Virgo Potens

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST April 6th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 2.—The Appearance of Jesus to His Holy Mother Read I. St. John iv. 15-19 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. And we have known, and have believed the charity, which God hath to us. God is charity: and he that abideth in charity, abideth in God, and God in him. In this is the charity of God perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment: because as he is, we also are in this world. Fear is not in charity: but perfect charity casteth out fear, because fear hath pain. And he that feareth, is not perfected in charity. Let us therefore love God, because God first hath loved us. (continued)

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯ MONDAY IN EASTER WEEK This Octave was entirely consecrated to the neophytes. The week was for them a continual spiritual feast; and they kept their white baptismal garments, which were not laid aside until the following Sunday (in albis deponendis). The Masses of this Octave allude, like that of Pentecost, sometimes to the Resurrection, sometimes to Baptism. Let us follow the example of the neophytes, let us all be one in mind and heart, in proclaiming together our faith in the risen Christ Jesus Our Lord. ~ St. Joseph Daily Missal, 1950 ✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

2 of 2 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 5th If under certain circumstances we show toleration and patience in bearing an insult, in suffering a wrong in silence without indignation and anger or resentment, it is a good sign, and we may begin to conclude that we have some humility; but even then patience can only be an infallible sign of true humility when it proceeds from the recognition of our own unworthiness and when we tolerate the wrong because we know that we ourselves are full of faults and are deserving of it. And how do we stand in regard to this patience, O my soul? O my God, how much pride I find even in my patience! Sometimes I suffer a wrong, but at the same time I feel that I am wronged. I suffer an insult, but consider that I do not deserve it: and if others do not esteem me, yet I esteem myself. Is there humility here? Not a vestige of it! The holy fathers attribute to Jesus Christ the words which the prophet says of himself: “For I am ready for scourges” [Ps. xxxvii, 18], because by reason of our iniquities which He had taken upon Himself He considered Himself deserving of all the penalties and opprobrium of the world. Here is the pattern of true humility. Very different is the patience of the philosophers and stoics, and the patience of worldly people from that of true Christians. The stoics taught great patience in their writings and by their example, but it was a patience that was the outcome of pride, self-esteem and contempt for others. The worldly-minded, it is true, bear the many anxieties and afflictions of their own state of life with patience, but it is a patience that proceeds from interested motives or the necessity of worldly prudence. Christians alone possess that patience united to humility which receives every adversity with submission to the Divine will: and this is the patience which is pleasing to God; for, as St. Augustine says: “That which a man does from pride is not pleasing to God, but that which he does from humility is acceptable to Him.” ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 5th 61. The proof of true humility is patience: neither meekness of speech, nor humbleness of bearing, nor the giving up of oneself to lowly works, are sufficient indications by which to judge if a soul is truly humble. There are many who bear all the appearance of exterior humility, but who are angered at every slight adversity, and resent any little vexation which they may encounter. (continued)

2 of 2 1.—The Resurrection 1. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the Sacred Soul of Jesus returned to quicken once more the body that lay lifeless in the tomb, and He rose again from the dead. It was but the commencement of the third day since His crucifixion; but His love for His sorrowing friends made Him abridge the time, that He might hasten to console them in their sorrow. He still has the same loving thoughtfulness for His friends. It is still His chief desire to make those happy who love Him. 2. His Sacred Body passed through the tomb noiselessly and without stirring the huge stone that had been placed there to make His resurrection impossible. Oh, foolish devices of men! how utterly futile against the will of God! In one moment He can burst every bond that human malice or human ingenuity can contrive! He that dwells in the heaven shall laugh at them, and the Lord shall deride them. 3. See Him glorious in His Divine Beauty, rising from the tomb! What unspeakable joy and happiness in that face, so lately marred by our sins, so lately pale, and sad, and sorrowful! Never was there joy on earth like that of Jesus when He rose again! I will rejoice withHim today, I will forget my own troubles and sorrows, and give myself to an unselfish joy in the Resurrection of my King and my God. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST April 5th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 1.—The Resurrection Read I. Cor. xv. 20-25 But now Christ is risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that sleep: For by a man came death, and by a man the resurrection of the dead. And as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. But every one in his own order: the firstfruits Christ, then they that are of Christ, who have believed in his coming. Afterwards the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father, when he shall have brought to nought all principality, and power, and virtue. For he must reign, until he hath put all his enemies under his feet. (continued)

✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ Short Meditations from Easter to the Ascension ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ PREFACE THESE Meditations are intended as a companion series to those already published on the Sacred Passion of Our Lord. The one subject, no less than the other, is full of consolation and encouragement — the Passion pointing us rather to the joy of being freed from the burden of sin, the Resurrection to the further happiness of being heirs to the glory of heaven. For,as Christ "died for our sins, so He rose again for our justification;" and His work was not complete until He had not only risen again, but ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us. It is the hope of the author of these short meditations that they may help those who read them to rejoice with Jesus Christ in His glorious Resurrection and Ascension into heaven. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ Short Meditations from Easter to the Ascension ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ PREFACE THESE Meditations are intended as a companion series to those already published on the Sacred Passion of Our Lord. The one subject, no less than the other, is full of consolation and encouragement — the Passion pointing us rather to the joy of being freed from the burden of sin, the Resurrection to the further happiness of being heirs to the glory of heaven. For,as Christ "died for our sins, so He rose again for our justification;" and His work was not complete until He had not only risen again, but ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us. It is the hope of the author of these short meditations that they may help those who read them to rejoice with Jesus Christ in His glorious Resurrection and Ascension into heaven. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

This is the day which the Lord hath made: Let us be glad and rejoice therein. The earth trembled and was still, when God arose in judgment. Blessed and Happy Easter to you all!

2 of 2 Paschal Time In the Latin Missal, Easter is called “Pascha”, a name chosen from a Hebrew word meaning “passing over.”. The Jews celebrated the feast of “Passover” because the destroyer of the first-born of Egypt “passed over” the houses of the Israelites, who had sprinkled the transom and posts of their doors with the blood of the paschal lamb; and because the Jews were, in that same night, delivered from bondage, “passing over” through the Red Sea into the land of promise (Ex. 12, 11). Since Christians have been redeemed and have “passed over” to the freedom of the children of God, we too call the day of His Resurrection, “Pascha” or “Passover.” The Paschal Season commemorates the triumph of our Lord. It is an invitation to spiritual joy. As Christ arose from the dead so must we rise from coldness and indifference to a life of fervor and holiness. Christ offered Himself in complete holocaust on the Cross; we must offer ourselves completely to God through our risen Savior; risen with Christ, we must “seek the things that are above.” Christ promised the miracle of His Resurrection. He fulfilled that promise, proving His Divinity and giving our faith a sure foundation. He could have ended His stay on earth with His Resurrection on Easter Sunday, but He preferred to remain among His beloved for forty days: 1. To strengthen their faith in the mystery of the Resurrection. “To them also He showed Himself alive after His Passion by many proofs, during forty days appearing to them and speaking of the kingdom of God.”. (Acts 1, 3.) 2. To stimulate the hope of universal resurrection as the consequence and fruit of His Glorious Resurrection. 3. To console the faithful for their sorrow during His Passion and Death. Since Christ arose from the dead, we know that He is the Son of God. His doctrine is divine, His Church is true, and we, as members of His Mystical Body, provided we are His true disciples, shall one day rise with glorified bodies. Easter is a day of gladness for all Christians, and their triumphant joy is given dramatic expression in the Sequence which follows the Gradual, the frequent alleluias, and the position of the Paschal Candle within the sanctuary throughout the Easter Season. “It is Christ Who died; yes, and rose again, He Who is at the right hand of God, Who also intercedes for us.” Who, then, “shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8, 34f) ~ St. Joseph Daily Missal, 1950 ✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯ PROPER OF THE SEASON IV. Paschal Time Alleluia or “Praise the Lord” is an expression of joy and hope for the eternal happiness which Our Lord obtained for us by His glorious Resurrection. The Church sings Alleluia today, and often during the Octave, because Christ is risen from the grave, and as St. Augustine says, “We have left the grave of sin, and are ready to walk in the way of the divine commandments.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯ PROPER OF THE SEASON V. Paschal Time Alleluia or “Praise the Lord” is an expression of joy and hope for the eternal happiness which Our Lord obtained for us by His glorious Resurrection. The Church sings Alleluia today, and often during the Octave, because Christ is risen from the grave, and as St. Augustine says, “We have left the grave of sin, and are ready to walk in the way of the divine commandments.” (continued)

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2 of 2 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 4th And, oh, how precious humility must be when God recompenses it with eternal glory! Oh, my soul, lift up the eyes of thy faith to Paradise, and consider whether it be not best to be humble in our short existence here on earth, so as to enter with joy into the immeasurable glory of that happy eternity? “For that which is at present momentary, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.” [Cor. iv, 17] Recommend thyself with all thy heart to that God, “Who setteth up the humble on high.” [Job v, 11] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 4th Holy Writ says truly that “Humility goeth before glory.” [Prov. xv, 33] Job had said the same: “For he that hath been humbled shall be in glory.” [ Job xxii, 29] But the Saviour of the world spoke more plainly still when, having shown that humility was necessary to enter the kingdom of Heaven, He called unto Him a little child, and said: “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven.” [Matt. xviii, 4] (continued)

2 of 2 Easter Eve — The Entombment 1. When Our Lady's mournful task was finished, the body of Jesus was laid in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, there to remain until the hour of its joyful resurrection. Let us contemplate it as it lies there: disfigured by countless wounds and scars; so apparently helpless, yet none the less the joy of God and worthy of our highest adoration. Passive and cold and motionless, but soon to be radiant with the most dazzling beauty; dead, but living with a divine life. Learn from this (a) the glory of suffering; (b) the power of apparent helplessness when God is with us; (c) the beauty of passive obedience; (d) the true life of those who are dead to the world. 2. What was Our Lord doing while thus apparently inactive in the silent tomb? He was beginning His work of triumph, delivering countless souls from purgatory and from limbo, consoling the patriarchs and prophets, fulfilling His promise of paradise to the good thief, trampling on Satan and changing the kingdoms of this world into the kingdoms of God and of His Christ. So it is with us. When we seem useless and doing nothing, we are often really doing the greatest things for God. 3. The tomb whereChrist is laid is to be the model of my soul when I receive holy Communion: silent from all din of earthly things, cleansed from all stain of sin by a good confession and firm resolution to amend, dedicated to Him alone, His sacred body embalmed by my love, and wrapped in the clean winding-sheet of purity of intention. Thus will His presence there be the pledge of my resurrection with Him. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

LENT April 4th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ Easter Eve — The Entombment Read St. Luke xxiii. 50-56 And behold there was a man named Joseph, who was a counsellor, a good and just man, (the same had not consented to their counsel and doings;) of Arimathea, a city of Judea; who also himself looked for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And taking him down, he wrapped him in fine linen, and laid him in a sepulchre that was hewed in stone, wherein never yet any man had been laid. And it was the day of the Parasceve, and the sabbath drew on. And the women that were come with him from Galilee, following after, saw the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And returning, they prepared spices and ointments; and on the sabbath day they rested, according to the commandment. (continued)

2 of 2 ❀•°❀°•❀•°❀°•❀ •°❀°•❀ THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS MARY’S GREAT PROMISE AT FATIMA (continued) This devotion and the wonderful promises connected with it were revealed by the Blessed Virgin with these words recorded by Lucy, one of the three children to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917: I promise to help at the hour of death, with the graces needed for salvation, whoever on the First Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Confess and receive Holy Communion. 2. Recite five decades of the Rosary. 3. And keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me. NOTE: Confession during the week, preceding the first Friday, will suffice for the first Saturday, or conversely when Saturday is the first day of the month. The Rosary May be recited at any convenient time of the day, and the fifteen minute meditation may be made at any time during the day on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. A sermon for the occasion may be substituted for the meditation. ~ St. Joseph Daily Missal (1950) ❀•°❀°•❀•°❀°•❀ •°❀°•❀

April 4th, 2026 FIRST SATURDAY of APRIL 💙 1 of 2 ❀•°❀°•❀•°❀°•❀ •°❀°•❀ THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS MARY’S GREAT PROMISE AT FATIMA THE observance of the First Saturday in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is intended to console her Immaculate Heart, and to make reparation for all the blasphemies and ingratitude of men. (continued)

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