Obœdiens usque ad mortem (VII:7)
31 Jan. 1 June. 1 Oct. The third degree of humility is, that a man for the love of God submit himself to his superior...
Non veni facere voluntatem meam (VII)
30 Jan. 31 May. 30 Sept. The second degree of humility is, that a man love not his own will, nor delight in fulfilling his...
Dominus de caelo semper respicit (VII:4)
CHAPTER VII. Of Humility 29 Jan. 30 May. 29 Sept. Let us be on our guard, then, against evil desires, since death hath its seat...
Through the Gate of Septuagesima
Thou Shalt Surely Die of Death The image — it is by Michelangelo and is found in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican — depicts...
Yes, Tomorrow Is Septuagesima Sunday
Looking toward Holy Pascha Tomorrow is Septuagesima Sunday. In three weeks our heads will be marked with the ashes of penitence. A special time of...
Scrutans corda et renes Deus (VII:2)
27 Jan. 28 May. 27 Sept. Let him consider that he is always beheld from heaven by God, and that his actions are everywhere seen...
Et quasi absconditus vultus ejus (VII)
CHAPTER VII. Of Humility 25 Jan. 26 May. 25 Sept. The Holy Scripture crieth out to us, brethren, saying: “Every one that exalteth himself shall...
Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo
Doctor of the Virginity of Mary Today is the feast of Saint Ildephonsus, Archbishop of Toledo (+ 23 January 667). Dom Guéranger calls him the...
Hilarem datorem diligit Deus (V:II)
23 Jan. 24 May. 23 Sept. But this very obedience will then only be acceptable to God and sweet to men, if what is commanded...
Of Obedience (I)
CHAPTER V. Of Obedience 22 Jan. 23 May. 22 Sept. The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This becometh those who hold nothing...
Forgiveness and Reparation
Every now and then, I find it necessary to return to the Prayer of Forgiveness and Reparation that Our Lord inspired me to write several...
I will, be thou made clean
Adore ye God, O all ye His angels; Sion hears and is gladdened thereby, and the daughters of Juda shall exult. V. The Lord reigneth,...
Mortem cotidie ante oculos suspectam habere (IV:III)
20 Jan. 21 May. 20 Sept. 44. To fear the Day of Judgment. 45. To be in dread of hell. 46. To desire with a...
What are the Instruments of Good Works (IV:II)
19 Jan. 20 May. 19 Sept. 22. Not to give way to anger. 23. Not to harbour a desire of revenge. 24. Not to foster...
What Are the Instruments of Good Works (IV:I)
CHAPTER IV. What Are the Instruments of Good Works 18 Jan. 19 May. 18 Sept. In the first place, to love the Lord God with...
Our Lady of Pontmain
Today, January 17th, the feast of Saint Antony, is also the feast of Our Lady of Pontmain venerated under the title of Our Mother of...
Saint Antony of the Desert, Father of Monks
Saint Antony and Signor Siciliano Isn’t this a wonderful painting of Saint Antony? Flemish Jan Gossaert painted it in Rome in 1508 as the right...
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be (VII:7)
O most blessed of men! * who, rejecting this world, bore the yoke of the Holy Rule from tender years so lovingly; and being made...
Chapter II: Reprove, entreat, rebuke
13 Jan. 14 May. 13 Sept. For the Abbot in his doctrine ought always to observe the bidding of the Apostle, wherein he says: “Reprove,...
Omnes in Christo unum sumus (II:4)
12 Jan. 13 May. 12 Sept. Let him make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let not one be loved more than another, unless...