Peter was first given the keys

[Rich]

Peter was first given the keys

Peter was first given the keys, but then he was allowed to fall into
sin by denying Christ; and so his pride was humbled by his fall. Do
not be surprised, then, if after receiving the keys of spiritual
knowledge you fall into various evil thoughts. Glorify our Lord, for
He alone is wise: through setbacks of this kind He restrains the
presumption that we tend to feel because of our advance in the
knowledge of God. Trials and temptations are the reins whereby God in
His providence restrains our human arrogance.
--John of Karpathos.

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• November 7th – St. Engelbert of Cologne, Bishop, Martyr

Born at Berg, Germany, c. 1187; died near Schwelm, 1225. Engelbert was
the son of the count of Berg. While still a boy studying at the
Cathedral school at Cologne, he received several ecclesiastic
benefices through family influence.

The future saint was excommunicated either for threatening Emperor
Otto IV with armed violence or for taking unlawful possession of
benefices. After he joined the crusade against the Albigensians, the
excommunication was lifted. Shortly thereafter he was appointed
archbishop of Cologne in 1217 (about age 30).

Engelbert's life was chiefly taken up with secular affairs of state,
and he would hardly have received a saint's cultus had it not been for
the circumstances of his death. He did, however, rule his see well,
restored clerical discipline, brought Franciscans and Dominicans into
the diocese, held regular synods, encouraged monastic life, and was
generous to the poor.

As previously stated, he was also deeply involved in politics. He
supported Emperor Frederick II (who appointed him regent during the
minority of Henry's son in 1220 when the Emperor went to Sicily),
tutored the crown prince, was chief minister of the empire, and
crowned Henry King of the Romans in 1222.

Engelbert's crusade against the Albigensians did redeem him in the
eyes of the church. Probably only a fighting bishop could have looked
after the diocese of Cologne in those turbulent times. Although
Engelbert did insist on discipline for the clergy and religious in his
diocese, both groups knew they could always rely on his protection.

This led to the saint's murder. His cousin, Count Frederick of
Isenberg, was in theory administrator and protector of the nuns of
Essen. In practice he stole their lands and goods, and oppressed the
vassals of the nuns. The archbishop vigorously protested against the
abuse and deprived his cousin of the office. The count and 50
retainers waylaid the archbishop at Gevelsberg, Germany, on November
7, 1225, and left him dead with 47 wounds in his corpse. The young
King Henry had the culprits brought to justice (Attwater,
Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia, White).

In art, Engelbert is depicted in archiepiscopal vestments with a
crozier in one hand and an upraised sword, piercing a crescent moon,
in the other (White).


Saint Quote:
The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross
that He now presents to you as a gift from His all-knowing eyes,
understood with His Divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed
with loving arms and weighted with His own hands to see that it be not
one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you. He has blessed
it with His holy Name, anointed it with His grace, perfumed it with
His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and
then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you,
an alms of the all-merciful love of God.
--St Francis de Sales


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Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead

"Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you my friends, because
the hand of the Lord hath touched me" Job. 19-21.

FIFTH DAY

In consideration of our future prayers, God deigns to grant to a dying
sinner good dispositions which secure him the salvation of his soul.

Prayer: Our Father, Three Hail Marys, Gloria, De Profundis.

De Profundis

Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee,
O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the
voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities,
O Lord, who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is merciful
forgiveness: and by reason of Thy
law I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul
hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until
night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy;
And with Him plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from
all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace. Amen.

O my God, I offer Thee the Blood shed by Thine only begotten Son
on Calvary; the sorrows of His blessed Mother, for the remission of
our sins, the deliverance of the Souls in Purgatory, for our Holy
Mother Church and for the forgiveness of sinners.