Bl Mary of the Incarnation, also known as Madam Acarie, optional memoria

Barbe Avrillot was born in Paris in 1566. At the age of sixteen she married Pierre Acarie, by whom she had seven children. Through her household duties and many hardships, she attained the heights of the mystical life. Under the influence of Saint Teresa’s writings, and after mystical contact with the saint herself, she spared no effort in introducing the Discalced Carmelite Nuns into France. After her husband’s death, she asked to be admitted among them as a lay sister, taking the name of Mary of the Incarnation; she was professed at the Carmel of Amiens in 1615. She was esteemed by some of the greatest men of her time, including Saint Francis de Sales; and she was distinguished by her spirit of prayer and her zeal for the extension of the Catholic Faith. She died at Pontoise on April 18, 1618. After Carmelite Breviar. Picture after 'Catholic Daily Readings'.

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Road to Emmaus

At that time, Two of the disciples of Jesus went the same day to a town which was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, named Emmaus; and they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that while they talked and reasoned with themselves, Jesus himself also drawing near went with them: but their eyes were held that they should not know him. And he said to them: what are these discourses that you hold one with another as you walk, and are sad. And the one of them, whose name was Cleophas, answering, said to him: Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and bast not known the things that have been done there in these days? To whom he said: What things?


And they said: Concerning Jesus of 'Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in work and word before God and all the people: and how our chief priests and princes delivered him to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we hoped that it was he that should have redeemed Israel: and now besides all this today is the third day since these things were done. Yea and certain women also of our company, affrighted us, who before it was light, were at the sepulchre, and not finding his body, came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who say, that he is alive. And some of our people went to the sepulchre and found it so as the women had said, but him they found not. Then he said to them: O foolish, and slow of heart to believe in all things which the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and so to enter into his glory? And be­ginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures the things that were concerning him.

And they drew nigh to the town, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther. But they constrained him, saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them.

And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. And, they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within, us; whilst he spoke in the way, and opened to us the scriptures? And rising up the same hour they, went back, to Jerusalem and, they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were with them, saying: the Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way and how they knew him in the breaking of bread (Luke 24: 13-35).

Instructions on Easter Monday

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Easter Sunday

Sebastiano Ricci, The Ressurection

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen (St Luke 24:5)

Celebrations! Even if the most important feasts do not come very often, my heart is brought to celebrate one every Sunday....That is God's feast, the feast of rest...The whole family goes to Mass (St Therese 'The Story of a Soul).  Live as though only God and yourself were in this world, so that your heart may not be detained by anything human. (St John of the Cross, The Collected Works, Sayings 123-158).  God never works these marvels except when they are a necessity for believing. Lest his disciples go without merit by having sensible proof of his resurrection, he did many things to further their belief before they saw him. Mary Magdalene was first shown the empty sepulcher, and afterward the angels told her about the resurrection so she would, by hearing, believe before seeing. As St. Paul says: Faith comes through hearing [Rom. 10:17]. And though she beheld him, he seemed only an ordinary man, so by the warmth of his presence he could finish instructing her in the belief she was lacking [Mt. 28:1-6; Lk. 24:4-10; Jn. 20:11-18]. And the women were sent to tell the disciples first; then these disciples set out to see the sepulcher [Mt. 28:7-8]. And journeying incognito to Emmaus with two of his followers, he inflamed their hearts in faith before allowing them to see [Lk. 24:15-32]. Finally he reproved all his disciples for refusing to believe those who had told them of his resurrection [Mk.16:14]. And announcing to St. Thomas that they are blessed who believe without seeing, he reprimanded him for desiring to experience the sight and touch of his wounds [Jn. 20:25, 29].(St John of the Cross, 'Ascend of Mt Carmel, part 3 ch.31)

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Holy Saturday

Live in faith and hope, even though you are in darkness, because it is in these darknesses that God protects the soul. Cast your care on God, for he watches over you and will not forget you. Do not think that he leaves you alone; that would be an affront to him. Read, pray, rejoice in God, both your good and your salvation. May he grant you this good and this salvation and conserve it all until the day of eternity. Amen. St. John of the Cross. Letter 20, shortly before Pentecost, 1590  The image represent Fra Angelico painting 'The Harrowing of Hell'  after 'Art for Holy Saturday'post in St Catherine Catholic Culture Centre blog

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Good Friday

Whenever something distastful or unpleasant comes your way, remember Chirst crucifies and be silent. St John of the Cross, Letter 20, 1590 

Have a great love for those who contradict and fail to love you, for in this way love is begotten in a heart that has no love. God so acts with us, for he loves us that we might love by means of the very love he bears toward us.St. John of the Cross. Letter 33 to the unknown nun, Ubeda 1591 

The drawing represent the drawing of the vision St John of the Cross experienced during prayer in the monastery of the Incarnation in Avila where he was a chaplain between 1574-1577.

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Palm Sunday

Rejoice heart and soul, daughter of Zion! Shout with gladness, daughter of Jerusalem! See now, your king comes to you; he is victorious, he is triumphant, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah, 9.9).

The picture represent Assisi fresco by Pietro Lorenzetti fragment from Lower Basilica, southern transept, see link

http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55432

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Bl Francis Palau y Quer about prayer

...In prayer you shall find faith, hope and love. You are sufficiently instructed and experienced in the exercise of these virtues and the main preoccupations and errors you had have been eradicated. This is why you find the acts of union easy, sweet and satisfying, and without recognizing nor seeing the union, you feel it, you are at east with God, you deal easily and amicably with him and readily make friends with him. Well, I have nothing to tell you about this at present except that you must keep on and taking advantage of this interior ease with God, you must ask for graces, confirm and strengthen your moral virtues, and making yourself strong in this interior castle, you must fight your moods of sadness and their causes, uproot your unfounded sorrows aand get ready (My paper got over for hand not planned to write so extensively. But since I am at it I will go on) on the dreadful battles that the three enemies wage against this divine union. Live united with God and see to it that nothing, whether hunger or thirs, the sword, fortune or misfortune, nothing wahtever disturbs your heart. Live united with God and everything else vanish like smoke. From the letter to Juana Gratias. Quote after Bless life blog

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St Joseph Novena Prayer, 10 -18 March

Novena to St Joseph here

 

St Teresa of Avila devotion to St Joseph HERE

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Our Lady of Lourdes, feast

"Man's merits are not to be estimated by his having many visions or consolations, nor by his knowledge of Scriptures, nor by his being placed in a more elevated station; but by his being grounded in true humility, and replenished with divine charity". (Imitation of Christ Bk 3)

No sudden splendour broke the grey

And even tenor of your days,

No ecstasy made you forget

Your poverty in its bright rays

Mary, the lowliest can tread

With confidence the path you trod,

Your life the bright and shining star

That leads the wayfarer to God.

(St Therese, Poems)

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St Henry de Osso y Cervello, Priest, optional memoria

Henry was born at Vinebre, Catalonia, Spain, on October 16, 1840 and was ordained priest on September 21, 1867. He was an apostle to young people in teaching them faith and inspired various movements for the teaching of the Gospel. As a spiritual director he was fascinated by St Teresa of Jesus, the great teacher in the ways of prayer and Daughter of the Church. In the light of her teaching, henry founded the Company of St Teresa (1876) dedicated to educating women in the school of the Gospel and following the example of St Teresa. He gave himself to preaching and the apostolate through the printing press. He underwent many severe trials and sufferings. He died at Gilet, Valencia, Spain, on january 27, 1896. he was canonised on July 16, 1993 in Madrid, by Pope John Paul II.After Discalced Carmelite Proper Offices.

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St Andrew Corsini, Carmelite Bishop, optional memoria

Andrew Corsini was born at the beginning of the 14th century in Florence, Italy, where he later became a Carmelite. He was elected provincial of Tuscany at the general Chapter of Metz. On October 13, 1349 he became Bishop pf Fiesole, and in governing his diocese he showed outstanding charity, apostolic zeal, and prudence, together with great love for the poor. he died on January 6, 1374.  

It is important that a man who set is set up as a model of how to live should be one....who is so well versed in the art of prayer that he can obtain anything he asks for from the Lord; it is as though he were singled out by a prophetic voice saying to him: 'While you are still speaking I will say, "See, I am here". Fragment from The Pastoral Rule of the Pope St Gregory the Great, The Office of Readings of the Proper offices. 

God our Father, you revealed that those who work for peace will be called your sons, through the prayers of St Andrew Corsini, who excelled as a peacemaker, help us to work without ceasing for that justice which brings true and lasting peace, we ask this through our Lord. Concluding prayer of the Morning Prayer, Discalced Carmelite Proper offices.

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St Peter Thomas, Carmelite friar and bishop, optional memoria

Born about 1350 in southern Perigord, France, he entered the Carmelite order at the age of twenty. He was elected Procurator General of the Order to the Papal Court at Avignon in 1345. In 1354 he was made Bishop of Patti and Lipari, and thereafter often acted as Papal Legate in the cause of peace and of union with the Eastern Churches. He was translated to the see of Corone in the apeleponnesus, and made Papl Legate for the east, in 1359, in 1363 he was made Archbishop of Crete. In these offices he distinguished himself as an apostle of Christian unity. He died at Famagosta in Cyprus in 1366. St Peter Thomas lived as a devout Carmelite and was a diplomatic healer and reconciler, reminding us that finding common ground and bringing reconciliation are always possible with God's help. After Discacled Proper Offices and Universalis. 

 

Lord, You inspired in your bishop, Saint Peter Thomas, an intense desire to promote peace and Christian unity. Following his example may we live steadfast in the faith and work perseveringly for peace, We ask this through our Lord. After Concluding Prayer for Morning Prayer.

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The Epiphany of the Lord

The word Epiphany means "manifestation", and it has passed into general acceptance throughout the universal Church, from the fact that Jesus Christ manifested to the eyes of men His divine mission on this day first of all, when a miraculous star revealed His birth to the kings of the East, who, in spite of the difficulties and dangers of a long and tedious journey through deserts and mountains almost impassable, hastened at once to Bethlehem to adore Him and to offer Him mystical presents, as to the Ding of kings, to the God of heaven and earth, and to a Man withal feeble and mortal. The second manifestation was when, going out from the waters of the Jordan after having received Baptism from the hands of St. John, the Holy Ghost descended on Him in the visible form of a dove, and a voice from heaven was heard, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased." The third manifestation was that of His divine power, when at the marriage-feast of Cana He changed the water into wine, at the sight whereof His disciples believed in Him. The remembrance of these three great events, concurring to the same end, the Church has wished to celebrate in one and the same festival. Reflection.--Admire the almighty power of this little Child, Who from His cradle makes known His coming to the shepherds and magi--to the shepherds by means of His angel, to the magi by a star in the East. Admire the docility of these kings. Jesus is born; behold them at His feet? Let us be little, let us hide ourselves, and the divine strength will be granted to us. Let us be docile and quick in following divine inspirations, and we shall then become wise of the wisdom of God, powerful in His almighty power. After Butler's Lives of the Saints. 

 

Thirsting for God 

The Magi opened their treasures and offered the Lord gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, alleluia. 

O God, you are my God, I watch for you from the dawn. My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you. I came to your sanctuary, as one in a parched and waterless land, so that I could see your might and your glory. My lips will praise you, for your mercy is better than life itself. Thus I will bless you throughout my life, and raise my hands in prayer to your name; my soul will be filled as if by rich food, and my mouth will sing your praises and rejoice. I will remember you as I lie in bed, I will think of you in the morning, for you have been my helper, and I will take joy in the protection of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand raises me up. Morning Prayer Psalm 62(63)

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St. Kuriakos Elias Chavara, Carmelite Priest, memoria

"Today January 3, 1871....in the morning, Fr Cyriac (Kuriakos) Elias of the Holy Family, the first Prior, died after life of great innocence. He could declare before his death that he had never lost his baptysmal innocence. he was exercising himself in the practice of virtues, especially in the simplicity of heart, living faith, tender obedience and devotion to the blessed Sacrament, to the Bl Virgin mary and to St joseph. He has undergone immense hardship for the good of the Christians of Malabar, especially during the time of schism of Rochas, when he being appointed vicar general of the Syrians, showed his extraordinary devotion to the Holy See. He fought day and night to arrest the spread of schism from which he could save not less than 40 parishes. On this account the Holy Father Pope Pius IX sent him a letter expressing is great satisfaction. He was the founder abd the first Prior of the Third Order Carmelites of Malabar. He founded also the convent of nuns after undergoing many hardships. On account of his endearing virtues, learning and profound knowledge of the Syriac lamguage he enjoyed great influance on the Syrians of Malabar. He was always greatly loved by the Vicars apostolic of Malabar, much more by the people of Malabar, the gentiles and Nestorians not excluded. He endured his last illness for two years in a spirit of great resignation, nay with joy. He was detached from all disorderly affections for earthly things, which was all the more truein the last days of his life. Having received the last sacraments with extraordinary piety and devotion, in heavenly joy, and amids the tears of all who knew him, especially of mine, who knew him even as myself, he breathed his last at the age of 65 and was buried in the church of St Philomena at Koonammavu. O holy and beautiful souls, pray for me." From a note written by Fr Leopold Beccaro, OCD, after the death of his spiritual director. Taken from Discalced Carmelite Proper Offices.

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The Holy Family, Feast

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ[b] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:12-21)

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Bl Mary of the Angels, optional memoria

Born in Turin in 1661, she entered the Discalced Carmelite convent of St Christiana in 1675. She was elected prioress and novice mistress of the convent several times and was subject of continuing spiritual trials, but was constant in her ardent love of God. She was known for her devotion to St Joseph and her outstanding faithfulness to prayer. She founded a convent in honour of St Joseph at Moncalieri. 

 

True love of God cannot be hidden (a reading from The Way of Perfection, by StTeresa of Avila) 

    Anyone who really loves God, loves everything good, wants everything good, stands up for everything good, praises everything good, always sides with good people and supports them and defends them. People like this only love what is geniune and things that deserves to be loved. Do you think anyone who really and truly loves God could love anything worthless? Of course not – things like money or wordly trinkets or pleasures or honours: they are not going to fight about things like that, or to be envious over them! Why? Because all they bother about is pleasing their Beloved. They are dying for his love, so their whole lives are devoted to finding out how to please him more. And as for concealing the fact – why, if genuine, love for God is impossible to hide! All you need to do is at St Paul or the Magdalen. One of them, St Paul, only took three days to realize he was ill with love; the Magdalen knew the first day. And how well the understood it! But there’s this about it: there can be more, or less love. And the way to tell how strong it is, is this: if there is not much it will not be very obvious, but it will if there is a lot. But however much there is, the love of God will always show itself. (After Disclaced Carmelite Proper Offices, picture after ‘AnaStPaul Breathing Catholic’ blog) 

 

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Christmas Novena starts today, 16th December - click for link

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St Raphael Kalinowski OCD - click to read short biography from Vatican Website

Jesus, hope of suffering humanity, our refuge and our strength, whose light pierces the black cloud that hang over our stormy sea, enlighten our eyes so that we can direct ourselves toward You Who are our harbour. Guide our bark with the rudder of the nails of Your cross, lest we drown in the storm. With the arms of this cross rescue us from the turbulent waters and draw us to Yourself, our only repose, Morning Star, Sun of Justice, for with our eyes obscured by tears, we can catch a glimpse of You there, on the shores of our heavenly homeland. Redeemed by You, we pray: Salvos nos fac propter nomen tuum - "Save us for the sake of Your holy name". And all this through Mary. ("Saint Raphael Kalinowski: An Introduction to His Life and Spirituality" by S. Praskiewicz, OCD)

To read polish translation of the book by Jean-Baptiste Bouchaud "Le R.P. Raphaël de S. Joseph. Deuxième partie. Vie religieuse" click HERE

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All Carmelite Saints, feast

I will make my home with them and walk among them; I will be their God and they shall be my people (2Cor 6:16) 
I will set up my dwelling among them (Lev 26:11)

'O Saints of Carmel, throned above

In Mary's court, obtain this grace 

That where you are in glory now

We, too, may find a resting-place'

All of us who wear this holy Carmelite habit are called to prayer and contemplation. This is what we were founded for. We are descendant from those holy fathers of ours on Mount Carmel, those who went in search of that treasure – the priceless pearl we are talking about – in such solitude and with such contempt for the world. We must remember those holy fathers of ours who have gone before us, the hermits whose lives we are trying to imitate. We must remember our real founders. These holy fathers whose descendants we are. It was by way of poverty and humility, we know, that they came to enjoyment of God. On the subject if the beginning of Orders, I sometimes hear it said that the Lord gave greater graces to those saints who went before us because they were the foundations. Quite so, but we too must always bear in mind what it means to be foundations for those who will come later. For if those of us who are alive now have not fallen away from what they did in the past, and those who come after us do the same, the building will always stand firm. What use is it to me for the saints of the past to have been what they were, if I come along after them and behave so badly that I leave the building in ruins because of my bad habits? For obviously whose who come later don’t remember those who have died years before as clearly as they do the people they see around them. A fine state of affairs it is if I insist that I am not one of the first, and do not realize what a difference there is between my life and virtues, and the life of those God has endowed with such grace! And you who sees your Order falling away in any respect, must try to be kind of stone the building can be rebuilt with – the Lord will help to rebuilt it. For love of our Lord I beg them to remember how quickly everything comes to an end, and what a favour our Lord has done us in bringing us to this Order, and what a punishment anyone who starts any kind of relaxation will deserve. They must always look at the race we are descended from – that race of holy prophets. What numbers of saints we have in heaven who have worn this habit of ours! We must have the holy audacity to aspire, with God’s help, to be like them. The struggle will not last long, but the outcome will be eternal. (St Teresa of Avila, readings from Discalced Carmelite proper Offices for the Feast of All Carmelite Saints)

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Bl Maria Teresa Scrilli, optional memoria

She was born in 1825 in Montevarchi, Italy, As a young girl she was influenced by St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi's writing and Carmelite spirituality. She decided to join the monastery in which Seraphim of Carmel lived, but under divine inspiration decided to return to the world to lead souls to Jesus. She joined the Carmelite Third Order with the name Maria Teresa of Jesus. In her home village, a number of young girls were entrusted to her, and thus began her educational work. Soon she was joined and assisted by several young women and in this was the beginning of the Institute of Our Lady of Carmel. She died in 1889 on the feast day of all Carmelite Saints. To read more click on the post title. 

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