Easter Thursday

Saint Anselm

Franciscan Media Spirituality to renew your soul

Indifferent toward religion as a young man, Anselm became one of the Church’s greatest theologians and leaders. He received the title “Father of Scholasticism” for his attempt to analyze and illumine the truths of faith through the aid of reason.

At 15, Anselm wanted to enter a monastery, but was refused acceptance because of his father’s opposition. Twelve years later, after careless disinterest in religion and years of worldly living, he finally fulfilled his desire to be a monk. He entered the monastery of Bec in Normandy, was elected prior three years later, and 15 years later, was unanimously chosen abbot.

Considered an original and independent thinker, Anselm was admired for his patience, gentleness, and teaching skill. Under his leadership, the Abbey of Bec became a monastic school, influential in philosophical and theological studies.

During these years, at the community’s request, Anselm began publishing his theological works, comparable to those of Saint Augustine. His best-known work is the book Cur Deus Homo (“Why God Became Man”).

Against his will, Anselm was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, at age 60. His appointment was opposed at first by England’s King William Rufus and later accepted. Rufus persistently refused to cooperate with efforts to reform the Church.

Anselm finally went into voluntary exile until Rufus died in 1100. He was then recalled to England by Rufus’ brother and successor, Henry I. Disagreeing fearlessly with Henry over the king’s insistence on investing England’s bishops, Anselm spent another three years in exile in Rome.

His care and concern extended to the very poorest people. Opposing the slave trade, Anselm obtained from the national council at Westminster the passage of a resolution prohibiting the sale of human beings.
(2 Minute Read)

“He said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, 'Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.'”
– Lk 24:44-48

Divine Mercy Novena - Day 7

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen ✝

Today bring to Me THE SOULS WHO ESPECIALLY VENERATE AND GLORIFY MY MERCY,* and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

(Now pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet).

These are some things we need to watch out for nowadays!

St. Paul Center Non-profit research and educational institute that promotes life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition

Fr. Vincent Lampert, Priest and Exorcist in the Diocese of Indianapolis and author presents the 8 ways we can fall victim to spiritual attack: ties to the occult, illicit entertainment, a curse, being dedicated to a demon, abuse that creates emotional wounds and leads to seeking help in bad places, habitual sin, inviting a demon into one’s life, and broken relationships.
(22 Minute Watch)

Snacking with St. Anselm - Authentic Dundee Cake

Saints, Feasts, Family Traditions passed down with Cooking, Crafting, & Caring

Ingredients

175 g salted butter
175 g caster sugar or light muscovado sugar
4 tbsp Seville orange marmalade (or 1 tbsp concentrated Seville orange ‘jam’)
Finely grated zest of 1 orange, preferably Seville if in season.
3 free-range eggs, beaten
225 g plain flour
400 g sultanas
30 g ground almonds
50 g (approx) whole blanched almonds to decorate

A.M.D.G.