expressed her "yes" to God, Mary first conceived Christ in her Immaculate Heart and then in her virginal womb.

Here is a prayer for consecrating ourselves to her motherly heart:

O Mary, Virgin most powerful and Mother of mercy, Queen of Heaven and Refuge of sinners; we consecrate ourselves to thy Immaculate Heart. We consecrate to thee our very being and our whole life: all that we have, all that we love, all that we are. To thee we give our bodies, our hearts, and our souls; to thee we give our homes, our families, and our country. We desire that all that is in us and around us may belong to thee, and may share in the benefits of thy motherly blessing. And that this act of consecration may be truly fruitful and lasting, we renew this day at thy feet the promises of our Baptism and our First Holy Communion.

We pledge ourselves to profess courageously and at all times the truths of our holy Faith, and to live as befits Catholics, who are submissive to all directions of the Pope and the Bishops in communion with him. We pledge ourselves to keep the commandments of God and of His Church, in particular to keep holy the Lord’s Day. We pledge ourselves to make the consoling practices of the Christian religion, and above all, Holy Communion, an important part of our lives, in so far as we are able to do.

Finally, we promise thee, O glorious Mother of God and loving Mother of men, to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the spreading of devotion to thy Immaculate Heart, in order to hasten and assure, through thy queenly rule, the coming of the Kingdom of the Sacred Heart of thine adorable Son Jesus Christ, in our own country, and in all the world; as in Heaven, so on earth. Amen.

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Pictured: "Immaculate Heart of Mary"

by Charles Bosseron Chambers (1882-1964)

St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor

St. Anthony was born in Portugal and entered the Augustinian monastery of Sao Vicente in Lisbon when he was fifteen. When news of the Franciscan martyrs in Morocco reached him, he joined the Franciscans at Coimbra. At his own request, he was sent as a missionary to Morocco, but he became ill, and on his return journey his boat was driven off course and he landed in Sicily. He took part in St. Francis' famous Chapter of Mats in 1221 and was assigned to the Franciscan province of Romagna.

He became a preacher by accident. When a scheduled preacher did not show up for an ordination ceremony at Forli, the Franciscan superior told Anthony to go into the pulpit. His eloquence stirred everyone, and he was assigned to preach throughout northern Italy. Because of his success in converting heretics, he was called the "Hammer of Heretics" and because of his learning, St. Francis himself appointed him a teacher of theology.

St. Anthony of Padua was such a forceful preacher that shops closed when he came to town, and people stayed all night in church to be present for his sermons. He became associated with Padua because he made this city his residence and the center of his great preaching mission.

After a series of Lenten sermons in 1231, Anthony's strength gave out and he went into seclusion at Camposanpiero but soon had to be carried back to Padua. He did not reach the city but was taken to the Poor Clare convent at Arcella, where he died. He was thirty-six years old, and the whole city of Padua turned out in mourning for his passing.

Grant, O Lord, that the solemn festival of thy holy Confessor Saint Anthony may bring gladness to thy Church: that being defended by thy succour in all things spiritual, we may be found worthy to attain to everlasting felicity; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Two hymns in honour of St. Anthony:

       1.    Praise to God the mighty Father, who didst call Saint Anthony

            from a life of sore temptation to the way of purity.

Humble work and meek obedience marked his holy way of love;

now, his earthly task completed, works his wonders from above.

            2.      Praise to Jesus Christ our Saviour, who didst give Saint Anthony

grace to preach with zeal and boldness, giving truth new charity.

Men, once lost, who heard the Gospel from the lips of Francis' son

came to know God's grace and favour, and the life which Christ had won.

      3.      Praise to God the Holy Spirit, who inspired Saint Anthony

in the way of love and service, calling men to charity,

lifting up the fallen sinner, feeding them with Living Bread,

showing men the way to heaven, there to live with Christ their Head.

           4.      Gracious Doctor and Confessor, holy Priest with golden tongue,

joined with all the saints of heaven, praising God the Three in One;

help us in our earthly journey, keep our thoughts on God most high,

that with thee, Christ's saint and servant, we may live and never die.

Tune: Rustington, by Charles H. H. Parry (1848-1918)

Text: Fr. Christopher G. Phillips

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            1.      Simple saint and faithful priest,

            at this Eucharistic feast

we recall thy holy face,

and with thee our Lord embrace.

Give us true simplicity:

pray for us, Saint Anthony.

      2.      Word of God thou didst proclaim;

            unto thee God's Spirit came,

bringing faith when thou didst preach,

showing truth when thou didst teach.

May we speak words truthfully:

pray for us Saint Anthony.

            3.      Error flees before God's Light:

            through thy life Christ shineth bright,

showing men the way to peace,

evil's hold from them release.

Free from evil may we be:

pray for us Saint Anthony.

Tune: Bread of Heaven, by William Dalrymple Maclagan (1826-1910)

Text: Fr. Christopher G. Phillips

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

When there was no such concept as time, before creation, God existed as the Holy Trinity in fellowship with Himself, and His love existed within that communion. With the creation, humanity was brought into that communion of divine love. The love of God was the only love there was then, the love of God is the only love there is now, and the love of God is the only love there will ever be. We are not creators of love, but we are the receivers and transmitters of the love of God. And we can transmit only as much as we receive.

To tell us of His love, God sent His only Son. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus is the greatest expression of the love of God for us and He is the greatest expression of the human response to that love.

Jesus as the divine Son of God was also human, the son of Mary. He spoke with divine authority but He spoke in human language. He spoke in the simple language of the ordinary people of His day about the things they were most familiar with: the birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the sower and the seed, the vine and the branches. When He wanted to tell His apostles how important they were He said that they were the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth.” And when He wanted to tell us of God’s love He used the heart, the human symbol of love. He told us that we should learn of Him, that He was meek and humble of heart, and we would find rest for our souls.

The contemporaries of Jesus knew this meek and humble heart of Jesus and they knew that it beat with unconditional love for them. Rough, simple fishermen left their boats and nets to follow Him. Learned doctors sat at His feet to hear His wisdom. A tax collector left his money table to become His disciple. Multitudes followed Him for days, and so captivated were they that they forgot to bring food to eat. The sick fought their way through the crowds just to touch the hem of His garment. And they all found peace and rest for their souls.

In a time when man desperately needs God’s love, here he can find it, in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose Sacred Heart is a refuge where God’s love may be found, a fountain from which God’s love is poured out upon us.

O God, who hast suffered the Heart of thy Son to be wounded by our sins, and in that very Heart hast bestowed on us the abundant riches of thy love: grant, we beseech thee; that the devout homage of our hearts which we render unto him, may of thy mercy be deemed a recompense acceptable in thy sight; through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

_____________________________________

Pictured: "Sacred Heart of Jesus"

by Charles Bosseron Chambers (1882 - 1964)

Litany of the Sacred Heart

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

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

God, the Father of Heaven, Have mercy upon us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the World, Have mercy upon us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy upon us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy upon us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, Have mercy upon us.
Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother by the Holy Ghost, ("Have mercy upon us" after each petition)
Heart of Jesus, united substantially with the word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Divinity,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy,
Heart of Jesus, rich to all who invoke Thee,
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, saturated with revilings,
Heart of Jesus, crushed for our iniquities,
Heart of Jesus, made obedient unto death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints,

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us.

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart. Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and upon the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders unto Thee in the name of sinners; and do Thou, in Thy great goodness, grant pardon to them who seek Thy mercy, in the name of the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Visit of Pope Leo XIV to Sagrada Familia

The Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is a breath-taking place, and I am so grateful to have had the experience of visiting and praying there on one of our parish pilgrimages.

"In a stunning display of singing, music, fireworks, and light, the Catholic Archdiocese of Barcelona put on a breath-taking performance to commemorate Pope Leo XIV's visit to the Sagrada Familia—and to honor the life and work of the architect who built the basilca, Antoni Gaudi, who died exactly 100 years ago. Seated outside with the King and Queen of Spain, Pope Leo witnessed a spectacular show. With the facade of the church completely dark, three choir boys with torches stepped outside to sing the Hosanna in Latin. In a slow buildup that began to draw in more singers, the church's organ, an orchestra, and pulsating lights, the liturgical performance culminated with the entire church literally exploding with musical symphony, a multitude of colored lights, and fireworks. A drone show above the basilica meanwhile shared messages in the sky above, including a portrait of Antoni Gaudi, the “Architect of God” who designed the beautiful church."

Remembering an old friend...

Each year on St. Barnabas' Day my thoughts always return to St. Barnabas Episcopal Parish in Warwick, Rhode Island, where I served as a curate many years ago. This was the parish to which we came when JoAnn and I returned from England with our (then) two children. Fr. Howard Olsen was the rector, and had been for nearly twenty-five years. Fr. Olsen was one of the last of a now almost non-existent breed of Anglican rector: extremely hard-working, 1928 Prayer Book religion, active in the wider community, known and respected by almost everyone.

I learned a lot from him, and I loved him as a second father. One of the greatest compliments I ever received was when he expressed his desire that I be his successor at St. Barnabas. I think the hardest thing I ever had to do was to tell him that I couldn't accept the position because I was leaving to become a Catholic. I remember that morning, because he turned away and cried. Fr. Olsen never cried, and I felt terrible that my decision had affected him in that way.

It was difficult between us for a while. But we managed to maintain our friendship, and he came to San Antonio for my priestly ordination. In fact, he read one of the lessons at the ordination Mass in San Fernando Cathedral. He started the tradition of visiting us once a year, and always told me how proud he was to see what was happening here.

He died some years ago, and it was my turn to weep. I really miss him. But every year on St. Barnabas' Day I pray for him, and give thanks to God for a good friend and mentor. Much of what I know about being a pastor, I learned from him.

St. Barnabas, Son of Encouragement

St. Barnabas was not numbered amongst the original apostles, but he has been given the title from the earliest years of the Church because of his apostolic work in spreading the Gospel. His first name was Joseph, but Barnabas (meaning "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation") was added to his name as a description of his nature. He belonged to the tribe of Levi. He was a Jew who lived outside of Palestine and he spoke Greek.

Born in Cyprus, he embraced the Christian faith soon after the death of our Lord, and was a member of the original Jerusalem community. His generosity and strength of character shines forth in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, where the first thing recorded about him is that he sold some of his property and gave the money to the apostles for the support of the Christian community.

 
Just after St. Paul's conversion St. Barnabas befriended him and introduced him to the apostles. This was at a time when Christians distrusted the rabbi who had so viciously persecuted the Church. Barnabas was the first to recognize Paul's potential for the cause of the Gospel, and it was Barnabas who brought him from Tarsus to teach at Antioch. The first missionary journey, which took place about 45-48 A.D., and which the two made together, was decisive in the establishment of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.

He was present with St. Paul at the Council of Jerusalem, which was instrumental in opening the Church up to the Gentiles. While they were preparing for the second missionary journey, they had a serious difference of opinion regarding young John Mark, and as a result of that argument the two men continued their labours separately.

St. Barnabas went to Cyprus with Mark and there are no further references to him in the Acts of the Apostles. Tradition tells us that he was martyred at Salamis in Cyprus by being stoned and then burned. That same tradition indicates that he was buried there by his kinsman, John Mark. His name has been included in the Canon of the Mass since ancient times.

O Lord God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Spirit: leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them always to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

"I don't think that means what you think it means..."

In working over the years with potential converts to the Catholic faith, I've lost count of how many times someone has told me, “I just can’t accept ______” (fill in the blank). It might be the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, papal infallibility, transubstantiation, or some other Catholic doctrine.

My response is always, “Tell me what you think the Church teaches about that.” When they tell me, as they describe things, it’s not surprising they’re having trouble accepting it. I wouldn’t be able to, either.

Taking just the matter of papal infallibility, it’s remarkable how many people confuse it with impeccability, thinking we’re claiming that the Pope can’t sin. Or they imagine that it applies to every single thing he says, and every random thought that crosses his mind. Frequently, people have a too-narrow idea of it, not understanding that it belongs to the whole Church, and flows from an adherence to the Magisterium.

Some people think it gives a kind of super-power to the Pope, when in reality it limits him simply to teaching the truth.

So if someone says they can’t accept infallibility, or the Marian dogmas, or any other aspect of the Faith, let’s make sure what they “can’t accept” is what the Church really teaches.

St. Columba of Iona, Abbot

St. Columba, or Columkill, apostle of the Picts, was of Irish descent and was brought up in the company of many saints at the school of St. Finian of Clonard. After his ordination to the priesthood, he founded several churches in Ireland. He then went to Scotland with twelve companions, and there converted many of the northern Picts to the faith of Christ. He founded the monastery of Iona which became the nursery of saints and apostles. St. Columba also evangelized the northern English.

He died on June 9, 597 at the foot of the altar at Iona while blessing his people, and was buried, like St. Brigid, beside St. Patrick at Downpatrick in Ulster.

We pray thee, O Lord, inspire our hearts with the desire of heavenly glory: and grant that we, bringing our sheaves with us, may hither attain where the holy Abbot Columba shineth like a star before thee; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Image: "St Columba Landing at Iona" 

by Frank Brangwyn, (1867-1956)

St. Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor

St. Ephrem was born sometime around the year 306 in Nibisis, a Syrian town located in modern-day Turkey, during the time when the Church was suffering under the persecution of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Baptized at about the age of eighteen, Ephrem was ordained as a deacon, and was a prolific writer of hymns, through which he powerfully preached the Gospel.

He wrote frequently in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he gave us this prayer to honour Our Lady, the Mother of God:

O pure and immaculate and likewise blessed Virgin, who art the sinless Mother of thy Son, the mighty Lord of the universe, thou who art inviolate and altogether holy, the hope of the hopeless and sinful, we sing thy praises. We bless thee, as full of every grace, thou who didst bear the God-Man: we all bow low before thee; we invoke thee and implore thine aid. Rescue us, O holy and inviolate Virgin, from every necessity that presses upon us and from all the temptations of the devil. Be our intercessor and advocate at the hour of death and judgment; deliver us from the fire that is not extinguished and from the outer darkness; make us worthy of the glory of thy Son, O dearest and most clement Virgin Mother. Thou indeed art our only hope, most sure and sacred in God's sight, to whom be honor and glory, majesty and dominion forever and ever world without end. Amen.

In 1920 St. Ephrem was declared to be a Doctor of the Church, and in a 2007 General Audience on St. Ephrem’s life, Pope Benedict XVI said that St. Ephrem became known as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit” for the hymns and writings of his that sang the praises of God “in an unparalleled way” and “with rare skill.”

O God, who didst will to illumine thy Church with the wondrous learning and splendid merits of blessed Ephrem, thy Confessor and Doctor: we humbly beseech thee, at his intercession; that thou wouldest ever defend her by thy continual power against the snares of error and wickedness; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Corpus Christi: God With Us

Everything about the Solemnity of Corpus Christi draws our attention to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the day when the Church gathers up ancient mysteries and makes them new. We look to the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, the king of Salem and high priest to Abram. We look to young Isaac carrying the wood upon which his father Abraham intended to offer him in sacrifice. We envision the children of Israel looking upon the bronze serpent lifted high upon the staff of Moses, and we marvel with the Israelites as they eat their fill of the manna. In all those things, and more, we see the foreshadowing of Jesus Christ our great High Priest who offers Himself for us in sacrifice.

All these things point to Jesus, about whom the scripture tells us, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.”

This is the central mystery, brought before us on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi: that is, Jesus Christ humbling Himself, and coming to us, and remaining with us under the forms of bread and wine, all for the sake of His love for us. 

At the Annunciation He took upon Himself human flesh. At the Nativity the God of creation was cradled in the arms of a human mother. During His Passion the Lord was abused by the very ones He came to save. When He died, the eternal God breathed His last, and when He was buried, the God who is Light consecrated the darkness of the grave. God did this, and then left the Holy Mass as the continual and living Presence of it all.

What was His purpose? What was His plan, and how can we understand it? We should cast our minds back to our first parents, Adam and Eve. Created in the image and likeness of God, they were placed in a perfect communion with their Creator. They were told that all things were theirs, and that there was only one thing they could not do; namely, that they were not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. That, of course, was the one thing they were tempted to do.

Remember the words of Satan as he tempted Eve. He said, “Surely you will not die... no... your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as God Himself, knowing good and evil...” That was their sin: through their disobedience, they grasped at equality with God, and in so doing, they lost their communion with God. St. Paul reminds us that our Lord Jesus “did not regard equality with God something to be grasped...” In other words, Jesus did not need to snatch at equality with God.... no, it is His by right. And also, it means that He did not clutch at equality with God as something to hold jealously to Himself. Rather, He laid it down willingly for the sake of our salvation.

The fact of all this – the laying down of His life, His sacrifice upon the Cross – are all spoken of by Christ as being a necessity, as something indispensable. The shadow of the Cross stretches over His life. He speaks of His blood as being shed for the remission of sins, and His body as being given for His disciples. He says that He has come to give His life as a ransom for many.

All this prepares us for what we find in the teaching of the apostles. We find in their teaching a great stress upon the death of Christ, and that the greatest blessings and highest gifts are always connected with His suffering and with the shedding of His blood. Throughout Scripture we read of forgiveness, of redemption, of healing, of cleansing, of sanctification - of atonement - all won for us by the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. It all comes to us through the great fact of history, that He was lifted up upon the Cross, and there He died – and He has left us the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, which gives us immediate and daily access to all His saving work.

Here is the point that Christ makes: that when He is lifted up upon the Cross, it is the Atonement which He accomplishes – “And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto myself...” He says. The great gulf is bridged, and mankind is once more made “at one” with God, just as we were before the Fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve. The gates of heaven are opened to us. It is all made possible through the lifting up of Christ, and His death upon the Cross.

He was lifted up upon the Cross so that we can be lifted up to heaven. He was broken so that we can be made whole. The only lesson we need to learn is to be learned at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ – that even though we are sinful and fall short of the glory of God, in spite of it all, God loves us with that yearning, passionate love which led Him to give Himself to be lifted up for us. Our hearts cannot help but be broken open to receive that Love which knows no rest and which never tires until it has found us, and has brought us to our true home in Christ’s kingdom.

So on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi we look to Jesus. We see Him before our eyes. He humbles Himself by taking upon Himself the outward forms of bread and wine, and we see Him lifted up resplendent in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

And He does it all for a reason. He does all this to be with us, and to allow us to be with Him. He does this so that we can spend time with Him. He does it because of His intense and eternal love for all of us, and He asks us to return that love by giving Him our worship and obedience, by living lives worthy of our calling to be members of His Body.

O God, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a memorial of thy Passion: grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood; that we may ever know within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption; who livest and reignest with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

St. Norbert, Bishop and Confessor

St. Norbert was born about the year 1080 and his early life was one of ease and selfishness. It was an easy move for him to enter into the pleasure-loving German court, and he had no hesitation about availing himself of every opportunity for enjoyment. To ensure his success at court, he also had no qualms about accepting holy orders as a canon and whatever financial benefices that came with that position. However, he did hesitate at becoming a priest, because even in his selfishness and casual attitude toward religion, he realized that the priesthood had serious responsibilities.

One day as Norbert was out riding, a thunderstorm came up suddenly. Norbert, who was always meticulous about his appearance, was buffeted by the high winds, and was soaked by the rains. A sudden flash of lightning startled his horse, throwing Norbert to the ground.

For almost an hour he lay, not moving. When he awoke his first words were, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" In response Norbert heard in his heart, "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it."

He immediately devoted himself to prayer and penance, and began the instruction for the priesthood he had avoided previously. He was ordained in 1115. His complete conversion and change in life caused some who remembered him previously to accuse him of hypocrisy. Norbert responded by giving everything he owned to the poor, after which he went to the pope for permission to preach.

With the pope's blessing, Norbert became an itinerant preacher, traveling through Europe with two companions. As a response to his old ways, he now chose the most difficult ways to travel, such as walking barefoot in the middle of winter through snow and ice. Unfortunately the two companions who followed him died from the difficult and demanding way of life. But Norbert was gaining the respect of those sincere clergy who had despised him before.

The pope encouraged him to settle and found a community in the diocese of Laon in northern France. There, in the desolate valley wilderness of Prémontré, Norbert laid the foundations for his religious Order. He chose the rule of St. Augustine for the new community. Communal life was marked by its austerity, its poverty, and its intense liturgical life of prayer. Norbert continued to preach and to attract large numbers to his community.

On July 25, 1126, Norbert was ordained archbishop of Magdeburg and relinquished the leadership of his Order to begin the work of shepherding the vast diocese on the northeastern frontier of the German Empire.

Weakened by his travels and labours, and also by malaria he had contracted at Rome, Norbert was in Magdeburg when he died on June 6, 1134.

O God, who didst make blessed Norbert thy Confessor and Bishop an illustrious preacher of thy Word, and through him didst render thy Church fruitful with a new offspring: grant, we beseech thee; that by his intercession and merits, we may be enabled by thy help to practise what he taught, both in word and deed; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

St. Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

Named Winfrith by his well-to-do English parents, Boniface was born near Exeter, Devon. As a boy, he studied in Benedictine monastery schools and became a monk himself in the process. For thirty years he lived in relative peace, studying, teaching, and praying. In his early forties he left the seclusion of the monastery to do missionary work on the Continent. Because his first efforts in Frisia (now the Netherlands) were unsuccessful, Winfrith went to Rome in search of direction. Pope Gregory II renamed him Boniface, "doer of good," and delegated him to spread the gospel message in Germany.

In 719 the missionary monk set out on what was to be a very fruitful venture. He made converts by the thousands. Once, the story goes, he hewed down the giant sacred oak at Geismar to convince the people of Hesse that there was no spiritual power in nature. In 722 the Pope consecrated him bishop for all of Germany. For thirty years Boniface worked to reform and organize the Church, linking the various local communities firmly with Rome. He enlisted the help of English monks and nuns to preach to the people, strengthen their Christian spirit, and assure their allegiance to the pope. About 746 Boniface was appointed archbishop of Mainz, where he settled for several years as head of all the German churches.

Over the years he kept up an extensive correspondence, asking directives of the popes, giving information about the many Christian communities, and relaying to the people the popes' wishes. In 752, as the pope's emissary, he crowned Pepin king of the Franks. In his eighties and still filled with his characteristic zeal, Boniface went back to preach the gospel in Frisia. There, in 754 near the town of Dokkum, Boniface and several dozen companions were waylaid by a group of savage locals and put to death. His remains were later taken to Fulda, where he was revered as a martyr to the Christian faith.

O God, who raised up the holy Bishop and Martyr Saint Boniface from the English nation to enlighten many peoples with the Gospel of Christ: grant, we pray; that we may hold fast in our hearts that faith which he taught with his lips and sealed with his blood; through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Image: Lithograph, 1903

"Martyrdom of St. Boniface"

A Hymn of Praise

Almighty God, majestic King,

with joyful hearts thy people sing:

Alleluia, alleluia.

For all good gifts we offer praise,

and ask thy blessings all our days:

Alleluia, alleluia,

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal Son,

who on the cross salvation won:

Alleluia, alleluia;

through thy great sacrifice of love

we join our song with saints above:

Alleluia, alleluia,

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

O Holy Spirit, Light divine,

dwell in these hearts and souls of thine:

Alleluia, alleluia.

Keep us in peace and unity

that with one voice our chant may be,

Alleluia, alleluia,

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Text: Fr. Christopher G. Phillips, 1996

Music: LASST UNS ERFREUEN,

from Geistliche Kirchengesang, 1623

St. Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs

Charles was one of twenty-two Ugandan martyrs who had converted from paganism to the Catholic faith. He was baptized in November 1885, a year before his death, and became a moral and spiritual leader among the converts. He was the chief of the royal pages under the king, Mwanga, and was considered the strongest athlete of the court.

Mwanga was a wicked king, and very violent, using his power to try and force the young men into perverse and immoral acts. Charles was a catechist, and instructed the young men who were serving in the king's court in the Catholic Faith and he baptized them. He inspired and encouraged his companions to remain chaste and faithful.

Mwanga was a superstitious pagan king who originally was tolerant of Catholicism. However, his chief assistant, Katikiro, slowly convinced him that Christians were a threat to his rule. He convinced the king that if these Christians would not bow to him, nor make sacrifices to their pagan god, nor pillage, massacre, nor make war, what would happen if his whole kingdom converted to Catholicism?

When Charles was sentenced to death, he seemed very peaceful, even cheerful. He was to be executed by being burned to death. While the pyre was being prepared, he asked to be untied so that he could arrange the sticks. He then lay down upon them. When the executioner said that Charles would be burned slowly to death, Charles replied by saying that he was very glad to be dying for the True Faith. He made no cry of pain but just twisted and moaned, "Kotanda! (O my God!)." He was burned to death by Mwanga's order on June 3, 1886. The other young men were martyred in various ways, and together they were canonized by Pope St. Paul VI. In the ceremony canonizing the Catholic martyrs, Pope Paul mentioned also the Anglicans who suffered under the wicked King Mwanga, saying: "Nor, indeed, do we wish to forget the others who, belonging to the Anglican confession, confronted death in the name of Christ."

O God, by whose providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church: Grant that we who remember before thee the blessed martyrs of Uganda, St. Charles Lwanga and his Companions, may, like them, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience even unto death, and by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Photo: St. Charles Lwanga (top center, in front of the two European missionaries) and his companions, nineteen among those pictured here would be martyred with him eight months later, pose for a group photo in October 1885.

A Hymn to the Triune God

To thee, O gracious Father,

we lift our loving hearts;

to us the Bread of Heaven

eternal life imparts.

We thank thee for thy favour

that marks us as thine own;

Lord, keep us ever faithful,

who come before thy throne.

What love thou hast bestowed on us,

a love which makes us free!

It cleanses us from ev'ry sin,

and keeps us close to thee.

To thee, O Christ our Saviour,

we come for saving grace;

we see how tender love is,

by looking on thy face.

Keep us from all things hurtful

by the power of thy Cross;

and help us to remember

our gain comes from thy loss.

What heav'nly Food is ours, Lord,

this Food which makes us free!

It fills our hearts and makes us whole,

and keeps us close to thee.

To thee, O Holy Spirit,

we whisper our desire;

our lives are empty vessels:

Lord, fill them with thy fire.

Make us thy faithful people

who seek to do thy will;

give us thy gifts of power,

our empty hearts to fill.

What peace that passes ev'ry thought,

that peace which makes us free!

It banishes each doubt and fear,

and keeps us close to thee.

From thee, O Triune Godhead,

salvation is come down;

Atonement now is given,

mankind receives his crown.

In Sacrament tremendous

we touch eternity;

we love thee, God our Saviour:

thou art our destiny.

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

our faith shall never cease!

In thee we have eternal life,

and never-ending peace.

Text: Fr. Christopher G. Phillips, 1990

Music: “Thaxted” by Gustav Holst, 1874-1934