Victorian Public Domain Images Catholic Christian Graphics From Chant Art and Archival Art

The Seven Sorrows Devotion

2011-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

The Blessed Virgin Mary grants seven graces to the souls who honor her daily by saying seven Hail Mary's and meditating on her tears and her sorrows. The devotion was passed on by Saint Bridget.

The Seven Sorrows
1. The prophecy of Simeon.
2. The flight into Egypt.
3. The los of The Child Jesus in the temple.
4. The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross.
5. The Crucifixion.
6. The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross.
7. The burial of Jesus.

The Seven Graces
1. I will grant peace in their families.
2. They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.
3. I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them
in their work.
4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the
adorable will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.
5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy
and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.
6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death, they
will see the face of their Mother.
7. I have obtained (this Grace) from my Divine Son, that those
who propagate this devotion to my tears and sorrows, will be taken
directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their
sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal

consolation and joy

Chant Art is Offering Original European Holy Cards on Ebay

2011-09-02T16:52:00.001-07:00

Ebay Auctions

My Life is but a Weaving

2011-07-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

My Life is but a Weaving

My life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors,
He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow,
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not 'til the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
in the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
in the pattern He has planned.
He knows, He loves, He cares,
nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
who leave the choice with Him.
~Author Unknown

Morning Prayer to Our Lady of Insight

2011-07-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

My dear and sweet Mother Mary, Co-redemptrix of the human race, keep me in Your holy protection. Guard my mind, my heart and my senses, that I be not stained by sin.
Sanctify my thoughts, desires, words, and actions, that I may please You and Your Jesus, my God, and gain paradise with You. Jesus and Mary, give me Your most holy blessing. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen

Perpetual Adoration Prayer

2011-07-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech Thee, Oh Lord: that we may
be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of Holies.
Through Christ Our Lord. AMEN.

The Confiteor Prayer (English and Latin)

2011-07-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

		I confess to Almighty God, To Blessed Mary ever Virgin, To Blessed Michael, the Archangel, To Blessed John the Baptist. To the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, To all the saints, and to you, Father, That I have sinned exceedingly In thought, word, and deed: Striking his breast three times: Through my fault, through my fault, Through my most grievous fault; Therefore I beseech the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, The Blessed Michael the Archangel, The Blessed John the Baptist, The holy Apostles Peter and Paul All the saints, And you Father, To pray for me to the Lord our God.



		Conflteor Deo omnipotenti, Beatae Mariae, semper Virgini, Beato Michaeli Archangelo, Beato Ioanni Baptistae, Sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, Omnibus Sanctis et tibi, Pater, Quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opera. Striking his breast three times: Mea culpa, mea culpa, Mea maxima culpa. ldeo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, Beatum Michaelem Archángelum, Beatum Ioannem Baptistam, Sanctos Apóstolos, Petrum et Paulum, Omnes Sanctos, et te Pater, Orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum.

Professor Julie Ann Brown's - Spiritual Gift Inventory Test

2011-07-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

SELF-DISCOVERY

IDENTIFYING YOUR SPIRITUAL TALENT INVENTORY
By each question place a number representing how true the statement is in your life. If it is true a great deal, write 3; if it is somewhat true, write 2; if it is a little bit true, write 1; if it is not at all true, write 0.
______ 1. I easily delegate important responsibilities to others.
______ 2. I am comfortable and effective in projects with people from various cultural groups. I have the ability to explain important ideas and attitudes without feeling intimidated.
______ 3. I am glad to have more time to serve others in both professional and community groups. As a single individual, I am delighted with the added time and focus necessary for the empowerment of others.
______ 4. I easily and accurately recognize what "soul-full" characteristics another individual has or does not have.
______ 5. I continue to seek out both friends and acquaintances. I educate them and invite them to join me in professional and business organizations. Together we will all be enriched.
______ 6. I verbally encourage those who are wavering, troubled or discouraged.
______ 7. I am generally excited about the future. I recognize the reality of the present moment. I release the memories of negative experiences that have occurred in the past.
______ 8. I feel deeply concerned when confronted with the urgent financial needs of others. It is not even necessary for me to know these people, but I recognize a connection exists through similar or different experiences in life themes.
______ 9. When I am "still," or in a" listening" mode, I feel that I am taking care of my mental, physical and spiritual health (perhaps even directing others to do the same).
______ 10. I do not mind last minute requests to help others. I would be willing to substitute for a missing staff member.
______ 11. I would if appropriate and safe in today's culture, graciously provide food and lodging or resources to provide assistance, to those in sincere need.
______ 12. I take the necessary time to engage in contemplation, meditation, petition, or prayer. I engage in this behavior more than most people I know.
______ 13. I have an innate understanding of other people. Their messages are clear, even if we do not speak the same language.
______ 14. I study and read a great deal. I have a belief that there are a myriad of great mysteries in life. It is easy for me to believe in a Being greater and more knowledgeable than myself. I have learned that the search for answers in the real product. . .
______ 15. People follow me. This occurs as a result of offering my talents freely. Others sense an ability and willingness to serve.
______ 16. I have lost friends because of my strength and value convictions.
______ 17. When events lead me to people who are in hospitals, jails, or nursing homes, I am empowered to communicate in a positive and just manner. I gain as much from such experiences as does the receiver.
______ 18. I have felt like an instrument in the hand of an Objective/Empathetic Administrative Being. I have been used to change lives and events in a positive manner.
______ 19. I honor both the heritage and value systems of individuals and groups who are not like me.
______ 20. I go out of my way to be available to someone needing support. I am led to help those who are especially lost. Their suffering can result from the loss of faith in themselves, others, organizations, and The Great EXECUTIVE.
______ 21. I react immediately on my strong intuitive feelings. I do not wait to be validated from others. When I feel it is the appropriate time or place, I act.
______ 22. I am willing to take orders. I do not worry about the loss of power, status, or position.
______ 23. I can help others to understand the history and meaning of basic traditional Western values and moral behavior.
_____ 24. I have an uncanny ability to be both linguistically and culturally sensitive to others not of my same heritage.
_____ 25. I nourish others by helping them identify and clarify alternatives in their lives. I assist others in becoming "fully" conscious and "soul-full."
RESULTS
After answering the above questionnaire, compare your responses with the list of gifts below. If you answered for example 3, the stronger the gift is, 2 gift strongly present, 1 slightly present; 0 not present. For example if you scored a 3 for question number one, then you would strongly have the gift of MANAGEMENT present in you personal gift inventory.
1. MANAGEMENT - The ability to make plans and decisions on behalf of others. These decisions are identified as positive. There is a history of past results. Goals are made and achieved.
2. DIRECTORSHIP - The ability to take some form of "SOUL-FULL" authority over others, both inside and outside of the organization.
3. SINGLESHIP - The ability to remain joyfully unmarried. The recognition that a binding relationship with another person is not necessary. The result is often seen in having more time and energy for serving others.
4. DISCERNMENT - The ability to perceive and evaluate whether what is said or done is "selfish," or "selfless."
5. CHARISMA - The ability to proclaim the positive in oneself, others and the organization. People are attracted by such happiness and joyfulness. There are a multitude of people who tend to follow the advice and actions of those with this gift.
6. EMPATHY - The ability to identify and "walk the walk," with those in emotional, physical, or spiritual pain. Once identification and connection of the conflict are established, the ability to comfort, admonish, or encourage results.
7. FAITH - The ability to believe that impossible circumstances will be overcome, despite seemingly desperate obstacles. There is an ardent desire to listen to the directions or "will" of the Great Heavenly Administrator. This is done in order to receive insight and direction. There is a conscious decision to understand and follow such directions. Acceptance that life will require both ups and down is acknowledged. They are certain that the destination will have been worth the journey.
8. CHARITY - The ability to share an extraordinary amount of one's power, ideas and material resources with others. There are sincerity, joy, and eagerness in the act of the giving.
9. HEALING - The ability to identify pain. The correct diagnosis, encouragement, and finally treatment, will be suggested. This will result in the relief of undue mental, physical or spiritual pain.
10. ASSISTING - The ability to perceive someone's need and then offering the kind of support or encouragement necessary.
11. HOSPITALITY - The ability to welcome strangers and make them feel a sense of belonging.
12. MEDIATOR - The extraordinary ability to represent others rights in an unbiased and open manner. Often uses contemplation, meditation, deep thoughts, or prayers on behalf of others.
13. CULTURAL OPENNESS - The ability to understand the nonverbal and verbal messages of others, not of the same religion, race, culture.
14. KNOWLEDGE - The ability to spend time in research and analysis on behalf of others. Willingness to integrate vast amounts of information into usable material.
15. LEADERSHIP - The ability to provide strength through personality, value history, and the commitment to others. Open efforts are recognized through the empowerment of people. Recipients discover their strengths and weaknesses. With such knowledge, they are aware of their own personal and organizational power.
16. HUMILITY - The ability to disregard the voice of the crowd. A quiet sense of self-worth and self-esteem. They are willing to risk personal pride, status, and sometimes even life, for others.
17. COMPASSION - The ability to have tenderness, empathy and understanding for the underprivileged and suffering. It does not matter whether they know the individual/group on a personal level. They creative solutions to serve such humans when such situations arise.
18. MIRACLES - The ability to conduct amazing feats. They confirm that there are depths of human capabilities and achievement not yet recognized. They are extraordinary communicators and motivators. People come to them looking for a "miracle" to restore faith both in themselves and in their organization.
19. GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN - The ability to integrate with any fellow human. They ignore cultural or physical differences. They adapt enthusiastically with people of different traditions, behavior and language. They reflect the best in humanity. They are the true "global citizens."
20. THERAPIST - The ability to counsel, understand, encourage, shepherd, and inspire others, on the journey of life. They have the added gift of sincerely comforting others. Their embracing and nurturing disposition relieve the anxious, depressed, or ignored soul.
21. VISIONARY - The ability to receive clear and specific "feelings" or "intuitive" messages. They never take credit for such messages. They believe and affirm an interior knowledge, that they are an instrument in the hands of the Greatest Creator.
22. STEWARDSHIP - The ability to serve others with joy, openness, and commitment. They are loving. Their actions in giving time, money, and talent, is without thought of a return payment.
23. TEACHING - The ability to understand and impart knowledge and wisdom to other. They know the correct individual, organization, and tool, that will assist people in the discovery of their hidden talents.
24. SPEECH - The ability to forgo ego. They offer information in a clear and amazing manner. Others listen. They discover the mysterious elements of themselves and events. They tell other "souls," how to convey verbally to themselves and others, needs and situations that were not validated or acknowledged.
25. WISDOM - The ability to integrate all information sources gathered throughout one's life. The amazing ability to understand the "weaving" process necessary for the tapestry of life. They impart the importance of having faced and lived through, both negative and positive experiences. Answers to questions not easily understood or asked, are often found from these individuals.

I am ready to set sail with you, Jesus

2011-07-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Oh, Gentle Jesus, I am ready to set sail with you!

2011-07-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Glory Be to the Father
and to the Son, and to
The Holy Spirit.

AMEN

Hail Mary - Angelic Salutation Prayer to the Virgin Mary

2011-06-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Christ Blessing Me

2011-06-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

Oh, darling Christ...you light my way...

you love my soul...

and I in turn ... love you only for you...and for all you have done for me...and for mankind...I am so sorry that many of your children say hurtful words about you...but I know what you are saying when they do...for you said it when you walked in human form as one of us...which was, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."

Your mercy reflects the universe...it is limitless...

Morning Consecration to Mary

2011-06-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Morning consecration to Mary

My Queen, My Mother, I offer myself entirely to Thee. And to show my devotion to Thee, I offer Thee this day,
my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve.
Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own, keep me, guard me as Thy property and possession.
Amen

Prayer While Cooking

2011-06-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

Prayer While Cooking

Dearest Lord, please help me take these special ingredients of food that are before me, and with a special recipe, mix them together to transform them into a healthy and tasty cooking creation.

As the Father of all, you know how to design perfection.
Let my little food dish when eaten by others, reflect your love that always
nourishes the heart, body, and soul.

Through Christ Our Lord...Amen.

Memorare Prayer

2011-06-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Christian Saint Cornelius

2011-06-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

O God, who by thy Spirit didst call Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles: Grant to thy Church, we beseech thee, such a ready will to go where thou dost send and to do what thou dost command, that under thy guidance it may welcome all who turn to thee in love and faith, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

Prayer and Chant Art Colorized Public Domain Image of baby Saint Teresa - The Little Flower

2011-06-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus,
Please pick a rose for me
From the heavenly gardens
And send it to me
As a message of love.

O little flower of Jesus,
Ask God today to grant the favors
I now place with confidence
In your hands.

(Mention your specific requests)

St. Therese,
help me to always believe,
As you did,
In God's great love for me,
So that I might imitate your
"Little Way" each day. Amen

Grace After Meals

2011-06-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Grace After Meals

We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all
Thy benefits. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Grace Before Meals

2011-06-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Grace Before Meals

Bless us, Oh Lord, for these are Thy gifts,

which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayer While Clothing Yourself

2011-06-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Prayer While Putting Your Clothes On

Oh My God, clothe my soul with the nuptial robe of charity, honesty, and forgiveness.

Grant that I may wear these virtues today in pure and undefiled love.

Let me hear internally, the sound of my guardian angel

reminding me throughout my day, that my virtuous robes shine brightly and happily to others.

Amen.

Importance of Sign of the Cross

2011-06-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

It is the token, the memorial of the pains and humiliations which our dear Lord bore for us; and each time we make the Sign of the Cross, thereby we are reminded and show that we too, are willing to take up His Cross, accept it willingly, clasp it to our heart, and unite all we do to His saving Passion.

With this intention, let the Sign of the Cross be your first waking act; dedication your day to Him as a soldier of the Cross, let your last conscious act before sleep be that precious sign, which will banish evil spirits form your bedside and rest upon you as a safeguard till the day returns.

Begin your prayers, your work, with the Sign of the Cross, in token that they are dedicated Him. Let it sanctify your going out and your coming in. Let it hallow your conversation and discussion with others, whether social or in the order of business.

Who could be grasping, over reaching, false; who could give way to unkind words, judgments, uncharitable gossip, unholy talk, who had but just stamped the Cross of Christ upon their lips in token that they are pledged to use the gift of speech, like all else, in the service of their God?

Let it consecrate your food, so that eating and drinking instead of the mere indulgence of earthly cravings may be to the glory of God. Let the Sign of the Cross soothe and stay with you in periods of sorrow, when, above all, you are brought near Him who lays it upon you, but who also, bore it for you. Let it sober and steady your hour of joy or pleasure.

Let it calm your impulse of impatience, of petulance, of intolerance of others, of eager self-assertion, or self-defense. Let it check the angry expression

Ready to break forth, the unkind word, the unloving sarcasm.

Let it purify the light, or careless, or irreverent utterance and the conventional falsehood, the boastful word of self-seeking. And be sure that if the Sign of the Cross is thus your companion and safeguard through the day, if in all places and seasons you accustom yourself to “softly make the sign to “angels know,” it will be as a tower of strength to you and the power of evil over you will become feebler and feebler.

2011-06-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

For The Prosperity of Our Holy Religion

Oh my God, make thy holy Church victorious over all her enemies, and preserve all her members in thy heavenly peace and love.

Oh infinite Source of all perfection, attracts all hearts to thyself, and fills them with thy divine charity.

O God of all, have mercy on all. Lift up thy hand over all nations, that they may see thy power; that they may know thee, as we also knave known thee

Crucifix Prayer

2011-06-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

At The Sight of A Crucifix

Lord Jesus, by that bitterness thou sufferedst for me on the cross, chiefly when thy blessed soul was separated from thy body, have mercy on my soul, now and at its departure from this world, that it may be admitted to life everlasting.

Or:

To what excess, Oh my Savior, hast thou loved me? Oh Jesus, crucified for my salvation, save me.

Or:

Oh Savior of mankind, have mercy on all sinners, and according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out their iniquity.

Or:

I thank thee, Oh my Jesus, for all thy love and mercy to me, and I am sorry for all my ingratitude to thee.

Prayers Before and After Reading a Book

2011-06-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

When You Take Up A Book
Oh fountain of all light, vouchsafe, I beseech thee, to enlighten my understanding; give me a diligent and docile spirit, and an efficacious desire to apply whatever I read to the glory of God, the sanctification of my soul, and the salvation of others.

After Reading
Oh my God, foster the divine seed which thou hast sown in my soul.
Or:
Grant Oh my Jesus, that like thy Blessed Mother, I may keep all thy words, pondering them in my heart.

Hymn - The life of Saint Francis of Assisi was a Song - Of Brother Moon and Sister Sun

2011-06-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Little Bedesman of Christ

THIS is the legend of Saint Francis of Assisi , the Little Bedesman of Christ. Seven hundred years ago was he born in Assisi, the quaint Umbrian town among the rocks; and for twenty years and more he cherished but one thought, and one desire, and one hope; and these were that he might lead the beautiful and holy and sorrowful life which our Lord lived on the earth, and that in every way he might resemble our Lord in the purity and loveliness of His humanity.

Home and wealth and honor he surrendered, and the love of a wife and of little prattlers on his knees; for none of these things were the portion of Christ.

No care he took as to how he should be sheltered by night or wherewith he should be clothed by day; and for meat and drink he looked to the hand of God, for these were to be the daily gift of His giving. So that when he heard the words of the sacred Gospel read in the little church of St. Mary of the Angels—" Provide neither gold nor silver nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves " —he went out and girt his coarse brown dress with a piece of cord, and cast away his shoes and went barefoot thenceforth.

Even to this day the brethren of the great Order of religious men which he founded are thus clothed, and girt with a cord, and shod with nakedness. And this Order is the Order of the Lesser Brethren, the Fathers Minors; and often they are called Franciscans, or the Friars of St. Francis.

But as to the thought he bestowed on his eating and drinking: once when he and Brother Masseo sat down on a broad stone near a fresh fountain to eat the bread which they had begged in the town, St. Francis rejoiced in their prosperity, saying " Not only are we filled with plenty, but our treasure is of God's own providing; for consider this bread which has come to us like manna, and this noble table of stone fit for the feasting of kings, and this well of bright water which is beverage from heaven; " and he besought God to fill their hearts with an ardent love of the affluence of holy poverty.

Even the quiet and blessed peace of the cloister and the hermitage he denied himself; for he remembered that though the Lord Christ withdrew into the hills and went into the wilderness to refresh His soul with prayer and communion with His Heavenly Father, it was among the sobs of men that He had His dwelling all His days. So he, 'too, the little Bedesman, often tasted great happiness among the rocks and trees of solitary places; and his spirit felt the spell of the lonely hills; and he loved to pray in the woods, and in their shadow he was consoled by the visits of Angels, and was lifted bodily from the earth in ecstasies of joy. But the work which he had set his hands to do was among men, and in villages and the busy streets of cities.

It was not in the first place to save their own souls and to attain to holiness that he and his companions abandoned the common way of life. Long afterwards, when thousands of men had joined his Order of the Lesser Brethren, he said: " God has gathered us into this holy Order for the salvation of the world, and between us and the world He has made this compact, that we shall give the world a good example, and the world shall make provision for our necessities."

Yet, though he preached repentance and sorrow for sin, never was it his wish that men and women who had other duties should abandon those duties and their calling to follow his example. Besides the Order of the lesser Brethren, he had founded an Order of holy women who should pray and praise while the men went forth to teach; but well he knew that all could not do as these had done, that the work of the world must be carried on, the fields ploughed and reaped, and the vines dressed, and the nets cast and drawn, and ships manned at sea, and markets filled, and children reared, and aged people nourished, and the dead laid in their graves; and when people were deeply moved by his preaching and would fain have followed him, he would say: " Nay, be in no unwise haste to leave your homes; there, too, you may serve God and be devout and holy; " and, promising them a rule of life, he founded the Third Order, into which, whatever their age or calling, all who desired to be true followers of Christ Jesus might be admitted.

Even among those who gave themselves up wholly to the life spiritual he discouraged excessive austerity, forbidding them to fast excessively or to wear shirts of mail and bands of iron on their flesh, for these not only injured their health and lessened their usefulness, but hindered them in prayer and meditation and delight in

light in the pinch of hunger, St. Francis rose, and, taking some bread with him, went to the brother's cell, and begged of him that they might eat that frugal fare together. God gave us these bodies of ours, not that we might torture them unwisely, but that we might use their strength and comeliness in His service.

So, with little heed to his own comfort, but full of consideration and gentleness for the weakness of others, he and his companions with him went about, preaching and praising God; cheering and helping the reapers and vintagers in the harvest time, and working with the field olk in the earlier season; supping and praying with them afterwards; sleeping, when day failed, in barns or church porches or leper hospitals, or may be in an old Etruscan tomb or in the shelter of a jutting rock, if no better chance befell; till at last they came to be known and beloved in every village and feudal castle and walled town among the hills between Rome and Florence. At first, indeed, they were mocked and derided and rudely treated, but in a little while it was seen that they were no self seekers crazed with vanity, but messengers of heaven, and pure and great hearted champions of Christ and His poor.

In those days of luxury and rapacity and of wild passions and ruthless bloodshed, it was strange to see these men stripping themselves of wealth and power— for many of the brethren had been rich and noble—and proclaiming the Gospel of the love and gentleness and purity and poverty of Christ. For not only were the
brethren under vow to possess nothing whatever in the world, and not only were they forbidden to touch money on any account, but the Order itself was bound to poverty. It could not own great estates or noble abbeys and convents, but was as much dependent on charity and God's providing as the humblest of its friars.

Was it a wonderful thing that a great affection grew up in the hearts of the people for these preachers of the Cross, and especially for the most sweet and tender of them all, the Little Bedesman of Christ, with the delicate and kindly face worn by fasting, the black eyes, and the soft and sonorous voice? Greatly the common people loved our Lord, and gladly they listened to Him; and of all men who have lived St. Francis was most like our Lord in the grace and virtue of His humanity. I do not: think that ever at any time did he say or do anything till he had first asked himself, What would my Lord have done or said ?

And certain it seems to me that he must have thought of the Thief in Paradise and of the divine words Christ spoke to him on the cross, when Brother Angelo, the guardian of a hermitage among the mountains, told him how three notorious robbers had come begging; " but I," said the Brother, " quickly drove them away with harsh and bitter words." " Then sorely hast thou sinned against charity," replied the Saint in a stern voice, " and ill hast thou obeyed the holy Gospel of Christ, who wins back sinners by gentleness, and not by cruel reproofs. Go now, and take with thee this wallet of bread and this little flask of wine which I have begged, and get thee over hill and valley till thou hast found these men; and when thou comest up with them, give them the bread and the wine as my gift to them, and beg pardon on thy knees for thy fault, and tell them that I beseech them no longer to do wrong, but to fear and love God; and if this they will do, I will provide for them so that all their days they shall not lack food and drink." Then Brother Angelo did as he was bidden, and the robbers returned with him and became God's bedesmen and died in His service.Not to men alone but to all living things on earth and air and water was St. Francis most gracious and loving. They were all his little brothers and sisters, and he forgot them not, still less scorned or slighted them, but spoke to them often and blessed them, and in return they showed him great love and sought to be of his fellowship. He bade his companions keep plots of ground for their little sisters the flowers, and to these lovely and speechless creatures he spoke, with no great fear that they would not understand his words. And all this was a marvelous thing in a cruel time, when human life was accounted of slight worth by fierce barons and ruffling marauders.

For the bees he set honey and wine in the winter, lest they should feel the nip of the cold too keenly; and bread for the birds, that they all, but especially " my brother Lark," should have joy of Christmastide, and at Rieti a brood of redbreasts were the guests of the house and raided the tables while the brethren were at meals; and when a youth gave St. Francis the turtle doves he had snared, the Saint had nests made for them, and there they laid their eggs and hatched them, and fed from the hands of the brethren.

The Little Bedesman of Christ Out of affection a fisherman once gave him a great tench, but he put it back into the clear water of the lake, bidding it love God; and the fish played about the boat till St. Francis blessed it and bade it go.

" Why cost thou torment my little brothers the Lambs," he asked of a shepherd, " carrying them bound thus and hanging from a staff, so that they cry piteously ? " And in exchange for the lambs he gave the shepherd his cloak. And at another time seeing amid a flock of goats one white lamb feeding, he was concerned that he had nothing but his brown robe to offer for it (for it reminded him of our Lord among the Pharisees); but a merchant came up and paid for it and gave it him, and he took it with him to the city and preached about it so that the hearts of those hearing him were melted. Afterwards the lamb was left in the care of a convent of holy women, and to the Saint's great delight, these wove him a gown of the lamb's innocent wool.

Fain would I tell of the conveys that took refuge in the folds of his habit, and of the swifts which flew screaming in their glee while he was preaching; but now it is time to speak of the sermon which he preached to a great multitude of birds in a field by the roadside, when he was on his way to Bevagno. Down from the trees flew the birds to hear him, and they nestled in the grassy bosom of the field, and listened till he had done. And these were the words he spoke to them:

" Little birds, little sisters mine, much are you holden to God your Creator; and at all times and in every place you ought to praise Him. Freedom He has given you to fly everywhere; and raiment He has given you, double and threefold. More than this, He preserved your kind in the Ark, so that your race might not come to an end. Still more do you owe Him for the element of air, which He has made your portion. Over and above, you sow not, neither do you reap; but God feeds you, and gives you streams and springs for your thirst; the mountains He gives you, and the valleys for your refuge, and the tall trees wherein to build your nests. And because you cannot sew or spin, God takes thought to clothe you, you and your little ones. It must be, then, that your Creator loves you much, since He has granted you so many benefits. Be on your guard then against the sin of ingratitude, and strive always to give God praise."

And when the Saint ceased speaking, the birds made such signs as they might, by spreading their wings and opening their beaks, to show their love and pleasure; and when he had blessed them with the sign of the cross, they sprang up, and singing songs of unspeakable sweetness, away they streamed in a great cross to the four quarters of heaven.

One more story I must tell of the Saint and the wild creatures. On a time when St. Francis was dwelling in the town of Agobio, there appeared in that countryside a monstrous gray wolf, which was so savage a man eater that the people were afraid to go abroad, even when well armed. A pity it was to see folk in such fear and danger; wherefore the Saint, putting his whole trust in God, went out with his companions so far as they dared go, and thence onward all alone to the place where the wolf lay. The wild beast rushed out at him from his lair with open mouth, but St. Franis waited and made over him the sign of the most holy cross, and called him to him, saying, " Come hither, Brother Wolf! In the name of Christ I bid you do no harm, neither to me nor to any one." And when the wolf closed his jaws and stopped running, and came at the Saint's bidding, as gentle as a lamb, and lay down at his feet, St. Francis rebuked him for the slaying of God's creatures, the beasts, and even men made in God's image. " But fain would I make peace," he said, " between you and these townsfolk; so that if you pledge them your faith that you will do no more scathe either to man or beast, they will forgive you all your offences in the past, and neither men nor dogs shall harry you any more. And I will look to it that you shall always have food as long as you abide with the folk of this countryside."

Whereupon Brother Wolf, by movements of body and tail and bowing of head, gave token of his good will to abide by that bargain. And in sign that he plighted his troth to it he gave the Saint his paw, and followed to the marketplace of Agobio, where St. Francis repeated all that he had said, and the people agreed to the bargain, and once more the wolf gave pledge of his faith by putting his paw in the Saint's hand.

For two years thereafter Brother Wolf dwelt in Agobio, going tame and gentle from house to house and in and out at will, doing hurt to none, but much loved of the children and cared for in food and drink anc kindness by the townsfolk, so that no one lifted stone o' stick against him, neither did any dog bark at him. A the end of those years he died of old age, and the people were grieved that no more should they see his gentle coming and going.

Such was the courtesy Francis with the wild creatures and sweet fellowship of the saint. It remains yet to say of him that he was ever gay and joyous as became God's gleeman. Greatly he loved the song of bird and man, and all melody and minstrelsy. Nor was it ill-pleasing to God that he should rejoice in these good gifts; for once lying in his cell faint with fever, to him came the thought that the sound of music might ease his pain; but when the friar whom he asked to play for him was afraid of causing a scandal by his playing, St. Francis, left alone, heard such music that his sullering ceased and his fever left him. And as he lay listening he was aware that the sound kept coming and going; and how could it have been otherwise? for it was the lute-playing of an Angel, far away, walking in Paradise.

Sweet new songs he made in the language of the common people, folk of field and mountain, muleteers and vine dressers, woodmen and hunters, so that they in turn might be light of heart amid their toil and sorrow. One great hymn he composed, and of that I will speak later; but indeed all his sayings and sermons were a sort of divine song, and when he sent his companions from one village to another he bade them say: " We are God's gleemen. For song and sermon we ask largesse, and our largesse shall be that 'you persevere in sorrow for your sins."

Seeing that ladies of the world, great and beautiful, took pleasure in the songs of the troubadours sung at twilight under their windows, he charged all the churches of his Order that at fall of day the bells should be rung to recall the greeting with which Gabriel the Angel saluted the Virgin Mother of the Lord: " Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women." And from that day to this the bells have rung out the Angelus at sunset, and now there is no land under heaven wherein those bells are not heard and wherein devout men hearing them do not pause to repeat that greeting angulus.

In like fashion it was great delight to him (the Pope having given him leave) to make in the churches of the Order a representation of the Crib of Bethlehem on the feast of the Nativity. Of these the first was made at the hermitage of Greccio. Thither the peasants flocked on Christmas Eve, with lanterns and torches, making the forest ring with their carols; and there in the church they found a stable with straw, and an ox and an ass tethered to the manger; and St. Francis spoke to the folk about Bethlehem and the Shepherds in the field, and the birth of the divine Babe, so that all who heard him wept happy tears of compassion and thankfulness.

And as St. Francis stood sighing for joy and gazing at the empty manger, behold! a wondrous thing happened. For the knight Giovanni, who had given the ox and the ass and the stable, saw that on the straw in the manger there lay a beautiful child, which awoke from slumber, as it seemed, and stretched out its little hands to St. Francis as he leaned over it.

Even to this day there is no land in which you may not see, on Christmas Eve, the Crib of Bethlehem; but in those old days of St. Francis many souls were saved by
the sight of that lowly manger from the sin of those heretics who denied that the Word was made flesh and that the Son of God was born as a little child for our salvation.
The joy and gaiety of St. Francis were of two kinds. There was the joy of love, and there was the joy of suffering for love. And of this last he spoke a wonderful rhapsody as he journeyed once with Brother Leo, in the grievous cold of the early spring from Perugia to St. Mary of the Angels. For, as Brother Leo was walking on before, St. Francis called aloud to him:

" O Brother Leo, although throughout the world the Lesser Brethren were mirrors of holiness and edification, nevertheless write it down, and give good heed to it, that not therein is perfect joy."

And again, a little further on, he called aloud:

" O Brother Leo, though the Lesser Brother should give the blind sight, and make the misshapen straight, and cast out devils, and give hearing to the deaf, and make the lame to walk and the dumb to speak; yea, should he even raise the four days' dead to life, write it down that not therein is perfect joy."

And yet a little further on he cried out:

" O Brother Leo, if the Lesser Brother should know all languages, and every science, and all the Scriptures, so that he could foretell not solely the hidden things of the future but also the secrets of the heart, write down that not therein is perfect joy."

A little further yet, and once again he cried aloud:

" O Brother Leo, God's little sheep, though the Lesser Brother were to speak with the tongue of the Angels, and know the courses of the stars and the virtues of herbs, and though the treasures of the earth were discovered to him, and he had craft and knowledge of birds and fishes and of all living creatures, and of men, and of trees and stones, and roots and waters, write it down that not therein is perfect joy."

And once more, having gone a little further, St. Francis called aloud:

" O Brother Leo, even though the Lesser Brother could by his preaching convert all the unbelievers to the faith of Christ, write down that not therein is perfect joy."

And when, after St. Francis had spoken in this manner for the space of two miles, Brother Leo besought him to reveal wherein might perfect joy be found, St. Francis answered him:

" When we are come, drenched with rain and benumbed with cold and bespattered with mud and aching with hunger, to St. Mary of the Angels, and knock at the door, and the porter asks wrathfully, ' Who are you ~ ' and on our answering, 'Two of your brethren are we,' ' Two gangrel rogues,' says he, ' who go about cheating the world and taking the alms of the poor; away with you! ' and whips the door to, leaving us till nightfall, cold and famished, in the snow and rain; if with patience we bear this injury and harshness and rejection, nowise 'ruffled in our mind and making no murmur of complaint, but considering within ourselves, humbly and in charity, that the porter knows well who we are, and that God sets him up to speak against us—O Brother Leo, write down that therein is perfect joy."

And perfect joy, he added, if, knocking a second time, they brought the porter out upon them, fuming, and bidding them betake themselves to the almshouse, for
knaves and thieves, and nevertheless they bore all with patience and with gladness and love. And yet again, he continued, if a third time they knocked and shouted to him, for pity of their hunger and cold and the misery of the night, to let them in, and he tame, fierce with rage, crying, " Ah, bold and sturdy vagabonds, now I will pay you," and caught them by the hood, and hurled them into the snow, and belabored them with a knotty cudgel; and if still, in despite of all pain and contumely, they endured with gladness, thinking of the pains of the blessed Lord Christ, which for love of Him they too should be willing to bear—then might it be truly written down that therein was perfect joy.

This was the perfect joy of the Saint most like to Christ of all the Saints that the world has seen. And of all joys this was the most perfect, seeing that it was by the patient way of tears and tribulation, of bodily pain and anguish of spirit, of humiliation and rejection, that a man might come most nearly to a likeness of Christ.

Through all his gaiety and gladness and benignity he carried in his heart one sorrow, and that was the memory of the Passion of our Lord. Once he was found weeping in the country, and when he was asked whether he was in grievous pain that he wept, " Ah! " he replied, " it is for the Passion of my Lord Jesus that I weep; and for that I should think little shame to go weeping through the whole world."
Two years before his death there befell him that miraculous transfiguration, which, so far as it may be with a sinful son of Adam, made perfect the resemblance

between him and the Savior crucified. And it was after this manner.

In the upper valley of the Arno stream there towers above the pines and giant beeches of the hills a great basalt rock, Alvernia, which looks over Italy, east and west, to the two seas. That rock is accessible by but a single foottrack, and it is gashed and riven by grim chasms, yet withal great oaks and beech-trees flourish atop among the boulders, and there are drifts of fragrant wild flowers, and legions of birds and other wild creatures dwell there; and the lights and colors of heaven play about the rock, and the winds of heaven visit it with wholesome air.

Now a great and wealthy gentleman of Tuscany, Orlando of Chiusi, gave St. Francis that mountain for a hermitage where he could be remote from men, and thither, with three of the brethren most dear to him, the Saint went to spend the forty days of the Fast of St. Michael the Archangel.

Two nights they slept on the way, but on the third day, so worn was St. Francis with fatigue and illness, that his companions were fain to beg a poor peasant to lend them his ass. As they proceeded on their journey the peasant, walking behind the ass, said to St. Francis, " Tell me now, art thou Brother Francis of Assisi ? " and when St. Francis said he was, the peasant rejoined, " Look to it, then, that thou strive to be as good as folk take thee to be, so that those who have faith in thee be not disappointed in what they expect to find in thee." And instantly St. Francis got down from the ass, and, kneeling on the ground, kissed the peasant's feet, and thanked him for his brotherly admonition.

So onward they journeyed up the mountain till they

came to the foot of Alvernia, and there as St. Francis

rested him under an oak, vast flights of birds came

fluttering and blithely singing, and alighted on his

shoulders and arms, and on his lap, and about his feet.

" Not ill-pleased is our Lord, I think," said he, " that we

have come to dwell on this mountain, seeing what glee our

little brothers and sisters the Birds show at our coming."

Under a fair beech on the top of the rock the brethren

built him a cell of branches, and he lived alone in prayer,

apart from the others, for the foreknowledge of his death

had overshadowed him. Once as he stood by the cell,

scanning the shape of the mountain and musing on the

clefts and chasms in the huge rocks, it was borne in upon

him that the mountain had been thus torn and cloven in

the Ninth Hour when our Lord cried with a loud voice,

and the rocks were rent. And beside this beech-tree

St. Francis was many times uplifted into the air in

rapture, and many times Angels came to him, and walked

with him for his consolation.

A while later, the brethren laid a tree across a chasm,

and St. Francis hid himself in a more lonely place, where

no one might hear him when he cried out; and a falcon,

which had its nest hard by his cell, woke him for matins,

and according as he was more weary or sickly at one time

than another, that feathered brother, having compassion

on him, woke him later or sooner, and all the long day

was at hand to give him companionship.

Here in this wild place, in September, on Holy Cross Day, early in the morning, before the dawn whitened,

St. Francis knelt with his face turned to the dark east;

and praying long and with great fervor, he besought the

Lord Christ Jesus for two graces before he died. And the first was this, that, so far as mortal flesh might bear it, he might feel in his body the torture which our Lord suffered in His Passion; and the second, that he might feel in his heart the exceeding great love for which He was willing to bear such torture.

Now even while he was praying in this wise a mighty six winged Seraph, burning with light unspeakable, came flying towards him; and St. Francis saw that the Seraph bore within himself the figure of a cross, and thereon the image of a man crucified. Two of the six wings of the Seraph were lifted up over the head of the crucified; and two were spread for flying; and two veiled the whole of the body on the cross.

Then as the Seraph drew nigh, the eyes of Christ the crucified looked into the eyes of St. Francis, piercing and sweet and terrible; and St. Francis could scarce endure the rapture and the agony with which that look consumed him, and transfigured him, and burned into his body the similitude of Christ's Passion. For straightway his hands and his feet were pierced through and through with nails; and the heads of the nails were round and black, and the points were bent backward and riveted on the further side of hand and foot; and his right side was opened with the deep thrust of the spear; and the gash was red and blood came dropping from it. Terrible to bear was the ache of those wounds; and for the nails in his feet St. Francis scarce could stand and could not walk at all.

Such was the transfiguration of the Little Bedesman of Christ into His visible semblance on the holy rock Alvernia.

'

For two years he sustained the ecstasy and anguish of that likeness, but of his sayings and of the wonders he wrought in that time I will not speak.

In those days he composed the Song of the Sun, and oftentimes sang it, and in many a village and marketplace was it sung by the brethren going two by two in their labor for souls. A mighty hymn of praise to the Lord God most high and omnipotent was this Song of the Sun; for in this manner it was that St. Francis sang:

" Praised be Thou, my Lord; by all Thy creatures praised; and chiefly praised by Brother Sun who gives us light of day.

" Through him Thou shines"; fair is he, brilliant with glittering fire; and he through heaven bears, Most High, symbol and sense of thee.

" Praised by Sister Moon be Thou; and praised by all the Stars. These hast Thou made, and Thou hast made them precious and beautiful and bright.

" Praised by Brother Wind be Thou; by Air, and Cloud that lives in air, and all the Weathers of the world, whereby their keep Thou cost provide for all the creatures Thou hast made.

" Praised by Sister Water, Lord, be Thou; the lowly water, precious, pure the gracious handmaiden.

" Praised by Brother Fire, by whom Thou makest light for us i' the dark; and fair is he and jocund, sturdy and strong.

" Praised by our Sister Mother Earth, which keeps us and sustains, and gives forth plenteous fruit, and grass, and colored flowers.

" Praised be Thou, Lord my God, by those who for

Thy love forgive, and for Thy love endure; blessed in their patience they; by Thee shall they be crowned."

As he drew nigh to his end at St. Mary of the Angels, he cried out, " Welcome, Sister Death! " and when his brethren, as he had bidden them, sang once more the Song of the Sun, he added another verse:

" Praised by our Sister Death be Thou—that bodily death which no man may escape. Alas for those who die in mortal sin, but happy they conforming to Thy will; for these the second death shall nowise hurt."

In the tenth month, on the fourth day of the month, in the forty and fifth year of his age, having recited the Psalm, " I cried unto Thee, O Lord, and said: Thou art my hope and my portion in the land of the living," St. Francis died very joyfully. At the fall of the night he died, and while still the brethren were gazing upon his face there dropped down on the thatch of the cell in which he lay larks innumerable, and most sweetly they sang, as though they rejoiced at the release of their holy kinsman.

He was buried at the great church at Assisi; but though it is thought he lies beneath the high altar, the spot is unknown to any man, and the hill-folk say that St. Francis is not dead at all, but that he lives hidden in a secret crypt far down below the roots of wall and pillar. Standing there, pale and upright, with the blood red in the five wounds of his crucifixion, he waits in a heavenly trance for the sound of the last trumpet, when the nations of the earth shall see in the clouds Him whom they have pierced.

Long after his death it was the custom of the brethren of a certain house of his Order to go chanting in procession at midnight once in the year to his resting place. But the way was long and dark; the weather often bleak and stormy. Little by little devotion cooled, and the friars fell away, till there remained but one old monk willing to go on this pilgrimage. As he went into the dark and the storm, the road among the woods and rocks grew luminous, and in place of the cross and torches and canticles of the former days, great flocks of birds escorted him on his way, singing and keeping him company. The little feathered brothers and sisters had not abated in their love of the Little Bedesman who had caressed and blessed them.

Prayer to a Saint I love

2011-06-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

At The Sight of A Picture of Some Saint

Pray for me, O happy Saint! Your time of probation has passed. When shall I, like you, be no longer exposed to the dander of offending my God?

Prayer after Committing a Sin

2011-06-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

When You Have Committed Sin
Alas, my God, another fault! Art thou not ready to withdraw thy graces from me? But, my infinitely good God…I repent and offer thee in expiation of this fault, all that my Divine Savior has done to expiate it. I offer thee the sorrow of His sacred heart. My God, be propitious to me for His sake, and because I am a sinner.

Prayer as we Approach Temptation to Cause or Experience Pain to Self or Others

2011-06-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

At The Approach of Temptation
My God deliver me from offending thee by hurting myself or others through actions that are not right! Assist me by thy powerful grace; mercifully preserve me from yielding to this temptation and to others I do not see, and give me a great horror for all things evil at the core.
Lord, save me or I shall fail.

Prayer for Release from the Fire of Guilt

2011-06-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

The Fire

Oh my Jesus! Inflame my cold heart with the fire that ever burns in thy sacred heart; and through thy infinite merits, deliver me from the eternal fire, which I deserve on account of my sins.

Prayers For When The Clock Strikes or Prayer of Time Passing

2011-06-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

When the Clock Strikes

My God, I offer thee, in expiation of my sins and in atonement, for all that have been committed during this hour, all the acts of love by which with the sacred heart of Jesus glorified thee during this same hour, while on earth.

Or:

Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.

Or:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
And always say:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Keep those who have passed before you in your prayers...

Prayer to the Heavenly Court

2011-06-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Kneeling By the Bed-Side

Most adorable Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I cast my nothingness into the abyss of thy divine perfection; and, in union with the adoration of Jesus, my divine Savior; I adore thee, as my sovereign Lord, my first beginning and my last end; and in union with his thanksgiving, I thank thee for all thy love and mercies to me. I thank thee for giving me another day to love, praise, and serve thee; and I beseech thee to grant that every moment of it may, according to thy gracious designs, secure to me the blessings of being nearer to thee in heaven; I offer to thee my whole being my soul with all its powers; my heart with all its affections, inclinations, desires, and intentions; my mind with all its faculties; I make this offering in the sacred heart of my Jesus, and under the auspices of my Blessed Virgin Mother, of my Guardian Angel, my special patron Saint_______, blessed St. Joseph, and St. Vincent, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Gabriel the Angel of my Redemption Oh, that I could during this day by each action, give as much honor and glory to thee, my God, as the nine choirs of Angels, and all the Saints, and even as much as all possible created beings could render thee. Accept, Oh my God, this my ardent desire, accompanied by the most sincere and humble acknowledgement, that because of thy grace and mercy, I can do nothing unacceptable to thee that thou can cannot forgive.

Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Prayer Upon Waking

2011-06-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

Upon Waking God with your Son, Mary and Joseph and all the angels and saints, I give you my heart, my spirit, and my life. Then: All for thee, my God, all for thy greater honor, and glory, and pure love. AMEN.

Guardian Angels - Story of Spanish Children

2011-06-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

  

The piazza or square in front of the Cathedral was the only open space in 
which the children of Spinalunga had room to play. Spinalunga means a Long 
Spine or Ridge of rock, and the castello or little walled town which bore 
that name was built on the highest peak of the ridge, inside strong brown 
stone walls with square towers. So rough and steep was this portion of the 
ridge that the crowded houses, with their red roofs and white gables, were 
piled up one behind another, and many of the streets were narrow staircases, 
climbing up between the houses to the blue sky. 

On the top the hill was flat, and there the Cathedral stood, and from her 
niche above the great west entrance the beautiful statue of the Madonna with 
the Babe in her arms looked across the square, and over the huddled red 
roofs, and far away out to the hills and valleys with their evergreen oaks 
and plantations of gray olives, and bright corn fields and vineyards. 

 On three sides the town was sheltered by hills, but a very deep ravine 
separated them from the ridge, so that on those three sides it was impossible 
for an enemy to attack the town. On the nearest hills great pine woods grew 
far up the slopes, and sheltered it from the east winds which blew over the 
snowy peaks. Now on the southern side of the square stood the houses of the 
Syndic and other wealthy citizens, with open colonnades of carved yellow 
stone; and all about the piazza at intervals there were orange trees and 
pomegranates, growing in huge jars of red earthenware.

This had been the children's playground as long as any one could remember, 
but in the days of the blessed Frate Agnolo the Syndic was a grim, childless, 
irascible old man, terribly plagued with gout, which made him so choleric 
that he could not endure the joyous cries and clatter of the children at 
their play. So at last in his irritation he gave orders that, if the children 
must play at all, it would have to be in their own dull narrow alleys paved 
with hard rock, or outside beyond the walls of the castello. For their part 
the youngsters would have been glad enough to escape into the green country 
among the broom and cypress, the red snapdragon and golden asters and blue 
pimpernels, but these were wild and dangerous times, and at any moment a 
troop of Freelances from Pisa or a band of Luchese raiders might have swept 
down and carried them off into captivity.

They had therefore to sit about their own doors, and the piazza of the 
Cathedral became strangely silent in the summer evenings, and there was a 
feeling of dullness and discontent in the little town. Never a whit better 
off was the Syndic, for he was now angry with the stillness and the deserted 
look of the square.

In the midst of this trouble the blessed Brother Agnolo came down from his 
hermitage among the pine woods, and when he heard of what had taken place, he 
went straightway to the Syndic and took him to task, with soft and gracious 
words.  

" Messer Gianni, pain I know will often take aI1 sweet ness out of the temper 
of a man, but in this you are not doing welt here IS no child in Spinalunga 
but would readily forego all his happy play to give you ease and solace, but 
in this way they cannot help you. By sending them away you do but cloud their 
innocent lives, and you are yourself none the better for their absence. Were 
it not wiser for you to seek to distract yourself in their harmless 
merrymaking ? I may well think that you have never watched them at their 
sports; but if you will bid them come back today, and will but walk a little 
way with me, you shall see that which shall give you content and delight so 
great, that never again will you wish to banish them, but will rather pray to 
have their companionship at all times."

Now the Frate so prevailed on the Syndic that he gave consent, and bade all 
the children, lass and lad, babe and prattler, come to the square for their 
games as they used to do. And leaning with one hand on his staff, and with 
the other on the shoulder of Brother Agnolo, he moved slowly through the 
fruit-trees in the great jars to the steps of the Cathedral.

Suddenly the joy bells began to ring, and the little people came laughing and 
singing and shouting from the steep streets and staircases and alleys, and 
they raced and danced into the piazza like Springtime let loose, and they 
chased each other, and caught hands and played in rings, and swarmed among 
the jars, as many and noisy as swallows when they gather for their flight 
over sea in the autumntide.  

" Look well, Messer Gianni," said the Frate, " and perceive who it is that 
shares their frolics." 

As the Brother spoke the eyes of the Syndic were opened; and there, with each 
little child, was his Angel, clothed in white, and white winged; and as the 
little folk contended together, their Angels contended with each other; and 
as they ran and danced and sang, so ran and danced and sang their Angels. 
Which was the laughter of the children, and which that of the Angels, the 
Syndic could not tell; and when the plump two year olds tottered and tumbled, 
their Angels caught them and saved them from hurt; and even if they did weep 
and make a great outcry, it was because they were frightened, not because 
they were injured, and straightway they had forgotten what ailed them and 
were again merrily trudging about.

In the midst of this wonderful vision of young Angels and bright eyed 
children mingling so riotously together, the Syndic heard an inexpressibly 
joyous laugh behind him. Turning his head, he saw that it was the little 
marble Babe in the arms of the Madonna. He was clapping his hands, and had 
thrown back his head against his mother's bosom in sudden delight.

Did the Syndic truly see this? He was certain he did for a moment; and yet in 
that same moment he knew that the divine Babe was once more a babe of stone, 
with its sweet grave face and unconscious eyes; and when the Syndic turned 
again to watch the children, it was only the children he saw; the Angels were 
no longer visible.

" It is not always given to our sinful eyes to see them," said Brother 
Agnolo, answering the Syndic's thought, " but whether we see them or see them 
not, always they are there."

Now it was in the autumn of the same year that the fierce captain of Free 
lances, the Condottiere Ghino, appeared one moonlight night before the gates 
of Spinalunga, and bade the guard open in the name of Pisa.  

As I have said, the little hilltown could only be attacked on the western 
side, on account of the precipitous ravine which divided it from the hills; 
but the ridge before the gate was crowded with eight hundred horsemen and two 
thousand men at arms clamoring to be admitted. Nothing daunted, the garrison 
on the square towers cried back a defiance; the war bell was sounded; and the 
townspeople, men and women, hurried down to defend the walls. 

After the first flight of arrows and quarrels the Freelances fell back out of 
bowshot, and encamped for the night, but the hill men remained on the watch 
till daybreak. Early in the morning Ghino himself rode up the ascent with a 
white flag, and asked for a parley with the Syndic.  

" We are from Pisa," said the Condottiere; " Florence is against us; this 
castello we must hold for our safety. If with your goodwill, well and good! "  

" We are bound by our loyalty to Florence," replied the Syndic briefly.  

"The sword cuts all bonds," said the Freelance, with a laugh; " but we would 
gladly avoid strife. Throw in your lot with us. All we ask is a pledge that 
in the hour of need you will not join Florence against us."  

" What pledge do you ask  " inquired the Syndic.  

" Let twenty of your children ride back with us to Pisa," said the Free 
lance. " These shall answer for your fidelity. They shall be cherished and 
well cared for during their sojourn." 

Who but Messer Gianni was the angry man on hearing this? 

"Our children!" he cried; "are we, then, slaves, that we must needs send you 
our little ones as hostages I Guards, here! Shoot me down this brigand who 
bids me surrender your children to him! 

Bolts flew whizzing from the crossbows; the Freelance shook his iron gauntlet 
at the Syndic, and galloped down the ridge unharmed. The Syndic forgot his 
gout in his wrath, and bade the hill men hold their own till their roofs 
crumbled about their ears. 

Then began a close siege of the castello; but on the fourth day Frate Agnolo 
passed boldly through the lines of the enemy, and was admitted through the 
massive stone gateway which was too narrow for the entrance of either cart or 
wagon. Great was the joy of the hill men as the Brother appeared among them. 
He, they knew, would give them wise counsel and stout aid in the moment of 
danger.  

When they told him of the pledge for which the besiegers asked, he only 
smiled and shook his head. " Be of good cheer," he said, " God and His Angels 
have us in their keeping."  

Thoughtfully he ascended the steep streets to the piazza, and, entering the 
Cathedral, he remained there for a long while absorbed in prayer. And as he 
prayed his face brightened with the look of one who hears joyful news, and 
when he rose from his knees he went to the house of the Syndic, and spoke 
with him long and seriously.  

At sunset that day a man at arms went forth from the from the gates of the 
castello with a white flag to the beleaguering lines, and demanded to be 
taken into the presence of the captain. To him he delivered this message from 
the Syndic: " Tomorrow in the morning the gate of Spinalunga will be thrown 
open, and all the children of our town who are not halt or blind or ailing 
shall be sent forth. Come and choose the twenty you would have as hostages."

 By the campfires that night the Freelances caroused loud and long; but in 
the little hill town the children slept sound while the men and women prayed 
with pale stern faces. An hour after midnight all the garrison from the 
towers and all the strong young men assembled in the square. They were 
divided into two bands, and were instructed to descend cautiously by rope 
ladders into the ravine on the eastern side of the town. Thence without sound 
of tongue or foot they were to steal through the darkness till they had 
reached certain positions on the flanks of the besiegers, where they were to 
wait for the signal of onset. Frate Agnolo gave each of them his blessing, as 
one by one they slid over the wall on to the rope ladders and disappeared in 
the blackness of the ravine. Noiselessly they marched under the walls of the 
town till they reached their appointed posts, and there they lay hidden in 
the woods till morning.

 The Free lances were early astir. As the first ray of golden light streamed 
over the pine woods on to the ridge and the valley, the bells of the 
Cathedral began to ring; the heavy gate of the castello was flung open, and 
the children trooped out laughing and gay, just as they had burst into the 
square a few months ago, for this, they were told, was to be a great feast 
and holiday. As they issued through the deep stone archway they filed to 
right or left, and drew up in long lines across the width of the ridge. Then 
raising their childish voices in a simple hymn, they all moved together down 
the rough slope to the lines of the besiegers. Brother Agnolo, holding a 
plain wooden cross high above his head, led the way, singing joyously.  

It was a wonderful sight in the clear shining air of the hills, and hundreds 
of women weeping silently on the walls crowded together to watch it; and as 
they watched they held their breath, for suddenly in the golden light of the 
morning they saw that behind each child there was a great white winged Angel 
with a fiery spear.  

Then, as that throng of singing children and shining spirits swept down upon 
the Freelances, a wild cry of panic arose from the camp. The eight hundred 
horsemen turned in dismay, and plunged through the ranks of the men at arms, 
and the mercenaries fell back in terror and confusion, striking each other 
down and trampling the wounded underfoot in their frantic efforts to escape. 
At that moment the hill men who were lying in ambush on each flank bore down 
on the bewildered multitude, and hacked and hewed right and left till the 
boldest and hardiest of the horsemen broke and fled, leaving their dead and 
dying on the field.  

So the little hill town of Spinalunga was saved by the children and their 
Angels, and even to this day the piazza of the Cathedral is their very own

The True Story of the Holy Countess of Swabia, Itha

2011-06-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

THE COUNTESS ITHA

In the days of King Ceur de Lion the good Count Hartmann ruled in Kirchberg in the happy Swabian land. And never had that fair land beer happier than it was in those days, for the Count was a devout Christian, a lover of peace in the midst of warlike and rapacious barons, and a ruler just and merciful to his vassals. Among the green and pleasant hills on his domain he had founded a monastery for the monks of St. Benedict, and thither he often rode with his daughter Itha, the delight of his heart and the light of the grim old castle of the Kirchherg so that, seeing the piety of her father, she grew up in the love and fear of God, and from her gentle mother she learned to feel a deep compassion for the poor and afflicted.

No sweeter maid than she with her blue eyes and light brown hair, was there in all that land of sturdy men and nut brown maidens. The people loved the very earth she stood on. In their days of trouble and sorrow she was their morning and their evening star, and they never wearied of praising her goodness and her beauty.

When Itha was in the bloom of her girlhood it befell that the young Count Heinrich of the Toggenburg, journeying homeward from the famous tournament at Cologne, heard of this peerless flower of Swabia, and turned aside to the Castle of Kirchberg to see if perchance he might win a good and lovely wife. He was made was made welcome, and no sooner had he looked on Itha's fair and loving face, and marked with what modesty and courtesy she bore herself, than he heard joy bells ringing in his heart, and said, " Now, by the blessed cross, here is the pearl of price for me! " Promptly he wooed her with tender words, and with eyes that spoke more than tongue could find words for, and passionate observance, and all that renders a man pleasing to a maid.

And Itha was not long to be won, for the Count was young and handsome, tall and strong, and famous for feats of arms, and a mighty lord—master of the rich straights and valleys of the Thur River, and of many a burgh and district in the mountains beyond; and yet, despite all this, he, so noble and beautiful, loved her, even her, the little Swabian maid who had never deemed herself likely to come to such honor and happiness. Nor were the kindly father and mother ill pleased that so goodly a man and so mighty a lord should have their dear child.

So in a little while the Count put on Itha's hand the ring of betrothal, and Itha, smiling and blushing, raised it to her lips and kissed it. " Blissful ring! " said the Count jestingly; " and yet, dearest heart, you do well to cherish it, for it is an enchanted ring, an old ring of which there are many strange stories." Even while he was speaking Itha's heart misgave her, and she was aware of a feeling of doubt and foreboding; but she looked at the ring and saw how massive was the gold and how curiously wrought and set with rare gems, and its brilliancy and beauty beguiled her of her foreboding, and she asked no questions of the stories told of it or of the nature of its enchantment.

Quickly on the betrothal followed the marriage and the leavetaking. With tears in her eyes Itha rode away with her lord, looking back often to the old castle and gazing farewell on the pleasant land and the fields and villages she should not see again for, it might be, many long years. But by her side rode the Count, ever gay and tender, and he comforted her in her sadness, and lightened the way with loving converse, till she put from her all her regret and longing, and made herself happy in their love.

So they journeyed through the rocks and wildwood of the Schwartzwald, and came in view of the blue waters of the lake of Constance glittering in the sun, and saw the vast mountain region beyond with its pine forests, and above the forests the long blue mists on the high pastures, and far over all, hanging like silvery summer clouds in the blue heavens, the skirting peaks of the snowy Alps. And here, at last, they were winding down the fruitful valley of the Thur, and yonder, perched on a rugged bluff, rose the stern walls of Castle Toggenburg, with banners flying from the turrets, and the rocky roadway strewn with flowers, and vassals and retainers crowding, to welcome home the bride.

Now, for all his tenderness and gaiety and sweetness in wooing, the Count Heinrich was a hasty and fiery man, quickly stirred to anger and blind rage, and in sudden storms of passion he was violent and cruel. Not long after their homecoming woe worth the while he flashed out ever and anon in his hot blood at little things which ruffled his temper and spoke harsh words which his gentle wife found hard to bear, and which in his better moments he sincerely repented. Very willingly she forgave him, but though at first he would kiss and caress her, afterwards her very forgiveness and her meekness chafed and galled his proud spirit, so that the first magical freshness of love faded from their life, even as the dew dries on the flower in the heat of the morning.

Not far from the castle, in a clearing in the woods, nestled the little convent and chapel of Our Lady in the Meadow, and thither, attended by one of her pages, the Countess Itha went daily to pray for her husband, that he might conquer the violence of his wild heart, and for herself, that she might not grow to fear him more than she loved him. In these days of her trial, and in the worse days to come, a great consolation it was to her to kneel in the silent chapel and pour out her unhappiness to her whose heart had been pierced by seven swords of sorrow.

Time went by, and when no little angel came from the knees of God to lighten her burden and to restrain with its small hands the headlong passion of her husband, the Count was filled with bitterness of spirit as he looked forward to a childless old age, and reflected that all the fruitful straight of the Toggenburg, and the valleys and townships, would pass away-to some kinsman, and no son of his would there be to prolong the memory of his name and greatness. When this gloomy dread had taken possession of him, he would turn savagely on the Countess in his fits of fury, and cry aloud: " Out of my sight! For all thy meekness and thy praying and thy almsgiving God knows it was an ill day when I set eyes on that fair face of shine! " Yet this was in no way his true thought, for in spite of his lower nature the Count loved her, but it is ever the curse of anger in a man that it shall wreak itself most despitefully on his nearest and best. And Itha, who had learned this in the school of longsuffering, answered never a word, but only prayed the more constantly and imploringly.

In the train of the Countess there were two pages Dominic, an Italian, whom she misliked for his vanity and boldness, and Cuno, a comely Swabian lad, who had followed her from her father's house. Most frequently when she went to Our Lady in the Meadow she dismissed Dominic and bade Cuno attend her, for in her distress it was some crumb of comfort to see the face of a fellow countryman, and to speak to him of Kirchberg and the dear land she had left. But Dominic, seeing that the Swabian was preferred, hated Cuno, and bore the lady scant goodwill, and in a little set his brain to some device by which he might vent his malice on both. This was no difficult task for the Count was as prone to jealousy as he was quick to wrath, and with crafty hint and wily jest and seemingly aimless chatter the Italian sowed the seeds of suspicion and watchfulness in his master's mind consider, then, if these were not days of heartbreak for this lady, still so young and so beautiful, so unlovingly treated, and so far away from the home of her happy childhood. Yet she bore all patiently and without complaint or murmur, only at times when she looked from terrace or tower her gaze travelled beyond the deep pine woods, and in a wistful day dream she retraced, beyond the great lake and the Black Forest, all the long way she had ridden so joyfully with her dear husband by her side. One day in the springtime, when the birds of passage had flown northward, carrying her tears and kisses with them, she bethought her of the rich apparel in which she had been wed, and took it from the carved oaken coffer to sweeten in the sun. Among her jewels she came upon her betrothal ring, and the glitter of it reminded her of what her lord had said of its enchantment and the strange. stories told of it. " Are any of them so sad and strange as mine ~ " she wondered with tears in her eyes; then kissing the ring in memory of that first kiss she had given it, she laid it on a table in the wind was at bay, and busied herself with the bridal finery; and while she was so busied she was called away to some cares of her household, and left the chamber.

When she returned to put away her marriage treasures, the betrothal ring was missing. On the instant a cold fear came over her. In vain she searched the coffer and the chamber; in vain she endeavored to persuade herself that she must have mislaid the jewel, or that perchance the Count had seen it, and partly in jest and partly in rebuke of her carelessness, had taken it. The ring had vanished, and in spite of herself she felt that its disappearance portended some terrible evil. Too fearful to arouse her husband's anger, she breathed no word of her loss, and trusted to time or oblivion for a remedy.

The Countess Itha while after this, as the Swabian page was rambling in the wood near the convent, he heard a great outcry of ravens around a nest in an ancient firtree, and prompted partly by curiosity to know the cause of the disquiet, and partly by the wish to have a young raven for sport in the winter evenings, he climbed up to the nest. Looking into the great matted pack of twigs, feather and lamb's wool, he caught sight of a gold ring curiously chased and set with sparkling gems; and slipping it gleefully on his finger he descended the tree and went his way homeward to the castle.

A few days later when the Count by chance cast his eye on the jewel, he recognized it at a glance for the enchanted ring of many strange stories. The crafty lies of the Italian Dominic flashed upon him; and, never questioning that the Countess had given the ring to her favorite, he sprang upon Cuno as though he would strangle him. Then in a moment he flung him aside, and in a voice of thunder cried for the wildest steed in his stables to be brought forth. Paralysed with fright, the luckless page was seized and bound by the heels to the tail of the half-tame creature, which was led out beyond the drawbridge, and pricked with daggers until it flung off the men at arms and dashed screaming down the rocky ascent into the wildwood.

Stung to madness by his jealousy, the Count rushed to the apartment of the Countess. " False and faithless, false and faithless! " he cried in hoarse rage, and clutching her in his iron grasp, lifted her in the air and hurled her through the casement into the horrible abyss below.

As she fell Itha commended her soul to God. The world seemed to reel and swim around her; she felt as if that long lapse through space would never have an end, and then it appeared to her as though she were peacefully musing in her chair, and she saw the castle of Kirchberg and the pleasant fields lying serene in the sunlight, and the happy villages, each with its great crucifix beside its rustic church, and men and women at labour in the fields. How long that vision lasted she could not tell.

Then as in her fall she was passing through the tops of the trees which climbed up the lower ledges of the castle rocks, green leafy hands caught her dress and held her a little, and strong arms closed about her, and yielded slowly till she touched the ground; and she knew that the touch of these was not the mere touch of senseless things, but a contact of sweetness and power which thrilled through her whole being. Falling on her knees, she thanked God for her escape, and rising again she went into the forest, wondering whither she should betake herself and what she should do; for now she had no husband and no home. She left the beaten track, and plunging through the bracken, walked on till she was tired. Then she sat down on a boulder. Among the pines it was already dusk, and the air seemed filled with a gray mist, but this was caused by the innumerable dry wiry twigs which fringed the lower branches of the trees with webs of fine cordage; and when a ray of the setting sun struck through the pine trunks, it lit up the bracken with emerald and brightened the ruddy scales of the pine bark to red gold. Here it was dry and sheltered, with the thick carpet of pine-needles -underfoot and the thick roof of branches overhead: and but for dread of wild creatures she thought she might well pass the night in this place. To-morrow she would wander further and learn how life might be sustained in the forest.

The last ray of sunshine died away; the deep woods began to blacken; a cool air sighed in the high tops of the trees. It was very homeless and lonely. She took heart, however, remembering God's goodness to her, and placing her confidence in His care.

The Countess Itha Suddenly she perceived a glimmering of lights among the pines. Torches they seemed, a long way off; and she thought it must be the retainers of the Count, who, finding she had not been killed by her fall, had sent them out to seek for her. The lights drew nearer, and she sat very still, resigned to her fate whatsoever it might be. And yet nearer they came, till at length by their shining she saw a great stag with lordly antlers, and on the tines of the antlers glittered tongues of flame.

Slowly the beautiful creature came up to her and regarded her with his large soft brown eyes. Then he moved away a little and looked back, as though he were bidding her follow him. She rose and walked by his side, and he led her far through the forest, till they came to an overhanging rock beside a brook, and there he stopped.

In this hidden nook of the mountain forest she made her home. With branches and stones and turf she walled in the open hollow of the rock. In marshy places she gathered the thick spongy mosses, yellow and red, and dried them in the sun for warmth at night in the cold weather. She lived on roots and berries, acorns and nuts and wild fruit, and these in their time of plenty she stored against the winter. Birds' eggs she found in the spring; in due season the hinds, with their young, came to her and gave her milk for many days; the wild bees provided her with honey. With slow and painful toil she wove the cotton grass and the fibers of the bark of the birch, so that she should not lack for clothing.

In the warm summer months there was a great tranquility and hushed joy in this hard life. A tender magic breathed in the color and music of the forest, in its long pauses of windless daydreaming, in its breezy frolic with the sunshine. The trees and boulders were kindly; and the turf reminded her of her mother's bosom. About her refuge the wild flowers grew in plenty primrose and blue gentian, yellow cinquefoil and pink geranium, and forget me knots, and many more, and these looked up at her with the happy faces of little children who were innocent and knew no care; and over whole acres lay the bloom of the ring, and nothing more lovely grows on earthly hills. Through breaks in the woodland she saw afar the Alpine heights, and the bright visionary peaks of snow floating in the blue air like glimpses of heaven.

But it was a bitter life in the wintertide, when the forest fretted and moaned, and snow drifted about the shelter, and the rocks were jagged with icicles, and the stones of the brook were glazed with cold, and the dark came soon and lasted long. She had no fire, but, by God's good providence, in this cruel season the great stag came to her at dusk, and couched in the hollow of the rock beside her, and the lights on his antlers lit up the poor house, and the glow of his body and his pleasant breath gave her warmth.

Here, then, dead to the world, dead to all she 1oved most dearly, Itha consecrated herself body and soul to God for the rest of her earthly years. If she suffered as the wild children of nature suffer, she was free at least from the cares and sorrows with which men embitter each other's existence. Here she would willingly live so long as God willed; here she would gladly surrender her soul when He was pleased to call it home.

The days of her exile were many. For seventeen years

The Countess Itha she dwelt thus in her hermitage in the forest, alone and forgotten.

Forgotten, did I say ? Not wholly. The Count never forgot her. Stung by remorse (for in his heart of hearts he could not but believe her true and innocent), haunted by the recollection of the happiness he had flung from him, wifeless, childless, friendless, he could find no rest or forgetfulness except in the excitement and peril of the battlefield. But the slaughter of men and the glory of victory were as dust and ashes in his mouth. He had lost the joy of life, the pride of race, the exultation of power. For one look from those sweet eyes, over which, doubtless, the hands of some grateful peasant had laid the earth, he would have joyfully exchanged renown and lordship, and even life itself.

At length in the fullness of God's good time, it chanced that the Count was hunting in a distant part of the forest when he started from its covert a splendid stag. Away through the open the beautiful creature seemed to float before him, and Heinrich followed in hot chase. Across grassy clearings and through dim vistas of pines, over brooks and among boulders and through close under wood, the fleet quarry led him without stop or stay, till at last it reached the hanging rock which was Itha's cell, and there it stood at bay; and alarmed by the clatter of hoofs, a tall pale woman, rudely clad in her poor forest garb, came to the entrance.

Surprised at so strange a sight, the Count drew rein and stared at the woman. Despite the lapse of time and her pallor and emaciation, in an instant he recognized
The Countess Itha , the wife whom he believed dead, and she too recognized the husband she had loved.

How shall I tell of all that was said between those two by that lonely hermitage in the depth of the forest? As in the old days, she was eager to forgive everything; but it was in vain that the Count besought her to return to the life which she had forgotten for so many years. Long had she been dead and buried, so far as earthly things were concerned. She would prefer, despite the hardness and the pain, to spend in this peaceful spot what time was yet allotted to her, but that she longed once more to hear the music of the holy bells, to kneel once more before the altar of God.

What plea could Heinrich use to shake her resolution? His shame and remorse, even his love, held him tongue ied. He saw that she was no longer the meek gentle Swabian maiden who had shrunk and wept at every hasty word and sharp glance of his. He had slain all human love in her; nothing survived save that large charity of the Saints which binds them to all suffering souls on the earth.

Woefully, he consented to her one wish. A simple cell was prepared for her in the wood beside the chapel of Our Lady in the Meadow, and there she dwelt until, in a little while, her gentle spirit was called home.

What Jesus looked like according to a Roman Soldier as told by St. Ansl

2011-06-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

From The Words of An Antique Holy Card ....Description of How Jesus Looked...

During the life of Jesus we have a description of his charisma and appearance. It was written by Tiberius Caesar’s President to Judea, Publius Lentulus. During the 11th Century writing of Saint Anselm of Canterbury, we can read in detail the following regarding how Romans who were intrigued by his majesty and spiritual powers perceived him.

"There is a man in Judea who I am amazed to have witnessed, and who will now describe to you. He is a man of singular virtue. Whose name is Jesus Christ whom the barbarians esteem as a prophet, but his followers love and adore him as the offspring of the immortal God. He calls back the dead from their graves and heals all sorts of diseases with a word or a touch. He is a tall man, well shaped, and of an amiable and reverential aspect. His hair is of a color that can hardly be matched. It falls into graceful curls, waving about and very agreeably couched about his shoulders. It is parted on the crown of his head, running as a stream to the front after the fashion of the Nazarites. His forehead is high, large and imposing. His cheeks are without spot or wrinkle. His face is most beautiful with a lovely red. His nose and mouth formed with exquisite symmetry. His beard is of a color suitable to his hair, reaching below his chin and parted in the middle like a fork. His eyes are bright and blue. They are clear and innocent, dignified, manly and mature. Often times however, just before he reveals his divine powers, his eyelids are gently closed in reverential silence. In proportion of body it is most perfect and amazing to view. His arms and hands are lovely to behold. He rebukes with majesty, and counsels with mildness to who he addresses. Whether in word or deed he is eloquent and sincere. No man has seen him laugh; yet his manners are exceedingly pleasant. But he has wept frequently in the presence of men. He has temperate, modest and wise disposition; a man for his extraordinary beauty and divine perfection. He has a beauty and divine perfection, surpassing the children of men in every sense.

Prayer by Saint Francis Xavier

2011-06-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Prayer
That My Soul Sings With...

My God, I love thee: not because
I hope for heaven thereby,

Nor because they who love thee not
Must burn eternally.

Thou, O my Jesu, Thou didst me
Upon the Cross embrace;

For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace.

And grief and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;

Yea, death itself; and all for me
Who was thine enemy.

Then why, O Blessed Jesu Christ,
Should I not love thee well???

Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell;

Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;

But as thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord!

E’en so I love thee and will love,
And in thy praise will sing,

Solely because thou art my God,
And my eternal King.

The Story of the Grand Saints and Guardian Angels of the Door - True British Holy Story

2011-06-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Guardian Angels and Saint at the Door

THERE was once an orphan girl, far away in a little village on the edge of the moors. She lived in a hovel thatched with reeds, and this was the poorest and the last of all the houses, and stood quite by itself among broom and whins by the wayside.

From the doorway the girl could look across the wild stretches of the moorland; and that was pleasant enough on a summer day, for then the air is clear and golden, and the moor is purple with the bloom of the ring, and there are red and yellow patches of bracken, and here and there a rowan tree grows among the big gray boulders with clusters of reddening berries. -But at night, and especially on a winter night, the darkness was so wide and so lonely that it was hard not to feel afraid sometimes. The wind, when it blew in the dark, was full of strange and mournful voices; and when there was no wind, Mary could hear the cries and calls of the wild creatures on the moor.

Mary was fourteen when she lost her father. He was a rough idle good-for-nothing, and one stormy night on his way home from the tavern he went astray and was found dead in the snow. Her mother had died when she was so small a child that Mary could scarcely remember her face. So it happened that she was left alone in the world, and all she possessed was a dog, some fowls, and her mother's spinning wheel.

But she was a bright, cheerful, courageous child, and soon she got from the people of the village sufficient work to keep her wheel always busy, for no one could look into her face without liking her. People often wondered how so rude and worthless a fellow could have had such a child; she was as sweet and unexpected as the white flowers on the bare and rugged branches of the blackthorn.

Her hens laid well, and she sold all the eggs she could spare; and her dog, which had been trained in all sorts of cunning by her father, often brought her from the moors some wild thing in fur or feathers which Mary thought there was no harm in cooking.

Her father had been too idle and careless to teach her anything, and all that she could recollect of her mother's instruction was a little rhyme, which she used to repeat on her knees beside the bed every night before she went to sleep.

And this was the rhyme:

God bless this house from thatch to floor,
the twelve Apostles guard the door, and four good Angels watch my bed,
two at the foot and two the head.
Amen

Though she was all alone in the world, and had no girl of her own age to make friends with, she was happy and contented, for she was busy from morning till night

And yet in spite of all this, strange stories began to be whispered about the village. People who happened to pass by the old hut late at night declared that they had seen light shining through the chinks in the window shutter when all honest people should have been asleep. There were others who said they had noticed strange men standing in the shadows of the eaves; they might have been highwaymen, they might have been smugglers- they could not tell, for no one had cared to run the risk of going too near-but it was quite certain that there were strange things going on at the hut, and that the girl who seemed so simple and innocent was not quite so good as the neighbors had imagined.

When the village gossip had reached the ears of the white-headed old Parish priest, he sent for the girl and questioned her closely. Mary was grieved to learn that such untrue and unkind stories were told about her. She knew nothing, she said, of any lights or of any men. As soon as it was too dusky to see to work she always fastened her door, and after she had had her supper, she covered the fire and blew out the rush light and went to bed.

"And you say your prayers, my daughter, I hope? " said the Vicar kindly.

Mary hung down her head and answered in a low voice, " I do not know any proper prayers, but I always say the words my mother taught me."

And Mary repeated the rhyme:

God bless this house from thatch to floor,
the twelve Apostles guard the door, and four good Angels watch my bed,
two at the foot and two the head.
Amen

"There could not be a better prayer, dear child! " rejoined the priest, with a smile. '` Go home now, and do not be troubled by what idle tongues may say. Every night repeat your little prayer, and God will take care of you."

Late that night, however, the Priest lit his lantern and went out of doors, without a word to any one. The entire village was still and dark as he walked slowly up the road towards the moor.

"She is a good girl," he said to himself, " but people may have observed something which has given rise to these stories. I will go and see with my own eyes."

'The stars were shining far away in the dark sky, and the green plovers were crying mournfully on the dark moor. -As he passed along the lantern swung out a dim light across the road, which had neither walls nor hedges.

"It is a lonely place for a child to live in by herself," he thought.

At last he perceived the outline of the old hovel, among the gorse and broom, and the next moment he stopped suddenly, for there, as he had been told, a thread of bright light came streaming through the shutters of the small window. He drew his lantern under his cloak, and approached cautiously. The road where he stood was now dim, but by the faint glimmer of the stars he was able to make out that there were several persons standing under the eaves, and apparently whispering together.

The Priest's good old heart was filled with surprise and sorrow. Then it suddenly grew hot with anger, and throwing aside his cloak and lifting up the lantern he advanced boldly to confront the intruder’s. But they were not at all alarmed, and they did not make any attempt to escape him. Then, as the light fell upon their forms and faces, who but the Priest was struck with awe and amazement, and stood gazing as still as a stone!

The people under the eaves were men of another age and another world, strangely clothed in long garments, and majestic in appearance. One carried a lance, and another a pilgrim's staff, and a third a battle-axe; but the most imposing stood near the door of the hut, and in his hand he held two large keys.

In an instant the Priest had guessed who they were, and had uncovered his head and fallen on his knees; but the strangers melted slowly away into the darkness, as if they had been no more than the images of a dream. And indeed the Priest might have thought that he really had been dreaming but for the light which continued to stream through the chink in the shutter.

He arose from his knees and moved towards the window to peep into the hut. Instantly an invisible hand stretched a naked sword across his path, and a low deep voice spoke to him in solemn warning:

" It is the light of Angels. Do not look, or blindness will fall upon you, even as it fell upon me on the Damascus road."

But the aged Priest laid his hand on the sword, and tried to move it away.

" Let me look, let me look! " he said; " better one glimpse of the Angels than a thousand years of earthly sight."

Then the sword yielded to his touch and vanished into air, and the old Priest leaned forward on the windowsill and gazed through the crack. And with a cry of joy he saw a corner of the rude bed, and beside the corner, above the other, three great dazzling wings; they were the left-hand side wings of one of the Angels at the foot of the bed.

Then all was deep darkness.

The Priest thought that it was the blindness that had fallen upon him, but the only regret he felt was that the vision had vanished so quickly. Then, as he turned away, he found that not only had he not lost his sight, but that he could now see with a marvelous clearness. He saw the road, and even the footprints and grains of sand on the road; the hut, and the reeds on the hut; the moor, and the boulders and the rowan-trees on the moor. Everything was as distinct as if it had been-not daylight, but as if the air were of the clear color of a nut-brown brook in summer.

Praising God for all His goodness he returned home, --and as he went he looked back once and again and yet again, and each time he saw the twelve awful figures in strange clothing, guarding the lonely thatched hovel on the edge of the moor.

After this there were no more stories told of Mary, and no one even dared speak to her of the wonderful manner in which her prayer was answered, so that she never knew what the old Priest had seen. But late at night people would rather go a great way round than take the road which passed by her poor hut.

Prayer to The Timekeeper

2011-06-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

PRAYER TO REDEEM LOST TIME

O MY GOD!
Source of all mercy! I acknowledge your sovereign power.
During recalling the wasted years that I have lived during my earthly existence, I believe that you, Lord can and will in an instant, turn what I have lost, into gain. For you are...the ULTIMATE timekeeper.

I firmly believe that...
you can do all things. Please restore to me the time I have given away, or has been taken away from me. Let my future moments be full of amazement, that light not just my path, but the path of those who come with me, by the brilliance of your grace.

I ask that when that I am to appear before you in the not so short days ahead, that I will have become a wise soul, who has learned from you, and through my own experiences, to be a good human creature. And by the way, expect me to ask you, oh loving God, to continue to permit me to learn lessons during eternity, especially when we fly together sharing thoughts and love. Those beautiful heavenly moments will be never need to be counted, for they have been designed by you, oh, precious Timekeeper.
Amen.

Prayer Before a Crucifix

2011-06-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

At The Sight of A Crucifix
Lord Jesus, by that bitterness thou sufferedst for me on the cross, chiefly when thy blessed soul was separated from thy body, have mercy on my soul, now and at its departure from this world, that it may be admitted to life everlasting.
Or:
To what excess, Oh my Savior, hast thou loved me? Oh Jesus, crucified for my salvation, save me.
Or:
Oh Savior of mankind, have mercy on all sinners, and according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out their iniquity.
Or:
I thank thee, Oh my Jesus, for all thy love and mercy to me, and I am sorry for all my ingratitude to thee.

Angel Information

2011-06-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Angel Information

A Little Information for you...about angels...

They are pure spirits, the closest image and likeness of the Creator, were the effect of a divine act of creation.

Angels are "sons of God," living witnesses of the creation of the material universe, where our Angels, began with time and was created by God.

"Angels are spirits," says Saint Augustine, "but it is not because they are spirits that they are Angels. They become Angels when they are sent, for the name Angel refers to their office (job description) not to their nature. You ask the name of this nature, it is spirit; you ask its office, it is that of an Angel (i.e., a messenger).

In the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the most frequently used name to designate the Angels is mal'akh, which means, messenger or legate.

They have been given the name of angels or messengers because their most common duty is to fulfill His word to children here on earth.

"Let us remember," writes Saint Bernard, " that the citizens of that country are spirits, mighty, glorious, blessed, distinct personalities, of graduated rank, occupying the order given them from the beginning, perfect of their kind ... endowed with immortality, passionless, not so created, but so made - that is, through grace, not by nature; being of pure mind, benignant affections, religious and devout; of unblemished morality; inseparably one in heart and mind, blessed with unbroken peace, God's edifice dedicated to the divine praises and service. All this we ascertain by reading, and hold by faith."

GUARDIAN ANGELS

Just as kings give their children a tutor, an attendant from their won court, so the King of Heaven has given men, His adoptive children through grace, tutelary spirits, guardians and protects from His own court.

St. Bernard says that the Angels constantly surround the souls of the faithful in their charge with the most tender care and love. They have but one great desire, that of leading us safely through life until we attain the glory and peace which they themselves possess and fully enjoy while in our company here on earth.

They defend and protect our immortal soul from the seduction of the world and the wiles of Satan. They often shield us from sudden dangers that threaten our life, or come to our rescue when some harm has befallen us. This becomes often manifest with little children who quite often come out of serious accidents without any injury. The mind of the little children cannot be reached with warnings and inspirations, because it is not yet functioning; and thus the Guardian Angel must take direct action in case of danger. Adult persons, in the full use of reason, are warned and cautioned by their Angel, but because they remain free to heed or to ignore such warnings of their Angel, many unfortunate things happen to them in spite of their heavenly protector.

THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL THE DUTIES OF A GUARDIAN ANGEL IS THAT OF POSITIVELY HELPING MAN IN THE TREMENDOUS WORK OF SAVING HIS IMMORTAL SOUL. THEY ACCOMPLISH THIS BY EXCITING IN OUR HEARTS PIOUS AND SALUTARY THOUGHTS AND DESIRES OR, AT TIMES, SALUTARY FEAR OF GOD'S JUDGMENTS. THEY BECOME INTERMEDIARIES BETWEEN GOD AND MAN, AS THEY LAY OUR NEEDS AND OUR FEARS BEFORE HIM, OFFERING GOD OUR DESIRES AND OUR PRAYERS, AND IN RETURN THEY BRING US HIS GRACE AND HIS GIFTS.

The often mentioned activity of the Archangel Raphael, in favor of old Tobias and his son, is the best illustration of the manifold duties of a Guardian Angel. The entire book Tobias gives us not only an example of patience and charity in the holy man Tobais, but also revels to us the wonderful and loving ministry of our Guardian Angels.

Our Guardian Angels pray for us and with us, and they offer our prayers, our suffering, and our good desires to the throne of God. The most consoling truth is revealed by the glorious Archangel Raphael: "I discover then the truth unto you, and I will not hide the secret from you. When thou didst pray with tears, and didst bury the dead, and didst leave thy dinner and hide the dead by day in thy house and bury them at night, I offered thy prayer to the Lord."

Another duty of our Angels is that of praising God, and they wish us to join them in this heavenly occupation. This is the first thing that the Archangel Raphael demanded before revealing his identity: "Bless ye the God of heaven, give glory to him in the sight of all that live, because he has shown his mercy to you." When the faithful soul, leaving this mortal body, shall look for the first time upon the enchanting features of her heavenly guide and try to offer thanks for his loving service, she will probably hear the same answer that the grateful Tobias received from the Archangel Raphael: "Peace be to you, fear not; for when I was with you, I was there by the will of God: bless ye him, and sing praises to him."

When in need of spiritual assistance or in order to ask for prayer, they at Padre Pio's suggestion (Capuchin priest living a S. Giovanni Rotondo Italy) - send their own Guardian Angel to him and often with happy results. It is reported by one, associated with the good Padre, that one morning he complained about the constant arrival of Guardian Angels with various petitions during the night, saying: "Those Guardian Angels didn't let me sleep a moment last night!."

It is at the hour of death that the good Angel shows the greatest zeal in protecting and defending the soul committed to his/her care, invoking often the assistance of other Angels against the wiles and the fury of Satan. According to Origen, " At the hour of death the celestial escort receives the soul the moment it leaves the body." This common Christian belief, of the soul being accompanied by its Angel to the Divine Tribunal is based on the words of Our Lord: "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom." (Luke 16:22)

PRAYER BY NUNS BEFORE TAKING VISITORS

2011-06-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Before Recreation, and Before Paying or Receiving Visits

Grant Oh my God that my whole deportment may be such as becomes a spouse of Jesus Christ. Close my heart against the spirit of the world, and against every sentiment that would be, in the least, displeasing to thee. Teach me, thyself, what I ought to say; preserve me, I beseech thee, from offending thee by my words.

Oh my Jesus who vouchsafest to converse with men, during the mortal life; mercifully grant, that, in my communication with others, I may always be animated with dispositions similar to thine.

Oh, when shall I e so happy as to speak only for thee, of thee, or with thee my God?

Prayer for Nuns Prior to putting on their Habit

2011-06-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Prayers and Traditional Sacredness
From the 1887 St. Vincent's Manual that contains selections of Prayers and Devotional Exercises.
It was the prayer book created for the Sisters of Charity in the United States. Today, these women lovingly and selflessly serve Our Lord by devoting their life and gifts to others.

Before putting on the habit, kiss it affectionately, saying:

Sweet Jesus, Divine Spouse of my soul...while vesting myself with this beloved garment of my cherished alliance to thee, I humbly supplicate thee, to preserve unsullied the nuptial robe, with which thou didst invest my unworthy soul, on the blessed day of my happy consecration to thee!

(Remember these prayers written over one hundred years ago by the women who were once dear nuns. Many of little sisters although not any longer with us on earth, are continuing to serve and pray for us from their place with God.)

In honor and in thankfulness for those sisters either with us today in the flesh or with us in spirit, have serve God, the Church, and us. W must take willingly and with love, now assist them or even take over many of their once performed tasks. These tasks or duties include educating our children, serving the poor and the sick, and encouraging those who suffer mentally, spiritually, and physically. We too wear habits. They are held closely to our heads, our hearts, and our feet. These habits are not visible to the outer world, but seen by heaven and worn by our acts of charity to each other.

It was the prayer book created for the Sisters of Charity in the United States. Today, these women lovingly and selflessly serve Our Lord by devoting their life and gifts to others.

Before putting on the habit, kiss it affectionately, saying:

Sweet Jesus, Divine Spouse of my soul...while vesting myself with this beloved garment of my cherished alliance to thee, I humbly supplicate thee, to preserve unsullied the nuptial robe, with which thou didst invest my unworthy soul, on the blessed day of my happy consecration to thee!

(Remember these prayers written over one hundred years ago by the women who were once dear nuns. Many of little sisters although not any longer with us on earth, are continuing to serve and pray for us from their place with God.

In honor and in thankfulness for those sisters either with us today in the flesh or with us in spirit, have serve God, the Church, and us. W must take willingly and with love, now assist them or even take over many of their once performed tasks. These tasks or duties include educating our children, serving the poor and the sick, and encouraging those who suffer mentally, spiritually, and physically. We too wear habits. They are held closely to our heads, our hearts, and our feet. These habits are not visible to the outer world, but seen by heaven and worn by our acts of charity to each other.

Prayer When You Use Holy Water

2011-06-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

When You Take Holy Water, Say The Following Prayer

Wash me, Oh my Jesus in thy own precious blood, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Show us, Oh Lord, thy mercy, and grant us thy salvation.

AMEN

Prayer to Help the Dying

2011-06-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

Prayer For The Dying

From the Book Prayers For The Dying By Fr. Francis P LeBuffe, S.J

Go Forth, Christian Soul, out of this world

Go Forth –

This is not your true home, only a tarrying place…

You came here on a visit and that visit is now ending…

Your period of work is over, and judgment is now to be passed on your workmanship…

The summons is imperative; and to obey it or not, does not fall within your free choice…

Go Forth

Christian Soul –

An immortal thing that had a beginning but will have no end…

That which has had the power of knowing truth and loving goodness,

And yet of hearkening to the call of evil…

The real Master to whom the good of the life now ending will be credited, and against whom its evil will be charged…

Christian Soul –

So loved of God, that He brought you into

His Holy Church through Baptism…

And thus made you a member of His Mystical Body…

And made you His soldier at Confirmation…

And forgave you your sins through the ministry of His priests…

And fed you when you would, on His own Body and Blood…

And has just come to you as viaticum –

Food for your long, last journey –

And Has just cleansed your senses with His sacred anointing that may be fit for Heaven…

And will give you Himself for all eternity if you persevere for a few moments longer…

Out of this world –

Which God made and” saw that it was good” (Gen)

Which has been for you –

The scene of many real joys…

And yet a vale, too of many sorrows…

A place of probation –

Wherein to do your life’s work…

And thus prove yourself worth of Heaven…

A tarrying place, but not your real home…

In the name of God, The Father Almighty, who created thee ..

At the command of God, The Father Almighty, who created thee …

Shielded by the love of God, The Father Almighty, who created thee …

Feel the love of Christ within your weary body. Enjoy, the embrace of the Holy Spirit inside of you. And allow the Arms of Your Father outstretched before you, to take you home…Remember us ...when you return home…we will not forget you in our prayers…We let you go…we wish you, dear Christian Soul, the reward of your merit. Amen

Prayer to Read and Acquire Knowledge

2011-06-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

When You Take Up A Book
Oh, fountain of all light, vouchsafe, I beseech thee, to enlighten my understanding; give me a diligent and humble spirit, and an efficacious desire to apply whatever I read to the glory of God, the sanctification of my soul, and the salvation of others through interior and exterior study in all that you wish me to learn.

After Reading
Oh my God, foster the divine seed which thou hast sown in my soul.
Grant Oh my Jesus, that like thy Blessed Mother, I may keep all thy words, pondering them in my heart. When I read, let me be moved to learn what is honest, thorough, and timeless. Once learned let me share it with all who cross my path.

The Saint of Married Love - Countess Genovefa of the Rhine

2011-06-09T08:33:00.001-07:00

In all the provinces of the Rhineland, there was once a very special couple. Heaven blessed their early days together. However, the forces of evil that seeks to destroy true love would attack them from every side.

The Lord of the castle in the Andernach region of the Rhine was known as Count Siegfried of the Palanate. It was his wife, the Countess Genovefa, who was venerated and esteemed by all. The people called her “Heilge” or Holy Genovefa. She was later called St., Genovefa. She indeed, was worthy of this title. She suffered cruel trials and sorrows. Let us begin to tell you of the true tale of Siegfried and Genovefa…

Siegfried’s castle stood near the old town of Andernach, just at the time when Charles Martel was reigning over the Franks.

Siegfried and his young wife lived in peaceful unity. It was only when the cloud of war came over their happiness, did their love and joy become tested. It was the much-dreaded Arabs from Spain, who had forced their way into the land of Gaul, who began the days of their sadness. These enemies of the Cross were now marching northwards, burning and destroying all on their course. They were enemies of the Christianity and the bells that told of the sacrifice of a God they would not hear…

Unless the land of the west was to share the fate of Africa, they had to be subdued by those who fought in heart or name, for the right to love Christ.

The war cry had reached the Palatinate. Siegfried had to go forth to the fight for freedom for the land dedicated to the God of all. Equipped in his armor, and having kissed his weeping wife, he bade farewell to the castle of his ancestors. As he looked back at the home where his beloved would wait for him, he was sad. His heart grieved at leaving the spot where, the happiest days of his life had been spent.

He entrusted the management of his property to Golo, his steward. He asked that his beloved wife be protected from danger during the time he was away. He asked Genovefa to trust Golo. He would assist her in providing for those entrusted to their care.

The poor countess was heartbroken at this bitter separation. Siegfried was her earthly love. The man destined to remind her of Christ, as husband and lifelong sacred spouse. From She felt immediately the loneliness of the castle. She deeply longed for her husband and his happy presence. She grieved for the sound of his voice, and the touch of his cheek upon her own.

She felt uneasiness with Golo. She would never speak to Golo as a friend. Indeed, her husband had recommended her to be cared and protected by him as her servant, but the way he looked at her was inappropriate, somehow evil or wrong. Then one day she recognized that his look was not one of friendship or sincere caring. It was a look that caused her eyes to shrink from his look. He had a passionate look, which gleamed in, through his eyes. It seemed to her that he was watching her every movement with looks her childlike soul did not wish to understand.

She missed her husband and his very presence more and more. To ease her longing she would go out on the balcony. It was here that she weaved golden dreams. The dreams were of her and Siegfried She dreamed of wedded bliss, a future of faith and love together. Often while she sat or stood on the balcony, looking out over the hazy blue distance, she could imagine the moment when Siegfried would return. Upon his return, she would lean her head upon his breast. She would tell him of the great happiness that heaven had in store for them.

Perhaps the war against the heathens might not last so long. Perhaps, she would be able to hold pledges of their love joyfully out to him from the balcony. With every dream the countess’ lovely face would be lit up with a gleam of blissful happiness. She would often bring her distaff to the balcony. She would weave dreams and cloth as she continued to look out into the hazy blue distance.

The secret aversion, which the countess intuitively felt towards the steward, was not without reason. Her angelic beauty had awakened lustful passion in Golo’s breast. Day by day, he did not strive to hide that he was lusting for her. On the contrary he sought her out to frequently discuss unimportant issues. She would respond with Christian kindness and ladylike courtesy. This ignited his. Passion even more, and one day, losing all control, he threw himself at the countess’ feet, declaring his love for her, and imploring her to return it.

Upon this disclosure, Genovefa with indignation and scorn, not only rejected his love, but also forbad him to appear before her again. He had betrayed not only her, but also Siegfried. He had utterly forgotten his duty. She told him that as soon as Siegfried returned, she would tell her spouse about his evil actions.

Golo’ s eyes flared up, and a deadly look of hatred gleamed from them. . He knew now he could hope for little or no pardon from her anger and shock. . Besides, his pride would not allow him to seek it. He desired only one thing now. This desire was for revenge. He had only the desire to create a dastardly plan. A plan to avoid Siegfried’s wrath and destroy Genovefa.

Hatred daily raged in his breast. He continued planning his revenge. The plan began as he dismissed all the servants of the castle. He put new ones of his own creation in their places. There were now only strangers in the castle except for he and Genovefa. Then one day he implemented his revenge. In front of the new employees, he appeared before the countess, and openly accused her of being unfaithful to her husband far away.

Genovefa was robbed of speech. She was shocked at such shameful words. Golo explained to all the new servants who were standing around in silent amazement, that he had already informed the count of Genovefa’s faithless conduct. Additionally, he, Golo as present administrator of the castle, would impose temporary punishment of the sinful seductress. He condemned the countess to be imprisoned in the dungeon, until the Siegfried returned home. Genovefa begged for the truth to be heard. She cried for justice with her tears. There was not a friend or just voice to defend her. She cried and finally, fainted from her protestations.

The unhappy Genovefa awakened to find herself in an underground cell of the castle. She covered her face in deep sorrow. It was now that she sought her true help. She implored her Father in Heaven, who had sent her this trial, to assist her in her present affliction. She begged for the gifts of faith and fortitude.

There in the dungeon, after several months, she was to give birth to a baby. The baby was a boy. Without the comfort of a priest to administer the Sacraments, she herself baptized him with her tears. She gave him the name of Tristan, which means “full of sorrows.”

Siegfried had already been absent six months. He had fought like a hero. The followers of Mohamed having crossed the Pyrenees struggled with wild enthusiasm, hoping to subdue the rest of Western Europe to the doctrines of Islam. They sought to do this by fire and sword. In several encounters, the Franks had been obliged to give way to their power. These unbridled hordes had already penetrated into the heart of Gaul. It was here when Charles first appeared, and engaged the Arabs in the bloody battle of Tours. From morning until evening the struggle on which hung the fate of Christian Europe raged. And it was during these brutal battles that Charles was proven to be a great leader. He was given the worthy name of Martel. Martel, which means “the hammer.”

Siegfried fought with Charles. He was by his leader’s side like a lion; but towards one evening after fighting with courage, a Saracen’s lance pierced him. Though the wound was not mortal, he was obliged to remain inactive. For several months he lay on a sick bed, where he the thought longing with love in his heart, of his wife by the Rhine.

A messenger arrived one day at the camp. He was bearing a parchment from Golo. The count gazed long at the fateful letter trying to comprehend its meaning Golo had written, “Your wife is unfaithful to you. She has betrayed you with a servant named Drägo. The servant has been caught, but has since run away. The brokenhearted husband crushed the letter with his hand, a groan escaping: from his white lips. He then made a decision. He would go home. He started off accompanied a few followers. ‘He road onward, never stopping until he reached his own fort. There on the balcony where Genovefa once stood, now stood a servant. The servant looking searchingly out into the distance, and seeing a cloud of dust approaching in which a group of horsemen, announced it must be the triumphant Master of the castle.

A stately knight advanced, his charger stamping threateningly on the Drawbridge. Golo with hypocritical emotion stood before the count. The count had alighted from his horse. He was informed again of what had happened. “Where is the evildoer who has stained the honor of my house, where is he that I may crush his life out!”

“My lord, I have punished the wretch deservedly and banished him out of the castle,” answered Golo in a stern voice, sighing deeply.

The count made, a sign to Golo whose false eyes gleamed with devilish joy, to lead the way.

Siegfried entered the dungeon, followed by his servants and also by those who had traveled with him. . Genovefa listened breathlessly in her prison, with her beloved Siegried’s name trembling on her lips along with a prayer to God in her heart. Now the terrible trial would come to an end. Now she would leave this dungeon of disgrace triumphantly. She would, exchange her crown of thorns for the wreath of Christian victory.

The bolt was unfastened. Firm steps and the voices of men were heard. The iron doors were dashed open. She snatched her slumbering child. This boy who was the living reflection of their vow and the pledge of their love, and she held him towards her dear husband. Before she could utter her a sound, a cry of agony escaped her. Her husband had thrown her from him. He began to accuse her with words that bashed her soul like blows from a hammer to her head. The poor innocent countess was left senseless on the ground. The next day two servants lead mother and child out into the forest, where with their own hands, they were to kill her because of her unfaithful conduct. Her child was also to be killed. They hunter servants were to bring back two tongues from their bodies to the count as a proof that they had obeyed his orders.

The servants drove them into the wildest and deepest areas of the forest. It was here only the screams of birds of prey would break the silence. They men drew their knives. But the poor countess fell on her knees, and holding up her little child, implored them to spare if not her life, the life of her helpless child. Pity entered the two men’s hearts and withheld their hands and swords. Dragging the mother and child still deeper into the forest, they turned away hastily, leaving their victims to survive with only heaven and prayers

Genovefa’s tired feet wandered through the unknown forest. Her little child crying with hunger. He needed milk. She was unable to feed him. She cried to God with fervent prayer from the depth of her despair, for food for her son. The prayers of parents go to the Father the quickest, and suddenly there was relief of her dull pain within her heart. She felt composed and realized that her Father in heaven would not forsake them. Soon she and the baby both fell into a deep and sweet sleep. Upon awakening to her great astonishment she saw a cavern. In this cave she and Tristan would find shelter and warmth. Immediately, God wished to show her that he had indeed heard her prayer. A beautiful milk white doe came towards them. She rubbed herself caressingly against the abandoned Genovefa. Genovefa noticed that the doe was also a mother. She had breasts that had nurtured life. She asked this mother doe, if it would be a wet nurse to her starving little boy. The doe willingly allowed the little child to nurse. The next day the gentle does came back again. Genovefa thanked God from the innermost parts of her soul, for finding her son food and saving his life. She thanked him for shelter and the companionship of the doe. Soon Genovefa found roots, berries, and plants. The baby could now eat, and no longer needed the nourishment of the little white doe. However, everyday the doe continued to come back to comfort both Mother and child. They never were without their little guardian doe

Days, weeks, and months passed. Her unfaltering faith had rendered her agony less. In time she learned to forgive her husband who had condemned her unjustly. She even found that the message of her Lord God Christ was within her. She forgave her enemy. She even pardoned Golo who had taken such bitter revenge on her. Through forgiveness and hard work she was free and happy. Her lovely cheeks had become thinner, but the forest winds had breathed a soft red into them. Tristan was a child who had no cares nor gnawing pain in its heart, he grew into a beautiful little boy full of happiness and faith.

At the castle on the Rhine, sorrow was a constant guest since this terrible event had happened. Siegfried’s burning anger had sunk into sorrow, and often when he was wandering restlessly through the rooms so rich in sweet memories, where, now only a deserted stillness reigned. Agony awoke again in his heart. He now repented of his hastiness and severe punishment. In his ear his good angel whispered that he had been too cruel with his punishment, that he had condemned too quickly, and that he should have considered what he could have done to mitigate her punishment.

When these haunting voices pursued him, he would hurry away from the castle and its loneliness, not being able to bear the torment of his thoughts. Then to forget his trouble, he would follow the chase with the yelping hounds. But he only seldom succeeded in dulling his misery. Everywhere he seemed to see the pale face of Genovefa, looking imploringly at him from the floor of the dungeon.

The state of his master’s soul had not escaped Golo. This crafty and evil man cringed with bliss. The more sorrowful the count, the more Golo would feign to care for his welfare. A starving person accepts even the bread, which a thief offers, and Siegfried, supposing his steward wished to compensate him for his loss, accepted willingly every proof of devotion, and recompensed him with his favor. Although at the same time hating the man in his inmost soul. It was Golo who had rendered him such terrible news.

One day the count was extremely sad. He was angry with God. God once reigned with joy in his soul and marriage. He fought for Christ. Christ was not present in protecting his sacred marriage while he fought for his sacred symbols and holy land. He vowed that it would be impossible for him to forgive a God who like his wife, betrayed. He said there would never be anything that would make him love or serve heaven again. He then rode faster into the forest. During this chase, only only a few retainers, one of who was Golo, accompanied him. Siegfried pressed deeper than was his custom into the forest. A milk white doe sprang up before him. It was unusual, and with his need for a conquest, he chased this singularly beautiful animal. It was fast. He followed it into the bushes, hoping to shoot it. Hi drew his spear. It grazed the doe. The doe wounded, disappeared suddenly into a cavern. A woman whose ragged garments scarcely covered her nakedness, leading a little baby by the hand, suddenly came out of opening in the rock. The little doe was seeking her protection. The doe rubbed herself against Genovefa. Genovefa said who has hurt my little protectress?

She looked at the hunter, and her limbs began to tremble. She could scarcely stand, only her large ‘sad blue eyes gazed wistfully at him. A stifled cry, half triumphant, half a groan, escaped from her lips, and she threw herself at the count’s feet. From the voice, which had for long months only moved in earnest prayer or in low sweet words to the child, now flowed in solemn protestations of her innocence. Her words burned like fire into the soul of the count, and drawing her to his breast, he kissed her away her tears. He thanked Christ and begged his forgiveness for his anger and hate, and then he sank at Genovefa’s feet imploring her pardon.

He then pressed his little boy to his heart. He was again overcome with gratitude. He had found a touch of heaven in the happiness he now felt. He wept with joy. He called his son by a thousand affectionate names.

Then at the sound, of his bugle horn his retinue hastened towards him, Golo among them.

Do you know these two?” thundered out the count to the latter, tearing him from the throng and conducting him to Genovefa. The wretch, as if struck by a club, broke down and, clasping his master’s knees, he confessed his wickedness and sin. Golo begged for mercy. Siegfried thrust him contemptuously from him. He refused sternly, in spite of the countess’ intercession, to pardon Golo for his crimes. Gob was bound and led away, and a disgraceful death was his reward.

Now began a time of great happiness for Siegfried and his saint like wife. They lived their lives with a sense of undisturbed peace. They focused their love not only on each other, but also on those whose lives they could assist.

In gratitude to Christ and the Court of Heaven, Siegfried had a church built on the spot where the white doe had first appeared to him.

It was at this church that the countess often made a pilgrimage. This house of God was a reminder to her that faith and miracles are often not where we would expect them to be. In this church she would thank her Father for all that had happened to her. He had caused her tears to be turned into joy. She had been tested. The tests were not for God. She now realized that the tests were for her, for Siegfried, and for Golo. She knew who was the Master of her destiny. She knew that in the end, “all would be well,” for those who carried their crosses to Christ.

Finally, the day came when her soul had traveled to heaven. Her earthly remains were carried into the forest. It was here that she was to buried. She was place inside the church. The name and story of St. Genovefa comforts many married couples who wish to find faith and hope in their marriage vows.

Even now in Laach, Germany, the wanderer can be shown the church and the tombstone of St. Genovefa. The cavern, too, where she suffered so much, can be visited. It is said, that when tears from a soul in pain and prayer are heard from these sacred places, an animal can be felt. It is believed that it is the milk white doe who comes from heaven and Genovefa’s side, remind them to pray for faith and fortitude, and to never give up.

The Vision After Death in Church of the Forgiving Wife - Royal Highness Maria Brabant of Bavaria

2011-06-09T00:27:00.000-07:00

In the walled-up and an-
cient chapel on the Wie-
den, Wieskapelle or Herr-
gottskapelle as it was
often called, behind St.
Peters, there was for-
merly a cross graven in
the pavement.

Old people used to tell me about it when I was
a youngster, but the chapel had long been abandoned
even then, and served as a storage place for old docu-
ments and the like, as it does today. Some time later,
I once had a chance to go in, and I hunted everywhere
but did not find anything. Be it, that the carving,
which they had told me was even then getting blurred,
had now become entirely invisible, or the stone had been
turned over, or removed, I was sorry enough not to
find it. Whether it comes to light again in the future
or not, it was an interesting old relic and the tale
about it was as follows:

1) A tablet on the east wall of St. Peter shows the spot,
where it stood.

Duke Ludwig der Strenge, who, as is well known,
caused his wife, the beautiful Maria von Brabant, of
whom he was jealous, to be killed, Anno Domini 1256,
at Donauworth, was harassed by ever-increasing remorse,
and came often from the royal castle, or when he
was abroad for any other reason, to pray in the Wies-
kapelle for forgiveness of his deed.

Here, one day, he thought he saw a female figure
on the epistle side of the altar, very like Maria von
Brabant, who looked over at him with a glance none
too mild, but still not too stern, and around whose
neck was a red line, as fine as a hair. That last was
the surest sign for him, that it was she. He bowed
his head in great grief, and when he raised it again,
he saw nothing more of the form and concluded, it
had been a picture of his fancy; but still, his spirits
were somewhat raised, for God had sent him a vision,
which had not looked at him in anger.

He gave thanks for that, filled with a still greater
longing for forgiveness, and raising his arms to heaven
he said with all possible fervor, "Oh Domine, absolve
me per innocentiam Mariae". He said that twice, and
when he had ended, music gradually became audible,
and it was as if angels were singing. It could have
been nothing else either, for he knew that beside
himself, no one was in the Wieskapelle. So he
listened right deferently and when the singing ended,
he repeated a third time, what he had said before.

Then he became aware of a sweet voice behind
him which said, "Ludovice, te absolvit Dominus noster!"
At the mention of God's pardon, he turned around
filled with joy, to gaze into the shining countenance

of Maria von Brabant, who said further, "Sicut Deus
et ego." Which means, "like God I forgive thee",
and vanished.

Thereupon Duke Ludwig der Strenge fell upon his
face and wept like a child, bitterly, yet full of gladness
because he knew then, that he was forgiven.

And, they say, as a memorial of what had hap-
pened, he caused a cross to be cut into the stone,
where Maria had stood behind him.

From a website to encourage visitors to Fuerstenfelbruck -

The town has all necessary supply for the citizens and visitors. A main reason for a visit could be a trip to the Former Monastery Church of Fürstenfeld. People who like Italian stucco arts and paints from the Rokoko and Barock, big names like the Brothers Asam leaved pictures there, would be appreciated.

A short view back in history

In the 12th century the town was named "market bruck". The reason why: there was a good place to cross the river Amper and the old salt street from the south, leading over Munich to Augsburg, was a very important road. So the ancient goverment places on this "bruck"= bridge a road toll house.

In 1256 happened a great injustice. The Bavarian Duke Ludwig II (the Severe) was far from home. His young wife, Maria von Brabant, wrote him letters, but one of these was not supposed for him. It was changed by an employe, perhaps a mistake, perhaps a political intrigue. The letter normally would be harmless, the legend says, it was only a nice letter to another aristocrat telling him thanks for his friendship and allow him to use a personally adress in talks.

Her husband in his rashness let her behead because of alleged adultery. Later after coming back he found out that he was a fool and the judgement an injustice.

In 1263 Cistercian monks from Lower Bavaria founded this monastery on the "Prince's field" as a penitence which had been imposed for the Duke's impulsive act by Pope Alexander IV.

The Story of Saint Dororthy

2011-06-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

In the cruel days of old, when Diocletian was the Master of the World, and the believers in the Cross were maimed, and tortured with fire, and torn with iron hooks, and cast to the lions, and beheaded with the sword, Dorothea, a beautiful maiden of Caesarea, was brought before Sapricius, the Governor of Cappadocia, and commanded to forsake the Lord Christ and offer incense to the images of the false gods.

Though she was so young and so fair and tender, she stood unmoved by threats and entreaties, and when, with little pity on her youth and loveliness, Sapricius menaced her with the torment of the iron bed over a slow fire, she replied: " Do with me as you will. No pain shall I fear, so firm is my trust in Him for whom I am ready to die."

" Who, then, is this that has won thy love " asked the Governor.

" It is Christ Jesus, the Son of God. Slay me and I shall but the sooner be with Him in His Paradise, where there is no more pain, neither sorrow, but the tears are wiped from all eyes, and the roses are in bloom always, and for ever the fruit of joy is on the trees."

" Thy words are but the babbling of madness," said the Governor angrily.

" I am not mad, most noble Sapricius."

" Here, then, is the incense; sacrifice, and save thy life."

" I will not sacrifice," replied Dorothea.

" Then shalt thou die," said Sapricius; and he bade the dooms man take her to the place of execution and strike off her head.

Now as she was being led away from the judgment seat, a gay young advocate named Theophilus said to her jestingly: " Farewell, sweet Dorothea: when thou hast joined thy lover, wilt thou not send me some of the fruit and roses of his Paradise? "

Looking gravely and gently at him, Dorothea answered: " I will send some."

Whereupon Theophilus laughed merrily, and went his way homeward.

At the place of execution, Dorothea begged the dooms man to tarry a little, and kneeling by the block, she raised her hands to heaven and prayed earnestly. . At that moment a fair child stood beside her, holding in his hand a basket containing three golden apples and three red roses.

" Take these to Theophilus, I pray thee," she said to the child, " and tell him Dorothea awaits him in the Paradise whence they came."

Then she bowed her head, and the sword of the doomsman fell.

Mark now what follows...

Theophilus, who had reached home, was still telling of what had happened and merrily repeating his jest about the fruit and flowers of Paradise, when suddenly, while he was speaking, the child appeared before him before him with the apples and the roses. " Dorothea," he said," has sent me to thee with these, and she awaits thee in the garden., And straightway the child vanished.

The fragrance of those heavenly roses filled Theophilus with a strange pity and gladness; and, eating of the fruit of the Angels, he felt his heart made new within him, so that he, also, became a servant of the Lord Jesus, and suffered death for His name, and thus attained to the celestial garden.

Centuries after her martyrdom, the body of Dorothea was laid in a bronze shrine richly inlaid with gold and jewels in the church built in her honor beyond Tiber,
in the seven-hilled city of Rome.

There it lay in the days when Waldo was a brother at the Priory of Three Fountains, among the wooded folds of the Taunus Hills; and every seven years the shrine was opened that the faithful might gaze on the maiden martyr of Caesarea.

An exceeding great love and devotion did Waldo bear this holy virgin, whom he had chosen for his patroness, and one of his most ardent wishes was that he might
some day visit the church beyond Tiber, and kneel by the shrine which contained her precious relics. In summer the red roses, in autumn the bright apples on the
tree, reminded him of her; in the spring he thought of her youth and beauty joyously surrendered to Christ, and the snow in winter spoke to him of her spotless
innocence. Thus through the round of the year the remembrance of her was present about him in fair suggestions; and indeed had there been any lack of these every gift of God would have recalled her to his mind, for was not that—" the gift of God "—her name ~ Notwithstanding his youth, Waldo was ripe in learning, well skilled in Latin and Greek, and so gifted beyond measure in poetry and music that people said he had heard the singing of Angels and had brought the echo of it to the earth. His hymns and sacred songs were known and loved all through the German land, and far beyond.

The children sang them in the processions on the high feast days, the peasants sang them at their work in house or field, travelers sang them as they journeyed over the long heaths and through the mountain forests, fishers and rafts men sang them on the rivers. He composed the Song of the Sickle which cuts at a stroke the corn in its ripeness and the wild flower in its bloom, and the Song of the Millwheel, with its long creak and quick clap, and the melodious rush of water from the buckets of the wheel, and many another which it would take long to tell of; but that which to himself was sweetest and dearest was Golden Apples and Roses Red, the song
in which he told the legend of St. Dorothea his patroness.

Now when Waldo was in the six and thirtieth year of his age he was smitten with leprosy; and when it was found that neither the relics of the saints, nor the prayers of holy men, nor the skill of the physician availed to cure him, but that it was God's will he should endure to the end, the Prior entreated him to surrender himself to that blessed will, and to go forth courageously to the new life of isolation which awaited hum. For in those days it was not lawful that a leper should abide in the companionship of men, and he was set apart lest his malady should bring others to a misery like his own.

Deep was the grief of the brethren of Three Fountains when they were summoned to attend the sacred office of demission which was to shut out Waldo for ever from intercourse with his fellows. And well might any good heart sorrow, for this was the order of that office.

The altar was draped in black, and Mass for the Dead was sung; and all the things that Waldo would need in the house of his exile, from the flint and iron which gave fire to the harp which should give solace, were solemnly blessed and delivered to him. Next he was warned not to approach the dwellings of men, or to wash in running streams, or to handle the ropes of draw wells, or to drink from the cups of wayside springs. He was forbidden the highways, and when he went abroad a clapper must give token of his coming and going. Nothing that might be used by others should he touch except with covered hands.

When after these warnings he had been exhorted to patience and trust in God's mercy and love, the brethren formed a procession, with the cross going before, and led him away to his hermitage among the wooded hills. On a little wood lawn, beyond a brook crossed by steppingstones, a hut of boughs had been prepared for him, and the Prior bade him mark the grey boulder on the further side of the brook, for there he would find left for him, week by week, such provisions as he needed.

Last rite of all, the Prior entering the hut strewed over his bed of bracken a handful of mould from the churchyard, saying, " Sis mortuus mundo—Dead be thou to the world, but living anew to God," and turfs

from the churchyard were laid on the roof of the hut. Thus in his grey gown and hood was Waldo committed alive to his grave, and the brethren, chanting a requiem, returned to the Priory.

The tidings of Waldo's grievous lot traveled far and wide through the German land, and thenceforth when his songs were sung many a true man's heart was heavy and many a good woman's eyes were filled with tears as they bethought them of the poor singer in his hut among the hills. Kindly souls brought alms and provisions and laid them on his boulder by the brook, and oftentimes as they came and went they sang some hymn or song he had composed, for they said, " So best can we let him know that we remember him and love him." Indeed, to his gentle heart the sound of their human voices in that solitude was as the warm clasp of a beloved hand.

When Waldo had lived there alone among the hills for the space of two years and more, and his malady had grown exceeding hard to bear, he was seized with a woeful longing—such a longing as comes upon a little child for its mother when it has been left all alone in the house, and has gone seeking her in all the chambers, and finds she is not there. And as on a day he went slowly down to the boulder by the stream in the failing light, thinking of her who had cherished his childhood—how he had clung to her gown, how with his little hand in hers he had run by her side, how she had taken him on her lap and made his hurts all well with kisses, his heart failed him, and crying aloud " Mother, O mother' " he knelt by the boulder, and laid his head on his arms, weeping. Then from among the trees on the further side of the brook came a maiden running, but she paused at the steppingstones when she saw Waldo, and said, " Was it thy voice I heard calling 'Mother'? "

The monk did not answer or move.

" Art thou Brother Waldo ? " she asked.

Raising his head, he looked at her and replied, " I am Brother Waldo."

" Poor brother, I pity thee," said the maiden; " there is no man or maid but pities thee. If thou wilt tell me of thy mother, I will find her, even were I to travel far, and bid her come to thee. Well I would she will come to thee if she may."

For all his manhood and learning and holiness, Waldo could not still the crying of the little child within him, and he told the maiden of his mother, and blessed her, and asked her name. When she answered that it was Dorothy, "Truly," said he, "it is a fair name and gracious, and in thy coming thou hast been a gift of God to me."

Thereupon the maiden left him, and Waldo returned to his hut, comforted and full of hope.

After a month had gone Dorothy returned. Crossing the steppingstones in the dear light of the early morning, she found Waldo meditating by the door of his hut.

" I have done thy bidding, brother," she said in a gentle voice, " but alas! thy mother cannot come to thee. Grieve not too much at this, for she is with God. She must have died about the time thou didst call for her; and well may I believe that it was she who sent me to thee in her stead."

" The will of God be done," said Waldo, and he bowed

wed his head, and spoke no more for a long while; but the maiden stood patiently awaiting till he had mastered his grief.

At length he raised his head and saw her. " Art thou not gone ? " he asked. " I thought thou hadst gone. Thou art good and gentle, and I thank thee. Go now, for here thou mayst not stay."

" Nay, brother," replied Dorothy, " thou hast no mother to come to thee now, no companion or friend to minister to thee. This is my place. Do not fear that I shall annoy or weary thee. I shall but serve and obey thee, coming and going at thy bidding. Truly thou art too weak and afflicted to be left any more alone."

" It may not be, dear child. Thy father and mother or others of thy kinsfolk need thee at home."

" All these have been long dead," said Dorothy, " and I am alone. Here in the wood I will find me a hollow tree, and thou shalt but call to have me by thee, and but lift a finger to see me no more."

" Why wouldst thou do this for me? " asked Waldo, wondering at her persistency.

" Ah, brother, I know thy suffering and I love thy songs."

"And cost thou not shudder at this horror that is upon me, and dread lest the like befall thee too? "

Then Dorothy laughed low and softly to herself, and answered only so.

In this wise the maiden came to minister to the poor recluse, and so gracious was she and humble, so prudent and yet so tender, that in his suffering she was great solace to him, bringing his food from the boulder and his drink from the brook, cleaning his cell and freshening it with fragrant herbs; and about the cell she made: garden of wholesome plants and wild flowers, and all kindly service that was within her power she did for him.

So beautiful was she and of such exceeding sweetness, that when his eyes rested upon her, he questioned in his mind whether she was a true woman and not an Angel sent down to console him in his dereliction. And that doubt perplexed and troubled him, for so little are we Angels yet that in our aches and sorrows of the flesh it is not the comfort of Angels but the poor human pitiful touch of the fellow creature that we most yearn for. Once, indeed, he asked her fretfully, " Tell me truly in the name of God, art thou a very woman of flesh and blood? "

" Truly then, brother," she answered, smiling, " I am of mortal flesh and blood even as thou art, and time shall be when this body that thou seest will be mingled with the dust of the earth."

" Is it then the way of women to sacrifice so much for men as thou hast done for me? "

" It is the way of women who love well," said Dorothy.

" Then needs must I thank thy namesake and my patroness in heaven," rejoined Waldo.

" Yea, and is St. Dorothea thy patroness? " asked the maiden.

Waldo told her that so it was, and rapturously he spoke of the young and beautiful saint done to death in Caesarea, and of the fruit and flowers of Paradise which she sent to Theophilus." And I would," he sighed under his breath, " that she would send such a gift to me."

" All this I know," said Dorothy, " for I have learnt thy song of Golden Apples and Roses Red, and I love it most of all thy songs, though these be many and sung all about the world, I think. And this I will tell thee of thy songs, that I saw in a dream once how they were not mere words and melody, but living things. Like the bright heads of baby Angels were they, and they were carried on wings as it were of roseleaves, and they fluttered about the people who loved them and sang them, leading them into blessed paths and whispering to them holy and happy thoughts."

" God be blessed and praised for ever, if it be so," said Waido; " but this was no more than a maiden's dream."

For two winters Dorothy ministered to the poor leper, and during this while no one save Waldo knew of her being in the woods, and no other man set eyes on her.

The fourth year of his exile was now drawing to a close, and Waldo had fallen into extreme weakness by reason of his malady, and over his face he wore a mask of grey cloth, with two holes for his great piteous eyes. It was in the springtide, and one night as he lay sleepless in the dark, listening to the long murmur of the wind in
the swaying pines, he heard overhead sharp cries and trumpetings, and the creaking and winnowing of wings innumerable.

Rising from his bed, he went out of doors, and looked up into the dark heavens; and high and spectral among the clouded stars he saw the home-coming of the cranes.

He sat on the bench beside his door, and watched them sail past in thousands, filling the night with a fleeting clamor and eerie sounds. As he sat he mused on the strange longing which brought these birds over land and sea back home, year by year, with the returning spring, and he marveled that the souls of men, which are but birds of passage in these earthly fields, should be so slow to feel that longing for their true homeland.

That day when Dorothy came to the hut, he said to her: " It is well to be glad, for, though the air is still keen, the spring is here. I heard the cranes returning in the night."

" And I too heard them; and I heard thee rejoicing, playing on thy harp and singing."

" That could not be, sister," said Waldo, " unless in a dream. No longer can I touch harpstring, as thou knowest."

" In truth I was awake and heard," said Dorothy; " and the song thou west singing vvas of birds of passage, and of the longing of exiles to go home, and of the dark where through we must pass, with cries and beating wings, ere we can find our way back to our true homeland."

" Nay, it must have been a dream," said Waldo, " for as I sat with my hands hidden in my gown I did but play an imaginary harp, making still music in my heart, and no song came from my lips."

" The more strange that I should hear! " replied Dorothy, smiling as she went her way.

In a little while from this the poor brother felt that the end of his martyrdom drew nigh; and as he lay feeble and faint in the shadow of the hut (for the day was clement), sighing for the hour of his deliverance, Dorothy came from the woods. In her hand she carried a basket, and as she stood over him she said, " See what I have brought for thee."

Lifting his head weakly, and looking through the eyelets of his grey mask, Waldo saw that the basket contained three golden apples and three red roses, though still it was but early days in spring. At sight of them he uttered a cry of gladness (for all it was a cry hollow and hoarse), and strove to rise and throw himself at her feet.

" Nay, brother," she said, " refrain; lie still and breathe the sweetness of the roses and taste of the fruit."

She gave him one of the apples, and putting it to his mouth he tasted it and sighed deeply. In a moment all pain and suffering had left him, and his spirit was light and gladsome. His eyes too were opened, so that he knew that Dorothy had no way deceived him, but was truly a living woman of flesh and blood like himself. Then a heavenly peace descended upon him like a refreshing dew, and he closed his eyes for the great ease he felt.

While these things were happening, came from Three Fountains the lay brother who brought Waldo his provisions. Crossing the brook to set his budget on the boulder, he saw the poor recluse lying in the lee of the hut, and Dorothy leaning over him. Wherefore he hastened across the wood lawn, but in an instant the fair woman vanished before his eyes, and when he came to the hut he saw that Waldo was dead. He carried the basket of flowers and fruit to the Priory, and told what he had seen; and the Prior, marveling greatly, came to the place and gave the poor leper brother a blessed burial.

Now at this time a wondrous strange occurrence was the talk of Rome. The year wherein Waldo died was that seventh year in which the shrine of St. Dorothea is opened in her church beyond Tiber; and the day on which it is opened fell a little while before the death of Waldo.

Behold, then, when on the vigil of that feast the priests unlocked the shrine, the place where aforetime the holy body of the martyr had lain was empty. Great was the dismay, loud the lamentation, grievous the suspicion. The custodians of the church and the shrine were seized and cast into prison, where they lay till the day of their trial. On the morning of that day the church of St. Dorothea was filled with a divine fragrance, which seemed to transpire from the empty shrine as from a celestial flower. Wherefore once again the shrine was opened, and there, even such as they had been seen by many of the faithful seven years before, lay the relics of the Saint in their old resting place.

Now to all poor souls God grant a no less happy end of days than this which He vouchsafed to the poor leper singer Waldo of the Priory of Three Fountains.

Prayer for a Garment of Grace During Adversity

2011-06-07T01:21:00.000-07:00

Prayer for A Garment of Grace During Adversity

Merciful master of life, to Your I lift up my heart, to You I raise my eyes in childlike confidence, for from You come consolation and salvation.

Oh, giver of every good gift, Lord of patience and peace, protect me from those who have bargained with the creatures of the night. Protect me from their plots and plans. As you weave and use the net of truth in which to catch their lies and cruel intentions, simultaneously weave for me, a garment of light.

I ask that this garment when I wear it, will return my once pure heart to me.

I am ready to shed the clothing that has been torn by those who have refused to love the YOU, that they have seen within me.

I am ready now also, to wear once again, the beautiful jewel of my innocence, which shined so brightly during my childhood and youth.

With love, your child. Amen.

Prayer to My Noble Guardian Angel

2011-06-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

Prayer to My Noble Guardian Angel

Oh, dear angel truly strong and bright...be my light. I ask thee to help me to model the example of your burning zeal and glowing love. Help me to become such a worthy messenger as you. Model for me how to spread the warmth of your own sacred enthusiasm. When I am weak and feel ready to give up, protect me from myself and those who seek to do me harm. You are my constant companion and if I close my eyes I can feel your zeal and faith in me, and you in turn can feel my noble love for you.

AMEN

Prayer to Our Lord Jesus

2011-06-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, Adorable Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, You have suffered death on the Cross for our sins.

Oh, Holy Cross of Jesus, be my true light!
Oh, Holy Cross, fill my soul with good thoughts.
Oh, Holy Cross, ward off from me all things that are evil.
Oh, Holy Cross, ward off from me all dangers and deaths and give me life everlasting!
Oh, Crucified Jesus of Nazareth, have mercy on me now and forever.

In honor of the Precious Blood of Jesus, his death, resurrection and ascension which leads to everlasting life; true as Jesus was born on Christmas Day; true as Jesus was crucified on Good Friday; true as Joseph and Nicodemus took Jesus down from the cross and buried Him; true as Jesus ascended into Heaven; may He preserve me from my enemies visible and invisible forever.

Oh, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me! Mary and Joseph pray for me.
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your suffering the Cross grant me strength to bear my Cross without fear or dread and give me the grace that I may follow You. Amen.

The Anima Christi

2011-06-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Anima Christi

St. Ignatius Loyola Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, heal me.
Blood of Christ, drench me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Good Jesus, hear me.
In Your wounds shelter me.
From turning away keep me.
From the evil one protect me.
At the hour of my death call me.
Into Your presence lead me,
to praise You with all Your saints
for ever and ever.
Amen

Our Lady of Mount Carmel - The Story

2011-06-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The story Our Lady of Mount Carmel and her order had the following reasons:

The little cloud that rose out of the sea, like a man's hand, which foreboded to Elijah (who was on the top of Carmel) abundance of rain, was a type of the Virgin Mary, her prerogatives, her humility, and her exaltations. St. Bernard says that her humility is typified by the smallness of the cloud. Which is not bigger than a man's hand; her prerogatives are typified by the abundant rain, which refreshed the earth, and gave new life to man and beast; her exaltation is typified by the spread of the cloud, which covered the whole heavens.The first and principal church built on Mount Carmel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. And if often a home takes the name of its owner, than certainly, Our Lady should be called by the name of the place where her honor dwells. Without doubt Elijah, who was a prophet, foresaw the coming of Mary and of Christ, and informed his disciples of the mystery. Even the Druids had an altar "to the parturiant Virgin."

For these "cogent" reasons the order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been founded, and many miracles have testified that God has pleasure therein. (Ref. Guer, Vies des Saints pp 375-285)

Prayer For The Help of The Angels

2011-06-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

Pray to Ask the Angels to Help You

Oh, glorious servants of God, surrounding the throne of the Most High, I love you for that splendor with which God has adorned you so bountifully. To you He granted the grace to remain faithful when Lucifer and his followers rebelled. Implore for me also with a grace like yours, to persevere in all my challenges ahead. Let me win the race against my foes, and once won, let me boost the hearts of those closing in on the the finish line.

Glorious lights of heaven, resplendent hosts of the celestial court, let me glimpse your care of me, and help my hardened heart to melt into a love like yours, full of understanding and mercy.

Oh, angelic ministers at the throne of the Most High, help me to battle and win against those who would seek to do me daily harm.

Finally, guide, guard, and lead me toward victory in all my faithful and hardworking endeavors.

Amen

Prayer for a Quiet Sleep

2011-06-04T03:08:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Quiet Sleep

Oh Lord God, wearied as we are with the labor of the day,
do Thou with quiet sleep refresh us, that receiving this help to our weakness,
we may serve Thee in body and mind.

Leoine Sacramentary

Prayer for the Sick and Dying

2011-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Prayers for the Sick and Dying

Lord, I accept this sickness. I entirely resign rather myself to thy Blessed Will after using all the gifts from the knowledge and work of your children to try cure and it, this cup of illness that I wish could have passed from me. Thus, when I ask for your Will to be done, whether it be life or death, Not my will, but Thine will be done as it is on earth and will be in heaven. Amen.

Remember also, most merciful and loving Father, all who are sick and dying, and grant that in the solitude of suffering each may truly "come to find himself," and like the Prodical Son may at last discover Thy love and upon that discovery return to a Father's loving heart where that most bountiful Heart will give them joy and youth, hope and desire; and from it all good and pleasant things, all enduring comfort and true delight, descend in copious benediction. Feed them before thy die with the Eucharist that will nourish them for their Eternal Beatitude. Amen.

The Story of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Peter

2011-06-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

St. Francis, who It is said in certain circles is the protector and patron "saint of animals." He was so humble and good that upon death he only hoped for a tiny corner of heaven where he could glimpse the Creator and just adore Him without seeking anything but the joy of being in His presence...upon entry to heaven....St. Peter said, "Francis, we have a place for you that has been vacant." St. Francis, hearing that he was accepted into the heavenly court was beyond belief and replied, "Peter, just a little corner where I can glimpse God will be all I will ever need." St. Peter flew St. Francis up, up, up to the highest choir of angels and pointed to an empty chair and wished St. Francis to sit. Suddenly, God spoke to Francis..."Francis, this seat was once the seat of my beautiful son, Lucifer. He was never happy and always wanted more beauty, authority, and power. When he left I sought another who only wanted to give love to my creatures great and small without thought of self. This seat is now yours, Francis. It was lost through arrogance, and it has now been earned...through your humility." Suddenly, all the angels in heaven began to sing a sweet tune...with birds, bears, dolphins, and insects joining in as the chorus as this happy tune meant that there true friend, Francis had come home to them at last.

A Dedication to God

2011-06-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

A Dedication to God

Into Thy hands, O God, we commend ourselves this day, and all those who are dear to us. Let the gift of Thy wonderful presence be with us even to the end of the day. Grant that we never lose sight of Thee all the day long, but rather praise and beseech Thee, that our thanks may come to Thee again at its close.

Gelasian Sacramentary

For Guidance

2011-06-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

For Guidance

Oh, Lord God almighty, who hast brought us to the beginning of this day, defend us in the same by Thy power; that we may not fall this day into any sin, but that all our thoughts, words, and works may be directed to the fulfillment of Thy will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

Amen.

Roman Breviary

Morning Prayer To God

2011-06-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Benefactor of all who turn to Thee
Light of all who are in darkness,
Creative principle of every seed,
Gardener of all spiritual growth,
Have pity on me, Lord,
and make me a temple without reproach.
Look not upon my sins.
If Thou takest account of my faults,
I cannot stand before Thee;
but in Thine immense mercy
and infinite compassion
wash away my stains through our Lord Jesus Christ,
most holy and Thine only Son,
the physician of our souls.
Through Him may there be rendered to Thee all glory,
power, honor, and splendor,
through ages of ages
which wane not and have no end.

2011-06-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

Prayer to Jesus

2011-06-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

Prayer to Jesus

We therefore pray to Thee, help Thy servants: whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

Indulgence of 300 days

Prayer to my Guardian Angel

2011-05-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Guardian Angel Prayer

Oh, Angel of God my guardian dear to whom God's love and trust me here,

every this day be at my side

to light

to guard

to rule

and guide...

Amen.

Patroness of England - Our Lady of Walsingham Prayer

2011-05-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of Walsingham

Oh, blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Walsingham, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon us, our parish, our country, our homes, and our families, and upon all who greatly hope and trust in your prayers, (especially...) By you it was that Jesus, our Savior and Hope, was given to the world; and He has given you to us that we may hope still more. Plead for us your children, whom you did receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, Oh sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the Chief Shepherd, the Vicar of your Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we all may be made worthy to see and praise God, together with you in our heavenly home.

Amen.

Prayer to Our Lady of Help - Saint Frances de Sales

2011-05-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of Help

Say not, merciful virgin, that you cannot help me, for your beloved Son has given you all power in heaven and on earth.

Say not, that you ought not assist me, for you are the Mother of all the poor children of Adam, and mine in particular.

Since, then, merciful virgin, you are my Mother, and you are all powerful, what excuse can you offer if you do not lend assistance?

See, my Mother, see, you are obliged to grant me what I ask, and to yield to my entreaties.

Prayer by Saint Frances de Sales

Prayer To Saint Joseph

2011-05-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.

This prayer was found in the fiftieth year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, not shall poison take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; or shall be burned in any fire, or shall be overpowered in battle.

Say for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail, so be sure you really want what you ask.

In The Presence of God - Prayer

2011-05-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

In The Presence of God

Oh, my God, I firmly believe that Thou art here, and seest me perfectly, and that Thou observest all my actions, all my thoughts, and the most secret movements of my heart.

Thou watchest over me with incomparable love, every moment bestowing flowers of favors upon me, but until I behold Thee and Thou hast shown me my life in review, will have been mostly known only to Thee.

Blessed be Thy Holy Name, and may all creature great and small bless the goodness and withstand the evil begotten of the effects of free will.

May the prophets, saints, and angels known and unknown by name, conduct for me when I forget, the rendering of thanks to Thee.

Help me to never be so base and callous as to pay unkindness or evil in return to those who have done so to me. Let me in return forgive them, and move forward knowing that Thou will one day do the same for me.

Amen.

Prayer From Saint Sir Thomas More

2011-05-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

For the Grace to Live For Christ Alone

Saint Thomas More (Composed while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, 1534)

Give me the grace, good Lord -
To set the world at naught, to set my mind firmly upon Thee, and not to hang upon the words of men's mouths;
To be content to be solitary; not to long for worldly pleasure; litle by little, utterly to cast off the world and rid my mind of all the business thereof;
Not to long to hear of any earthly things, but that the hearing of world and rid my mind of all the business thereof;
Not to long to hear of any earthly things, but that the hearing of worldy fancies may be to me displeasing;
Gladly to be thinking of God, piteously to call for His help; to lean unto the comfort of God; busily to labor to love Him;
To know my own vileness and wretchedness; to humble myself under the mighty hand of God; to bewail my sins and, for the purging of them, patiently to suffer adversity.
Gladly to bear my purgatory here; to be joyful in tribulations; to walk the narrow way that leadeth to life.
To have the last thing in remembrance; to have ever before my eye my death that is ever at hand; to make death no stranger to me; to foresee and consider the everlasting fire of hell; to pray for the pardon before the judge come.
To have continually in mind the passion that Christ suffered for me; for His benefits unceasingly to give Him thanks.
To buy the time again that I have lost.
To abstain from vain Conversations; to shun foolish mirth and gladness; to cut off unnecessary recreations.
Of worldly substance, friends, liberty, life, and all, to set the loss at naught, for the winning of Christ.
To think of my worst enemies my best friends, for the brethren of Joseph could never have done him so much good with their love and favor as they did him with their malice and hatred.
These minds are more to be desired of every man, than all the treasure of all the princes and kings, Christian and not, were it gathered and laid together upon all one heap.

May Your Heart Sing Today! Prayer for a Pure Heart

2011-05-27T08:41:00.000-07:00


Prayer for a Pure Heart

May our hearts be cleansed, O Lord, by the inpouring of the Holy Spirit, and may He render them fruitful by watering them with His heavenly dew.
Roman Missal

Indulgence of 500 days; plenary indulgence on the usual conditions for the daily recital of this invocation for a month.

The Gift - Prayer of Adoration

2011-05-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

May Visual Prayer bring you closer to Him!

An Act of Adoration

Oh, my God, I present before Thee at the end of another day, to offer Thee anew the homage of my heart. I humbly adore Thee, my Creator, my Redeemer, and my Judge!

I believe in Thee, because Thou art Truth itself; I hope in Thee, because Thou art faithful to Thy promises; I love Thee with my whole heart, because Thou art infinitely worthy of being loved; and for Thy sake I love my neighbor as myself.