From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
   The Lord Is Within   
      
   "You, Lord, were within me, while I was outside. It was there that I   
   sought you. I rushed headlong upon these things of beauty that you had   
   made.   
      
   You were with me, but I was not with you. They kept me far from you,   
   those fair things which, if they were not in you, would not exist at   
   all!"   
   --St. Augustine--Confessions 10, 27   
      
   Prayer: Let me know you, my Father, let me know you as I too am known.   
   Enter my soul, you who are its strength, and make it what you want, so   
   that you may have and possess it without stain or wrinkle.   
   --St. Augustine--Confessions 10, 1   
      
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   September 25: - Blessed Herman the Cripple   
   (also known as Hermannus Contractus, or Herman of Reichenau,)   
      
   (1013-1054)   
   Today, we celebrate the feast day of Blessed Herman the Cripple, monk,   
   11th century scholar, composer, musical theorist, mathematician, and   
   astronomer. Blessed Herman composed the Marian prayers Alma   
   Redemptoris Mater, and the Salve Regina (also known as the “Hail Holy   
   Queen”) which we pray each time we pray the Holy Rosary. Despite   
   significant physical limitations and suffering, the bright and   
   contemplative mind of Blessed Herman advanced not only our   
   understanding of the physical world, but furthered our devotion to Our   
   Blessed Mother. His contributions to both science and faith remind us   
   that regardless of appearance or apparent physical abilities, we each   
   possess immense God-given gifts and talents! He was called "The Wonder   
   of His Age."   
      
   Herman was born into royalty, the son of a duke of Altshausen. From   
   birth, it was apparent that he would be horribly crippled and   
   disfigured, earning him the less-than-pleasant name of “Hermannus   
   Contractus” (or “Herman the Twisted”). Sources suggest he was born   
   with a cleft palate, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Without   
   assistance, he could not move, and could barely speak, but within his   
   body was a keen mind and iron will.   
      
   At the age of seven, Herman’s parents left him at the Benedictine   
   monastery of Reichenau, where they arranged for him to be raised and   
   educated. Situated on the shores of Lake Constance, it was expected   
   that this location would be ideal for Herman’s health, but also for   
   his developing intellect. Abbot Berno, the monk who led the community,   
   took Herman under his wing, educating him with kindness and   
   compassion.   
      
   Despite his obvious intellect, Herman struggled to read and write at   
   first, his physical limitations difficult to overcome. Once he   
   mastered the basics, the academic world opened to him, and he   
   impressed all with the breadth and depth of his subsequent studies.   
   Not only did he immerse himself in the sciences, but also in   
   languages, music and theology. Herman became fluent in Latin, Greek,   
   and Arabic. He wrote extensively on mathematical and astronomical   
   topics, as well as volumes on the history of the world. He was   
   professed a monk at the age of 30, and continued to write, producing   
   works of great spiritual depth. Of note, his treatise “On the Eight   
   Principal Vices,” which he wrote in a poetic style.   
      
   More than his writings, however, Herman was known for his gentleness,   
   joy, and sweet disposition. Never was he heard to complain, despite   
   the fact that most activities were painful and difficult. Rather, he   
   was recognized to have a smile for all, and became a beacon of hope   
   and joy throughout the monastery. Students traveled great distances to   
   study with him, learning not only their academic subjects but also   
   strength of character, perseverance, and humility through his model.   
      
   Blessed Herman’s contributions to academics were great, as were his   
   contributions to sacred tradition. He wrote many hymns which continue   
   to be sung today, as well as portions of the Mass. His greatest   
   contributions may be his hymns of devotion and love for Our Blessed   
   Mother: Alma Redemptoris Mater and Salve Regina. The confidence and   
   hope we place in Mary is eloquently and simply captured in his   
   writings.   
      
   Relics of Blessed Herman   
   Blessed Herman died at the young age of 40, having succumbed to the   
   symptoms of his many afflictions. He was beatified in 1863. He was a   
   man who took joy in his struggles, and looked at each difficult day as   
   an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord. Every time we pray the Holy   
   Rosary, we end in prayer with Blessed Herman. The Salve Regina (Hail   
   Holy Queen) reminds us of our deep connection not only to Our Blessed   
   Mother, but to all those who suffer alongside us in the world.   
   by Jacob   
      
   Saint Quote:   
   The sign of those who will be saved consists in this: that they have a   
   great devotion to Mary in their hearts.   
   --Bl. John of Avila   
      
      
   <><><><>   
   Salve Regina   
      
   Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!   
   To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve!   
   To thee do we send up our sighs; mourning and weeping in this vale of tears!   
   Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us,   
   and after this, our exile, show to us the blessed fruit of thy womb,   
   Jesus!   
   O Clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!   
   Pray for us O Holy Mother of God…That we may be made worthy of the   
   promises of Christ. Amen.   
      
   <><><><>   
   Alma Redemptoris Mater   
      
   Sweet Mother of the Redeemer,   
   that passage to heaven,   
   gate of the morning,   
   and star of the sea:   
   Assist the fallen,   
   lift up, you who cure, the people:   
   you who bore to the wonderment of nature,   
   your holy Creator.   
   Virgin before and after,   
   who received from Gabriel   
   that joyful greeting,   
   have mercy on us sinners.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)