Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who hear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Luke 1:46 55
St. Mary
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Revelation 12:1
“Mary is our mother – the mother of our life, the mother of our Incarnation, the mother of our light.” + St. Aelred, abbot (1110-1167 A.D.)
“Without God’s Son, nothing could exist; without Mary’s Son, nothing could be redeemed.” + St. Anselm, bishop (1033-1109 A.D.)
“Who can put Mary’s high honor into words? She is both mother and virgin. I am overwhelmed by the wonder of this miracle.” + St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop (375-444 A.D.)
“Mary heard God’s word and kept it, and so she is blessed. She kept God’s truth in her mind, a nobler thing than carrying his body in her womb.” + St. Augustine, bishop (354-430 A.D.)
“You, O Virgin, are like a clear and shining sky, in which God has set his tent. From you he comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber.” + St. Sophronius, bishop (560-638 A.D.)
“The Virgin Mary was chosen from eternity, foreknown and prepared by the Most High for himself, guarded by the angels, prefigured by the patriarchs, and promised by the prophets.” + St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153 A.D.)
“Scripture portrays the loving Mother of God, almost before our very eyes, as most intimately united with her divine Son and always sharing in his destiny.” + Pope Pius XII (1876-1958 A.D.)
“I do indeed praise the ministry of preaching in Paul, but far more do I admire and venerate the mystery of generation in Mary.” + Blessed Guerric of Igny, abbot (1080-1157 A.D.)
“That anyone could doubt the right of the holy Virgin to be called the Mother of God fills me with astonishment. Surely she must be the Mother of God if our Lord Jesus Christ is God, and she gave birth to him!” + St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop (375-444 A.D.)
“Mary is both virgin and mother, for she gave birth to the Word incarnate without knowledge of man; and yet she retained her virginity because of the miraculous way he chose to be born.” + St. Proclus of Constantinople, bishop (unknown – 447 A.D.)
“God is the Father by whom all things were given life, and Mary the mother through whom all things were given new life.” + St. Anselm, bishop (1033-1109 A.D.)
“We owe Mary honor, for she is the mother of our Lord. He who fails to honor the mother clearly dishonors the son. Also, scripture says: Honor your father and your mother.” + St. Aelred, abbot (1110-1167 A.D.)
“Had Mary not known before Jesus would die? Undoubtedly. Did she not expect him to rise again at once? Surely. And still she grieved over her crucified Son? Intensely.” + St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153 A.D.)
“Jesus died in body through a love greater than anyone had known. Mary died in spirit through a love unlike any other since his.” + St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153 A.D.)
“The Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, carried the true light in her arms and brought him to those who lay in darkness. We too should carry a light for all to see and reflect the radiance of the true light as we hasten to meet him.” + St. Sophronius, bishop (560-638 A.D.)
“It must be noted that from the second century the holy Fathers present the Virgin Mary as the new Eve, most closely associated with the new Adam, though subject to him in the struggle against the enemy from the nether world.” + Pope Pius XII (1876-1958 A.D.)
“It was fitting that the Virgin should give birth only to God; and it was also fitting that God should be born only of the Virgin.” + St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153 A.D.)
“Mary refers all her greatness to the gift of the one whose essence is power and whose nature is greatness, for he fills with greatness and strength the small and the weak who believe in him.” + St. Bede the Venerable, priest (672-735 A.D.)
“By meditating upon the incarnation, our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue.” + St. Bede the Venerable, priest (672-735 A.D.)
“Above all other saints, Mary alone could truly rejoice in Jesus, her savior, for she knew that he who was the source of eternal salvation would be born in time in her body, in one person both her own son and her Lord.” + St. Bede the Venerable, priest (672-735 A.D.)
“Let the union of God and man in the Son of the Virgin Mary fill us with awe and adoration.” + St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop (375-444 A.D.)
“Let Mary’s soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord.” + St. Ambrose, bishop (340-397 A.D.)
“Mary, Mother of God, we salute you.” + St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop (375-444 A.D.)
Apostles
The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. Matthew 10:2-4
“The Lord called his disciples the salt of the earth because they seasoned with heavenly wisdom the hearts of men, rendered insipid by the devil.” + St. Chromatius, bishop (unknown – 407 A.D.)
“Fish taken out of the sea die; but the apostles have fished for us and have taken us out of the sea of this world so we could be brought from death to life.” + St. Jerome, priest (340-420 A.D.)
“The Church, which has spread everywhere, even to the ends of the earth, received the faith from the apostles and their disciples.” + St. Irenaeus, bishop (140-203 A.D.)
“The good deeds which tax-collectors and fisherman were able to accomplish by God’s grace, the philosophers, the rulers, the countless multitudes cannot even imagine.” + St. John Chrysostom, bishop (347-407 A.D.)
Martyrs
Now Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8
“We, the Christian community, assemble to celebrate the memory of the martyrs with ritual solemnity because we want to be inspired to follow their example, share in their merits, and be helped by their prayers.” + St. Augustine, bishop (354-430 A.D.)
“As martyrdom’s first witness and possessing the Lord’s qualities of justice and peace, Abel foreshadowed the Lord’s passion in the glory of his own death.” + St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr (208-258 A.D.)
“Give me the privilege of imitating the passion of my God. If you have him in your heart, you will understand what I wish. You will sympathize with me because you will know what urges me on.” + St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr (35-98 A.D.)
“I would prefer to die in Jesus Christ than to rule over all the earth.” + St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr (35-98 A.D.)
“We are standing firm in faith and ready to endure suffering, in expectation of winning the crown of eternal life through the help and mercy of the Lord.” + St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr (208-258 A.D.)
“My God, even if all the brutal forces tortures which prisoners in this region must endure should fall on me, I offer myself most willingly to them and I alone shall suffer them all.” + St. John de Brebeuf, priest and martyr (1593-1649 A.D.)
“No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth.” + St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr (35-98 A.D.)
“The African martyrs add another page to the martyrology – the Church’s roll of honor – an occasion both of mourning and of joy.” + Pope Paul VI (1897-1978 A.D.)
“We do not pray for the martyrs as we pray for those others, rather, they pray for us, that we may follow in their footsteps.” + St. Augustine, bishop (354-430 A.D.)
“The martyrs of love suffer infinitely more in remaining in this life so as to serve God, than if they died a thousand times over in testimony to their faith and love and fidelity.” + Secretary of Saint Jane Frances de Chantel
“Bound as he was, with hands behind his back, Saint Polycarp stood like a mighty ram, chosen out for sacrifice from a great flock, a worthy victim made ready to be offered to God.” + Church of Smyrna
“As I come to this supreme moment of my life, I am sure none of you would suppose I want to deceive you. And so I tell you plainly: there is no way to be saved except the Christian way.” + St. Paul Miki, martyr (1562-1597 A.D.)
“There is no counting the sheep who are nourished with his abundant love, and who are prepared to lay down their lives for the sake of the good shepherd who died for them.” + St. Leo the Great, pope (400-461 A.D.)
“It does not matter if I die. Christ’s religion is so deeply rooted on this island that it cannot be destroyed by my death.” + St. Peter Chanel, priest and martyr (1803-1841 A.D.)
“Though I have a fierce desire to suffer martyrdom, I know not whether I am worthy of it.” + St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr (35-98 A.D.)
“Grant me no more than to be made a sacrifice to God while there is still an altar at hand.” + St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr (35-98 A.D.)
“The martyrs‟ execution is the door to life, and those who were thought to have been blotted out from the earth shine brilliantly in heaven.” + St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop (406-450 A.D.)
“Farewell in the Lord, dearest brother.” + St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr (208-258 A.D.)
“It is a fine thing for me to set with the sun, leaving the world and going to God, that I may rise in him.” + St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr (35-98 A.D.)
Saints
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a
“The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth that without real effort no one wins the crown.” + St. Thomas Becket, bishop (1118-1170 A.D.)
“It is intolerable for love not to see the object of its longing. That is why whatever reward they merited was nothing to the saints if they could not see the Lord.” + St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop (406-450 A.D.)
“Again and again Saint Agatha meditated on the death of her eager lover. For her, Christ’s death was recent, his blood was still moist.” + St. Methodius of Sicily, bishop (unknown – 847 A.D.)
“Saint Agatha was truly good, for she lived as a child of God.” + St. Methodius of Sicily, bishop (unknown – 847 A.D.)
“Saint Agatha, her mere name wins all men over to her company. She teaches them by her example to hasten with her to the true Good, God alone.” + St. Methodius of Sicily, bishop (unknown – 847 A.D.)
“Seeing the kind of life Saint Anthony lived, the villagers and all the good men he knew called him the friend of God, and they loved him as both son and brother.” + St. Athanasius, bishop (296-373 A.D.)
“Clearly, if we venerate the saints. memory, it serves us, not them. But I tell you, when I think of them, I feel myself inflamed by a tremendous yearning.” + St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153 A.D.)
“We should not only want to be with the saints, we should also hope to possess their happiness. While we desire to be in their company, we must also earnestly seek to share in their glory.” + St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153 A.D.)
“When we commemorate the saints we are inflamed with another yearning: that Christ our life may also appear to us as he appeared to them and that we may one day share in his glory.” + St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153 A.D.)
“In the sick Saint Camillus saw the person of Christ.” + From the Life of St. Camillus
“The mere sight of the sick was enough to soften and melt Saint Camillus. heart and make him utterly forget all the pleasures, enticements and interests of this world.” + From the Life of St. Camillus
“By the power of the Holy Spirit, Saint Casimir burned with a sincere and unpretentious love for almighty God that was almost unbelievable in its strength.” + From the Life of St. Casimir
“Wherever Saint Dominic went he showed himself in word and deed to be a man of the Gospel.” + From various writings on the history of the Order of Preachers
“Saint Elizabeth was a lifelong friend of the poor and gave herself entirely to relieving the hungry.” + From a letter by Conrad of Marburg
“When Saint Elizabeth was coming from private prayer, some religious men and women often saw her face shining marvelously and light coming from her eyes like the rays of the sun.” + From a letter by Conrad of Marburg
“Like a farmer tending a sound tree, untouched by axe or fire because of its fruit, I want not only to serve in the body, good people that you are, but also to give my life for your well-being.” + St. Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop (283-371 A.D.)
“With peace of soul Saint Frances always reconciled herself to the will of God and gave him thanks for all that happened.” + Mary Magdalene Anguillaria, religious
“Saint George was a man who abandoned one army for another: he gave up the rank of tribune to enlist as a soldier for Christ.” + St. Peter Damian, bishop (1840-1889 A.D.)
“Truly the all-powerful Creator and Redeemer of mankind can give me in spite of my weakness a higher life and effective speech; because I love him, I do not spare myself in speaking of him.” + St. Gregory the Great, pope (540-604 A.D.)
“Saint Hedwig allowed no one who came to her for help to go away uncomforted.” + From the life of Saint Hedwig
“Through divine favor Saint Hedwig had the power to relieve the bodily and spiritual troubles of all who sought her help.” + From the life of Saint Hedwig
“Every day after his round of duties, Saint John of Kanty would go straight from the lecture room to church. There he would spend long hours in contemplation and prayer before the hidden Christ of the Eucharist. The God in his heart and the God on his lips were one and the same God.” + Pope Clement XIII (1693-1769 A.D.)
“John is baptizing when Jesus draws near. Perhaps he comes to sanctify his baptizer; certainly he comes to bury sinful humanity in the waters.” + St. Gregory of Nazianzus, bishop (329-374 A.D.)
“John the Baptist was a voice that lasted only for a time; Christ, the Word in the beginning, is eternal.” + St. Augustine, bishop (354-430 A.D.)
“Saint Joseph brought the noble line of patriarchs and prophets to its promised fulfillment. What the divine goodness had offered as a promise to them, he held in his arms.” + St. Bernardine of Siena, priest (1380-1444 A.D.)
“Holy Church in its entirety is indebted to the Virgin Mother because through her it was judged worthy to receive Christ. But after her we undoubtedly owe special gratitude and reverence to St. Joseph.” + St. Bernardine of Siena, priest (1380-1444 A.D.)
“I must also pray, she said, for the conversion of sinners. I asked her many times what she meant by that, but she only smiled. Finally with outstretched arms and eyes looking up to heaven she told me she was the Immaculate Conception.” + St. Marie Bernadette Soubirous, virgin (1844-1879 A.D.)
“Saint Martin of Tours left this life a poor and lowly man and entered heaven rich in God’s favor.” + Sulpicius Severus, writer (363-425 A.D.)
“With eyes and hands always raised to heaven Saint Martin of Tours never withdrew his unconquered spirit from prayer.” + Sulpicius Severus, writer (363-425 A.D.)
“We should reflect on Saint Mary Magdalene’s attitude and the great love she felt for Christ; for though the disciples had left the tomb, she remained.” + St. Gregory the Great, pope (540-604 A.D.)
“Bury my body wherever you will; let not care of it cause you any concern. One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.” + St. Monica, widow (331-387 A.D.)
“Saint Norbert would preach the word of God, and with his fiery eloquence purged vices, refined virtues and filled souls of good will with the warmth of wisdom.” + From the life of Saint Norbert
“I came to the Irish peoples to preach the Gospel and endure the taunts of unbelievers, putting up with reproaches about my earthly pilgrimage, suffering many persecutions, even bondage, and losing my birthright of freedom for the benefit of others.” + St. Patrick, bishop (387-460 A.D.)
“If I am worthy, I am ready also to give up my life, without hesitation and most willingly, for his name.” + St. Patrick, bishop (387-460 A.D.)
“God showed me how to have faith in him forever, as one who is never to be doubted.” + St. Patrick, bishop (387-460 A.D.)
“The one thing the Apostle Paul feared, indeed dreaded, was to offend God; nothing else could sway him.” + St. John Chrysostom, bishop (347-407 A.D.)
“The Apostle Paul set no store by the things that fill our visible world, any more than a man sets value on the withered grass of the field. As for tyrannical rulers or the people enraged against him, he paid them no more heed than gnats.” + St. John Chrysostom, bishop (347-407 A.D.)
“By word of mouth, by letters, by miracles and by the example of his own life, Saint Paul bore the name of Jesus wherever he went.” + St. Bernardine of Siena, priest (1380-1444 A.D.)
“Saint Paul was always being crucified with Christ. It was not his own life he lived; it was Christ who lived in him.” + St. Gregory of Nyssa, bishop (335-394 A.D.)
“No one has known Christ better than Paul, nor surpassed him in the careful example he gave of what anyone should be who bears Christ’s name.” + St. Gregory of Nyssa, bishop (335-394 A.D.)
“The Apostle Paul accepted beatings and wounds more readily than others reached out for rewards. Sufferings he loved as much as prizes, and therefore called them a grace or gift.” + St. John Chrysostom, bishop (347-407 A.D.)
“Death itself and pain and whatever torments might come were but child’s play to the Apostle Paul, provided that thereby he might bear some burden for the sake of Christ.” + St. John Chrysostom, bishop (347-407 A.D.)
“The name Peter comes from petra, the word for “rock,” and not vice versa. “Peter” comes, therefore, from petra, just as “Christian” comes from Christ.” + St. Augustine, bishop (354-430 A.D.)
“Once, and again, and a third time did the Lord entrust his sheep to Peter.” + St. Augustine, bishop (354-430 A.D.)
“Out of the whole world one man, Peter, is chosen to preside at the calling of all nations, and to be set over all the apostles and all the fathers of the Church.” + St. Leo the Great, pope (400-461 A.D.)
“Three times Peter had denied in fear; three times he confessed out of love. By his replies and his profession of love, Peter condemned and wiped out his former fear.” + St. Augustine, bishop (354-430 A.D.)
“Frequently Saint Romuald was seized by so great a contemplation of divinity that he would be reduced to tears with the boiling, indescribable heat of divine love.” + St. Peter Damian, bishop (1840-1889 A.D.)
“The command has been written: Cling to the saints, for those who cling to them will be sanctified.” + St. Clement I, pope (unknown – 100 A.D.)
“Do not forget that all the saints can not endear you to Christ as much as you can yourself. It is entirely up to you.” + St. Cajetan, priest (1480-1547 A.D.)
