DESERT FATHERS AND DESERT MOTHERS

 

Amma at prayer in the desert

Ammas and Abbas - early founders

The persecution of Christians in the Early Church led to an exodus of believers to the deserts of Syria, Egypt and Asia Minor. These Christians became ascetics. The Christian women became known as mothers (ammas) and the Christian men as fathers (abbas). They were the early founders of what would become known as the desert movement. 

The desert was selected as a place to seek and hunger after God. These ascetics practised detachment from earthly comforts and were devoted to the pursuit of spiritual growth. [1] Their purpose was to live as hermits in the desert, to live a solitary life solely dedicated to God.

Anthony of Egypt and Pachomius

During the late 3rd century a Christian man named Paul, living in the city of Thebes in Egypt, was forced into the desert during the Decian persecution. He lived in a cave while awaiting the end of the persecution, and found he enjoyed the solitude and freedom to fast and pray. Paul embraced life in the desert and lived in that cave for many more decades as a hermit dedicated to the worship of God. [3]

The famous desert father Anthony of Egypt gave away his inherited riches, and retired to a hut in the desert. Anthony dedicated his life to fasting and prayer, living a life of poverty to the glory of God. 

An Egyptian from Thebes named Pachomius (292-348) was one of the founders of modern communal monastic life. When he was 20 years old, he endured imprisonment and received kindness at the hands of Christians. Pachomius became a Christian after his release from prison in c. 314. [2]

Father of Cenobitic Monasticism

Saint Pachomius felt drawn to the Desert Fathers and built his cell in the desert near St Anthony. He realized that most of the men who desired Anthony's eremitic life could not live in such solitary isolation. He decided to build 10 to 12 room houses where men could live in individual rooms and undertake practices of holiness. Thus Pachomius is called the 'Father of Cenobitic Monasticism.' All these centuries later, there are still Christian monasteries scattered throughout the Sahara Desert in Egypt. [2] 

Desert fathers

Other desert fathers include Saint Macarius of Egypt, Abba Agathon, Saint Amun, Saint Basil of Caesarea and Saint Moses. Those who were highly influenced by this early monasticism were Saint Athenasius of Alexandria, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Hilarion and Saint John Cassian. Saint Benedict later developed the Benedictine rule for monasticism based on the writings of the early desert fathers. Thus most modern-day religious orders can trace their spiritual heritage to Egypt. [3]

Saint John Cassian brought the wisdom of the desert fathers to Europe, and his influence spread as far as Ireland. Thereafter, Ireland's own form of monasticism developed, largely based on the writings of Cassian and example of Saint Anthony. [3]

Desert mothers

Many women were leaders in the desert reform. Syncletica, Thecla, Macrina, Paula and Pelagia are some of the mothers (abbas) who shaped the spirituality of the desert movement.

Saint Syncletica and her sister

Syncletica was born in the 5th century to a noble Christian family in Alexandria, Egypt. She moved with her blind sister to the desert outside Alexandria to live in simplicity and prayer. Other women soon followed Syncletica, and she served as their spiritual mother. She called her followers to empty themselves of attitudes which did not spring from closeness with Christ. Syncletica loved learning, as she believed that ignorance hindered spiritual growth.

Saint Macrina 

Macrina was the elder sister of two bishops, Gregory and Basil. She taught that humility and love were the goals of philosophy. Macrina turned the family home into a monastic community where all possessions were shared. Her holy life attracted many followers. 

Saint Pelagia

Saint Pelagia was a woman who dressed as a monk in later years. An actress in her earlier life, Pelagia heard Bishop Nonnus preach in Antioch. She gave away all her possessions, and just before her baptism, she left wearing Nonnus' cloak, never to be seen in Antioch again. Pelagia assumed the identity of a monk, and retreated to the desert. 

Years later, one of Nonnus' monks travelled to Jerusalem to pray with a holy man name Pelagius. He returned a few days later to find that Pelagius had died. In preparing Pelagius for burial, he found that Pelagius was actually Pelagia, a woman. 

Saint Paula

Paula (347-404 AD) was a desert mother. After the demise of her husband, Paula went on pilgrimage to the holy sites. Concluding her journey, Saint Paula decided to remain in Bethlehem to develop a monastery and spiritual retreat with St Jerome. Paula and Jerome built a double monastery in Bethlehem - one for Paula and her nuns, the other for St Jerome and his months. The addition of a roadside hostel was also constructed to serve as an economic source to fund the monasteries. [4]

Many abbas and ammas

There were many desert fathers and desert mothers. Their words of wisdom have a lot to offer us in today's world. Further blog posts will follow in which the serenity of some of the holy words will be reflected.

Influence of the desert movement today

The influence of the desert fathers and desert mothers can still be felt within our world today. At times, yearning for a more peaceful life within the hustle and bustle of our constantly changing world may be experienced. 

Live the simple life

The example of the early abbas and ammas offer inspiration if we wish to live more simply, think more slowly and clearly, eschew over-reliance on earthly goods. Further, their example helps us to be resilient and self-disciplined. Following the holiness of the frugal monastic lifestyle helps us to offer daily difficulties as sacrifices to God for the advancement of His Kingdom here on earth.

Emulation of the example of regular prayer of the desert fathers and mothers, proves a strong spiritual support. It is holy to dedicate time each day for prayer and silence to still your thoughts, refresh your mind and strengthen your relationship with God.

[1] Women's history month: Early Church Women and Desert Mothers

https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/womens-history-month-early-church-women-and-desert-mothers/

[2] Sandra Sweeney Silver. Early Church History: Who were the Desert Fathers? 

https://earlychurchhistory.org/who-were-the-desert-fathers/

[3] Philip Kosloski. Who were the Desert Fathers and why do they matter?

https://aleteia.org/2017/05/09/who-were-the-desert-fathers-and-why-do-they-matter

[4] Paula of Rome

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_of_Rome

With thanks to cbeinternational.com, earlychurchhistory.org, aleteia.og and wikipedia.org Paula of Rome

Image courtesy of Freepik AI generated content with CN Whittle

A CANDLE HAS BEEN BURNING IN REMEMBRANCE OF SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

 

Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us

BELOVED SAINT CLARE OF ASSISI BESTOWED WORDS OF WISDOM FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. This holy woman of God expressed, "We are to become vessels of God's compassionate love for others."  The saint further thanked God, saying: "Blessed be You, my God, for having created me." [1] Saint Clare had profound respect for the gift of life, for creation within the womb.

Information re Planned Parenthood

A candle has been burning in remembrance of Santa Clara University in California, Catholic Jesuit University, which reportedly offers students information on website re Planned Parenthood, Alleged News. [2]

What is Planned Parenthood?

Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health care to women, including abortions; Alleged News. [3]

Catholic Church

The Catholic Church teaches that "human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life."  [4]

[1] Quotes from St Clare of Assisi

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/holy-quotes-from-st-clare-of-assisi/

[2] Santa Clara University, Student Health Counseling and well- being, Sexual Health: Alleged News

https://www.scu.edu/bewell/sms/sexual-health/

[3] Planned Parenthood; Alleged News

https://www.factcheck.org/2018/05/planned-parenthood-2/

[4] Catechism of the Catholic Church, I. Respect for human life, no 2270

https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_two/chapter_two/article_5/i_respect_for_human_life.html

Resources franciscanmedia.org. scu.ed. factcheck.org and vatican.va 

Image with thanks to Freepik AI generated content by CN Whittle

PRAYER OF ST GERTRUDE THE GREAT. WHY NOT PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY?

 

St Gertrude the Great was a 13th-century German nun, writer and mystic who was graced with many heavenly visions. It is recounted that Jesus showed her a vast number of souls entering heaven from purgatory as a result of her faithful and frequent recitation of the following prayer.

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."     - Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great

Why not follow in the footsteps of holy St Gertrude, and pray for the souls in purgatory?

Image with thanks to Freepik AI generated content by CN Whittle

PROTECT CHILDREN

 

Let us care for, and protect, infants and little children. We do this as disciples dedicated to Jesus, Who loves the little children.

DO NOT CONDEMN

 

We follow Jesus Who did not judge or condemn others, but helped them to restart their broken lives with their heads held high.

Let us do likewise.

NON-VIOLENCE

 

We follow One Who died forbearing to raise His Hands in violence, even to save His own life.

Let us then eschew violence towards others.

CARPENTER RABBI

 

We follow a Carpenter Rabbi Who forgave utterly and sincerely as His life-force ebbed away during His execution.

Who do you have in your life whom you must forgive? Why not mend fences today, in the spirit of forgiveness so gently expressed by Our Lord Jesus Christ?

THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST

 

The example of Jesus Christ is to love the other especially at their most unlovable. To forgive the other especially when they have done the unforgivable. To offer understanding to the other especially when they are at their most rejecting. To pray for the other especially when they are most filled with hate. To speak well of the other especially when they do not speak well of us. 

We are called to live as another Christ in this world.

DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST DISPERSED

 

The disciples of Jesus Christ dispersed throughout the known world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ after His death and resurrection. Mark arrived in Egypt around 42 CE, while Philip travelled to Carthage (present day Tunisia) en route to Asia Minor. Matthew visited Ethiopia – by way of Persia, as did Bartholomew. 

Resource: Alistair Boddy-Evans. Early Christianity in North Africa. 27 February 2019. Accessed 13 August 2022. https://www.thoughtco.com/early-christianity-in-north-africa-part-1-44461

Image with thanks to Freepik AI gnerated content by CN Whittle

MARGARET KIRKBY, ANCHORESS OF RAVENSWORTH

 

MARGARET KIRKBY (POSSIBLY 1322 TO 1381-94), WAS AN ANCHORESS OF RAVENSWORTH IN NORTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. She was the principal disciple of the hermit Richard Rolle, and the recipient of much of his writings. Information about her comes from a biographical office of Rolle written between 1381 and 1383, when Margaret returned to the Cistercian nunnery at Hampole some thirty-four years after Rolle's death. Her recollections were used to provide a biography of Rolle, celebrating his holiness. Miracles reported by pilgrims from across the North of England were also recorded to encourage an unofficial cult.

Anchoress Margaret was also instrumental in the composition of a liturgical commemoration of the gift of canor, the mystical ecstasy that Rolle celebrated in his writings. 

Margaret came from a small landowning gentry family in Ravensworth. It is thought that she became interested in the solitary life as a young nun of Hampole guided by Richard Rolle, the convent's spiritual director. He wrote his English translation and commentary on the Psalms for her.

Margaret became an anchoress in East Layton in Richmondshire - possibly in 1348. Her patrons may have been the Fitzhugh family, who were local estate-owners.

Rolle wrote The Form of Living for Margaret, the first vernacular guide for recluses since the Ancrene Riwle. He also presented her with a collection of his works made into a single treatise.

Margaret struggled when she left Hampole, and suffered seizures, an illness which eventually left her. In 1357, Margaret was given the unusual concession to change cells and was enclosed in Ainderby, so that she could observe the celebration of holy Mass in the parish church. Thirteenth-century episcopal registers emphasized the recluse's service to God through a penitential, ascetic life,

The enclosure at Ainderby churchyard brought her to the attention of Richard le Scrope who later became Archbishop of York. It is probably through le Scrope that Rolle's writings came to the attention of the Cambridge educated northerners in service of Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury. This led to a pastoral response to Rolle's teachings which provided contemplative instructions for lay-folk.

It is through Henry Scrope, the king's treasurer, that the teachings of Rolle and Margaret's example inspired Henry V and Henry Baron Fitzhugh of Tanfield to establish the eremitic communities of Sheen Priory and Syon Monastery.

Margaret returned some time between 1381 and 1383 to Hampole, where she lived until her death ten years later. She was buried in the cemetery of Hampole. 

Frances Beer posits that from her life "we can surely conclude that [Margaret] was strong, courageous, intelligent, purposeful - deserving of the great esteem in which she was held by her great friend and advisor [Rolle]."

With thanks to resource: Alchetron - Margaret Kirkby

https://alchetron.com/Margaret-Kirkby 

First image used with permission from A.W., Lumiere volunteer. 

Image ot Sister at prayer with thanks to Freepik AI generated art by CN Whittle

THE CELL OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE

 

IT IS HELPFUL TO READ AND RESEARCH SPIRITUAL BOOKS. ONE SUCH BOOK IS "THE CELL OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE", WHICH DEALS WITH SEVEN EARLY ENGLISH MYSTICAL TREATISES. THE BOOK WAS PRINTED BY HENRY PEPWELL. CLICK IN THE LINK BELOW, FOR MORE REGARDING THIS WONDERFUL BOOK:

https://ccel.org/ccel/gardner/cell/files/cell.html

With thanks to ccel.org. Image used with permission from A.W., Lumiere volunteer

BAPTISM GIVES THE LIVING WATER OF FAITH TO US

 

                                                           https://youtu.be/90XLKN7z0oE

Baptism as a gift of God gives the living water of faith to us. God raises us to new life and plants us into new life. 

We are part of the Church earthly, in order to become part of the Church heavenly. 

Loving God, we thank You for the gifts which You have entrusted to our care. Thank you for calling us to your service. Let us do all that needs to be done in a spirit of loving service. Let us honour You through service of worship. 

Through baptism, we are made part of the worldwide family, following the footsteps of past generations over centuries. We are made heirs of age-old promises. 

Let our example offer our children and future generations inspiration, mindful of the faith we have been trusted to pass on. 

Save us from small and narrow minds. Restore us to the wholeness and fellowship You deserve. We offer service and deed in your service, not words alone.

Let us turn to You, dear God, at all times. Let us seek your wisdom in moments of joy, heartache, sorrow, doubt, worry, triumph and pain. Thus may the reality of the Almighty become the warp and weft of the fabric of our lives, that we as children become one with the Will of the Father Who made and loved us. Amen.

With thanks to Youtube

DO YOU THNK YOUR SIN IS TOO GREAT FOR GOD TO FORGIVE? NO IT'S NOT, AND HERE'S THE REASON WHY

 

Do you think your sin is too great for God to forgive? No, it's not, and here's the reason why. When we read the parable of the Prodigal Son, we realize that the two sons have no idea of the reservoirs of love within God the Father. 

The oceans of love, the waves of forgiveness and mercy within God are far greater than our minds are able to comprehend. God's Heart overflows with love, compassion, forgiveness, restoration. The elder brother's heart was full of bitterness, anger and betrayal. The younger brother's heart was full of damage from mis-spent years, guilt and loneliness. Only the love of God could bridge the gap of the individual needs of both the sons. 

The elder needed to loosen up a little, and enjoy time away from relentless grind of work ethic and undue responsibility. The younger needed to tighten his life somewhat, learn discipline and become a team player.

Whatever our personal needs, whether today we are experiencing more of an elder brother or younger prodigal son moment, God has the situation in hand. Trust in Him. And remember, we have all sinned.

So if you are reading these words, and you are hurting within due to past sin, why just pray for forgiveness and then let it go. God does.

The following prayer chapel may prove of comfort to you:

Prayer Chapel of Repentance:

https://eventslumiere.blogspot.com/2022/06/prayer-chapel-of-repentance.html

If you wish to give your life to Jesus Christ, visit the Chapel at the following link:

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2016/06/how-to-receive-jesus-christ-as-your.html

BLESSING

 

May God remember you like Noah, favour you like Moses, honour you like Mary, fight for you as His people, prosper you like Isaac, promote you like Joseph, intervene for you like Esther, protect you like Daniel, use you like Paul, heal you like Naaman, answer you like Elijah, anoint you like David, and keep you safe like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Amen.

(Source: Unknown)

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE - JESUS CARRIED US ON HIS SHOULDERS

 

Today we relive the glorious events of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Saviour was crucified between two condemned, died and - after three days - rose again. How thankful are we to have such a great Messiah. 

Jesus Christ has conquered sin, death. and the devil. He has emptied hell. 

The Son of God loves us and works untiringly to bring each one safely into heaven. Alleluia!

Let us pray for all who have ever gone before, for all peoples now, and for all who will ever exist in the future until the Last Day: that they may attain everlasting life with our resurrected Saviour forever.

Let us remember that Jesus Christ literally carried each one of us on His Shoulders as He bore His Cross. Every step He took, He knew that if He did not reach the end of His journey, we would not be saved. Every weight of the wood upon His Shoulder told Him that if our sins were not washed away, we would be unable to enter Heaven. Every time He fell and the wood pressed heavily, He realised that each one of us depended on Him for an eternity of happiness.

What a warrior! What a King! What a Lord we hail as Son of God. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for carrying Your cross to the end. Thank You for bearing the weight of the sins of humankind upon Your Shoulders. Thank You for coming to earth to save us.

Priest: "The Easter Vigil begins in darkness. The darkness of the tomb is split open as the Light of the world resurrects and pours life-giving light to the whole world.

O God, grant that our hearts may be purified by your beloved Son Jesus Christ.

We offer You our love and praise in honour of so glorious a gift to our world,

Amen."

EASTER VIGIL READING

Mark 16 

The Resurrection

16 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

The Great Commission

14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

BAPTISM

If you have been baptized, here quietly renew your promises to Jesus to continue practising holiness in your life, and to be faithful to Him. 

If you have been baptized, and fallen away from your faith, why then, just renew your baptismal promises and start all over again.

If you have never been baptized, why not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? 

He truly is the Son of God, and is waiting for you. Invite joy into your life and accept Him. Seek baptism.

Here is a chapel for accepting Jesus Christ into your life:

http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/06/how-to-receive-jesus-christ-as-your.html

LITANY OF THE SAINTS

Priest: "Let us thank God for the holy men and women who have gone before us, showing that it is possible to reach the holiness God desires for us. Let us remember our holy ones."

Congregation: "We remember you, our holy family in heaven."

http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/10/litany-of-saints.html

BLESSING OF THE WATER

If you do not have holy water, pour some water into a bowl. Sprinkle a little salt in it if you have some. Ask the Lord to bless the water and make it holy. Now you have your own holy water! 

The priest blesses the water, and sprinkles the congregation with it.

We remember that Jesus is the Water of Life and brings us to holiness through baptism.

WE NOW REJECT OUR ANCIENT ENEMY SATAN

Priest: "Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's children?'

Congregation: "I do."

Priest: "Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?"

Congregation: "I do."

Priest: "Do you reject satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?"

Congregation: "I do."

WORDS OF COMFORT

"After the crucifixion, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was very busy after He gave His Spirit back to God the Father. The gospels tell us how the earth shook with earthquake, rocks split. The veil in the Jerusalem Temple split in two. Tombs opened and many saints resurrected, went into the Holy City and appeared to many people. Jesus' sacrifice and death had won redemption and resurrection for humanity. What a great gift!

Thereafter, Jesus descended to the holding place of the dead.  He met with all who had passed from the time of our earliest ancestors. They were now freed from the grip of death, and the way of heaven was opened to humanity. The great King Jesus had faced satan, whose power was now vanquished.

After three days, the Power of God reanimated the dead human Body of the Son of God, Christ resurrected and appeared to many. These are wonderful occurrences. We are blessed to have access to Heaven, whereas before Christ died we were condemned through justice to live in eternal banishment from the Luminous Face of God.

Let us rejoice at our wondrous fate as the human children of God.

Do you wish to turn to God to bring areas of your life to be washed in the precious Blood of the Saviour? If so, perhaps you will find peace and comfort from visiting the Chapel of Repentance.

http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2017/03/prayer-chapel-of-repentance.html

If you wish to accept Jesus Christ in your life, visit the following prayer chapel,

http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2016/06/how-to-receive-jesus-christ-as-your.html

THE EUCHARIST

Priest; "As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke it. He gave it to His disciples, saying; "Take all you, and eat. This is My Body, which is broken for you."
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."

Priest; "At the end of supper, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, all of you, and drink; this is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me." '

Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the cup of life, the wine blessed for our salvation."

[Receive communion. If you are unable to attend Holy Mass, receive Jesus spiritually within your heart and soul now. Spend some time in prayer. Let us pray for all affected by the Coronavirus].

LORD'S PRAYER
Priest; "Let us now pray the Lord's prayer in the words Jesus gave us."

Priest and Congregation;
'Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come
Thy Will be done
One earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen."

PRAYER AND BLESSING

Priest; "Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for sending us Your only Son, Jesus Christ.
We rejoice in His Resurrection. This Easter the tomb is robbed of death, and is empty!
There is Light in the midst of our darkness!

We have been fed by the Word and given new life in the waters of baptism.
We have been given renewed life in the Eucharist, and receive life from Jesus our Lord.
We ask for Your blessing as we go forth to witness to the world the truth that JESUS CHRIST IS THE RISEN SON OF GOD!"
Congregation; "Amen. ALLELUIA!"

With thanks to Youtube