Saint Eucherius of Orleans, Bishop , Benedictine Monk, Confessor 793
by VP
Posted on Monday February 19, 2024 at 11:00PM in Saints
"RETIREMENT.-God has oftentimes selected from the retirement and silence of the cloister the eminent men whom He would place in the Church as a shining light. In retirement it is that the soul collects and concentrates its strength; there it gets attempered, like true steel in the water. Eucherius, of an illustrious family of Orleans, and nephew of Savarius, the bishop of that town, lived retired for some years in the abbey of Jumièges, which he was edifying by his virtues and never meant to quit, when the inhabitants of Orleans came to draw him, despite all opposition on his side, from his retreat, in order that he might replace his uncle. Their calculations were well founded, for they gained a pastor according to God's own heart. Charles Martel, who was fond of lavishing upon his warriors the property of the Church, found Eucherius wanting in compliance, for the bishop regarded it as the patrimony of the poor. He was driven into exile, and dragged from town to town by the satellites of Charles. The persecution lasted for six years, and Eucherius died, in 793, worn but with fatigue and suffering, though in nowise wroth nor failing in courage, after having borne the episcopal charge for twenty-two years."
MORAL REFLECTION. - Nothing softens the soul and weakens piety so much as frivolous indulgence. God has revealed what high store He sets by "Retirement," in these words: "I will lead her into solitude, and I will speak to her heart."-(Osea ii. 14.) Pictorial Half Hour with the Saints by Rev. Fr. Auguste Lecanu
Martyr of Sainte Blandine in Lyon, France c. 162–177 AD
Many Martyrs:
"THE number of martyrs, who suffered in Africa and Egypt, under Dioclesian, was so great, that their names are known only to God. Eusebius, in his history, relates that he was witness of many of their sufferings: that he saw these holy martyrs going from one torment to another without terror or dejection, but rather gaining strength from their tortures: that he saw young men in the amphitheatre, waiting for wild beasts, and yet with their eyes and heart so fixed on God, as not to move when lions came roaring with open mouths to devour them. Thus by fire, sword, and beasts, infinite numbers were offered a holy sacrifice to God. And what, O Christian, can you say of yourself? Have you courage for these trials? Or must you with shame confess, that your patience is overcome in the common difficulties of life; and that, upon ordinary disappointments in yourself or others, you are tempted to give up the cause? What then ought to be your business this day, but to lament your weakness seriously before God, and importune Him to give you a better spirit? If troubles are the trials of the just, and the scourges of the sinner, on what grounds can you hope to be exempt? And if submitting to them with patience be the way to heaven, when are you to begin to make this advantage of them? Pray for what you so much need; and if you are in earnest, take some pains to stand your ground, and be not blown down with every breath, when you ought not to shrink at lions.
Almighty God supported these martyrs in the midst of their sufferings; and they gave their lives a sacrifice to his glory. He was pleased to accept the offering
which they made, and to reward their sufferings with everlasting
crowns. For these, and all His other mercies to these His servants,
adore and bless His holy name, and humbly beseech Him, that He would
extend His mercy to you also, who have many things to suffer every day,
and yet are so little prepared to suffer as you ought." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Many Holy Hermits, Martyrs
by VP
Posted on Monday February 19, 2024 at 06:27AM in Saints
Balthasar Beschey: A Hermit at Prayer
"In the fifth century many holy hermits who lived in the deserts of Palestine, separated from the world, and from all conversation besides that of God, were murdered by the Saracens, and by their cruelty made so many sacrifices to God. Is it not strange that these, who had renounced all the goods of this life, should not have been more exempt from its evils? But such is the order of Providence, that while the wicked are often punished here for their iniquities, the just too have their scourges, either for the trial of their fidelity, or to render their crown more glorious. If these come to be your portion, be not dejected, nor too positive in concluding them to be the effect of God's anger, since there are scourges of mercy, as well as of justice. Accept them with a peaceable mind, using our best and continued endeavours to moderate all fears and impatience, and suppressing those thoughts which too curiously search into the counsels of God. Leave it to Him to order as He knows best; with an assurance that it is in your power to turn them to your advantage. If you are in sin, let them be a motive to amendment: if you can discover no disorder in your life, look on Christ and His martyrs, and learn from them how you are to suffer.
Bow down before the sovereign Lord of all, in acknowledgment of His mercy to these His servants: who being nothing of themselves but vessels of weakness, were by His grace so raised above nature, as to triumph over all the cruelty that the enraged enemies of their faith could practise against them. Acknowledge this privilege of grace,
which was such a blessing to these holy hermits, to have been his gift.
By Him they were so perfected in faith, as to despise this world with
all that was inviting in it. They rejoiced in torments, and met the terrors of death with comfort. Study their example, and you cannot fail of turning all to your good." The Catholic Year by Rev. John Gother
