March 16th - Saint Aristibule, Apostle of Britain
Traudel
(Also known as Arwystli Hen (the aged), Aristobulus, Aristobulus of the 70)
Died c. 1st century, according to legend he was martyred in Wales and buried
at Glastonbury Commemorated March 16 (also Oct. 31)
He has been identified with Zebedee, the father of the "sons of Thunder,"
Saints James and John. Hippolytus writing in AD 160, the Martyrologies of
the Greek Church, (and others) state that he preached in Britain and was
Bishop there.
Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy the Bishop of Britain
http://ocafs.oca.org/Caption.asp?FSID=100816
The Holy Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy was born on Cyprus. He and his
brother, the holy Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, accompanied the holy
Apostle Paul on his journeys. St. Aristobulus is mentioned by the Apostle
Paul in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:10).
St. Paul made Aristobulus a bishop and sent him to preach the Gospel in
Britain, where he converted many to Christ. He endured the torments and
malice of the pagans, and eventually baptized them.
St. Aristobulus died in Britain among the people he had evangelized. His
memory is celebrated on October 31 and also on the Synaxis of the Seventy
Apostles January 4.
Holy Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, first Bishop of Britain (1st c.)
http://www.abbamoses.com/months/march.html
"He was the brother of the Apostle Barnabas and was born in Cyprus. He was a
follower of the Apostle Paul, who mentions him in his Epistle to the Romans
(16:10). when the great Apostle Paul created many bishops for different
parts of the world, he made this Aristobulus bishop of Britain (i.e.
England). In Britain there was a wild people, pagan and wicked, and
Aristobulus endured among them unmentionable torments, misfortunes and
malice. They smote him without mercy, dragged him through the streets,
mocked him and jeered at him. But in the end this holy man came to success
by the power of the grace of God. He enlightened the people, baptized them
in the name of Christ the Lord, built churches, ordained priests and deacons
and finally died there in peace and went to the Kingdom of the Lord whom he
had served so faithfully." (Prologue) Note: in the Greek calendar he is
commemorated on March 15.
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"The more one mortifies his natural inclinations, the more he becomes
capable of receiving the divine inspirations, and the more he gains in
virtue"
--St. Francis de Sales
The celebrated Father Laynez, one of the companions of St. Ignatius, by
means of this practice arrived at great purity of mind and imperturbable
tranquillity of soul.
(Taken from the book "A Year with the Saints". February - Humility)
Bible Quote:
But he seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against
itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall.
(Luke 11:17)
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A POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
This novena has proven to be highly efficacious. It seems to be pleasing to
St. Joseph and helpful to souls. This form of novena was originally devised
by the celebrated Fr. Louis Lallemant, S.J. (1587-1633). It has proved
particularly effective in obtaining favors through the intercession of St.
Joseph. In the Life of this saintly priest and great master of the spiritual
life, to whom St. Joseph never refused anything he asked, the story is told
that on one occasion he urged two young priests to make this novena,
promising that they would obtain everything they asked through the
intercession of St. Joseph if, in turn, they would show him special honor
and spread devotion to him among others. Both did as Fr. Lallemant
suggested. One of them asked for grace to speak and write worthily of Our
Lord. But the next day he came to Fr. Lallemant to tell him that, upon
reflection, he wished to ask for a different grace, which he considered more
conducive to his perfection. Fr. Lallemant replied, "It is too late now to
ask for another grace. The first one has already been granted." This grace
was conspicuously displayed throughout the whole course of the priest's
life, as he became one of the most noted preachers and writers of his day.
How to Make this Novena
No particular prayers need be said for this novena. Every day for nine days,
turn to St. Joseph in spirit four times during the day and honor him in the
following four points. (These "visits" may be made anywhere--at home, at
work, on the street, in the car or bus--and at any time.)
1. During the first visit, consider St. Joseph's fidelity to grace. Reflect
upon the action of the Holy Ghost in his soul. At the conclusion of this
brief meditation, thank God for so honoring St. Joseph, and ask, through his
intercession, for a similar grace.
2. Later in the day, consider St. Joseph's fidelity to the interior life.
Study his spirit of recollection. Think, thank God, and ask.
3. Later still, consider St. Joseph's love for Our Lady. Think, thank God,
and ask.
4. Finally, in a fourth visit, reflect upon St. Joseph's love for the Divine
Child. Think, thank God, and ask.
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The third joyful mystery prayer of the Eucharistic Rosary, to be offered
before the Blessed Sacrament:
The Nativity of our Lord, offered for the spirit of poverty, and detachment
from worldly goods:
O King of kings! poor indeed, yet most lovely in the crib of Bethlehem,
Thou callest the simple and the poor to be Thy first adorers: poorer and
no less amiable to the eyes of faith in the Sacrament of Thy love, Thou art
still delighted to see around Thy person the humble and the little.
O Jesus, in Thy destitution we adore Thee, to Whom belong all the treasures
of the Godhead, and we beg of Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy
Mother, detachment from the goods of this world.
Imprimatur: + John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York, Sept 19, 1908.