On Humility in the Sight of God [II]

On Humility in the Sight of God [II]

It is Thy love that achieves this, freely guiding and supporting me in
my many needs, guarding me from grievous perils, and, as I may
truthfully confess, rescuing me from evils without number. And whereas
by perverse self-love I had lost myself, (John 12:25) now by lovingly
seeking Thee alone, I have found both myself and Thee; for by that
love I have humbled myself to utter nothingness. Dearest Lord, You
deal with me above my deserts, and above all I dare hope or pray
for.--Thomas =C3=A0 Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 3, Ch 8

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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
Lancashire, 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 opportunity 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."

("A Year with the Saints".  April - Patience)

Bible Quote:
"Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in
time of trouble."  [Psalm 40:1 ]


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PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS

God of great mercy, Who deigned to send us Your only-begotten
Son as the greatest proof of Your fathomless love and mercy,
You do not reject sinners; but in Your boundless mercy You
have opened for them also Your treasures, treasures, from
which they draw abundantly, not only justification, but also
all the sanctity that a soul can attain. Father of great mercy,
I desire that hearts turn with confidence to Your infinite mercy.
No one will be justified before You is he is not accompanied by
Your unfathomable mercy. When You reveal the mystery of
Your mercy to us, there will not be enough of Eternity to
render You thanksgiving.

O Jesus, how sorry I am for poor sinners. Jesus, grant them
contrition and repentance. Remember Your Sorrowful Passion.
Jesus, give me the souls of sinners; let Your mercy rest on them.
Take everything away from me, but give me souls.
Let the shell of my body conceal my offering, for Your
Most Sacred Heart is hidden in a Host, a living sacrifice.
Transform me into a sacrifice for sinners, pleasing to You.
 I desire to atone each moment for poor sinners.
O my Creator and Father of great mercy, I trust in You,
for You are Goodness Itself.