From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

May 20: Saint Thalalaeus the "Merciful"
(also known as Thallelaios or Thalleleus

died 284
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Thalelaeus, physician and holy
martyr for the faith. Thalelaeus was martyred at Aegae, in Cilicia,
after a life of Christian ministry and service to the poor of his
community. He earned the nickname, =E2=80=9Cthe merciful,=E2=80=9D given hi=
s
charitable treatment and service of the poor and ill. At the time of
his martyrdom, two Roman executioners, Asterius and Alexander, were
killed with him, due to their display of compassion and admiration for
the courageous holy man.

Thalelaeus was born in Lebanon, the son of a Lebanese Bishop and Roman
mother. From an early age, he displayed the curiosity and skill that
befitted a physician, and his father, observing this, offered to him
the finest of educations. During this time, Thalelaeus was also
instructed in the ways of the Church, and his faith and zeal for
Christ continued to blossom.

Upon completion of his studies, Thalelaeus established a clinic in his
home in Anazarbus, Cilicia. While most physicians of the day required
large payments for treatment, Thalelaeus turned no one away. Only
those able to pay were charged a fee, and the rest were offered
services in the spirit of love and charity. On Sundays, Thalelaeus
would further preach the Word of God to all who would listen,
reminding those in attendance that all things come from above, =E2=80=9Cof = the
most high cometh healing.=E2=80=9D Through his ministry of charity, preachi= ng,
and medicine, he brought many to conversion. Soon, miracles of healing
and cure began to be reported.

Of course, all of the attention that Thalelaeus was garnering angered
the pagan rulers of Lebanon, and they soon determined to imprison and
kill him. Thalelaeus continued to travel through the country, however,
offering his works of charity to those in need, demonstrating great
humility and dedication. Before long, he was seized while traveling
home, and brought before the Theodore, the governor of the province of
Cilicia. Theodore took great pleasure in the persecution of
Christians, and eagerly looked forward to the torture and destruction
of this great man. However, his pride in his debating skills led him
to challenge Saint Thalelaeus to a debate regarding religion.

Inspired by the grace of the Lord, Thalelaeus quickly won the debate,
defeating the governor and his pagan gods. He stated, "I am a
Christian, a native of Lebanon. I am studying medicine under the
physician Macarius. During a former persecution against Christians in
Lebanon, I was brought before the prefect Tiberius, and barely escaped execution. But now that I stand before this court, do with me as you
will. I wish to die for Christ my Savior and my God, and hope to
endure all torments with His help."

Theodore ordered the holy man to be tortured, expecting a quick
victory and recanting of the Christian faith. However, he remained
steadfast in his conviction, praying throughout torture, and earning
the admiration of his executioners. Eventually, he was ordered
executed, and when he was unable to be drowned, was beheaded. The
relics of the holy martyr Thalelaeus lie in the church of Saint
Agathonicus of Constantinople and many miracles are attributed to his intercession.

Saint Thalelaeus served the Lord as a charitable physician and gifted
preacher. His mission, which he viewed as a gift from the Lord, was
the combination of physical and spiritual healing, which he brought to
all who needed him. His compassion, love, and courage remain a strong
reminder of the gifts of grace bestowed upon each of us by our loving
God. Saint Thalelaeus dedicated his life to sharing his gifts with
others. Can we say the same about ourselves?

Thallelaios, saintly champion and healer,
intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls remission of sins.
by Jacob


Saint Quote:
By word of mouth, by letters, by miracles, and by the example of his
own life, Saint Paul bore the name of Jesus wherever he went. He
praised the name of Jesus "at all times," but never more than when
"bearing witness to his faith."
-- Saint Bernardine of Siena from one of his sermons

Bible Quote:
He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath
sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them;
and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall
forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they
are retained.=C2 (John 20:21-23)


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A prayer to Our Lord's Sacred Heart, for His Church:

Most sacred Heart of Jesus, shower copiously blessings on Thy
holy Church, on the Supreme Pontiff, and on all the clergy;
grant perseverance to the just, convert sinners, enlighten
infidels, bless our parents, friends, and benefactors, assist the
dying, liberate the souls of purgatory, and extend over all
hearts the sweet empire of Thy love.=C2 Amen.

--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)