Virgo Potens

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST May 9th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 35.— The Promise to the Apostles Read St. Matt. xxviii. 19, 20 Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. (continued)

2 of 2 Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 8th With regard to our neighbour: if he be wicked, we may humble ourselves by reflecting that we are capable of becoming suddenly worse than he, and in fact we may consider ourselves worse already if pride predominates within us. If he be good, we must humble ourselves in the thought that he corresponds better than we do to the grace of God and is better than we are by reason of his humility of heart. With regard to ourselves, we need never lack opportunities of humility when we remember our past sins, or consider the faults we commit at present in our daily life, or even when we reflect upon our good works which are all tainted with imperfection, or when we think of the future so filled with tremendous uncertainty: “I know how to be brought low everywhere and in all things,” [Phil. iv, 12] says St. Paul. It is necessary for us to form the good habit of frequently renewing these interior acts of humility. Humility is merely a virtuous habit, but how can we acquire this habit without making repeated acts of humility? Like the habit of humility the habit of pride is acquired through frequent repetition of its acts, and in proportion as the habit of humility is strengthened, the contrary habit of pride becomes weakened and diminished. ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 8th 94. We have more opportunities of practicing humility than any other virtue. How many occasions we have of humbling ourselves secretly, in all places, at all times, at every turn–—towards God, our fellow-men, and even towards ourselves! With regard to God: how much we have to be ashamed of in our ignorance and ingratitude towards Him; receiving as we do continual benefits of His infinite goodness. Knowing as we do His supreme and infinite Majesty, deserving of all fear; His infinite goodness, worthy of all love; how much we ought to humble ourselves in the thought of how little fear and love we have for Him! (continued)

2 of 2 34.— The Work Intrusted to the Apostles St. Luke xxiv. 46-48 And he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead, the third day: And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Our Lord sums up the tasks intrusted to the apostles mainly under three heads: 1. They were to be witnesses all over the world of the reality of the life, and death, and resurrection of Christ. "You are witnesses," He says, "of these things." Before Jews and Gentiles, among those who had never heard the name of Christ, before kings and rulers, they were to be witnesses for Christ; never flinching before reproach, outrage, imprisonment, torture, death; everywhere confessing Christ crucified. Am I such a witness for Christ, even where I have to suffer for my loyalty? 2. They were to administer, in Christ's name, the Sacraments of the Church, especially Baptism in the name of the Blessed Trinity, and Penance for the remission of sins. These were to be the channels of the grace of God, the means of applying to the souls of all who should receive them the merits of Christ. We cannot overrate the dignity and importance of the Sacraments through which the treasures of God's love flow into our souls. 3. They were to teach those whom they converted, to observe all things that Jesus had commanded them. He who keeps every precept of the law except one virtually disobeys the whole of it. He who accepts all the dogmas of the Church with one exception is a heretic and an unbeliever. Do I keep all God's law? or do I mar my obedience by some one wilful act of disobedience ? ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST May 8th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 34.— The Work Intrusted to the Apostles Read St. Matt, [x]xviii. 15-20 So they taking the money, did as they were taught: and this word was spread abroad among the Jews even unto this day. And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And seeing him they adored: but some doubted. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. (continued)

2 of 2 Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 7th Do you wish to know the most efficacious means of acquiring these virtues? Then begin by endeavouring to acquire humility; impregnate yourself with humility, and you will soon find that all other virtues will follow without any effort on your part, and you will exclaim with great joy: “Now all good things came to me together with her.” [Wisd. vii, 11] And even when, through the frailty of your own nature, you are deficient in some particular virtue, humble yourself, and that humility will fully compensate for your other deficiencies. There are some who are troubled because their prayers are full of distractions. This proceeds from pride, which is presumptuous enough to be astonished at the weakness and impotency of the mind. When you perceive that your thoughts are wandering, make an act of humility, and exclaim: ” O my God, what an abject creature I am in not being able to fix my thoughts on Thee even for a few moments.” Renew this act of humility as often as these distractions occur, and if it is written of charity that “it covereth a multitude of sins,” [ 1 Pet. iv, 8] it is also true of humility and contributes greatly to our perfection. “The very knowledge of our imperfection,” says St. Augustine, “tends to the praise of humility.” [Lib. 3 ad Bonif., c. vii] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

2 of 2 Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 7th Do you wish to know the most efficacious means of acquiring these virtues? Then begin by endeavouring to acquire humility; impregnate yourself with humility, and you will soon find that all other virtues will follow without any effort on your part, and you will exclaim with great joy: “Now all good things came to me together with her.” [Wisd. vii, 11] And even when, through the frailty of your own nature, you are deficient in some particular virtue, humble yourself, and that humility will fully compensate for your other deficiencies. There are some who are troubled because their prayers are full of distractions. This proceeds from pride, which is presumptuous enough to be astonished at the weakness and impotency of the mind. When you perceive that your thoughts are wandering, make an act of humility, and exclaim: ” O my God, what an abject creature I am in not being able to fix my thoughts on Thee even for a few moments.” Renew this act of humility as often as these distractions occur, and if it is written of charity that “it covereth a multitude of sins,” [ 1 Pet. iv, 8] it is also true of humility and contributes greatly to our perfection. “The very knowledge of our imperfection,” says St. Augustine, “tends to the praise of humility.” [Lib. 3 ad Bonif., c. vii] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

“Humility, that low, sweet root, from which all heavenly virtues shoot.” ~ St. Thomas More Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 7th 93. Let us strive with all our might to acquire this holy humility; and if, by the help of God, we succeed in possessing it only in such measure as our state of life demands, we shall then either imperceptibly attain to all other virtues or this humility alone will suffice to compensate for all our deficiencies. Many people desire to possess either chastity or charity, gentleness or patience, or some other virtue of which they are more in need, and are most anxious to know how they are to acquire it; they consult various spiritual directors to learn what means to take, but very few exercise due prudence in the choice of these means. (continued)

2 of 2 Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 7th Do you wish to know the most efficacious means of acquiring these virtues? Then begin by endeavouring to acquire humility; impregnate yourself with humility, and you will soon find that all other virtues will follow without any effort on your part, and you will exclaim with great joy: “Now all good things came to me together with her.” [Wisd. vii, 11] And even when, through the frailty of your own nature, you are deficient in some particular virtue, humble yourself, and that humility will fully compensate for your other deficiencies. There are some who are troubled because their prayers are full of distractions. This proceeds from pride, which is presumptuous enough to be astonished at the weakness and impotency of the mind. When you perceive that your thoughts are wandering, make an act of humility, and exclaim: ” O my God, what an abject creature I am in not being able to fix my thoughts on Thee even for a few moments.” Renew this act of humility as often as these distractions occur, and if it is written of charity that “it covereth a multitude of sins,” [ 1 Pet. iv, 8] it is also true of humility and contributes greatly to our perfection. “The very knowledge of our imperfection,” says St. Augustine, “tends to the praise of humility.” [Lib. 3 ad Bonif., c. vii] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

2 of 2 33.— The Apostolic Commission 1. Our Lord's all-embracing power was not given to Him for Himself alone, or merely that He might crush His enemies under His feet. As He had taken human flesh for our sakes, for our sakes had been crucified and risen again, so for our sakes all power was given to Him in heaven and in earth. It is that he might through His apostles and their successors reap the fruits of the redemption that He wrought for us. Thus even in His triumph Christ appears as our minister, as serving us. He cannot shake off the character which He expressed in saying that the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister. Even in heaven He tells us that He will serve those who served Him faithfully on earth (St. Luke xiv. 15). 2. "Going, therefore, teach all nations." In these words Christ again communicates His power to His apostles, confirming His former words,"As my Father sent Me,so I send you." It is the greatest mark of love, to desire to communicate to others the best gift given to us. So the Lord of heaven and earth gives, as far as He can to sinful man, the wondrous power that was given to Him, that they may go and carry out His work and earn a share in His reward. 3. The apostles are sent to make disciples of all nations. All are to be subject to Christ; the Christian Church is to be Catholic. There is no distinction with Him of race or blood or nationality. Take care that you imitate His universal charity, and beware of the narrow spirit that despises other countries and races. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST May 7th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 33.— The Apostolic Commission Read St. Matt, xxviii. 19, 20 Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. (continued)

2 of 2 Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 6th It is for this that God permits us to fall into temptation, reducing us sometimes to the very brink of succumbing to it, so that we may learn the weakness of our virtue and how much we need the help of God. And even in this we can see the infinite wisdom of God who has so disposed that the demons themselves, spirits of pride, should contribute to render us humble if we only knew how to make a good use of our temptations. Nevertheless, we must remember that in all our temptations the first thing is to exercise that humility which is derived from a practical knowledge of ourselves and of how prone we are to evil if God does not stretch out His hand to restrain us through His grace. Do not let us wait to learn our weakness till we have fallen; but let us rather know it beforehand, and the knowledge of it will be an efficacious means to keep us from falling. “Before sickness take a medicine; humble thyself,” [Ecclus. xviii, 20, 21] says Holy Writ. The humble will never want for grace in the time of temptation, and with the help of this grace they will even derive profit from these very temptations; for the merciful providence of God has so disposed it that with the special aid of His grace He will “let no temptation take hold on you.” [1 Cor. x, 13] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 6th 92. Humility is a potent means of subduing temptation, and in the same way temptations serve to maintain humility; because it is when we are tempted that we are practically conscious of our own weakness and the need we have of Divine grace. (continued)

NOVENA to ST. DYMPHNA Traditional Feast Day ~ May 15th Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on the 6th of May and ending on the 14th of May, the eve of the Feast of St. Dymphna. Begins today, May 6th at Christus Regnat ~ https://t.me/RexUniversi

2 of 2 32.— The Scene upon the Mount in Galilee 1. Let us picture the scene on the mountain in Galilee—Thabor it may be, or some other mountain not far from the Lake of Tiberias; a number of persons are making their way thither over the hills around, in groups of two and three, until they arrive at the summit of the mount. There they gather in a circle and wait, as if expecting some one to come and take His place in their midst. There we notice St. Peter taking the lead as their appointed head, St. John rapt in silent contemplation, St. James kneeling in prayer by his side, St. Thomas making acts of faith, Nathaniel with his guileless soul full of joyful expectancy. All at once in the centre of the group another figure is seen— one like to the Son of man, in the beauty and majesty of His glorified Humanity, but with the glory still subdued, lest mortal eyes should be dazzled by its brilliancy. 2. At once they all fall upon their faces and adore Him, paying Him supreme homage as their Lord and God. What overflowing happiness fills their hearts! It is heaven begun. Jesus our Master! Jesus our Lord! Jesus our Saviour! Jesus our God! How their hearts go out to Him. Then He bids them rise, and looks round with sweet looks of love on each and all. 3. Then He speaks to them. No music ever so sweet as the sound of His voice. To listen toJesus is supreme happiness for them. Each word thrills through their souls; they treasure them up as jewels. So come and speak to us, O Lord, thy unworthy disciples, who desire to have Thee always with us, and hear Thy voice. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST May 6th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 32.— The Scene upon the Mount in Galilee Read St. Matt, xxviii. 16 And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. (continued)

2 of 2 Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 5th You should reprove yourself for being still so far from true humility in thinking that you could grasp the meaning of these things. The truly humble believes that he is of himself mere nothingness, a greater sinner than others, inferior to all, worthy of being reviled by all as being, more than all others, ungrateful to God. He knows that this feeling of his conscience is absolutely true, and does not care to investigate how this comes to be true; his knowledge is practical, and even if he does not understand himself, and cannot explain to others, with subtle reasoning, what he feels in his heart, he minds as little being unable to explain this as he minds his inability to explain how the eye sees, the tongue speaks, the ear hears. And from this we may infer that it is not necessary to have great talents in order to be humble, and therefore before the tribunal of God it will not be a valid excuse for us to say: “I have not been humble because I did not know, because I did not understand, because I did not study.” We can have a good will, a good heart, and yet not be clever; and there is no one who cannot grasp this truth, that from God comes all the good that he possesses and that no one has anything of his own except his own malice. “Destruction is thy own, O Israel: thy help is only in Me,” [Osee xiii, 9] said God by the mouth of His prophet.” ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 5th 91. Holy humility is inimical to certain subtle speculations; for instance, you say that you cannot understand how it is that you are yourself mere nothingness, in doing and being, because you cannot help knowing that in reality You are something and can do many things; that you cannot understand why you are the greatest of all sinners, because you know so many others who are greater sinners than yourself; nor how it is that you merit all the vituperations of men, when you know that you have done no actions worthy of blame, but, on the contrary, many worthy of praise. (continued)

2 of 2 31.— The Appearance of Jesus in Galilee 1. Jesus had summoned the apostles by the mouth of the holy women to repair to Galilee, and had promised to meet them there; and in accordance with His promise He appeared to them in the place and at the time that He had appointed. Why did He make them travel to the mountains far away, when He might just as easily have appeared to them at Jerusalem? It was to teach them obedience, and to teach us the same. Our Lord seems to impose arbitrary commands on us, to lead us by strange paths; because it is important before all else that we should be trained in blind obedience and in the renunciation of our own will and judgment, which are so sure to lead us astray. 2. Some had doubted before when He first appeared, but now one and all believed. They had learned their lesson at last. Even the sceptic Thomas was now fully convinced, he had made his act of faith and submission when he cried, "My Lord and my God!" Now as soon as Christ appeared they all adored Him. Now it was a real joy to them to fall prostrate at His feet and offer Him supreme homage. So now when the bell rings and He is present on the altar it should be the source of joy to us. 3. Jesus confirms and rewards their faith by a declaration of His Omnipotence. To Him as man is given universal dominion. He is King of kings, and Lord of lords. He, our Lord and our God, has all power in heaven and earth. Why then should we fear?— why do we not trust Him as we ought? ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST May 5th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 31.— The Appearance of Jesus in Galilee Read St. Matt. xxviii. 16-18 And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And seeing him they adored: but some doubted. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. (continued)