Panis Angelicus Lambillotte

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL525D000A610FC2E0

A most beautiful piece by Fr. Louis Lambillotte (1796-1855) a Belgian Jesuit.  

The text for "Panis Angelicus" is from Sacris Solemniis, a hymn written by St Thomas Aquinas (1225--1274) for the Feast of Corpus Christi (now called the Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ). 

The strophe of Sacris solemniis that begins with the words "Panis angelicus" (bread of angels) has often been set to music by many composers. 

Panis angelicus, fit panis hominum; dat panis caelicus, figuris terminum; 

Thus Angels' Bread is made, the Bread of man today: the Living Bread from heaven with figures dost away: 

O res mirabilis: manducat Dominum, pauper, servus et humilis. 

O wondrous gift indeed! the poor and lowly may upon their Lord and Master feed. 

Te, trina Deitas, unaque, poscimus: sic nos tu visita, sicut te colimus; 

Thee, therefore, we implore, O Godhead, One in Three, so may Thou visit us as we now worship Thee; 

per tuas semitas duc nos quo tendimus, ad lucem quam inhabitas 

and lead us on Thy way, That we at last may see the light wherein Thou dwellest aye.

Lauda Sion [St Thomas Aquinas]

When Pope Urban IV (1261-1264) first established the Feast of Corpus Christi, he requested St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) to compose hymns for it. This is one of the five beautiful hymns Aquinas composed in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to Lauda Sion, St. Thomas wrote Adoro Te Devote, Pange Lingua, Sacris Sollemnis and Verbum Supernum. Lauda Sion is the Sequence before the Gospel on Corpus Christi. The last two verses comprise the well known Bone pastor, panis vere.

A metrical translation by St. Robert Southwell. 

Southwell — a Jesuit priest who secretly ministered to Catholics in England who still clung to their faith - was eventually caught and, having suffered bravely for three years, became a martyr for Jesus Christ in 1595 A.D. 

	Sequence for the Feast of Corpus Christi	Translation by St. Robert Southwell
1	Lauda Sion salvatorem Lauda ducem et pastorem, In hymnis et canticis	Praise, O Sion! praise thy Saviour,  Praise thy captain and thy pastor,  With hymns and solemn harmony.
2	Quantum potes, tantum aude: Qui major omni laude, Nec laudare, sufficis	What power affords perform indeed; His worths all praises far exceed, No praise can reach His dignity.
3	Laudis thema specialis, Panis vivus et vitalis Hodie proponitur.	A special theme of praise is read, A living and life-giving bread, Is on this day exhibited;
4	Quem in sacrae mensa coenae, Turbae fratrum duodenae Datum non ambigitur.	Which in the supper of our Lord, To twelve disciples at His board None doubts was delivered.
5	Sit laus plena, sit sonora, Sit jucunda, sit decora Mentis jubilatio.	Let our praise be loud and free, Full of joy and decent glee, With minds’ and voices’ melody;
6	Dies enim solemnis agitur,  In qua mensae prima recolitur Hujus institutio.	For now solemnise we that day, Which doth with joy to us display The prince of this mystery.
7	In hac mensa novi Regis,  Novum Pascha novae legis, Phase vetus terminat.	At this board of our new ruler, Of new law, new paschal order The ancient rite abolisheth;
8	Vetustatem novitas,  Umbram fugat veritas, Noctem lux eliminat.	Old decrees be new annulled, Shadows are in truths fulfilled, Day former darkness finisheth.
9	Quod in coena Christus gessit,  Faciendum hoc expressit In sui memoriam.	That at supper Christ performed, To be done He straitly charged For His eternal memory.
10	Docti sacris institutis, Panem, vinum in salutis Consecramus hostiam.	Guided by His sacred orders, Bread and wine upon our altars To saving host we sanctify.
11	Dogma datur christianis,  Quod in carnem transit panis, Et vinum in sanguinem.	Christians are by faith assured That to flesh the bread is changed, The wine to blood most precious.
12	Quod non capis, quod non vides, Animosa firmat fides, Praeter rerum ordinem.	That no wit nor sense conceiveth, Firm and grounded faith believeth, In strange effects not curious.
13	Sub diversis speciebus, Signis tantum, et non rebus,  Latent res eximiae.	Under kinds two in appearance, Two in show but one in substance, Lie things beyond comparison;
14	Caro cibus, sanguis potus: Manet tamen Christus totus Sub utraque specie.	Flesh is meat, blood drink most heavenly, Yet is Christ in each kind wholly, Most free from all division.
15	Asumente non concisus,  Non confractus, non divisus:  Integer accipitur.	None that consumers doth rend Him, None that takes Him doth divide Him, Received He whole persevereth.
16	Sumit unus, sumunt mille:  Quantum isti, tantum ille: Nec sumptus consumitur.	Be there one or thousands hosted, One as much as all received  He by no eating perisheth.
17	Sumunt boni, sumunt mali:  Sorte tamen inaequali, Vitae vel interitus.	Both the good and bad receive Him, But effects are diverse in them, True life or true destruction.
18	Mors est malis, vita bonis:  Vide paris sumptionis Quam sit dispar éxitus.	Life to the good, death to the wicked, Mark how both alike received With far unlike conclusion.
19	Fracto demum sacramento, Ne vaciles, sed memento Tantum esse sub fragmento, Quantum toto tegitur.	When the priest the host divideth,  Know that in each part abideth  All that the whole host covered.
20	Nulla rei fit scissura:  Signi tantum fit fractura,  Qua nec status, nec statura Signati minuitur.	Form of bread, not Christ is broken, Not of Christ, but of His token, Is state or stature altered.
21	Ecce panis angelorum Factus cibus viatorum:  Vere panis filiorum, Non mittendus canibus.	Angels’ bread made pilgrims’ feeding Truly bread for children’s eating, To dogs not to be offered.
22	In figuris praesignatur,  Cum Isaac immolatur,  Agnus Paschae deputatur, Datur manna patribus.	Signed by Isaac on the altar, By the lamb and paschal supper, And in the manna figured.
23	Bone pastor, panis vere,  Jesu, nostri miserere:  Tu nos pasce, nos tuere, Tu nos bona fac videre  In terra viventium.	Jesu, food and feeder of us, Here with mercy feed and friend us, Then grant in heaven felicity!
24	Tu qui cuncta scis et vales,  Qui nos pascis hic mortales:  Tuos ibi commensales,  Coheredes et sodales Fac sanctorum civium.	You know all things, can do all things, and feed us here on earth. Make us Your guests in heaven, co-heirs with You and companions of heaven’s citizens.
	Amen. Alleluia.

Ultima hominis felicitas est in contemplatione veritatis. - Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas, ora pro nobis! Albertus Magnus, ora pro nobis!

Albertus Magnus

Doctor Universalis

"Almighty God,

you combined human wisdom and divine faith

to render great your bishop, Saint Albert.

May we remain faithful to his teachings,

so that, through the progress of human science

we may come to a deeper knowledge and love of you.

(We make our prayer) through our Lord".

 

– Collect for the feast of St Albert the Great, 15 November.

 

St Albert left behind writings on sacred doctrine and other sciences, and is worthily called the ‘Great’ and the ‘Universal’ doctor. He died on 15 November, 1280, in Cologne, and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pius II in 1459. He was canonised by Pius XI on 16 December 1931 and Pius XII later declared him the patron saint of those involved in the natural sciences.

 

This painting of St Albert teaching is in the old chapel of the Albertinum in Fribourg, Switzerland.

"In 1248 he [St Albert] was charged with opening a theological studium at Cologne, one of the most important regional capitals of Germany, where he lived at different times and which became his adopted city. He brought with him from Paris an exceptional student, Thomas Aquinas. The sole merit of having been St Thomas' teacher would suffice to elicit profound admiration for St Albert. A relationship of mutual esteem and friendship developed between these two great theologians, human attitudes that were very helpful in the development of this branch of knowledge"

 

– Pope Benedict XVI. 

The rest of his reflection can be read here.

 

This painting of St Albert guiding St Thomas in study is in the Dominican priory in Toulouse.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.

The things that we love tell us what we are.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine.

Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.

Beware of the person of one book.

Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.

Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.

Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.

Law: an ordinance of reason for the common good, made by him who has care of the community.

Signadou, Fanjeaux, France

Sancta Albertus Magnus!!!

My dear readers,

I know that it has been some time since I last posted. I have been very supremely busy at home and at work, and so tired after that (good : )) ), I could not find any time to post anything because, I had also to fulfill my duties of state =) and to pray .. but ora et labore is really, really beautiful. 

I pray and urge my dear readers to please pray for all of us, to do the will of God!

A book review on: A Song for Nagasaki, about Dr Takashi Nagai is in the works. I pray that it will be Deo volente and it will be done. If I do not find enough time, I will "advertise" for the book by introducing you, first, to quotes and some examples of brilliance.

=)) It's the Feast Day of Saint Albert the Great, or Albertus Magnus in Latin! 

I posted on him a long time ago (in 2007) and here is the post again: http://rachelanne25.blogspot.com/2007/11/saint-albert-great-albertus-magnus.html

Today's the Feast of Saint Albert the Great! The patron saint of scientists! =)

The picture on your right shows Saint Albert the Great and Saint Thomas Aquinas, Professor and Student, and very good friends!, wonderful servants of God. :) Saint Thomas is the one on the left while Saint Albert is the one on the right with the bishop's mitre. (Convent of Albertinum in Fribourg Switzerland)

Here’s more about Albertus Magnus from the Catholic Encyclopedia. Very good article on this beautiful saint. :)

Time flies, it doesn’t wait for you. I feel so helpless every time I think of time (because of the way it just slips past you), but at the same time, a sense of strength and confidence that one day, in time to come, my time will come. It’s almost like a paradox, but I think St Peter explains this really well and beautifully if you think about it, in his second epistle: “But of this one thing be not ignorant, my beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ” (2 Peter 3:8)

I remember some time last year before the men went for their first ever Ignatian retreat, we had Fr. Pfeiffer passing by Singapore en route to Batam to co-preach the men’s retreat together with Fr. Couture. Fr. Pfeiffer gave a Sunday sermon, a very interesting one on Saint Albert the Great and how he became a saint, his life and how Mother Mary helped him in his life. It was hilarious and thought provoking at the same time and o dear me, very very interessant. I will try to relate what I remembered hearing from Fr. Pfeiffer’s sermon, but please forgive me if I do get the facts wrong because, like I said, I heard this 1 year ago. :) Like how one day when Saint Albert was young, he was so very helpless in his studies. He decided to run away from where he was studying, and when he was running away (or something to this extend) Mother Mary dearest appeared to him and told him to go back for she would help him. And when he went back to his studies, he became a genius. Its very amazing how God uses people to fulfill His will. For in this manner, the Mother of God prepared Albertus Magnus, dear saint, to be the teacher of another very dear dear saint, Saint Thomas Aquinas!! Both professor and student, Saint Albert and Saint Thomas Aquinas worked together at the Universität von Köln (Cologne). And of course, my dear reader, you know how great Saint Thomas was and still is. Thomistic Philosophy rocks! Saint Thomas’s Summa has helped the Church in so many ways and it gives the answer to many difficult questions in this our modern times. Thomism is the only answer to Modernism, as Pope Saint Pius X knew very well and as we can see from his encyclical Pascendi. Then, when Saint Thomas died and when after Saint Albert helped to defend his pupil’s writings, Saint Albert reverted back to what he was before Mother Mary appeared to him as a child. (or something like that) For I know he suffered a lapse of memory; his strong mind became clouded and his body weakened.

Saint Albert the Great was beatified by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, his feast is celebrated on 15th November. The bishops of Germany assembled in Fulda in September 1872 and sent to the Holy See a petition for his canonization. Saint Albert the Great, became, finally, Saint Albert the Great (was canonized) in 1931.

Saint Albert trained and directed a pupil (St. Thomas) who gave the world a concise, clear and perfect scientific exposition and defence of Christian doctrine; under God, therefore, we owe to Albertus Magnus the “Summa Theologica” of St. Thomas.

On a side note, St Thomas Summa has also helped me very well when I was writing my history essays. I found the only rational definition of what a war really is from his book, and dear Saint Thomas explains things so rationally, truthfully and beautifully, the dear saint helped me a lot to “grow up”, in a way. =) Deo gratias et Mariae.
Well now, back to dear St Albert Magnus. He’s the patron saint of scientists and a very good and dear saint, I must say. ;) I was having an email discussion with a friend [Anthony Tardiff @http://hardsayings.blogspot.com/] some time ago and we were talking about Saint Albert and Saint Thomas. Most of what I’m about to post is stuff I took from emails from him, so thus, credit all goes to him. =)

Saint Albert the Great is the patron saint of scientists for a reason.

He was the one who correctly interpreted Aristotle as saying something different from Plato when he spoke of forms. Before, everyone tried to interpret Aristotle in neoplatonic terms, but it was Albert who showed that Aristotle actually disagreed with his teacher, Plato, and had a very different idea of matter and form. This proper understanding of Aristotle allowed Albert to utilize the scientific method to study natural science. Albert was a great natural scientist. Our entire tradition of experimental science can be traced back to Albert and to this period in the 13th century — that was the REAL scientific revolution, not the 17th century like so many people think. It was in the 13th century that the Latin west got the complete works of Aristotle for the first time, and discovered that 80% of his works were natural science, rather than what we think of as philosophy. Using Aristotle as a base, natural science took off. People think the medieval times were "dark ages," but they most decidedly were not — they were very enlightened, far more than the "enlightenment" later on! It was then, in the 13th century that the system of experimental science that is used today first came to be practiced, because of the influx of Aristotle's writings on the natural sciences into the Latin West, and the works of great men like Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas in interpreting Aristotle correctly (others at the time were trying to interpret him as a Platonist, which caused no end of problems).

Of course, with the influx of all this science there was an apparent conflict between the new science and religion. Until that time, the Catholic Faith had always been intellectually articulated in neoplatonic, Augustinian terms, which did not mesh well with the view of the world that Aristotle gave, the view which allowed for the new science. Albert was concerned with finding a way to reconcile the two, arguing that since science and faith both have the same end — truth — they must agree. St. Thomas took up this great work of reconciliation with resounding success, and gave us a new intellectual articulation of the Catholic Faith in Aristotelian terms, including scientific proof of God's existence! (yay, see how Thomistic philosophy rules!)

Saint Albert the Great, together with his contemporary, Roger Bacon, proved to the world that the Church is not opposed to the study of nature, that faith and science may go hand in hand; their lives and their writings emphasize the importance of experiment and investigation.

The 13th century was when the true scientific revolution occurred! =)

“The aim of natural science is not simply to accept the statements [narrata] of others, but to investigate the causes that are at work in nature” (De Miner., lib. II, tr. ii, i).

“In studying nature we have not to inquire how God the Creator may, as He freely wills, use His creatures to work miracles and thereby show forth His power: we have rather to inquire what Nature with its immanent causes can naturally bring to pass” (De Coelo et Mundo, I, tr. iv, x).

Dearest Sancte Albertus Magnus, ora pro nobis!
From the Collect of today’s Holy Mass:

O God, Who didst make blessed Albert, Thy Bishop and Doctor, great by his bringing human wisdom into captivity to divine faith: grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow the guidance of his teaching that we may enjoy perfect light in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sub Tuum Praesidium

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, sancta Dei Genitrix; nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus; sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta.

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God! Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

O Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us those who have recourse to thee!

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Jesus, Mary, I love Thee; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

The Jesuit Model of Education by Fr MacMahon - EDOCERE.ORG

http://www.edocere.org/articles/jesuit_model_education.htm

How I wish I can teach in a school with a sound and proper Catholic system! 

Let me quote from the above article link from www.edocere.org 

The Ends

The ultimate end is to lead students to the knowledge and love of God. Essentially, education is ultimately apostolic. It is an apostolic mission. We instill in children a knowledge and love of Almighty God, a knowledge and love of the holy Catholic Faith, an enthusiasm for the Catholic Faith, manifest its importance: that it is the first principle, that it is not just something they do on Sunday, or something they do in religion class. It is something which is important all of the time —it must penetrate and permeate! The school, the education, the method, the curriculum, whatever it may be: these are means to that end, that they know, love, and serve Almighty God. We are aspiring to form Christ in each and every one of those students. What greater role is there?

The proximate educational aims are, first, to develop all the powers of the body and soul. It’s the whole man that is being formed: his body, senses, memory, imagination, intellect, and will. It is developing, disciplining, and directing all the capacities of the human personality. That is the purpose of education. Here is a remarkable quote from the Ratio Studiorum:

The development of the student’s intellectual capacity is the school’s most characteristic part. However, this development will be defective and even dangerous unless it is strengthened and completed by the training of the will and the formation of the character.

If you are just shooting for intellectual knowledge and you are not strengthening the will and forming the character at the same time, not only is education defective, but it is capable of being "even dangerous," and possibly extremely so! Education prepares nature to receive and cooperate with Our Lord’s grace. We are instructing the intellect, training the will, and forming the character —in other words, the whole man —based upon serious principles.

Points to Note:

Education is:
1) instructing the intellect
2) training the will
3) forming the character

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Prayer to obtain the grace of a devout life. St Thomas Aquinas.

St Thomas Aquinas

The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

______________________________________________________________________________

March 7 is the Feast Day of Dearest Saint Thomas Aquinas! Patron Saint of Students, the Angelic Doctor


The patron of all scientists, St Albertus Magnus (St Albert the Great) once said this of St Thomas Aquinas, 

"We call Br. Thomas the Dumb Ox! But I tell you that one day he will make his bellowing (loud voice), heard through the whole world!"

Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

Here's a little more about St. Thomas Aquinas:

J.M.J.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225 - 1274)

St. Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225, in the Castle of Rocca Secca, high up in the mountains near the town of Aquinas, in Italy. His Father was Count of Aquinas and his Mother was Countess.

Before St. Thomas was born, a holy hermit known as Buono, went to the Castle of Rocca Secca and made a great prophecy to his Mother. While speaking to the Countess he pointed to a picture of St. Dominic, saying, "Lady be glad, for you are about to have a son whom you will call Thomas. You and your husband will think of making him a monk in the Abbey of Mount Cassino (Benedictines), where lies the founder, St. Benedict, in the hopes that your son will attain to its honours and wealth. But God has disposed otherwise, because he will become a Friar of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). And so great will be his learning and sanctity, that there will not be found in the whole world, another person like him!"

Countess Theodora was amazed at the prophecy and falling on her knees exclaimed, "I am most unworthy of bearing such a son, but God's will be done according to His good pleasure!"

A few miles to the south of Rocca Secca, stands the Abbey of Mount Cassino. From the age of five to about the age of thirteen, Thomas went to school there. The Benedictine Monks liked his modest, sweet and gentle nature. They realized that Thomas had special talents and virtues, and encouraged his Father to send him to University.
Thomas was brought home from Mount Cassino for a short vacation, before going to University. At home Thomas did not become spoiled, because the Monks had trained him well. He remained the same gentle boy: serious, studious, and prayerful. His greatest delight was to give alms to the poor. He even gave his own food to the poor! The Countess feared that Thomas might loose his innocence at University but his Father thought differently, and sent him to the University of Naples. His only joy was study and prayer. He really wanted to become a saint and longed to give himself more completely to God. Gradually the desire grew in his heart, to join the Dominicans. As soon the Count heard about his son's plans, he commanded Thomas to put the idea out of his head. But Thomas had his mind made up to do the Holy Will of God, so one day when he was seventeen, he took the habit in the Dominican Monastery of Naples.

His Mother used tears, promises and threats, to make her son leave the Dominicans but Thomas had made up his mind to remain in the Order. He was then imprisoned in one of the castle towers, where he had to suffer cold and hunger, and had to do without many things. Thomas was kept a prisoner for over one year, and during this time, he memorized the whole Bible as well as the four books of the "Sentences", (Theological textbook of the time).

When Thomas' two brothers came home from the army, they decided to teach their brother a lesson. They sent an evil woman into the tower to tempt him towards sin! But Thomas grabbed a piece of burning wood from the fireplace, and drove the wicked woman from the tower. He then traced a cross upon the wall with the burning wood and kneeling down, begged God to grant him the gift of Purity until his death. Suddenly, Thomas went into ecstasy! Two Angels appeared and tied a cord tightly around his waist saying, "We have come from God to give you this cord of Chastity and God has heard your prayer. God has granted you the gift of Purity until your death!" This cord, which was worn by St. Thomas until his death, is now kept as a relic, in the Monastery of Chieri in Piedmont, Italy.

After a year or two passed, the Pope and Emperor learned about Thomas. They were very displeased at the way he had been treated. At last the Countess became more merciful. The Dominicans came to rescue Thomas, and one of his sisters helped him to escape by letting him down in a basket, from the tower. In 1244, the General of the Dominican Order took Thomas to Cologne, Germany, where St. Albert Magnus was teaching. Thomas gave full attention to his studies, seeking to learn all he could for the greater honour and glory of God. He even went without sleep, in order to have more time to study his books. Because of his humility, St. Thomas hid his learning from others. But one day St. Albert found a paper that Thomas had written, explaining the answer to a very difficult question. The next day, Albert asked Thomas some questions in public and then exclaimed, "We call Br. Thomas the Dumb Ox! But I tell you that one day he will make his bellowing (loud voice), heard through the whole world!" In 1245, St. Albert went to the University of Paris, to obtain the Degree of Doctor, taking St. Thomas along as his companion. They set out on foot and in time reached the Dominican Monastery of St. James, in Paris. Here, St. Thomas became the model of the whole Monastery because of his deep Humility, his Spirit of Prayer, his perfect Obedience, and his great Charity. Heavenly grace glowed from St. Thomas, and some said they only had to look at him to become more fervent!

In Paris, St. Thomas met another holy monk known now as St. Bonaventure, who was a Franciscan. They studied together for three years and became the closest of friends. They both obtained the Degree of Bachelor of Theology in 1248.In November 1248, Albert went back to Cologne and took St. Thomas with him.

Thomas became a teacher under the direction of St. Albert, and the new school in Cologne soon overflowed with students. Thomas always used these five basic ideals, when he was teaching; (1) Clearness (2) Brevity {Short} (3) Utility {Useful} (4) Sweetness (5) Maturity {Complete}.

Soon after his return to Cologne, Thomas became a priest. He became yet closer to the good God, and spent many hours of the day and night, praying in Church. He loved God so much, that he would shed many tears while saying Holy Mass. In 1252, St. Thomas was ordered by the General Chapter (special meeting) to go to Paris to obtain his degree as a Doctor. In those days, one had to be at least thirty-five to teach Theology, but his learning was so extraordinary, that he was allowed to be a Professor at twenty-five. When he was in Paris, his success in teaching was so great, that crowds of people came to the Monastery of St. James to hear him. Later on St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure were asked to defend the truths of the Faith in the Papal Courts, because someone had written a heretical book. They were victorious and on October 23, 1257, both monks received their Doctor's degree.St. Thomas taught in Rome for a while and in 1269, he went to Paris to teach. 

At the time, here was a disagreement among the Doctors at the University, about the Holy Eucharist. They presented their questions to Thomas. After praying for a long time about the question, he wrote his opinion on paper. In great Humility he brought it to the Church and laid it on the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament. Thomas then prayed, "Lord Jesus, Who art truly present and who works wonders in the adorable Sacrament, I beg Thee, if I have written the truth, please enable me to teach it. But if some of the things I have written are not true, then please do not allow me to talk about it."Then the Monks who were watching, saw Our Lord Himself come down and stand upon the written paper, They heard Jesus say these words: "Thomas, thou hast written well concerning the Sacrament of My Body." St. Thomas suddenly went into ecstasy! His soul was filled with joy and he floated in the air, eighteen inches above the ground! 

In 1271, St. Thomas returned to Italy and began to teach in Rome. During the following Holy Week he preached in St. Peter's on the Passion of Our Lord, and those who heard him were moved to tears, and cried until Easter Sunday. And at Easter, a miracle took place when a sick woman kissed the hem of his mantle, and was immediately cured! The whole soul of St. Thomas was filled with love for the Holy Eucharist. He only wanted God, and one day as he was praying at Naples after he had finished writing the first part of the Summa, Jesus spoke from the Crucifix: "Thou hast written well of me, what recompense dost thou desire?" Thomas humbly answered, "None other than Thyself, O Lord." He wished to continue having Our Lord, as his greatest love forever! One of his fellow Dominican's once asked him, what he considered to be the greatest gift that God had given him after Sanctifying grace itself. After a few moments St. Thomas replied: "I think that of having understood whatever I have read." He had an ability to remember all that he heard, so that his mind was like a well stocked library. On December 6, 1273, St. Thomas stopped writing. That day while saying Mass, he went into ecstasy and received a revelation. Fr. Reginald urged Thomas to continue to write, but he replied, "The end of my labours is come. All that I have written appears to me as so much straw, after the secrets that have been revealed to me! I hope in the Mercy of God that the end of my life may soon follow the end of my labours." He wanted to give himself entirely to God and prayer. St. Thomas was suffering from some illness, when he was ordered by Pope Gregory X to attend the General Council at Lyons, France. The purpose of the Council was to unite the Greek and Latin Churches. So on January 28, 1274, Thomas set out with some of his Dominican Brothers. On the way his condition became much worse, and he was taken to the home of his niece. However, the Cistercian Monks of Fossa Nuova urged Thomas to come to their Monastery. Upon arrival at the Monastery, St. Thomas went straight to the Church, to adore Jesus. Thomas was very ill for a month. During this time, the monks were very kind to him. There was no hope for the holy monk to get better, so he made his General Confession. He then received the Last Rites and when Holy Communion was brought to him, tears came to his eyes as he made this Profession of Faith. "I firmly believe Jesus Christ, True God and True Man, Son of God and Son of the Virgin Mary, is in this Sacrament. I receive Thee the price of my Redemption, for whose love I have watched, studied and laboured, preached and taught." He died a little after midnight March 7, 1274.

The things that we love tell us what we are.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

SUMMARY:

The teaching in philosophy and theology as developed by St. Thomas Aquinas is called Thomism. His philosophy is known as Scholastic philosophy. St. Thomas had a special talent for bringing together human knowledge from the best of sources that had gone before him. Using human reason, this saint helped the Church come to profound conclusions as to understanding in greater depth the true faith of the Church. He teaches us all this necessity to love the truth, to seek it and to put it into practices. Holiness in the mind of St. Thomas was nothing other than the love of God put into practice. In other words, the living out of the reality or truth that we have to come to learn. While faith is a free gift of God, nevertheless faith and reason are two different ways of realizing the knowledge of truth. By using reasoning correctly, we can arrive at a greater understanding of the true faith given us by God. St. Without a correct use of reason, such as shown us by St. Thomas Aquinas, members of the Church can become confused as to what is true faith. Thomas Aquinas did much for the Church, and his work is still of great value today. The authority of the Church exercised by Popes and Church Councils has repeatedly stated that the clear principles of St. Thomas, which give us a solid grasp of both faith and reality, should be what guides us in the education and formation of students.

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A short video: of a beautiful plan (which is on it's way to fruition), a beautiful Seminary.

It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

A Prayer to Obtain the Grace of a Devout Life by Sancte Thomas Aquinas

A Prayer to Obtain the Grace of A Devout Life

Grant me, O merciful God, to desire eagerly, to investigate prudently, to acknowledge sincerely, and to fulfil perfectly those things that are pleasing to Thee, to the praise and glory of Thy holy Name.

Do Thou, my God, order my life; and grant that I may know what Thou wilt have me to do; and give me to fulfil it as is fitting and profitable to my soul.

Grant me, O Lord, my God, the grace not to faint either in prosperity or adversity, that I be not unduly lifted up by the one, nor unduly cast down by the other. Let me neither rejoice nor grieve at anything, save what either leads to Thee or leads away from Thee. Let me not desire to please anyone, nor fear to displease anyone save only Thee.

Let all things that pass away seem vile in my eyes, and let all things that are eternal be dear to me. Let me tire of that joy which is without Thee, neither permit me to desire anything that is outside Thee. Let me find joy in labour that is for Thee; and let all repose that is without Thee be tiresome to me.

Give me, my God, the grace to direct my heart towards Thee, and to grieve contiually at my failures, together with a firm purpose of amendment.

O Lord, my God, make me obedient without gainsaying, poor without despondency, chaste without stain, patient without murmuring, humble without pretense, cheerful without dissipation, serious without undue heaviness, active without instability, fearful of Thee without abjectness, truthgul without double-dealing, devoted to good works without presumption, ready to correct my neighbour without arrogance, and to edify him by word and example, without hypocrisy.

Give me, Lord God, a watchful heart which shall be distracted from Thee by no vain thoughts; give me a generous heart which shall not be drawn downward by any unworthy affection; give me an upright heart which shall not be led astray by any perverse intention; give me a stout heart which shall not be crushed by any hardship; give me a free heart which shall not be claimed as its own by any unregulated affection.

Bestow upon me, O Lord my God, an understanding that knows Thee, diligence in seeking Thee, wisdom in finding Thee, a way of life that is pleasing to Thee, perseverance that faithfully waits for Thee, and confidence that I shall embrace Thee at the last. Grant that I may be chastised here by penance, that I may make good use of Thy gifts in this life by Thy grace, and that I may partake of Thy joys in the glory of heaven: Who livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

(St. Thomas Aquinas)

An indulgence of 3 years once a day.

A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, provided that the daily recitation of this prayer be continued for a month (S.C. Ind., Jan.17, 1888; S.P.Ap., July 31,1936).

Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas, Commentary, I Metaphysics, lect. 3

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Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls;

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

St Alphonsus Ligouri, Ora pro nobis!

Today is the Feast Day of St Alphonsus Ligouri and also First Friday. Some thoughts on what I have been thinking and meditating about this last week:

St Joseph - no rash judgments (I will elaborate on this)

When inner struggles weigh you down, my dearest Jesus, stay with me. Help me always to remember:

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori!

and this:

St Thomas speaks in IIa IIae qu. 60 a.3: “this [interpreting doubts in the evil side] is due to a man being ill-disposed towards another: for when a man hates or despises another, or is angry with or envious of him, he is led by slight indications to think evil of him, because everyone easily believes what he desires. 

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, Alphonsus, I love You; Save Souls!

St Thomas Aquinas

Yesterday was the feast day of dear Sancte Thomas Aquinas! :) He's a wonderful saint as well as a beautiful philosopher. Here's more on him, what I wrote on my blog last year, a small search on my blog on all I typed about St. Thomas Aquinas, and a beautiful prayer with attached indulgences I found in the Raccolta written by St. Thomas Aquinas himself.

I found this on one of my friend's profile on Facebook, quotes from his favourite saint too. :)

Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas, Commentary, I Metaphysics, lect. 3

It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

The things that we love tell us what we are.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.

-Saint Thomas Aquinas

I like the last one a whole lot. :)

Beautiful.

Deo gratias et Mariae.

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Jesus, Mary, I love Thee; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)