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"A NOBLE Roman, who by order of Julian the Apostate had his face disfigured with those marks of infamy, which were the usual punishment of thieves and malefactors. Being afterwards cast forth into banishment, he there gave himself wholly to prayer, and prepared for that life, for which he had contemned all that is in this.

The festivals of martyrs often return, that you may give glory to the Head of the martyrs, and learn something of their spirit. And what advance have you hitherto made? How do you bear reproaches and contempts? How do you submit to the daily difficulties of your state: to the distempers and pains, with which God is pleased to visit you? How do you bear the trouble of your own infirmities and indiscretion? Resentments, impatience, and passion may be your inclination, but ought not to be allowed and indulged in, if уou think to walk by the patterns so often set before you. Stand then with resolution against all such weakness, and begging the patience of the martyrs, bend down your neck to the trouble, whatever it be, that so you may come to the practice of what you profess.

Pray that you may improve in virtue under all trials; and take care, while you profess to honour the martyrs, that you dishonour not their festivals, by passion or impatience. If you can happily overcome these evils, and quietly submit to those exercises of trouble, which God is pleased to ordain for your portion, this will lay good dispositions in your soul, such as will bring you to the reward of a martyr, though you may never be called to shed your blood for Christ, patience and contentment under all troubles are the dispositions of a martyr; there is nothing wanting, but the hand of the executioner." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother