Pope S. Hyginus I| Daily Meditation| Daily Quote by S. Padre Pio| Divine Mercy Reflection
Today in the Latin Calendar we celebrate the Feast Day of S. Hyginus, Pope and Martyr. A story about S. Hyginus can be found by: Clicking Here
Another Story
Pope Saint Hyginus was bishop of Rome from about 138 to about 140. He was born in Athens, Greece at an unknown date. During his papacy, he determined the different prerogatives of the clergy, and defined the grades of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. He also decreed that all churches be consecrated. He succeeded Pope Telesphorus who, according to Eusebius, died during the first year of the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius – in 138 or 139, therefore. But the chronology of these bishops of Rome cannot be determined with any degree of exactitude by the help of the authorities at our disposal today.
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Hyginus was a Greek by birth. The further statement that he was previously a philosopher is probably founded on the similarity of his name with that of two Latin authors. Irenaeus says that the Gnostic Valentine came to Rome in Hyginus’s time, remaining there until Anicetus became pontiff. Cerdo, another Gnostic and predecessor of Marcion, also lived at Rome in the reign of Hyginus; by confessing his errors and recanting he succeeded in obtaining readmission into the bosom of the Church, but eventually he fell back into the heresies and was expelled from the Church. How many of these events took place during the time of Hyginus is not known.
The Liber Pontificalis also relates that this pope organized the hierarchy and established the order of ecclesiastical precedence (Hic clerum composuit et distribuit gradus). This general observation recurs also in the biography of Pope Hormisdas; it has no historical value, and according to Duchesne, the writer probably referred to the lower orders of the clergy. Eusebius claims that Hyginus’s pontificate lasted four years. The ancient authorities contain no information as to his having died a martyr. At his death he was buried on the Vatican Hill, near the tomb of St. Peter. His feast is celebrated on 11 January.
Daily Meditation
Moving Forward:
If, despite your vigilance and good will, you do not succeed in doing good either in part or altogether, humble yourself profoundly before God but without discouragement. Determine to be more careful in the future, ask for divine assistance, and move forward.
Quote by S. Padre Pio:
When you are unable to take big steps to the Lord, be content with taking small steps and patiently wait until you have legs to run.
Divine Mercy Reflection
Introductory Reflections: 1-10
We begin, today, reflecting upon an introduction to Diary of Divine Mercy of Saint Faustina. This treasure reveals Jesus’ own Heart. It reveals His infinite love and Mercy. Ponder each short daily reflection throughout the day so that, by the end of the Year, you will have pondered everything Jesus revealed to this great saint.
In the reflections that follow, you will discover many of the beautiful truths of God’s Mercy. Some may strike you to the heart, while others may not. Pay attention, especially, to those reflections that jump out at you. Some may be deeply convicting and be the cause for you to reexamine your life. Do not be afraid to let the Lord speak to you in a powerful way and do not resist His message of Mercy. If a particular message does strike you, and if this is the result of God speaking to you and challenging you, then listen. Pray over that reflection and let the Lord speak. Do not be offended and do not turn away.
This first section presents a basic introduction and overview of Saint Faustina’s Diary and the message of Divine Mercy in general. These first ten reflections are offered as a way of introducing you, by way of an overview, to the Heart of our Lord as revealed through the six notebooks Saint Faustina filled with her inspirations and private revelations. As you read through this initial section, allow yourself to be open to the newness of the concept of Divine Mercy and the devotion that flows from it. God deeply desires to pour out His Mercy in our day and age and the revelations given to Saint Faustina are a gift by which God is speaking to us in a special way.
Reflection 10: Apostolic Movement of The Divine Mercy
The Diary of Saint Faustina calls us to a new form of devotion in various ways. In addition to our personal devotion, we are called to be apostles of Mercy. Are you an apostle of Mercy? The Apostolic Movement of The Divine Mercy is a call from our Lord to actively engage in the work of spreading His Divine Mercy. This is done by spreading the message and by living Mercy toward others. This is no small task. To live Mercy and to spread it requires a total union with the Heart of Christ. It requires a deep purification of our souls from all that is contrary to the love and Mercy of Christ.
Ponder, today, how well you are as such an apostle of our Lord. You will most certainly be made aware of areas where you need to grow in Mercy so that you can better bring that Mercy to those around you. Stretch yourself and commit to being a better sign of the Heart of Christ in our world.
Lord, I know I am called to be an apostle of Your most holy Mercy. I often fail in being a witness to this Mercy in both my words and deeds. Renew within my soul a longing to spread this precious gift to all. Jesus, I trust in You.