- Nahum 1:7 -
The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him...
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There is nothing, no cir***stance, no trouble, no testing, that can touch
me
until, first of all, it has come past Christ, right through me. If it has
come that far, it has come with a great purpose.
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April 25th - St. Macaille of Croghan, Bishop
(Also known as Macculi, Macull
Died c. 489.
The sources say that there are two bishops whose feasts fall on the same
day, both named Macaille. One was a disciple of Saint Patrick, and the
other
was converted by him (though the stories do not indicate that either was
really a disciple, per se, of Patrick). One was a disciple of Saint Mel
and
assisted Mel in receiving the vow of Saint Brigid. There is a tradition
that
Mel erred in using the service for the consecration of a bishop, and that
Macaille strongly protested. Saint Mel refused to admit he was wrong and
said that it was all the will of God. This Macaille became the first
bishop
of Croghan, Offaly. The other, sometimes known as Saint Maccai, was also a
disciple of Saint Patrick and is venerated on the isle of Bute.
The other Macaille, who was converted by Patrick, was an Irish prince and
captain of robbers. Upon his conversion, he became a new man by putting on
the spirit of Christ. In order to avoid the temptations of the world, he
retired to the Isle of Man (Eubonia) off the coast of Lanca****re, England.
Earlier Patrick had sent his nephew, Saint Germanus, as bishop to plant
the
Church on the island. Germanus was succeeded by Saints Romulus and
Conindrus
during whose time Macaille arrived on the island and began to live an
austere, penitential life in the mountainous area now named after him
Saint
Maughold. After their deaths, Macaille was unanimously chosen as bishop by
the Manx people. Macaille is commemorated in both the British and Irish
calendars.
In one of the 18 parish churchyards on the island can be found Saint
Maughold's well. The very clear water of the well is received in a large
stone coffin. Those seeking cures of various ailments, particularly
poisoning, are seated in the saint's chair just above the well and given a
glass of well-water to drink. Macaille's shrine was here until his relics
were scattered during the Reformation (Benedictines, Encyclopaedia,
Husenbeth, Montague).
Troparion of St Macaille Tone 2
Thou wast a worthy companion of Ireland's Saints
/ and didst work with holy Patrick, Mel and Brigid.
/ Protect with thy prayers all who labour for the Faith
/ that God may be glorified,
/ O righteous Father Macaille.
Saint Quote:
"Do not be vexed at the contradictions you meet in ordinary intercourse,
for
they give an op****tunity to practice the most precious and amiable
virtues,
which Our Lord has recommended to us. Believe me that true virtue is no
more
reared in outward repose, than good fish in the stagnant water of a swamp.
How shall we prove our love for God, who has suffered so much for us, if
not
among contradictions and repugnances?"
-St. Francis de Sales
The blessed Seraphino the Capuchin was once in company with his
Superiors and a young secular, who, seeing him so simple, humble, and
imperturbable, took a fancy to tyrannize over him and to go so far as to
slight, insult, and even strike him. Brother Seraphino, unmoved by all
these
insults, only said, with perfect amiability: "Ah, my little saint! my
little
saint!" (It was by this name that he would call those who insulted him.)
"Let us do good in the service of God."
(Taken from the book "A Year with the Saints". April - Patience)
Bible Quote
8 Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of
the
seed of David, according to my gospel. 9 Wherein I labour even unto bands,
as an evildoer; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure
all
things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation,
which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory. (2 Tim. 2:8-10)
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ANGEL OF PATIENCE
To weary hearts, to mourning homes,
God's meekest Angel gently comes:
No power has he to banish pain,
Or give us back our lost again;
And yet in tenderest love, our dear
And heavenly Father sends him here.
There's quiet in that Angel's glance,
There's rest in his still countenance!
He mocks no grief with idle cheer,
Nor wounds with words the mourners ear;
But ills and woes he may not cure
He kindly trains us to endure.
Angel of patience! Sent to calm
Our feverish brows with cooling palm;
To lay the storm of hope and fear,
And reconcile life's smile and tear;
The throb off wounded Pride to still,
And make our own our Father's will!
O thou who mournest on the way,
With longings for the close of day;
He walks with thee, that angel kind,
And gently whispers,"Be resigned:
Bear up; bear on, the end shall tell
The dear Lord ordereth all things well!"
Amen.
**Don't forget to pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays
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