Stella Matutina

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei... [PB photo 2019]

This is is the last post in a series I have published during the month of May based on notes made by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) for his May meditations on Mary in the Litany of Loreto. For the Latin and English texts of this Litany, please follow the link to Thesaurus Precum Latinarum.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Mary is the "Stella Matutina," the Morning Star—after the Dark Night, but always Heralding the Sun

What is the nearest approach in the way of symbols, in this world of sight and sense, to represent to us the glories of that higher world which is beyond our bodily perceptions? What are the truest tokens and promises here, poor though they may be, of what one day we hope to see hereafter, as being beautiful and rare? Whatever they may be, surely the Blessed Mother of God may claim them as her own. And so it is; two of them are ascribed to her as her titles, in her Litany—the stars above, and flowers below. She is at once the Rosa Mystica and the Stella Matutina.

And of these two, both of them well suited to her, the Morning Star becomes her best, and that for three reasons.

First, the rose belongs to this earth, but the star is placed in high heaven. Mary now has no part in this nether world. No change, no violence from fire, water, earth, or air, affects the stars above; and they show themselves, ever bright and marvellous, in all regions of this globe, and to all the tribes of men.

And next, the rose has but a short life; its decay is as sure as it was graceful and fragrant in its noon. But Mary, like the stars, abides for ever, as lustrous now as she was on the day of her Assumption; as pure and perfect, when her Son comes to judgment, as she is now.

Lastly, it is Mary's prerogative to be the Morning Star, which heralds in the sun. She does not shine for herself, or from herself, but she is the reflection of her and our Redeemer, and she glorifies Him. When she appears in the darkness, we know that He is close at hand. He is Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Behold He comes quickly, and His reward is with Him, to render to everyone according to his works. "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."[1]



[1] [20] He that giveth testimony of these things, saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
dicit qui testimonium perhibet istorum. Etiam venio cito : amen. Veni, Domine Jesu. [Apoc 22]

Virgo Fidelis

Virgo Fidelis. JJ Tissot. Brooklyn Museum.

During the month of May, I am publishing a series of posts based on notes made by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) for his May meditations on Mary in the Litany of Loreto. For the Latin and English texts of this Litany, please follow the link to Thesaurus Precum Latinarum.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Mary is the "Virgo Fidelis," the most Faithful Virgin

This is one of the titles of the Blessed Virgin, which is especially hers from the time of her Assumption and glorious Coronation at the right hand of her Divine Son. How it belongs to her will be plain by considering some of those other instances in which faithfulness is spoken of in Holy Scripture.

The word faithfulness means loyalty to a superior, or exactness in fulfilling an engagement. In the latter sense it is applied even to Almighty God Himself who, in His great love for us, has vouchsafed to limit His own power in action by His word of promise and His covenant with His creatures. He has given His word that, if we will take Him for our portion and put ourselves into His hands, He will guide us through all trials and temptations, and bring us safe to heaven. And to encourage and inspirit us, He reminds us, in various passages of Scripture that He is the faithful God, the faithful Creator. [1]

God's promises to Abraham. JJ Tissot. [Public domain]

And so, His true saints and servants have the special title of "Faithful," as being true to Him as He is to them; as being simply obedient to his will, zealous for His honour, observant of the sacred interests which He has committed to their keeping.
Thus Abraham is called the Faithful;[2] Moses is declared to be faithful in all his house;[3] David, on this account, is called the "man after God's own heart";[4] St. Paul returns thanks that "God accounted him faithful";[5] and, at the last day, God will say to all those who have well employed their talents, "Well done, good and faithful servant."[6]




Mary, in like manner, is pre-eminently faithful to her Lord and Son. Let no one for an instant suppose that she is not supremely zealous for His honour, or, as those who are not Catholics fancy, that to exalt her is to be unfaithful to Him. Her true servants are still more truly His. Well as she rewards her friends, she would deem him no friend, but a traitor, who preferred her to Him. As He is zealous for her honour, so is she for His. He is the Fount of grace, and all her gifts are from His goodness. O Mary, teach us ever to worship thy Son as the One Creator, and to be devout to thee as the most highly favoured of creatures.

Notes

[1] The faithfulness of the Lord in Scripture:

[9] And thou shalt know that the Lord thy God, he is a strong and faithful God, keeping his covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments, unto a thousand generations:
Et scies, quia Dominus Deus tuus, ipse est Deus fortis et fidelis, custodiens pactum et misericordiam diligentibus se, et his qui custodiunt praecepta ejus in mille generationes : [Deut 7]
[22] Heth. The mercies of the Lord that we are not consumed: because his commiserations have not failed.
Misericordiae Domini, quia non sumus consumpti; quia non defecerunt miserationes ejus.
[23] Heth. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.
Novi diluculo, multa est fides tua. [Lam 3]
[1] For the rest, brethren, pray for us, that the word of God may run, and may be glorified, even as among you;
De cetero fratres, orate pro nobis ut sermo Dei currat, et clarificetur, sicut et apud vos :
[2] And that we may be delivered from importunate and evil men; for all men have not faith.
et ut liberemur ab importunis, et malis hominibus : non enim omnium est fides.
[3] But God is faithful, who will strengthen and keep you from evil.
Fidelis autem Deus est, qui confirmabit vos, et custodiet a malo. [2 Thess 3]
[23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (for he is faithful that hath promised),
teneamus spei nostrae confessionem indeclinabilem ( fidelis enim est qui repromisit), [Hebr 10]

[2]  Abraham

[8] By faith he that is called Abraham, obeyed to go out into a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Fide qui vocatur Abraham obedivit in locum exire, quem accepturus erat in haereditatem : et exiit, nesciens quo iret.......
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered Isaac: and he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten son;
Fide obtulit Abraham Isaac, cum tentaretur, et unigenitum offerebat, qui susceperat repromissiones :[Hebr 11]

[3] Moses

[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents; because they saw he was a comely babe, and they feared not the king's edict.
Fide Moyses, natus, occultatus est mensibus tribus a parentibus suis, eo quod vidissent elegantem infantem, et non timuerunt regis edictum.
[24] By faith Moses, when he was grown up, denied himself to be the son of Pharao's daughter;
Fide Moyses grandis factus negavit se esse filium filiae Pharaonis,
[25] Rather choosing to be afflicted with the people of God, than to have the pleasure of sin for a time,
magis eligens affligi cum populo Dei, quam temporalis peccati habere jucunditatem,
[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasure of the Egyptians. For he looked unto the reward.
majores divitias aestimans thesauro Aegyptiorum, improperium Christi : aspiciebat enim in remunerationem.
[27] By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the fierceness of the king: for he endured as seeing him that is invisible.
Fide reliquit Aegyptum, non veritus animositatem regis : invisibilem enim tamquam videns sustinuit.
[28] By faith he celebrated the pasch, and the shedding of the blood; that he, who destroyed the firstborn, might not touch them.
Fide celebravit Pascha, et sanguinis effusionem : ne qui vastabat primitiva, tangeret eos.
[29] By faith they passed through the Red Sea, as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting, were swallowed up.
Fide transierunt mare Rubrum tamquam per aridam terram : quod experti Aegyptii, devorati sunt.[Hebr 11]

[4]  David

[22] And when he had removed him, he raised them up David to be king: to whom giving testimony, he said: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man according to my own heart, who shall do all my wills.
et amoto illo, suscitavit illis David regem : cui testimonium perhibens, dixit : Inveni David filium Jesse, virum secundum cor meum, qui faciet omnes voluntates meas. [Acts 13]

[5] [12] I give thanks who hath strengthened me, even to Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he hath counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry;
Gratias ago ei, qui me confortavit, Christo Jesu Domino nostro, quia fidelem me existimavit, ponens in ministerio : [1 Tim 1]

[6] [23] His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Ait illi dominus ejus : Euge serve bone, et fidelis : quia super pauca fuisti fidelis, super multa te constituam; intra in gaudium domini tui. [Matt 25]

Other examples from Chapter 11 of St Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews

[1] Now faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things that appear not.
Est autem fides sperandarum substantia rerum, argumentum non apparentium.
....
[3] By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God; that from invisible things visible things might be made.
Fide intelligimus aptata esse saecula verbo Dei : ut ex invisibilibus visibilia fierent.
 
[4] By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice exceeding that of Cain, by which he obtained a testimony that he was just, God giving testimony to his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Fide plurimam hostiam Abel, quam Cain, obtulit Deo, per quam testimonium consecutus est esse justus, testimonium perhibente muneribus ejus Deo, et per illam defunctus adhuc loquitur.

[5] By faith Henoch was translated, that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had testimony that he pleased God.
Fide Henoch translatus est ne videret mortem, et non inveniebatur, quia transtulit illum Deus : ante translationem enim testimonium habuit placuisse Deo.
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and is a rewarder to them that seek him.
Sine fide autem impossibile est placere Deo. Credere enim oportet accedentem ad Deum quia est, et inquirentibus se remunerator sit.
[7] By faith Noe, having received an answer concerning those things which as yet were not seen, moved with fear, framed the ark for the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world; and was instituted heir of the justice which is by faith.
Fide Noe responso accepto de iis quae adhuc non videbantur, metuens aptavit arcam in salutem domus suae, per quam damnavit mundum : et justitiae, quae per fidem est, haeres est institutus.
....

[11] By faith also Sara herself, being barren, received strength to conceive seed, even past the time of age; because she believed that he was faithful who had promised,
Fide et ipsa Sara sterilis virtutem in conceptionem seminis accepit, etiam praeter tempus aetatis : quoniam fidelem credidit esse eum qui repromiserat.
....
[13] All these died according to faith, not having received the promises, but beholding them afar off, and saluting them, and confessing that they are pilgrims and strangers on the earth.
Juxta fidem defuncti sunt omnes isti, non acceptis repromissionibus, sed a longe eas aspicientes, et salutantes, et confitentes quia peregrini et hospites sunt super terram.
[14] For they that say these things, do signify that they seek a country.
Qui enim haec dicunt, significant se patriam inquirere.
[15] And truly if they had been mindful of that from whence they came out, they had doubtless time to return.
Et si quidem ipsius meminissent de qua exierunt, habebant utique tempus revertendi :
[16] But now they desire a better, that is to say, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.
nunc autem meliorem appetunt, id est, caelestem. Ideo non confunditur Deus vocari Deus eorum : paravit enim illis civitatem.
....

[20] By faith also of things to come, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
Fide et de futuris benedixit Isaac Jacob et Esau.[21] By faith Jacob dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and adored the top of his rod.
Fide Jacob, moriens, singulos filiorum Joseph benedixit : et adoravit fastigium virgae ejus.[22] By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the going out of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
Fide Joseph, moriens, de profectione filiorum Israel memoratus est, et de ossibus suis mandavit.
....
[30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, by the going round them seven days.
Fide muri Jericho corruerunt, circuitu dierum septem.
[31] By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with the unbelievers, receiving the spies with peace.
Fide Rahab meretrix non periit cum incredulis, excipiens exploratores cum pace.
[32] And what shall I yet say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, Barac, Samson, Jephthe, David, Samuel, and the prophets:
Et quid adhuc dicam? deficiet enim me tempus enarrantem de Gedeon, Barac, Samson, Jephte, David, Samuel, et prophetis :
[33] Who by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
qui per fidem vicerunt regna, operati sunt justitiam, adepti sunt repromissiones, obturaverunt ora leonum,
[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners:
extinxerunt impetum ignis, effugerunt aciem gladii, convaluerunt de infirmitate, fortes facti sunt in bello, castra verterunt exterorum :
[35] Women received their dead raised to life again. But others were racked, not accepting deliverance, that they might find a better resurrection.
acceperunt mulieres de resurrectione mortuos suos : alii autem distenti sunt non suscipientes redemptionem ut meliorem invenirent resurrectionem.
[36] And others had trial of mockeries and stripes, moreover also of bands and prisons.
Alii vero ludibria, et verbera experti, insuper et vincula, et carceres :[37] They were stoned, they were cut asunder, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in want, distressed, afflicted:
lapidati sunt, secti sunt, tentati sunt, in occisione gladii mortui sunt, circuierunt in melotis, in pellibus caprinis, egentes, angustiati, afflicti :
[38] Of whom the world was not worthy; wandering in deserts, in mountains, and in dens, and in caves of the earth.
quibus dignus non erat mundus : in solitudinibus errantes, in montibus, in speluncis, et in cavernis terrae.
[39] And all these being approved by the testimony of faith, received not the promise;
Et hi omnes testimonio fidei probati, non acceperunt repromissionem,
[40] God providing some better thing for us, that they should not be perfected without us.
Deo pro nobis melius aliquid providente, ut non sine nobis consummarentur. 

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

 

Auxilium Christianorum

During the month of May, I am publishing a series of posts based on notes made by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) for his May meditations on Mary in the Litany of Loreto. For the Latin and English texts of this Litany, please follow the link to Thesaurus Precum Latinarum.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Mary is the "Auxilium Christianorum," the Help of Christians

St Dominic. Fra Angelico [Public domain]

Our glorious Queen, since her Assumption on high, has been the minister of numberless services to the elect people of God upon earth, and to His Holy Church. This title of "Help of Christians" relates to those services of which the Divine Office, while recording and referring to the occasion on which it was given her, recounts five, connecting them more or less with the Rosary.

The first was on the first institution of the Devotion of the Rosary by St. Dominic, when, with the aid of the Blessed Virgin, he succeeded in arresting and overthrowing the formidable heresy of the Albigenses in the South of France.[1]


1437. Fra Angelico (1170-1221). The Perugia Altarpiece, Side Panel Depicting St. Dominic.

Lepanto 1571. National Maritime Museum [Public domain]

The second was the great victory gained by the Christian fleet over the powerful Turkish Sultan,[2] in answer to the intercession of Pope St. Pius V., and the prayers of the Associations of the Rosary all over the Christian world; in lasting memory of which wonderful mercy Pope Pius introduced her title "Auxilium Christianorum" into her Litany.
Artist unknown. Appears to be based on a Venetian print by Martin Rota, dated 1572.



Pope Gregory XIII., who followed him, dedicated the first Sunday in October, the day of the victory, to Our Lady of the Rosary.

The third was, in the words of the Divine Office, "the glorious victory won at Vienna (1683), under the guardianship of the Blessed Virgin, over the most savage Sultan of the Turks, who was trampling on the necks of the Christians; in perpetual memory of which benefit Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689) dedicated the Sunday in the Octave of her Nativity as the feast of her august Name."[3]

The fourth instance of her aid was the victory over the innumerable force of the same Turks in Hungary on the Feast of St. Mary ad Nives (1716),[4] in answer to the solemn supplication of the Confraternities of the Rosary; on occasion of which Popes Clement XI (1649-1721) and Benedict XIII (1649-1730) gave fresh honour and privilege to the Devotion of the Rosary.

And the fifth was her restoration of the Pope's temporal power, at the beginning of this century, after Napoleon the First, Emperor of the French, had taken it from the Holy See; on which occasion Pope Pius VII (1742-1823) set apart May 24, the day of this mercy, as the Feast of the Help of Christians, for a perpetual thanksgiving.


[1] Against the Albigensian heretics

When the heresy of the Albigenses was making head against God in the County of Toulouse, and striking deeper roots every day, the holy Dominic, who had but just laid the foundations of the Order of Friars Preachers, threw his whole strength into the travail of plucking these blasphemies up. That he might be fitter for the work, he cried for help with his whole soul to that Blessed Maiden, whose glory the falsehoods of the heretics so insolently assailed, and to whom it hath been granted to trample down every heresy throughout the whole earth. It is said that he had from her a word, bidding him preach up the saying of the Rosary among the people, as a strong help against heresy and sin, and it is wonderful with how stout an heart and how good a success he did the work laid upon him. [Divine Office, Matins, Beatæ Mariæ Virginis a Rosario]

[2] At Lepanto, against the Muslim Turks

From this healthy exercise have grown up numberless good fruits in the Christian Commonwealth. Among these deserveth well to be named that great victory over the Sultan of Turkey, which the most holy Pope Pius V, and the Christian Princes whom he had roused, won at Lepanto, (on the 7th day of October, the first Lord's Day in the month, in the year of our Lord 1571) The day whereon this victory was gained was the very one whereon the Guildbrethren of the most holy Rosary, throughout the whole world, were used to offer their accustomed prayers and appointed supplications, and the event therefore was not unnaturally connected therewith. This being the avowed opinion of Gregory XIII, he ordered that in all Churches where there was, or should be, an Altar of the Rosary, a Feast, in the form of a Greater Double, should be kept for ever upon the first Lord's Day of the month of October, to give unceasing thanks to the Blessed Virgin, under her style of (Queen of) the (Most Holy) Rosary, for that extraordinary mercy of God. [Divine Office, Matins, Beatæ Mariæ Virginis a Rosario]

[3]  The Battle of Vienna

In 1683, the forces of the Holy League, under Poland’s King Jan Sobieski, defeated the Muslim Turks at the Battle of Vienna. When it became known that no fewer than 300,000 Turks were advancing on the imperial capital, Pope Innocent ordered that rosaries be recited in the religious houses and churches of Rome and throughout the Empire. There were special devotions at the Capuchin Church in Vienna to Our Lady Help of Christians, whose famous picture hangs there. It would become the symbol of the victory over the Turks by Poland’s King John Sobieski when he arrived on the scene after a series of forced marches. Sobieski began the forced marches to Vienna from the shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, where he mounted his charger on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1683, to arrive in Vienna almost a month later. With the biggest cavalry charge in history, the Polish army hit the numerically superior Turkish force with their surprise attack so hard, the Turks panicked and were routed.


[4]  Hungary against the Muslim Turks

In the year 1716, Charles VI, Elect-Emperor of the Romans, won a famous victory over countless hordes of Turks, near Timisoara, in the kingdom of Hungary, upon the day when the Feast of the Dedication of the Church of St. Mary of the Snows was being kept, and almost at the very moment when the Guild-brethren of the most holy Rosary were moving through the streets of Rome in public and solemn procession, amid vast multitudes, all filled with the deepest enthusiasm, calling vehemently upon God for the defeat of the Turks, and entreating the Virgin Mother of God to bring the might of her succour to the help of the Christians. A few days later, (upon the Octave of the Feast of the Assumption,) the Turks raised the siege of Corfu. These mercies Clement XI devoutly ascribed to the helpful prayers of the Blessed Virgin, and that the memory and the sweetness of such a blessing might for all time coming endure gloriously, he extended to the whole Church the observance of the Feast of the most holy Rosary, for the same day and of the same rank, (as it had already been in the places before mentioned.) Benedict XIII commanded the record of all these things to be given a place in the Service-book of the Church of Rome; and Leo XIII, in the most troublous times of the Church and the cruel storm of long pressing evils, by fresh Apostolic letters vehemently urged upon all the faithful throughout the earth the often saying of the Rosary of (the Blessed Virgin) Mary, raised the dignity of the yearly festival, added to the Litany of Loretto the Invocation Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and granted to the whole Church a special Office for this solemn occasion. [Divine Office, Matins, Beatæ Mariæ Virginis a Rosario]

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Peter's Prominence

Simon Peter. JJ Tissot

We continue the series posts on St Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, in the fervent hope that he may intercede on behalf of those who, in their own lives, have betrayed those whom they should have loved and cherished the most.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis.

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.






In the list of the Twelve men solemnly called by Christ to the Apostolate, Peter is always at the head and  the surname Petrus, the 'rock', given him by Christ is emphasized:

[2] And the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother,
Duodecim autem Apostolorum nomina sunt haec. Primus, Simon, qui dicitur Petrus : et Andreas frater ejus, [Matt 10]

[14] And he made that twelve should be with him, and that he might send them to preach.
Et fecit ut essent duodecim cum illo : et ut mitteret eos praedicare.
[15] And he gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.
Et dedit illis potestatem curandi infirmitates et ejiciendi daemonia.
[16] And to Simon he gave the name Peter:
Et imposuit Simoni nomen Petrus : [Mark 3]

[13] And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles).
Et cum dies factus esset, vocavit discipulos suos : et elegit duodecim ex ipsis ( quos et apostolos nominavit) :
[14] Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
Simonem, quem cognominavit Petrum, et Andream fratrem ejus, Jacobum, et Joannem, Philippum, et Bartholomaeum, [Luke 6]

Peter speaks in the name of the other Apostles:

[11] Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man: but what cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Non quod intrat in os, coinquinat hominem : sed quod procedit ex ore, hoc coinquinat hominem.....
[15] And Peter answering, said to him: Expound to us this parable.
Respondens autem Petrus dixit ei : Edissere nobis parabolam istam. [Matt 15]

[25] And when they had heard this, the disciples wondered very much, saying: Who then can be saved?
Auditis autem his, discipuli mirabantur valde, dicentes : Quis ergo poterit salvus esse?
[26] And Jesus beholding, said to them: With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible.
Aspiciens autem Jesus, dixit illis : Apud homines hoc impossibile est : apud Deum autem omnia possibilia sunt.
[27] Then Peter answering, said to him: Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have?
Tunc respondens Petrus, dixit ei : Ecce nos reliquimus omnia, et secuti sumus te : quid ergo erit nobis? [Matt 19]

[40] Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.
Et vos estote parati : quia qua hora non putatis, Filius hominis veniet.
[41] And Peter said to him: Lord, dost thou speak this parable to us, or likewise to all?
Ait autem et Petrus : Domine, ad nos dicis hanc parabolam, an et ad omnes?

[15] Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?
Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis?
[16] Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.
Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. [Matt 16]

Peter's special precedence

Transfiguration. Peter, James & John. JJ Tissot.

Peter was one of the three Apostles (with James and John) who were with Christ on certain special occasions

• the raising of the daughter of Jairus from the dead (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51);

• the Transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:28),

• the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemani (Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33).

Peter is favoured above the others:

• Christ enters Peter's boat on Lake Genesareth to preach to the multitude on the shore [1];
• When He was miraculously walking upon the waters, He called Peter to come to Him across the lake[2];
• He sent him to the lake to catch the fish in whose mouth Peter found the stater to pay as tribute[3]

[1] [1] And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth,
Factum est autem, cum turbae irruerunt in eum ut audirent verbum Dei, et ipse stabat secus stagnum Genesareth.
[2] And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
Et vidit duas naves stantes secus stagnum : piscatores autem descenderant, et lavabant retia.
[3] And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship.
Ascendens autem in unam navim, quae erat Simonis, rogavit eum a terra reducere pusillum. Et sedens docebat de navicula turbas. [Luke 5]
[2] [26] And they seeing him walk upon the sea, were troubled, saying: It is an apparition. And they cried out for fear.
Et videntes eum super mare ambulantem, turbati sunt, dicentes : Quia phantasma est. Et prae timore clamaverunt.
[27] And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: Be of good heart: it is I, fear ye not.
Statimque Jesus locutus est eis, dicens : Habete fiduciam : ego sum, nolite timere.
[28] And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters.
Respondens autem Petrus, dixit : Domine, si tu es, jube me ad te venire super aquas.
[29] And he said: Come. And Peter going down out of the boat, walked upon the water to come to Jesus.
At ipse ait : Veni. Et descendens Petrus de navicula, ambulabat super aquam ut veniret ad Jesum. 
[3] [24] He said: Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying: What is thy opinion, Simon? The kings of the earth, of whom do they receive tribute or custom? of their own children, or of strangers?
Ait : Etiam. Et cum intrasset in domum, praevenit eum Jesus, dicens : Quid tibi videtur Simon? reges terrae a quibus accipiunt tributum vel censum? a filiis suis, an ab alienis?
[25] And he said: Of strangers. Jesus said to him: Then the children are free.
Et ille dixit : Ab alienis. Dixit illi Jesus : Ergo liberi sunt filii.
[26] But that we may not scandalize them, go to the sea, and cast in a hook: and that fish which shall first come up, take: and when thou hast opened its mouth, thou shalt find a stater: take that, and give it to them for me and thee.
Ut autem non scandalizemus eos, vade ad mare, et mitte hamum : et eum piscem, qui primus ascenderit, tolle : et aperto ore ejus, invenies staterem : illum sumens, da eis pro me et te.  [Matt 17]

Virgo Potens

During the month of May, I am publishing a series of posts based on notes made by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) for his May meditations on Mary in the Litany of Loreto. For the Latin and English texts of this Litany, please follow the link to Thesaurus Precum Latinarum.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Mary is the "Virgo Potens," the Powerful Virgin

Virgo potens. [PB Photo 2019]

This great universe, which we see by day and by night, or what is called the natural world, is ruled by fixed laws, which the Creator has imposed upon it, and by those wonderful laws is made secure against any substantial injury or loss. One portion of it may conflict with another, and there may be changes in it internally; but, viewed as a whole, it is adapted to stand for ever. Hence the Psalmist says, "He has established the world, which shall not be moved."[1]

Such is the world of nature; but there is another and still more wonderful world. There is a power which avails to alter and subdue this visible world, and to suspend and counteract its laws; that is, the world of Angels and Saints, of Holy Church and her children; and the weapon by which they master its laws is the power of prayer.





By prayer all this may be done, which naturally is impossible. Noe prayed, and God said that there never again should be a flood to drown the race of man.[2] Moses prayed, and ten grievous plagues fell upon the land of Egypt.[Exodus 7-12] Josue prayed, and the sun stood still.[3] Samuel prayed, and thunder and rain came in wheat-harvest.[4] Elias prayed, and brought down fire from heaven.[5] Eliseus prayed, and the dead came to life.[5] Ezechias prayed and the vast army of the Assyrians was smitten and perished.[6]

This is why the Blessed Virgin is called Powerful—nay, sometimes, All-powerful, because she has, more than anyone else, more than all Angels and Saints, this great, prevailing gift of prayer. No one has access to the Almighty as His Mother has; none has merit such as hers. Her Son will deny her nothing that she asks; and herein lies her power. While she defends the Church, neither height nor depth, neither men nor evil spirits, neither great monarchs, nor craft of man, nor popular violence, can avail to harm us; for human life is short, but Mary reigns above, a Queen for ever.

[1] [10] Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: he will judge the people with justice.
dicite in gentibus, quia Dominus regnavit. Etenim correxit orbem terrae, qui non commovebitur; judicabit populos in aequitate. [Ps 95]
See also: [1] The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded himself. For he hath established the world which shall not be moved.
Laus cantici ipsi David, in die ante sabbatum, quando fundata est terra. Dominus regnavit, decorem indutus est : indutus est Dominus fortitudinem, et praecinxit se. Etenim firmavit orbem terrae, qui non commovebitur. [Ps 92]
[2] [11] I will establish my covenant with you, and all flesh shall be no more destroyed with the waters of a flood, neither shall there be from henceforth a flood to waste the earth.
Statuam pactum meum vobiscum, et nequaquam ultra interficietur omnis caro aquis diluvii, neque erit deinceps diluvium dissipans terram. [Gen 9]
[3] [12] Then Josue spoke to the Lord, in the day that he delivered the Amorrhite in the sight of the children of Israel, and he said before them: Move not, O sun, toward Gabaon, nor thou, O moon, toward the valley of Ajalon.
Tunc locutus est Josue Domino, in die qua tradidit Amorrhaeum in conspectu filiorum Israel, dixitque coram eis : Sol, contra Gabaon ne movearis, et luna contra vallem Ajalon.
[13] And the sun and the moon stood still, till the people revenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the just? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down the space of one day.
Steteruntque sol et luna, donec ulcisceretur se gens de inimicis suis. Nonne scriptum est hoc in libro justorum? Stetit itaque sol in medio caeli, et non festinavit occumbere spatio unius diei. [Jos 10]
[4] [17] Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain: and you shall know and see that you yourselves have done a great evil in the sight of the Lord, in desiring a king over you.
Numquid non messis tritici est hodie? invocabo Dominum, et dabit voces et pluvias : et scietis, et videbitis, quia grande malum feceritis vobis in conspectu Domini, petentes super vos regem.
[18] And Samuel cried unto the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day.
Et clamavit Samuel ad Dominum, et dedit Dominus voces et pluvias in illa die. [1 Sam 12]
[5] [37] Hear me, O Lord, hear me: that this people may learn, that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart again.
Exaudi me Domine, exaudi me : ut discat populus iste, quia tu es Dominus Deus, et tu convertisti cor eorum iterum.
[38] Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the holocaust, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
Cecidit autem ignis Domini, et voravit holocaustum, et ligna, et lapides, pulverem quoque, et aquam quae erat in aquaeductu lambens.
[39] And when all the people saw this, they fell on their faces, and they said: The Lord he is God, the Lord he is God.
Quod cum vidisset omnis populus, cecidit in faciem suam, et ait : Dominus ipse est Deus, Dominus ipse est Deus. [3 Kings 18]
[5] [33] And going in he shut the door upon him, and upon the child, and prayed to the Lord.
ingressusque clausit ostium super se, et super puerum, et oravit ad Dominum.
[34] And he went up, and lay upon the child: and he put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he bowed himself upon him, and the child's flesh grew warm.
Et ascendit, et incubuit super puerum : posuitque os suum super os ejus, et oculos suos super oculos ejus, et manus suas super manus ejus : et incurvavit se super eum, et calefacta est caro pueri.
[35] Then he returned and walked in the house, once to and fro: and he went up, and lay upon him: and the child gaped seven times, and opened his eyes.
At ille reversus, deambulavit in domo, semel huc atque illuc : et ascendit, et incubuit super eum : et oscitavit puer septies, aperuitque oculos.  [4 Kings 4]
[6] [36] And the angel of the Lord went out, and slew in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and eighty-five thousand. And they arose in the morning, and behold they were all dead corpses.
Egressus est autem angelus Domini, et percussit in castris Assyriorum centum octoginta quinque millia. Et surrexerunt mane, et ecce omnes cadavera mortuorum. [Isa 37] 

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Turris Davidica

During the month of May, I am publishing a series of posts based on notes made by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) for his May meditations on Mary in the Litany of Loreto. For the Latin and English texts of this Litany, please follow the link to Thesaurus Precum Latinarum.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Mary is the "Turris Davidica," the Tower of David

A tower in its simplest idea is a fabric for defence against enemies. David, King of Israel, built for this purpose a notable tower; and as he is a figure or type of our Lord, so is his tower a figure denoting our Lord's Virgin Mother.

She is called the Tower of David [1] because she had so signally fulfilled the office of defending her Divine Son from the assaults of His foes. It is customary with those who are not Catholics to fancy that the honours we pay to her interfere with the supreme worship which we pay to Him; that in Catholic teaching she eclipses Him. But this is the very reverse of the truth.

For if Mary's glory is so very great, how cannot His be greater still who is the Lord and God of Mary? He is infinitely above His Mother; and all that grace which filled her is but the overflowings and superfluities of His incomprehensible Sanctity. And history teaches us the same lesson. Look at the Protestant countries which threw off all devotion to her three centuries ago, under the notion that to put her from their thoughts would be exalting the praises of her Son. Has that consequence really followed from their profane conduct towards her? Just the reverse—the countries, Germany, Switzerland, England, which so acted, have in great measure ceased to worship Him, and have given up their belief in His Divinity while the Catholic Church, wherever she is to be found, adores Christ as true God and true Man, as firmly as ever she did; and strange indeed would it be, if it ever happened otherwise. Thus Mary is the "Tower of David."[


[1] [4] Thy neck, is as the tower of David, which is built with bulwarks: a thousand bucklers hang upon it, all the armour of valiant men.
Sicut turris David collum tuum, quae aedificata est cum propugnaculis; mille clypei pendant ex ea, omnis armatura fortium. [Cant of Canticles 4]

A tower of strength in times of war

The scene for warfare between good and evil was set in Genesis with a prophecy and a promise.

[15] I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel.
Inimicitias ponam inter te et mulierem, et semen tuum et semen illius : ipsa conteret caput tuum, et tu insidiaberis calcaneo ejus. [Gen 3]

The 'woman' is Mary and her seed is firstly, the Saviour of Mankind; and secondly her faithful children in the one, true Church. The prophecy is reinforced centuries later:

[9] Who is she that cometh forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in array?
Quae est ista quae progreditur quasi aurora consurgens, pulchra ut luna, electa ut sol, terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata?  [Cant of Canticles 6

The Church has many references to Mary in her role as a heroine or champion against the seed of Satan:

Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata:
da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.
Let me praise thee, O sacred Virgin:
Give me strength against thine enemies. [Antiphon, Matins, The Little Office]

Pulchra es et decora filia Jerusalem terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata
Thou art fair and comely, O daughter of Jerusalem: terrible as an army set in array. [Antiphon, Lauds, The Little Office]

[9] Who is she that cometh forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in array?
Quae est ista quae progreditur quasi aurora consurgens, pulchra ut luna, electa ut sol, terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata? [Cant of Canticles 6,Prime, The Little Office]

Maria, Mater gratiae,
Mater misericordiae,
tu me ab hoste protege
et hora mortis suscipe. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Grace,
Mother of mercy,
Shield me from the enemy
And receive me at the hour of my death.Amen. [Hymn, Terce, The Little Office]

Historical examples

Here are some historical examples taken from the Divine Office:

Against the Albigensian heretics

When the heresy of the Albigenses was making head against God in the County of Toulouse, and striking deeper roots every day, the holy Dominic, who had but just laid the foundations of the Order of Friars Preachers, threw his whole strength into the travail of plucking these blasphemies up. That he might be fitter for the work, he cried for help with his whole soul to that Blessed Maiden, whose glory the falsehoods of the heretics so insolently assailed, and to whom it hath been granted to trample down every heresy throughout the whole earth. It is said that he had from her a word, bidding him preach up the saying of the Rosary among the people, as a strong help against heresy and sin, and it is wonderful with how stout an heart and how good a success he did the work laid upon him. [Divine Office, Matins, Beatæ Mariæ Virginis a Rosario]

At Lepanto, against the Muslim Turks

From this healthy exercise have grown up numberless good fruits in the Christian Commonwealth. Among these deserveth well to be named that great victory over the Sultan of Turkey, which the most holy Pope Pius V, and the Christian Princes whom he had roused, won at Lepanto, (on the 7th day of October, the first Lord's Day in the month, in the year of our Lord 1571) The day whereon this victory was gained was the very one whereon the Guildbrethren of the most holy Rosary, throughout the whole world, were used to offer their accustomed prayers and appointed supplications, and the event therefore was not unnaturally connected therewith. This being the avowed opinion of Gregory XIII, he ordered that in all Churches where there was, or should be, an Altar of the Rosary, a Feast, in the form of a Greater Double, should be kept for ever upon the first Lord's Day of the month of October, to give unceasing thanks to the Blessed Virgin, under her style of (Queen of) the (Most Holy) Rosary, for that extraordinary mercy of God. [Divine Office, Matins, Beatæ Mariæ Virginis a Rosario]

1716: Against the Muslim Turks

In the year 1716, Charles VI, Elect-Emperor of the Romans, won a famous victory over countless hordes of Turks, near Timisoara, in the kingdom of Hungary, upon the day when the Feast of the Dedication of the Church of St. Mary of the Snows was being kept, and almost at the very moment when the Guild-brethren of the most holy Rosary were moving through the streets of Rome in public and solemn procession, amid vast multitudes, all filled with the deepest enthusiasm, calling vehemently upon God for the defeat of the Turks, and entreating the Virgin Mother of God to bring the might of her succour to the help of the Christians. A few days later, (upon the Octave of the Feast of the Assumption,) the Turks raised the siege of Corfu. These mercies Clement XI devoutly ascribed to the helpful prayers of the Blessed Virgin, and that the memory and the sweetness of such a blessing might for all time coming endure gloriously, he extended to the whole Church the observance of the Feast of the most holy Rosary, for the same day and of the same rank, (as it had already been in the places before mentioned.) Benedict XIII commanded the record of all these things to be given a place in the Service-book of the Church of Rome; and Leo XIII, in the most troublous times of the Church and the cruel storm of long pressing evils, by fresh Apostolic letters vehemently urged upon all the faithful throughout the earth the often saying of the Rosary of (the Blessed Virgin) Mary, raised the dignity of the yearly festival, added to the Litany of Loretto the Invocation Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and granted to the whole Church a special Office for this solemn occasion. [Divine Office, Matins, Beatæ Mariæ Virginis a Rosario]

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Rosa Mystica

During the month of May, I am publishing a series of posts based on notes made by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) for his May meditations on Mary in the Litany of Loreto. For the Latin and English texts of this Litany, please follow the link to Thesaurus Precum Latinarum.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Mary is the "Rosa Mystica," the Mystical Rose

Rosa Mystica. Statue given by Fr CH in 1980s. RIP.

Mary is the most beautiful flower that ever was seen in the spiritual world. It is by the power of God's grace that from this barren and desolate earth there have ever sprung up at all flowers of holiness and glory. And Mary is the Queen of them. She is the Queen of spiritual flowers; and therefore she is called the Rose, for the rose is fitly called of all flowers the most beautiful.

But moreover, she is the Mystical, or hidden Rose; for mystical means hidden. How is she now "hidden" from us more than are other saints? 



What means this singular appellation, which we apply to her specially? The answer to this question introduces us to a third reason for believing in the reunion of her sacred body to her soul, and its assumption into heaven soon after her death, instead of its lingering in the grave until the General Resurrection at the last day.

Assumed into Heaven and crowned. Fra Angelico. Uffizi. Public domain

It is this:—if her body was not taken into heaven, where is it? how comes it that it is hidden from us? why do we not hear of her tomb as being here or there? why are not pilgrimages made to it? why are not relics producible of her, as of the saints in general? Is it not even a natural instinct which makes us reverent towards the places where our dead are buried? We bury our great men honourably. St. Peter speaks of the sepulchre of David as known in his day, though he had died many hundred years before. When our Lord's body was taken down from the Cross, He was placed in an honourable tomb. Such too had been the honour already paid to St. John Baptist, his tomb being spoken of by St. Mark [1] as generally known.



Christians from the earliest times went from other countries to Jerusalem to see the holy places. And, when the time of persecution was over, they paid still more attention to the bodies of the Saints, as of St. Stephen, St. Mark, St. Barnabas, St. Peter, St. Paul, and other Apostles and Martyrs. These were transported to great cities, and portions of them sent to this place or that. Thus, from the first to this day it has been a great feature and characteristic of the Church to be most tender and reverent towards the bodies of the Saints. Now, if there was anyone who more than all would be preciously taken care of, it would be our Lady. Why then do we hear nothing of the Blessed Virgin's body and its separate relics? Why is she thus the hidden Rose? Is it conceivable that they who had been so reverent and careful of the bodies of the Saints and Martyrs should neglect her—her who was the Queen of Martyrs and the Queen of Saints, who was the very Mother of our Lord? It is impossible. Why then is she thus the hidden Rose? Plainly because that sacred body is in heaven, not on earth.

[1] [29] Which his disciples hearing came, and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Quo audito, discipuli ejus venerunt, et tulerunt corpus ejus : et posuerunt illud in monumento. [Mark 6]

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Peter becomes a disciple

We continue the series posts on St Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, in the fervent hope that he may intercede on behalf of those who, in their own lives, have betrayed those whom they should have loved and cherished the most.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis.

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Peter becomes a disciple

After the first meeting, Peter and the other disciples remained with Jesus for a period of time. He accompanied Him to Galilee for the Marriage at Cana, thence to Judaea and Jerusalem, returning to Galilee via Samaria. Peter then  resumed his work as a fisherman for a short time but was soon to receive the call of Jesus to become one of His disciples.

Venite post me... JJ Tissot. Brooklyn Museum

[18] And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers).
Ambulans autem Jesus juxta mare Galilaeae, vidit duos fratres, Simonem, qui vocatur Petrus, et Andream fratrem ejus, mittentes rete in mare ( erant enim piscatores),

[19] And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men.
et ait illis : Venite post me, et faciam vos fieri piscatores hominum.
[20] And they immediately leaving their nets, followed him.
At illi continuo relictis retibus secuti sunt eum.

[21] And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and he called them.

Et procedens inde, vidit alios duos fratres, Jacobum Zebedaei, et Joannem fratrem ejus, in navi cum Zebedaeo patre eorum, reficientes retia sua : et vocavit eos.
[22] And they forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him.
Illi autem statim relictis retibus et patre, secuti sunt eum. [Matt 4]

This account is also presented by St Mark [see 1:16-20]. St Luke adds some extra detail:

[1] And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth,
Factum est autem, cum turbae irruerunt in eum ut audirent verbum Dei, et ipse stabat secus stagnum Genesareth.
[2] And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
Et vidit duas naves stantes secus stagnum : piscatores autem descenderant, et lavabant retia.
[3] And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship.
Ascendens autem in unam navim, quae erat Simonis, rogavit eum a terra reducere pusillum. Et sedens docebat de navicula turbas.
[4] Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Ut cessavit autem loqui, dixit ad Simonem : Duc in altum, et laxate retia vestra in capturam.
[5] And Simon answering said to him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net.
Et respondens Simon, dixit illi : Praeceptor, per totam noctem laborantes nihil cepimus : in verbo autem tuo laxabo rete.
[6] And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.[1]
Et cum hoc fecissent, concluserunt piscium multitudinem copiosam : rumpebatur autem rete eorum.
[7] And they beckoned to their partners [2] that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking.

Homo peccator sum. JJ Tissot. Brooklyn Museum.

Et annuerunt sociis, qui erant in alia navi, ut venirent, et adjuvarent eos. Et venerunt, et impleverunt ambas naviculas, ita ut pene mergerentur.
[8] Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Quod cum vidisset Simon Petrus, procidit ad genua Jesu, dicens : Exi a me, quia homo peccator sum, Domine.

[9] For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.
Stupor enim circumdederat eum, et omnes qui cum illo erant, in captura piscium, quam ceperant :
[10] And so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.[3]
similiter autem Jacobum et Joannem, filios Zebedaei, qui erunt socii Simonis. Et ait ad Simonem Jesus : Noli timere : ex hoc jam homines eris capiens.
[11] And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.
Et subductis ad terram navibus, relictis omnibus, secuti sunt eum.  [Luke 5]

Cornelius a Lapide's notes

[1]  Ver. 6. Behold here the fruit and reward of obedience. Jesus did this—1. In order that by providing them with food, He might prepare them for their vocation and ministry. I have chosen you to be My disciples, make not excuse that ye must work for your livelihood as fishermen. Behold this miraculous draft of fishes, and believe that I am able to provide you with all things necessary for life more easily and more abundantly than ye are able to provide them yourselves. 2. To teach from this miracle, that they were soon to become successful fishers of men.

[2] Ver. 7.—And they beckoned unto their partners—becausefrom joy and wondering astonishment they were unable to speak.

[3] Ver. 10.— from henceforth thou shalt catch men. ζωγζω̃ν from ζωγζέω, which means—

First, to hunt or catch some living thing, hence the Arabic translates it, from henceforth thou shalt be a fisherman, for thou shalt fish for and take men. Thou, Peter, shalt catch men, not by wounding and disabling them, as wild animals are taken; but as fish which are unhurt by the net, so thou shalt catch men not by violence or force, but through the power and operation of the spirit.

Secondly (if we derive the word from ζω̃ν and ε̉γζομαι or ε̉γείζω, to quicken, or recall to life. Hence S. Ambrose (Hexam., lib. v. cap. vi.) “Thou shalt be a life-giver to men;” and the Syriac, “Thou shalt be a fisher of men, to recall them to life.” Fishermen, indeed, catch fish to provide themselves with food, but thou, O Peter, art to become a fisher of men, not to destroy them, but to give them life by raising them from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness, for like as fish taken from the water die, so men caught by thee become dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, and, in a sense, as fish are assimilated by those who feed on them, so do those who are inclosed in the Gospel net, become in very truth members of Christ. Figuratively, the ship of Peter is the Church, the head of which is Peter and his successors. The Pope is therefore the chief fisherman to whom the words of Christ apply, “Thou shalt catch men.” It is the duty, therefore, of the Roman Pontiff directly and by means of others to convert the heathen, as the early occupants of the see of Rome converted the Roman people and sent apostolic men to preach the word of life to heathen lands.

Thus S. Gregory sent Augustine to convert the English people.

S. Ambrose observes, that some men, e.g., the martyrs, like fish, are taken by the hook; others, i.e., the body of the faithful, by the net, and adds, “Nets are the means whereby the Apostles catch men, for nets do not destroy but preserve what they take, and bring to the surface that which is floating below.”
Nets are called in Latin “retia,” because they are retentive “retinentia,” of that which they have taken.—Gloss.

 Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis.

Peter meets Our Lord

Simon-Peter-Cephas. JJ Tissot.

We continue the series posts on St Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, in the fervent hope that he may intercede on behalf of those who, in their own lives, have betrayed those whom they should have loved and cherished the most.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.

Tecum tutus semper sum.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis.

[  ] References in the text to numbered footnotes are not hyperlinked but may be found at the end of the relevant text.

Peter meets Our Lord

The Gospel records that Simon's brother Andrew was among John's disciples in Bethania [1] on the eastern bank of the Jordan.  St John the Evangelist continues thus:

Ecce Agnus Dei. JJ Tissot. Brooklyn Museum.

[35] The next day again John stood, and two of his disciples.
Altera die iterum stabat Joannes, et ex discipulis ejus duo.
[36] And beholding Jesus walking, he saith: Behold the Lamb of God.
Et respiciens Jesum ambulantem, dicit : Ecce agnus Dei.





[37] And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
Et audierunt eum duo discipuli loquentem, et secuti sunt Jesum.
[38] And Jesus turning, and seeing them following him, saith to them: What seek you? Who said to him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
Conversus autem Jesus, et videns eos sequentes se, dicit eis : Quid quaeritis? Qui dixerunt ei : Rabbi ( quod dicitur interpretatum Magister), ubi habitas?
[39] He saith to them: Come and see. They came, and saw where he abode, and they stayed with him that day: now it was about the tenth hour.
Dicit eis : Venite et videte. Venerunt, et viderunt ubi maneret, et apud eum manserunt die illo : hora autem erat quasi decima.

 

Andrew. JJ Tissot. Brooklyn Museum.

[40] And Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard of John, and followed him.
Erat autem Andreas, frater Simonis Petri, unus ex duobus qui audierant a Joanne, et secuti fuerant eum.
[41] He findeth first his brother Simon, and saith to him: We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Invenit hic primum fratrem suum Simonem, et dicit ei : Invenimus Messiam ( quod est interpretatum Christus).
[42] And he brought him to Jesus. And Jesus looking upon him, said: Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter.
Et adduxit eum ad Jesum. Intuitus autem eum Jesus, dixit : Tu es Simon, filius Jona; tu vocaberis Cephas, quod interpretatur Petrus. 
42 ἤγαγεν αὐτὸν πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν. ἐμβλέψας αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν: σὺ εἶ Σίμων ὁ υἱὸς Ἰωάννου, σὺ κληθήσῃ Κηφᾶς, ὃ ἑρμηνεύεται Πέτρος. [John 1]

Bethany (circled). (PB photo 2019)

[1] Bethania: Bethany 'beyond the Jordan' has not as yet been identified with any certainty. It is however generally agreed that it is not the same Bethany as the one described the home of Lazarus and his sisters,not far from Jerusalem: see the map. 








Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis.