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— “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.” (Mt 9:9)
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— Our Blessed Mother endured each of the Seven Sorrows with perfect faith and trust in God; the echo of her Fiat. “… the Blessed Virgin faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross, where she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, grieving exceedingly with her only begotten Son, uniting herself […]
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*** In Cruce Salus *** — The Church sings of the triumph of the Holy Cross, the instrument of our salvation: “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.” (Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal)
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— Born in Antioch, St. John (c. 349-407) was among the most prolific authors in the early Church. He was given the moniker Chrysostom (“golden-mouthed”) because of his eloquent and powerful preaching, and in 397 was consecrated Archbishop of Constantinople. Chrysostom’s resolve in the midst of controversy and his insightful commentary on moral teaching distinguished […]
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“Mary . . . is interpreted to mean ‘Star of the Sea.’ This admirably befits the Virgin Mother… She, I say, is that shining and brilliant star, so much needed, set in place above life’s great and spacious sea, glittering with merits, all aglow with examples for our imitation… In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, […]
*** *** *** The birth of Mary begins a glimmer of light.
“This radiant and manifest coming of God to men most certainly needed a joyful prelude to introduce the great gift of salvation to us. The present festival, the birth of the Mother of God, is the prelude, while the final act is the fore-ordained union of the Word with flesh. Today the Virgin is born, […]
*** *** *** “Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet.” (Mt 14:3-5)
— Today the Church commemorates the Passion of St. John the Baptist. According to Matthew’s Gospel, St. John’s fearless condemnation of King Herod’s unlawful marriage incurred the hatred of Herod’s bride, resulting in his imprisonment and execution.
*** *** *** “Late have I loved You!” (St. Augustine)
— Augustine of Hippo (354-430) is considered one of the most influential theologians in the history of Western Christianity. He was a gifted intellectual; even during his dark days he was a fervent seeker of the Truth. His many works include Confessions, De Trinitate, and The City of God.
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— St. Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles as mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and also in Acts. According to tradition, he preached the Gospel as far as India and was martyred in Armenia for having converted the king. The saint may have been flayed alive which is widely depicted […]
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— “The Blessed Virgin Mary should be called Queen, not only because of her Divine Motherhood, but also because God has willed her to have an exceptional role in the work of our eternal salvation… with complete justice St. John Damascene could write: ‘When she became Mother of the Creator, she truly became Queen of […]