Fontevraud Abbey, Anjou, France. Final Resting Place Of Plantagenet King, Richard The Lionheart (Richard Cœur de Lion).

Text from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia,
unless otherwise stated.

English: The Abbey Church,

Fontevraud, France.

Français: Abbaye Fontevraud.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Vue aérienne oblique de l'Abbaye de Fontevraud.

Photo: 8 October 2005.

Source: www.pixAile.com.

Author: Pierre Mairé, PixAile.com.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Fontevraud Abbey, or Fontevrault Abbey (in French: abbaye de Fontevraud), is a Religious Building hosting a cultural centre since 1975, the Centre Culturel de l'Ouest, in the village of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, near Chinon, in Anjou, France. It was founded by the itinerant reforming Preacher, Robert of Arbrissel, who had just created a new Order, the Order of Fontevrault. The first permanent structures were built between 1110 and 1119.

Philippa of Toulouse persuaded her husband, William IX, Duke of Aquitaine, to grant Robert of Abrissel land, in Northern Poitou, to establish a Religious Community dedicated to The Virgin Mary. The Abbey was founded in 1100 and became a Double Monastery, with both Monks and Nuns on the same site.

English: Grand Moutier Cloister, Fontevraud Abbey.

Panorama manually stitched with Photoshop from four individual pictures.

Français: Cloitre du Grand Moutier,

Abbaye de Fontevraud. Image panoramique obtenue

en assemblant manuellement quatre clichés sous Photoshop.

Deutsch: Le Grand Moutier in der Abtei Fontevrault.

Panoramabild manuell zusammengesetzt

mit Photoshop aus vier Einzelaufnahmen.

Photo: 18 April 2008.

Source: Own work.

File Licensed under the Creative Commons

Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported,

2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic licence.

Author: Berrucomons

(Wikimedia Commons)

Fontevraud Abbey,

France.

Photo: 9 August 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: Matthias Holländer

(Wikimedia Commons)

An international success, the Order established several "Fontevrist" Abbeys set up in England. Robert of Arbrissel declared that the Leader of the Order should always be a woman and appointed Petronille de Chemillé as the first Abbess. She was succeeded by Matilda of Anjou, the aunt of Henry II of England. This was the start of a position that attracted many rich and noble Abbesses over the years, including members of the French Bourbon Royal Family. It also became a refuge for battered women and penitent prostitutes, and housed a leper hospital and a home for aged Religious.

Tomb of Richard I of England, at Fontevraud Abbey, near Chinon, Anjou, France.

The tomb of Queen Isabella of Angoulême, the second wife of King John of England, lies behind. Richard died at Le Château de Châlus Chabrol, in Châlus, France, of a Cross-Bow wound. His entrails were buried at the Château, while his heart was taken to Rouen Cathedral and the rest of the body to Fontevraud Abbey.

Photo: July 2003.

Source: Own work.

Author: AYArktos.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Fontevraud Abbey.

Available on YouTube at

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Richard I (8 September 1157 – 6 April 1199) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy (as Richard IV), Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Count of Nantes, and Overlord of Brittany, at various times during the same period.

English: Saint-Benoit Cloisters, Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Cloitre Saint-Benoit, Abbaye de Fontevraud.

Photo: 18 April 2008.

Source: Own work.

Author: Berrucomons

(Wikimedia Commons)

He was the third of five sons of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was known as Richard Cœur de Lion, or, Richard the Lionheart, even before his accession, because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior. The Muslims called him Melek-Ric (King Richard) or Malek al-Inkitar (King of England). He was also known, in Occitan, as Oc e No (Yes and No), because of his ability to change his mind.

By the age of 16, Richard the Lionheart had taken command of his own army, putting down rebellions in Poitou, against his father. Richard was a central Christian Commander during The Third Crusade, leading the Campaign after the departure of Philip II of France and scoring considerable victories against his Muslim counterpart, Saladin, although he did not reconquer Jerusalem from Saladin.

France’s Fontevraud Abbey.

The necropolis of The Plantagenets.

Available on YouTube at

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Richard spoke “langue d'oïl”, a French dialect, and Occitan, a Romance language spoken in Southern France and nearby regions. He lived in his Duchy of Aquitaine, in the South-West of France, and, while the King spent very little time, perhaps as little as six months, in England, preferring to use his Kingdom as a source of revenue to support his armies, he was seen as a pious hero by his Subjects. He remains one of the few Kings of England remembered by his epithet, rather than regnal number, and is an enduring iconic figure in England and France.

In the early years, the Plantagenets were great benefactors of Fontevraud Abbey and, while Isabella d'Anjou was Abbess, Henry II's widow, Eleanor of Aquitaine, became a Nun there. Louise de Bourbon left her Crest on many of the alterations she made during her term of Office.

During The French Revolution, the Order was dissolved. The last Abbess, Madame d'Antin, died in poverty in Paris. On 17 August 1792, a Revolutionary decree ordered evacuation of all Monasteries, to be completed by 1 October 1792. The Abbey later became a prison, from 1804 to 1963, in which year it was given to The French Ministry of Culture.

English: The Cloisters, Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Abbaye Fontevraud - Cloître du Grand-Moûtier.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST

(Wikimedia Commons)

This city prison in Fontevraud, planned to hold 1,000 prisoners, required major changes, including new barracks, in addition to the transformation of Monastic buildings into dormitories, workshops, and common areas. Prisoners - men, women and children – began arriving in 1814. Eventually, it held some 2,000 prisoners, earning the prison the title of the "toughest in France after Clairvaux."

Political prisoners experienced the harshest conditions: Some French Resistance prisoners were shot there, under the Vichy Government. Following closure of the prison, came major restoration, an opening to the public in 1985, and completion of the Abbey Church's restoration in 2006, under architect Lucien Magne.

English: The West Front,

Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Abbaye Fontevraud - Eglise Abbatiale,

facade ouest.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Abbey was originally the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son, King Richard I of England, their daughter, Joan, their grandson, Raymond VII of Toulouse, and Isabella of Angoulême, wife of Henry's and Eleanor's son, King John. However, there is no remaining corporal presence of Henry, Eleanor, Richard, or the others on the site. Their remains were possibly destroyed during the French Revolution.

Henriette Louise de Bourbon, grand-daughter of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, grew up here. Princess Thérèse of France, daughter of King Louis XV, is also buried here.

English: Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Abbaye de Fontevraud -

Entrée de la salle capitulaire.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Francis De Sales (1567-1622). Confessor. Bishop. Doctor Of The Church. Whose Feast Day Is, Today, 29 January.

Text and Illustrations from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.

Saint Francis of Sales.
   Bishop,

   Confessor.

   Doctor of The Church.
   Feast Day 29 January.

Double.

White Vestments.

Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622).

From a painting in Heimsuchungskloster, Oberroning, Bayern, Deutschland

(Convent of the Visitation Sisters, Oberroning, Bavaria, Germany).

This File: 18 April 2005.

User: Searobin

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Word Made Flesh makes known to us, by His teachings, the Mysteries of His Divine Wisdom, and, by His Miracles, His eternal love. Saint Francis of Sales (Saint Francis de Sales), a Doctor of the Church, had a share in the knowledge of the Incarnate Word (Gradual), and, like Him, by his gentle Charity (Collect) worked wonders of conversion.

Sent to "preach the word of God to the Calvinists of Chablais, he brought back sixty thousand to the Catholic Faith" (Breviary). Having become the father of the Church at Geneva, and founder of the Order of the Visitation, he shed over this double family (Communion) the rays of his Apostolic zeal and of his gentle holiness.

"May your light shine before men, so that, seeing your works, they may glorify your Father Who is in Heaven" (Gospel). It is especially God's goodness which this Saint revealed. "If we must fall into some excess," Saint Francis of Sales would say, "let it be on the side of gentleness".

Saint Francis de Sales.

Available on YouTube at

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"I wish to love him so much, this dear neighbour, I wish to love him so much ! It has pleased God so to make my heart ! Oh !, when shall we be impregnated with gentleness and in Charity towards our neighbour ?"

Saint Francis of Sales died at Lyons, France, in 1622.

Let us remember this Saint's two sayings: "You can catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a hundred barrels of vinegar." "What is good, makes no noise; noise does no good."

Mass: In médio.

Coat-of-Arms of Saint Francis de Sales.

Date: 5 December 2013.

Source: Own work.

Reference: File:Franz von Sales Bischofswappen.jpg

Commons Images Used: File:Template-Bishop.svg

Author: Jayarathina

(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia.

Francis de Sales, C.O., T.O.M., A.O.F.M. Cap. (French: François de Sales) (1567 – 1622) was a Bishop of Geneva and is honoured as a Saint in The Roman Catholic Church. He became noted for his deep Faith and his gentle approach to the Religious divisions in his land resulting from The Protestant Reformation. He is known also for his writings on the topic of Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation, particularly the Introduction To The Devout Life and the Treatise on The Love of God.

Francis de Sales was Beatified in 1661 by Pope Alexander VII, who then Canonised him four years later. He was declared a Doctor of The Church by Pope Pius IX in 1877.

The Roman Catholic Church currently (in the Novus Ordo Form) Celebrates Saint Francis de Sales' Feast Day on 24 January, the day of his burial in Annecy, France, in 1624. From the year 1666, when his Feast Day was inserted into The General Roman Calendar, until the reform of this Calendar in 1969, it was observed on 29 January, and this date is kept by those who Celebrate The Extraordinary Form of The Roman Rite.

Saint Agnes’ Second Feast (Sanctæ Agnetis Secundo). Feast Day 28 January.

Unless otherwise stated, Text is taken from
“The Liturgical Year”, by Abbot Guéranger, O.S.B.
Translated from the French by Dom Laurence Shepherd, O.S.B.

Christmas, Book II.
Fourth Edition.
Volume 3.

Saint Agnes.

Artist: Domenichino (1581–1641).

Date: 1620.

Current location: Royal Collection, Windsor Castle, England.

References: The Royal Collection, Windsor Castle

Source/Photographer: Web Gallery of Art

(Wikimedia Commons)

Church of Saint Agnes Outside-the-Walls

(Sant’Agnese fuori-le-mura), Rome, Italy.

Photo taken during a survey of Roman Monuments, 1911 [1].

Date: 1911.

This File: 16 November 2005.

User: Panairjdde

(Wikimedia Commons)

The following three paragraphs are

taken from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia.

The Church of Saint Agnes Outside-the-Walls 

(Italian: Sant’Agnese fuori-la-mura) is a Titulus Church,

Minor Basilica, in Rome, on a site sloping down from

The Via Nomentana, which runs North-East out of the City,

still under its ancient name.

What are said to be the remains of Saint Agnes are below The High Altar. The Church is over one of the Catacombs of Rome, where Saint Agnes was originally buried, and which may still be visited from the Church. The Church was built by Pope Honorius I in the 7th-Century A.D., and largely retains its original structure, despite many changes to the decoration.

In particular, the Mosaic, in the Apse, of Agnes, 

Pope Honorius and another Pope, is largely in its original condition. The current Cardinal Priest, of the Titulus S. Agnetis Extra mœnia, is Camillo Ruini.

Lazzaro Morelli Statue (1661-1662) of Saint Agnes,

on the Colonnade in Saint Peter's Square, Rome.

[Editor: Lazzaro Morelli (1619 – 1690) was

an Italian Sculptor of The Baroque Period.]

This File: 6 November 2011.

User: Cloudbound

Photo: {{Cc-by-2.0|Photographed by

Richard Stracke in St. Peter's Square}}

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: Saint Agnes.

Spanish: Santa Inés.

Artist: Cesare Dandini (1596–1657).

Source/Photographer: www.pintura.aut.org

(Wikimedia Commons)

Christmas.

28 January.

Saint Agnes.

Her Second Feast.

Five days after the Martyrdom of the Virgin Emerentiana [Editor: Feast Day 23 January], the parents of the

glorious Saint Agnes visited the tomb of their child

during the night. There to weep and Pray. It was the

eighth day since Saint Agnes’ Martyrdom.

Whilst they were thinking upon the cruel death, which, though it enriched their child with a Martyr's Palm, had deprived them of her society, Agnes suddenly appeared to them: She was encircled with a bright light, and wore a Crown on her head, and was surrounded by a Choir of Virgins of dazzling beauty. On her Right-Hand, there stood a beautiful White Lamb,

the emblem of The Divine Spouse of Agnes.

Turning towards her parents, she said to them: “Weep not over my death: For I am now in Heaven, together with these Virgins, living with Him whom I loved on Earth with my whole Soul.”

It is to Commemorate this glorious apparition that The Holy Church has instituted this Feast, which is called Saint Agnes’ Second Feast (Sanctæ Agnetis Secundo).

Let us Pray to this fervent spouse of The Divine Lamb, that she intercede for us with Him, and present us to Him in this Life, until it be given to us to possess Him face-to-face in Heaven.

Let us unite with The Church in the following Prayer,

which she uses in today's Office:

Antiphon.

Stans a dextris ejus Agnus nive candidior.

Christus sibi Sponsam et Martyrem consecravit.

Versicle.

Specie tua, et pulchritudine tua.

Responsary.

Intende, prospere procede et regna.

Oremus.

Deus qui nos annua beatæ Agnetis

Virginis et Martyris tuæ solemnitate lætificas:

da quæsumus, ut quam veneramur officio,

etiam piæ conversationis sequamur exemplo.

Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

Amen.

Antiphon.

Standing at her Right-Hand,

as a Lamb Whiter than Snow,

Christ Consecrated her to Himself

as His Spouse and Martyr.

Versicle.

With thy comeliness and thy beauty.

Responsory.

Set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

Let Us Pray.

O God, Who rejoicest us

by the yearly Solemnity of Blessed Agnes,

the Virgin and Martyr: Grant, we beseech Thee,

that we may imitate her life,

to whose memory we pay this honour.

Through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

The following Text is from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.

The Second Feast of Saint Agnes.
   Virgin and Martyr.
   28 January.

Simple.

Red Vestments.

28 January is the Birthday of Saint Agnes. As it coincided with her "Octave Day", a legend grew, saying that she appeared on this day to her parents Praying at her tomb, surrounded by a "bevy of Virgins" (Introit), resplendent with light.

“On her Right-Hand was a Lamb, Whiter than Snow: It was Christ, Consecrating His union with His Spouse.” [Antiphon of Vespers at The Magnificat].

Mass: Vultum tuum.

Saint Peter Nolasco. Confessor. Whose Feast Day Is, Today, 28 January.

Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless stated otherwise.

Saint Peter Nolasco.
   Confessor.
   Feast Day 28 January.

Double.

White Vestments.

Traditional image of Saint Peter Nolasco, as found in

The Generalate of The Mercedarian Order, as well as on their

Web-Site ORDER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MERCY

Date: 1840.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:StPeterNolasco.jpg

Author: Unknown Friar.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Jesus has manifested His Divinity by healing both Souls and bodies. Saint Peter Nolasco, impelled by this example of Divine Charity, and by a Heavenly inspiration (Collect) of which Saint Raymund of Pennafort was the instrument, spent all the money he possessed (Gospel) in delivering Christians from the captivity in which their bodies languished among the infidels and their Souls were exposed to great dangers.

The Order of Our Lady of Ransom, Founded with this object, shows how The Kingship of Jesus extends to both the natural and supernatural Worlds. By a special Vow, The Religious bound themselves to become prisoners of the pagans, if necessary for the deliverance of their brethren in Christ (Epistle).

He died in 1256 and was buried with his Cuirass and Sword.

Mass: Justus.
Collect: Deus, qui.
Secret: From The Mass: Os justi.
Postcommunion: From The Mass: Os justi.
Commemoration: The Second Feast of Saint Agnes.

Mediæval Sedilia And Piscinæ.

A three-level Sedilia and Piscina (Extreme Left), recessed into the thickness of the wall. The Nave was built around 1180. The Chancel was re-built in the 13th-Century.

The Celebrant (Priest) would sit on the highest level.

The Deacon the next highest level.

The Sub-Deacon the lowest level.

Saint Mary's Church, Buriton, Hampshire, England.

The seats are low and cold to sit on.

Photo: 28 January 2017.

Source: DSLR.

Author: Wikiedit01aaz

(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia.

In Church Architecture, Sedilia (plural of Latin “Sedīle”, Seat) are Seats, usually made of stone, found on The Liturgical South Side of an Altar, often in the Chancel, for use during Mass for the officiating Priest and his Assistants, the Deacon and Sub-Deacon. The Seat is often set back into the main wall of the Church.

Not all Sedilia are made of stone; there is a timber Sedilia, thought to be 15th-Century, in Saint Nicholas' Church, Rodmersham, Kent.

When there is only one such Seat, the singular form, “Sedile”, is used, as, for instance, at Saint Mary's, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, or at Saint Agatha's, Coates, West Sussex.

A six-seater Sedilia, circa 1200.

The Priory Church of Deeping Saint James, Lincolnshire.

Photo: 28 October 2007.

Source: geograph.org.uk

Attribution: Richard Croft / Sedilia / CC BY-SA 2.0

Author: Richard Croft

(Wikimedia Commons)

The first examples in the Catacombs were single inlays for the officiating Priest. In time, the more usual number became three, although there are examples of up to five “Sedilia”.[1]

The custom of recessing them in the thickness of the wall began about the end of the 12th-Century; some early examples consist only of stone benches, and there is one instance of a single Seat, or arm-chair, in stone, at Lenham, Kent.

The Niches, or Recesses, into which they are sunk, are often richly decorated with Canopies and sub-divided with Moulded Shafts, Pinnacles, and Tabernacle Work; the Seats are sometimes at different levels, the Eastern Seat being always the highest, and sometimes an additional Niche is provided, in which the Piscina is placed.

15th-Century Piscina and Sedilia,

Lincluden Collegiate Church,

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

Photo: 10 May 2018.

Source: Own work.

Author: Tom Hughes

(Wikimedia Commons)

A Piscina is a shallow basin placed near the Altar of a Church, or else in the Vestry or Sacristy, used for washing the Communion Vessels. The Sacrarium is the drain. Anglicans usually refer to the basin, calling it a Piscina. For Roman Catholics, Sacrarium is a “special sink” used for the reverent disposal of Sacred substances.

This sink has a cover, a basin, and a special pipe and drain that empty directly into the earth, rather than into the sewer system” (USCCB, Built of Living Stones, 236).

Precious, or Sacred items, are disposed of, when possible, by returning them to the ground. They are in some cases used to dispose of materials used in the Sacraments and water from Liturgical Ablutions. They are found in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran Churches, and a similar vessel is used in Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Saint John Chrysostom. Bishop. Confessor. Doctor Of The Church. Feast Day 27 January. With Saint Athanasius, And Saint Gregory Of Nazianzen, And Saint Basil, They Form The Four Great Doctors Of The Eastern Church.

Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless stated otherwise.

Saint John Chrysostom.
   Bishop. Confessor. Doctor Of The Church.
   Feast Day 27 January.

Double.

White Vestments.

Portrait of Saint John Chrysostom of Antioch (Hagios Ioannis Chrysostomos).

An Early-Byzantine mosaic from the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia, Constantinople

(modern Istanbul, Turkey). The mosaic is approximately 1,000 years old.

This File: 5 February 2011.

User: Ch.Andrew

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Lives of the Saints:

Saint John Chrysostom.

Available on YouTube at

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Saint John Chrysostom, born at Antioch towards 347 A.D., was a great genius and his powerful eloquence earned for him the surname of Chrysostom, or "Golden Mouthed". [Editor: Note that Saint Bernard of Clairvaux also earned the sobriquet of "Mellifluous", or "Honey-Tongued".] The people of Constantinople, eager to hear him, crowded his Cathedral.

He ardently loved Saint Paul, of whom he would say: "The heart of Paul is The Heart of Christ." He also passionately loved Christ, and, like the great Apostle, he suffered everything rather than allow His Divine Rights to be impaired.

With Saint Athanasius, Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, and Saint Basil, they form The Four Great Doctors Of The Eastern Church (Introit).

Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom from Valaam Monastery,

From Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia: Valaam Monastery, or Valamo Monastery,

is a Stauropegic Orthodox Monastery in Russian Karelia, located on Valaam,

the island in Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe.

Available on YouTube at

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Anointed Archbishop of The Imperial City, he always distributed to those, whose father he had become, The Bread of The Word and of Grace (Communion).

His courage in branding vice, "in correcting in Season and out of Season" (Epistle), in order always to be The Salt of Wisdom, which preserves Souls from corruption (Gospel), caused him to be exiled and ill-treated in all manner of ways (Alleluia).

English: Saint John Chrysostom confronting Aelia Eudoxia,

in a 19th-Century painting by Jean-Paul Laurens.

French: Saint Jean Chrysostome et l'Impératrice Eudoxie.

Date: 1893.

Artist: Jean-Paul Laurens (1838–1921).

(Wikimedia Commons)

Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom.

Composed by: Tchaikovsky.

Available on YouTube at

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He died a victim of those sufferings, at Comana, Pontus [Editor: Modern-day Turkey], on 14 September 407 A.D. The Anniversary of The Translation of his Relics, under the Emperor Theodore II in 438 A.D., is 27 January.

Let us love to hear The Divine Word, and let us keep it in our hearts, so that our lives reflect The Life of God.

Mass: In Médio.

Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers: “Why Do Fools Fall In Love ?” Plus, “Runaround Sue”. Plus, “Will You Still Love Me, Tomorrow ?” Happy Days.

 

>

Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers:

“Why Do Fools Fall In Love ? ”

.

“Runaround Sue”.

By: Dion.

Available on YouTube at

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“Will You Still Love Me, Tomorrow ?”

By: The Shirelles.

Available on YouTube at

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Saint Polycarp (Whose Name Means “Much Fruit”). Bishop And Martyr. Feast Day 26 January.

Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless stated otherwise.

Saint Polycarp.
   Bishop And Martyr.
   Feast Day 26 January.

Double.

Red Vestments.

Saint Polycarp.

Date: 19 December 2006 (original upload date).

(Original Text : Circa. en:1685).

Source: Transferred from en.wikipedia

(Original Text : The Life of Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna).

Author: en:Michael Burghers

Original uploader was Alekjds at en.wikipedia

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Polycarp, a disciple of Saint John, was by him invested with full Sacerdotal powers (Introit) and made Bishop of Smyrna [Editor: Known, today, as Izmir, Turkey.]. In a Letter, that he writes to the Philippians, he quotes the first Epistle of his Master (Saint John, of which a passage is read in today's Liturgy.

"Whoever," he declares after Saint John, "does not confess that Christ has come in the flesh, is an Anti-Christ." He claims for Jesus the reality of His quality of Son of God against the heretics of his day, who affirmed that The Incarnation of The Word was only a semblance.

Saint Polycarp Church,

Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.

Photo: April 2008.

Source: Own work.

Author: Mick Knapton

(Wikimedia Commons)

One day, when the heretic Marcion asked him if he was known to him, the Holy Bishop replied: "That he knew him as the eldest son of Satan".

And today's Epistle enables us to distinguish "The Sons of God from those who are the sons of Satan". Those who, like Christ, love their brethren, and, like Him, give their lives for them, are of God. That is what Saint Polycarp will do.

Church of Saint Polycarp,

Holbeach Drove, Lincolnshire, England.

Photo: 30 May 2006.

Source: From geograph.org.uk

Author: David Prestidge

(Wikimedia Commons)

Martyred in the Persecution under Emperor Commodus, he bore testimony to Christ (Gospel). He was burned in the middle of the amphitheatre and then struck with the sword in the year 166 A.D. He was 86 years old.

Like Polycarp (which name signifies “Much Fruit”), let us produce much fruit by loving our neighbour for Jesus's sake.

Mass: Sacerdotes.

The Epistle of Saint Polycarp to The Philippians.

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia.

Polycarp (Greek: Πολύκαρπος, Polýkarpos; Latin: Polycarpus; 69 A.D. – 155 A.D.) was a 2nd-Century A.D. Christian Bishop of Smyrna.

According to the Martyrdom of Polycarp, he died a Martyr, bound and burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to touch him. Polycarp is regarded as a Saint and Church Father in The Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran Churches. His name 'Polycarp' means 'much fruit' in Greek.

It is recorded by Irenaeus, who heard him speak in his youth, and by Tertullian, that he had been a disciple of Saint John the Apostle. Saint Jerome wrote that Polycarp was a disciple of Saint John and that Saint John had Ordained him Bishop of Smyrna.

Saint Polycarp of Smyrna.

Available on YouTube at

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The early Tradition that expanded upon the Martyrdom to link Polycarp in competition and contrast with Saint John the Apostle, who, though many people had tried to kill him, was not Martyred but died of old age after being exiled to the island of Patmos, is embodied in The Coptic language fragmentary papyri (the "Harris fragments") dating to the 3rd- to 6th-Centuries A.D.

Frederick Weidmann, their editor, interprets the "Harris fragments" as Smyrnan hagiography addressing Smyrna–Ephesus Church rivalries, which "develops the association of Polycarp and Saint John to a degree un-witnessed, so far as we know, either before or since". The fragments echo The Martyrology, and diverge from it.

With Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp is regarded as one of the three chief Apostolic Fathers. The sole surviving work attributed to his authorship is his Letter to The Philippians; it is first recorded by Irenæus of Lyons.

“Mary Versus The Attacks Of The Devil”. The Devil Cannot Touch The Beloved Mother Of God, Because She Is Full Of Grace. Where The Madonna Is At Home, The Devil Dare Not Enter. Mary Is The Terror Of Hell.

Fr. Vincent Lampert.

“Mary Versus The Attacks Of The Devil”.

Necessity of Exorcists.

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

The Conversion Of Saint Paul. Whose Feast Day Is, Today, 25 January.

Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.

The Conversion of Saint Paul.
   Feast Day 25 January.

Greater-Double.

White Vestments.

The Conversion of Saint Paul.

Artist: Caravaggio (1571–1610).

Date: 1600.

Current location: Odescalchi Balbi Collection, Rome.

Source/Photographer: Web Gallery of Art

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Conversion of Saint Paul.

Artist: Caravaggio.

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

Paul of Tarsus was a Jew of the Tribe of Benjamin. A most zealous Pharisee, he appears in the Epistle as full of hatred "for the Disciples of The Lord". He becomes a "Vessel of Election", so filled with The Holy Ghost (Epistle), "that all Nations shall drink of its fulness," says Saint Ambrose, and shall learn through him that "Jesus is The Son of God" (Epistle).

Saint Paul is, like The Twelve, an Apostle of Christ (Alleluia), "he shall sit in one of the twelve seats and shall judge the World when The Son of Man shall Himself be seated on The Throne which belongs to Him as Son of God" (Gradual and Gospel).

We owe it to today's Feast, which follows by a few days that of The Chair of Saint Peter at Rome, and which had for its origin a Translation of the body of Saint Paul, that we are enabled to see the whole Season after Epiphany represented in a picture [Editor: A Theoretical Picture], giving us an admirable vision of The Kingship of Jesus.

In the foreground [Editor: Of this Theoretical Picture] are the two witnesses of The Divinity of Christ, Saint Peter, more especially sent to the sons of Israel, and Saint Paul, to the Gentiles (Collect, Gradual).

In the background [Editor: Of this Theoretical Picture], is Galilee with its verdant hills, where we perceive Cana, the Synagogue of Nazareth, and the Lake of Genesareth, where Jesus, by His Miracles, proved that He was The Son of God.

Following the example of Saint Paul, let us show by our Faith, and by a new life, that Jesus is God and that He is our King.

Mass: Scio cui crédidi.
Commemoration: Saint Peter.
Gospel: Ecce nos.
Creed: Is said.

Let Us Support One Another With Love And Understanding During This Virus Crisis.

Blessed M. Stella And Her Ten Companions, The Martyrs Of Nowogrodek, In Nazi-Occupied Poland In 1943.

The artwork for the Beatification image of

Blessed M. Stella and her Ten Companions,

The Martyrs of Nowogrodek, in Nazi-occupied Poland in 1943.

Painted by Jerzy Kumala (1998).

Illustrations: FR. Z's BLOG

This Article is taken from, and can be read in full at,

FR. Z's BLOG

Saint Timothy. Bishop And Martyr. Feast Day, Today, 24 January.

Text from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia,
unless otherwise stated.

Saint Timothy.
   Bishop and Martyr.
   Feast Day 24 January.

Double.

Red Vestments.

Stained-Glass Window of Saint Timothy,

Southwark Cathedral, London.

Photo: 1 August 2013.

Source: Own work.

Author: Vassil

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Timothy (Greek: Τιμόθεος; Timótheos, meaning "Honouring God" or "Honoured by God") was a 1st - Century A.D. Christian Bishop, who died around 97 A.D. The New Testament indicates that Saint Timothy travelled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. Timothy is addressed as the recipient of the Epistles to Timothy.

Saint Timothy is mentioned in The Bible at the time of Paul's second visit to Lystra, in Anatolia, where Timothy is mentioned as a "Disciple". Paul calls him his "own son in The Faith". Timothy often travelled with Paul. Timothy's mother was Jewish and his father was Greek, but he had not been circumcised, and Paul now ensured that this was done, according to the Text, to ensure Timothy’s acceptability to the Jews.

According to McGarvey, Paul performed the operation "with his own hand", but others claim this is unlikely and nowhere attested. He was Ordained and went with Paul on his journeys through Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia,Troas, Philippi, Veria, and Corinth. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, are noted as eminent for their piety and Faith, which indicates that they may have also been Christians. Timothy is praised by Paul for his knowledge of The Scriptures (in the 1st-Century A.D., mostly The Septuagint (Greek); See Development of The New Testament Canon - Clement of Rome), and is said to have been acquainted with The Scriptures since childhood.

Saint Timothy (17 A.D. - 97 A.D.).

(Orthodox icon). Bishop and Martyr.

Source: http://www.svetigora.com/node/921

Author: Unknown.

(Wikimedia Commons)

That Timothy was jailed at least once, during the period of the writing of The New Testament, is implied by the writer of Hebrews mentioning Timothy's release at the end of the Epistle. It is also apparent that Timothy had some type of stomach malady, owing to Paul's advice, in 1 Timothy 5:23, counselling Timothy to: "No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments."

Paul commanded Timothy to remain in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1): "I command you to stay there in Ephesus", to prevent Heresy from infecting The Church in Ephesus. Paul also gave him instructions for establishing Elders and Deacons, there. These very guidelines have become the commonly-used guidelines among Churches across the World to this day.

According to later Tradition, Paul Consecrated Timothy as Bishop of Ephesus in 65 A.D., where he served for fifteen years. In 97 A.D., (with Timothy dying at age eighty), Timothy tried to halt a pagan procession of idols, ceremonies, and songs. In response to his Preaching of the Gospel, the angry pagans beat him, dragged him through the streets, and stoned him to death. In the 4th-Century A.D., his Relics were Transferred to The Church of The Holy Apostles, in Constantinople.

Pen and Ink Drawing (top),

Colour Photo (middle),

The High Altar (bottom),

The Catholic Church of Saint Timothy,

Los Angeles, California, United States of America.

Illustration: SAINT TIMOTHY CATHOLIC CHURCH

The following Text is from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.

Saint Timothy, born at Lystra (Asia Minor), of a pagan father and a Jewish mother, was already a Christian when Saint Paul came to that town. Saint Paul, whose Conversion we Celebrate tomorrow, was struck by Timothy's Holiness and took him as a companion on his travels. Saint Timothy thereupon gave up everything and became his Disciple (Gospel).

Saint Paul conferred on him full Sacerdotal powers (Introit) and committed to his care The Church of Ephesus. We read, in the Epistle, a passage of one of the two admirable Letters which his Master wrote to him. Saint Timothy was stoned to death in his Episcopal City in 97 A.D.

Let us, with Timothy, confess The Divinity of Christ in this Season After Epiphany, which is its Liturgical manifestation.

Mass: Státuit. (Of a Martyr Bishop).