* * *** “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20)

~ The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated today, the Sunday following Pentecost… “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you!” (Jn 14:18)

* * *** More than 50 years ago, Saint Paul VI observed the rise of secularism, and predicted the effects it would have on family and the human soul. He wrote seven encyclicals, including Mysterium Fidei (on the Holy Eucharist), and Humanae Vitae (on the value of human life).

— “For you deal here above all with human life, and human life is sacred; no one may dare make an attempt upon it. Respect for life… must find here in your Assembly its highest affirmation and its most rational defense.” — “Physics does not change the nature of the world it studies, and no […]

* * *** St. Augustine of Canterbury (d. 604/605) was the respected prior of the monastery of St. Andrew in Rome when he was sent by St. Gregory the Great to lead a group of missionary monks to Anglo-Saxon England. Although Christian missionaries had preached there years before, the invading tribes forced a number of Christians west and into hiding. In time, Augustine’s mission would be prosperous. King Aethelbert of Kent allowed the group to preach, and eventually, the King and many of his people converted, to set the future course of Christianity in Britain.

— Known as “Apostle to the English,” St. Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597. (not to be confused with St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430), author of “Confessions” and “City of God”)

* * *** “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere. A servant of God ought always to be in good spirits. Charity and cheerfulness, or charity and humility, should be our motto.” ~ St. Philip Neri

— So much to say about this influential saint: *Founder of the ‘Congregation of the Oratory’ and ‘Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity’ *Pursued philosophical and theological studies with the Augustinians *Mission work in Rome for nearly 17 years, before being ordained *Engaging and cheerful nature; conversed with people of all ages/societal levels *Brought people […]

* * *** Born in England, St. Bede (d. 735) was a priest, monk, theologian, and historian. At the Benedictine Monastery, Bede was “the most observant and happiest of all monks.” He had a passion for learning, writing, and teaching and composed many works of his own, including commentaries on Scripture. His classic title, “Ecclesiastical History of the English People,” is considered one of the best sources for early English history. Because of Bede’s holiness and extraordinary intellect, soon after his death he became known as “Venerable Bede,” a title that would continue through centuries.

— Also on the calendar today as Optional Memorial: -Saint Gregory VII, Pope -Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, Virgin

* * *** Celebrated on the Monday following Pentecost, this Feast was established in 2018 by Pope Francis on the 160th anniversary of the Lourdes apparition.

~ Saint John Paul II: “Mary is present in the Church as the Mother of Christ… Thanks to this special bond linking the Mother of Christ with the Church, there is further clarified the mystery of that ‘woman’ who, from the first chapters of the Book of Genesis until the Book of Revelation, accompanies the […]

* * *** “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)

— The Solemnity of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, this Feast marks the final day of the Easter season.

* * *** “In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory. Direct all you do purely to his honor. Persevere in brotherly charity, and practice first all that you desire to teach others. By this means, the Holy Spirit will be your master, and will give you such wisdom and such a tongue that no adversary will be able to stand against you.” ~ St. Bernardine of Siena

— Known as the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine (1380-1444), was a Franciscan missionary priest and effective preacher. Traveling across Italy on foot, his mission was to revive the country’s Catholic faith and he also encouraged devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, which he associated with the Christogram (IHS). The Feast of the Most […]

* * *** Save 25% on the Book of the Gospels, Daily Roman Missal, and other select titles ~ through May 24, 2021!

~ please visit: https://www.theologicalforum.org/Category/127/25__savings_on_select_titles_through_May_24__2021_

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~ During the papal reign of St. John (d.526), Italy was ruled by King Theodoric, an ardent defender of Arianism. The King sent John as his delegate to Emperor Justin in Constantinople, to moderate the emperor’s decree against the Arians. The King threatened that if the mission failed, there would be retribution against the non-Arian […]

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