St. Benedict’s Degrees of Humility (12 Guides)

THE FIRST DEGREE OF HUMILITY: Keep the fear of GOD before your eyes, altogether shunning forgetfulness. Consider that GOD is always beholding you from Heaven, that your actions are everywhere visible to Him, and are constantly being reported by the angels.

THE SECOND DEGREE OF HUMILITY: A man should not love his own will, nor delight in fulfilling his own desires. Let us carry out in deed the saying of the Lord: “I came not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me, (John 6:38).” GOD is calling us to follow His holy Will. We are all part of His great plan of salvation, we all have a special role to play, therefore let us set our hearts on that which lasts forever and that is Heaven. Those who desire to follow their own will shall never leave the ground and shall always be part of the world.

THE THIRD DEGREE OF HUMILITY: For the love of GOD, one should subject himself to his superior in all obedience, imitating the Lord, of whom the apostle Paul says: “He was made obedient even unto death,” (Phil 2:8). JESUS was obedient to the Father by following His Will and offering Himself on our behalf that we (sinners), may be reconciled with the Father and our sins be forgiven.

THE FOURTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: Meeting in this obedience with difficulties and contradictions and even injustice, one should with a quiet mind hold fast to patience…Moreover, in adversities and injuries, patiently fulfil the Lord ‘s commands; when struck on one cheek offer the other, when robbed of tunic surrender also your cloak, when forced to go a mile go two, and with the St. Paul, bear with false brethren, and bless those that curse you.

THE FIFTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: Humbly confess and do not conceal from the superior any evil thoughts that enter the heart, and any secret sins committed. The religious and laity are called to humble themselves before a priest to confess their sins. Therefore when that day comes, we can say to the Lord: “I have made known my sins to thee, and my faults I have not concealed.”

THE SIXTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: A man be content with the meanest and worst of everything, and esteem himself, in regard to work that is given him, as a bad and unworthy workman, saying to himself with the prophet: “I am brought to nothing; I am all ignorance; I am become as a dumb beast before thee; yet am I ever close to thee,” (Ps 72: 22-23).

THE SEVENTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: One should not only in his speech declare himself lower and of less account than all others, but should in his own inmost heart believe it, humbling himself with the prophet: “But I am a worm, and no man, the reproach of men, and the outcast of the people,” (Ps 21:7).

THE EIGHTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: Do nothing except what is commended by the common rules of the order or apostolate and the examples of the superior, living under rules which increases the desire to live and labor for the glory of GOD.

THE NINTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: Restrain the tongue and keep silence, not speaking until questioned. For the scripture shows “the talkative man shall not prosper on the earth, ” (Ps 139:12).

THE TENTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: Be not ready and prompt to laughter, for it is written: “The fool lifteth up his voice in laughter,” (Sir 21:23).

THE ELEVENTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: When you speak, do so gently and without laughter, humbly and seriously, in few and sensible words, and with clamor. It is written: “A wise man is known by the fewness of his words.”

THE TWELFTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY: Not only should one be humble of heart, but should also in behavior always manifest humility to those who look upon you. That is to say, whether at the Work of GOD, in the oratory, in the monastery, in the garden, on the road, in the fields, or anywhere else, and whether sitting, walking, or standing, you should always have your head bowed and eyes downcast. Constantly say in your heart what was said by the publican who would not so much as lift up his eyes towards Heaven: ” O’ GOD, be merciful to me a sinner,” (Luke 18:13).

FINALLY, when all these degrees of humility have been climbed, you will presently come to that perfect love of GOD which casts out all fear. Let us now imitate JESUS in his humility and follow in His example, for as Our Lord said:

“Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”

Facts About Nigerian Women - Nigeria is Africa’s colossus for a variety of reasons. Our land is rich in nutrients, gorgeous, and fruitful. Yes, we are also known for bad things, however it is important to note that not all Nigerians like wrongdoing.

Nigeria is a wonderful country with amazing natural riches, but there is one treasure that is usually overlooked.

Perhaps its failure to contribute to Nigeria’s GDP has rendered it unimportant. Please relax! You don’t need to deploy missiles to Nigeria because the wealth I’m referring about aren’t buried beneath our red soils.

List Of Top 100 Random Facts About Nigerian Women :

Looking for stunning ebony women? So, without further ado, let me tell you about Nigerian ladies. Some of the characteristics described below may not be applicable to all Nigerian women. On a lighter side, you are not barking up the wrong tree; at least three of the characteristics listed in this piece can be found in a Nigerian lady.

NIGERIAN WOMEN ARE WELL EDUCATED.

Despite what the media portrays, Nigerian women have the option to educate, acquire a profession, and live a prosperous life. Yes, this poses a challenge to some of our guys since it is widely assumed that the more successful a woman is, the less committed she is. Don’t bother asking me! I’m not sure who came up with these regulations. In certain circumstances, Nigerian women are led to believe that their achievement would attract possible spouses. I, for one, DON’T CARE. Some ladies make no apologies. “You can either live with my successes or hit the road,” they say.

Some people, like in other nations, prefer not to attend school. It is also worth noting that certain communities in northern Nigeria prohibit western education for reasons best known to them. All else being equal, Nigerian women are educated and working in many sectors.

NIGERIAN WOMEN ARE ASSERTIVE, REASONABLE, AND STRONG.

Nigerian ladies wear these three hats gracefully and look fantastic in them. Women in Nigeria are aggressive, regardless of their educational level or social class. They seldom allow their own problems to make them feel inferior. She wears her crown proudly, even if her garment tells a bad story.

Her aggressive personality is deemed unattractive, mostly because people who fit into this group appear to be a threat. Yes, her voice is strong, she stands firm in her beliefs, and Nigerian women occasionally throw fists to show their point, but she is not an angry black woman. She is fervent.

Because her voice is seldom taken seriously, yelling comes in useful. Shouting or standing solid in support of a Nigerian woman does not imply violence, hatred, or rage. It indicates that she is enthusiastic about what she is discussing and that she wants her message to be remembered. It took my spouse years to realize this.

It is also true that within the forceful combatant is a reasonable lady. Her bravery and courage go hand in hand with her capacity to reason. Nigerian women are intellectuals; we carefully consider each action we take. Before taking action, we analyze everything.

Nigerian women are not weak; let us leave it at that as we fight in a different way. We have the power and will to stand and fight, but we overthink things and search for the best way to do so. Unfortunately, I am unique. All I want to see during a battle is decapitated bodies. That was only a joke.

VERY RELIGIOUS

Religion, whether Christianity, Islam, or anything else, is an extremely important part of any Nigerian’s life. Regardless matter how basic or complicated a topic is, they will always engage their views.

Religion is an important part of their lives; it informs every decision they make, whether it is marriage, work, school, or family life. Try not to be surprised if you ask a Nigerian lady for her hand in marriage and she answers, “I will contact you once I receive notification from God.” Joking aside, Nigerian women are very spiritual and steadfast in their beliefs.

ENDOWED NATURALLY

Endowments are not restricted to the physical for Nigerian women. It can also be linked to some abstract characteristics. Nigerian women have a gold heart, a gem within that makes them lovable to everybody, and they are really charming people. They also have amazing physical characteristics that make them undeniably appealing; a typical Nigerian lady is a mix of a lovely face, killer curves, and intelligence.

SUPERB COOKS

Most Nigerian women are taught to be in charge of making meals for their families. Cooking is an important part of a Nigerian woman’s life. Nigerian women believe that the only route to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Nigerian men would sometimes deny themselves meals prepared by their significant others in order to express their displeasure with something. Similarly, a Nigerian lady gets bothered if her husband or son refuses to eat the meal she has prepared. Nigerian women would sometimes confront their boyfriends if they do not eat the meal they have prepared. This is not a joke; refusing to eat a Nigerian woman’s meal might endanger your relationship.

A large proportion of Nigerian women are quite energetic in the kitchen, and this trait is a direct outcome of their upbringing. Each female kid is expected to stay in the kitchen with their mother as she prepares, with the ultimate objective of preparing her for her own family.

DECENT

Most Nigerian women are self-conscious. They are always concerned about keeping the name of their family from being tarnished. There are several criteria that go into labeling someone as decent; most of them are based on what we see or know about other people. I cannot claim that every Nigerian lady is virtuous. As a result, I shall speak about what I have observed and learnt as a Nigerian.

A significant figure in the Nigerian Family is one that teaches children the right way to live their lives. Guardians devote their time in raising their children in a way that they believe is right, with the hope that they will obey and live by those principles.

Most children born into a Nigerian home have 80% parental influence, making it difficult for them to misbehave. Believe me when I tell that Nigerian parents are not joking. The Family’s strength inspires the children to live and act appropriately.

This trait is one you will consistently see reflected in the lives of certain Nigerian women regardless of their personality differences.

FAMILY CENTERED

A typical Nigerian lady values her family. A family is irreplaceable in the lives of most Nigerian women, and she would go to any length to ensure that they are adequately cared for. So don’t be surprised if you see a Nigerian lady continuously supporting her siblings in school or sending allowances to her parents.

Building and nurturing a family is a persistent longing in Nigerian women’s hearts. It’s rare to meet one who isn’t interested in having her own children. If a married lady does not have children, her family and society consider it a tragedy. And they are frequently chastised for being “less than.”

ABUSE VICTIMS

In most Nigerian homes, males are not only the head of the family, but also the dictator. Women are trapped in violent relationships, and society encourages them to stay in such poisonous partnerships. Nigerian women are stigmatized for leaving their families. I only hear women in Nigeria say, “I choose to stay with him because of my children.”

This issue causes a significant proportion of Nigerian women to terminate their relationships. I’ve seen men treat their wives or girlfriends like garbage. Surprisingly, no one in Nigeria is actively fighting against the mistreatment of women and children. If you ask me, I will tell you that change will not occur unless Nigerian women resolve to combat this heinous deed.

STRONG AND INDEPENDENT

Nigerian women are highly creative, hardworking, and resourceful. If this is your first time studying about Nigeria, it is critical to understand that it is a developing country. Things can be really difficult at times. It is simple to find people who are living in perplexing conditions. A Nigerian lady would be lucky if she has a trustworthy, responsible, and diligent husband who understands his responsibilities. If this isn’t the case, look for Nigerian women who are striving to provide for their families.

Women who find themselves in difficult situations make it a point to work hard in order to meet the needs of their families. To make a livelihood, Nigerian women may labor in demeaning professions, endure longer hours, or engage in many small trades.

FASHIONISTAS

Most Nigerian women desire to appear beautiful, regardless of their money. Not necessarily to make others envious, which is an important part of their work, but to help them stand out in the best possible way. Let’s leave it to them to stay up with the times.

NOT ANGRY, BUT PASSIONATE AND OPINIONATE.

A Nigerian lady turning on you might be terrifying. Consider a casual debate that devolves into a yelling match, complete with hand motions and head and eye rolling. These may appear frightening, but you should not be alarmed.

A Nigerian lady might become overly enthusiastic in expressing her viewpoint. Because she is enthusiastic about the subject, she may exhibit some attitude. You may find her a touch too loud, but she is not going to fight you.

Daily Catholic Prayer to the Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, mercifully accept the prayer which I now make to You for help in the moment of my death, when at its approach all my senses shall fail me.

When, therefore, O kind and merciful Jesus, my weary and downcast eyes can no longer look up to You, be mindful of the loving gaze which I now turn to You, and have mercy on me, a sinner.

When my parched lips can no longer kiss Your most sacred wounds, remember that hour those kisses which I now imprint on You, and have mercy on me, a sinner.

When my cold hands can no longer embrace Your cross, forget not the affection with which I embrace it now, and have mercy upon me, a sinner. When my swollen and lifeless tongue can no longer speak, remember that I called upon You now, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, to you I commend my soul.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with infinite love, broken by my ingratitude and pierced by my many sins and yet loving you still, accept this act of consecration that I make to You of all that I am and all that I have. Take every faculty of my soul and body, draw me day by day near and nearer to Your Sacred Heart, and there, as I can bear the lesson, teach me Your blessed way.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Incarnate Son of God, Who for our salvation did vouchsafe to be born in a stable, to pass Your life in poverty, trials, and misery, and to die amid the sufferings of the cross, I entreat You, in the hour of my death to say to Your divine Father, “Father forgive him”; Say to my soul, “This day you to shall be with Me in Paradise.” My God, my God forsake me not in that hour. “I thirst” — truly, my God, my soul thirsts after You, Who are the fountain of living waters. My life passes like a shadow; yet a little while and all will be consummated. Wherefore, my adorable Saviour, from this moment, and for all eternity, “into Your hands I commend my spirit.” Lord Jesus, receive my soul.

O Queen of the Holy Rosary and most kind and loving Mother of Perpetual Help, in memory of your Seven Sorrows, intercede for us with your divine Son and beg Him, in honor of His Precious Blood and sacred passion and death upon the cross, to forgive our sins and grant us the grace of a holy and happy death.

Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be