Dear John,
Today we remember the inspiring story of St. Januarius, a martyr who faced persecution and death with unwavering faith. Despite the hardships he endured, his story continues to inspire believers around the world. Let's honor his memory by spreading kindness and compassion to others, just as he did in his lifetime. We hope we inspire your faith with the stories of these saints and holy people, along with Minute Meditations and Pause+Pray to help you in your prayer life. May these resources renew your spirit today! Donate now. |
Saint of the Day for September 19: Januarius (c. 300) Listen Saint Januarius’ Story Little is known about the life of Januarius. He is believed to have been martyred in the Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of 305. Legend has it that Januarius and his companions were thrown to the bears in the amphitheater of Pozzuoli, but the animals failed to attack them. They were then beheaded, and Januarius’ blood ultimately brought to Naples. “A dark mass that half fills a hermetically sealed four-inch glass container, and is preserved in a double reliquary in the Naples cathedral as the blood of St. Januarius, liquefies 18 times during the year…Various experiments have been applied, but the phenomenon eludes natural explanation….” [From the Catholic Encyclopedia] Reflection It is defined Catholic doctrine that miracles can happen and are recognizable. Problems arise, however, when we must decide whether an occurrence is unexplainable in natural terms, or merely unexplained. We do well to avoid an excessive credulity but, on the other hand, when even scientists speak about “probabilities” rather than “laws” of nature, it is something less than imaginative for Christians to think that God is too “scientific” to work extraordinary miracles to wake us up to the everyday miracles of sparrows and dandelions, raindrops and snowflakes. Saint Januarius is the Patron Saint of: Blood Banks/Blood Donors
Naple
|
Now available! Advent 2024 Daily Reflections with Saint Padre Pio St. Pio’s daily example as a follower of Christ helps guide you through a reflective and prayer-filled Advent season. This compact booklet is perfect for sharing with friends, family and your parish! (limited quantities available) |
The Stigmata and St. Francis Francis’ whole life led to La Verna. His youth in Assisi was marked by frequent violence. He took part in bloody conflict in the ill-fated war of Assisi against Perugia in 1202, which journalist Paul Moses believes—along with Francis’ yearlong imprisonment—caused what today we know as post-traumatic stress disorder. Francis’ conversion—through long months of isolation and prayer—did not happen in one moment of insight. Rather, God led Francis in and through the depths of suffering to come to know Christ. As Francis himself tells us in his Testament, God led him to embrace the suffering, crucified Christ, in serving lepers, the outcasts of his time. And finally, on Mount La Verna, God marked Francis in soul and body with the total gift of Christ in his suffering and death on the cross. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “The Stigmata of St. Francis“
by Greg Friedman, OFM |
Listen to inspirational insights by authors like Bruce Epperly on Franciscan Media's podcast! Theology is simply loving God with your mind.—Bruce Epperly |
How Much? Reflect Sometimes life just feels like too much. Duties, obligations, responsibilities, problems, and worries are more than we can handle. The car has a flat tire, the bathroom sink is clogged, the AC is on the fritz, and you forgot your mother’s birthday. At times like this, many of us just want to crawl under a rock and disappear. Like the prophet Elijah, we may even pray for death. We want to cry out to God, “Enough!” Or like Jesus, we may even pray: Why have you abandoned me? How do we find God in those moments? How do we turn our prayer from “Take this cup away from me” to “Not my will, but Thine”? Pray Heavenly Father,
When Elijah was exhausted in the desert, fleeing for his life, he prayed for death.
But instead, you sent an angel with food and drink, to sustain him for the journey ahead.
Lord, I do not know what lies ahead, but I know that you will sustain me—even in my hour of despair.
Lord, when I am exhausted and afraid, give me the rest I need and the
sustenance—the strength and the hope and the courage—to get back up
and follow wherever your love leads.
Amen. Act Take a moment today to ask yourself where have you been fed, either spiritually or literally? Maybe it was a kind word from a stranger, or a gentle hug from a friend. Maybe it was a cup of coffee from a coworker and a cookie on a napkin. Or maybe it was just the still, quiet whisper of a cool breeze stirring the leaves? Look back over your day and ask yourself: Who or what were the angels you encountered today? Where did you find God’s love, and where did God’s love come searching for you? Today's Pause+Pray was written by Herman Sutter. Learn more here! |
This newsletter is not free to produce! Please consider making a donation to help us in our efforts to share God's love in the spirit of St. Francis. |
|
