From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
On Self-Denial, and Renunciation of all Cupidity [III]
CHRIST.
I have said, exchange what men consider desirable and honorable for
that which they hold in low esteem. For true heavenly wisdom, having
no exalted opinion of itself (Rom.12:16) seeks no recognition from the
world, is almost disregarded by men and seems to them useless and of
no importance. Many pay it lip-service, but it plays no part in their
lives. Yet this is the precious pearl that remains hidden from many.(Matt.13:46)
--Thomas =C3 Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 3, Ch 32
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February 20th =E2=80=93 St. Eucherius of Orl=C3=A9ans, Abbot
Born at Orl=C3=A9ans, France; died February 20, 743. Eucherius's sanctity
was formed in the domestic church. His mother was a lady of great
virtue. While she was carrying her son, she begged God daily for
divine grace and offered the unborn Eucherius to the Father. At his
birth, his parents dedicated him to God. When he was seven, his
studies were planned to form both mind and soul. After being
well-educated, especially in theology, Eucherius entered the
Benedictine abbey of Jumi=C3=A8ges on the Seine in the diocese of Rouen c.
714.
He spent six or seven years here practicing penitential austerities
and obedience, until the senate, people, and clergy of Orl=C3=A9ans deputed persons to Charles Martel, mayor of the palace, to beg his permission
to elect Eucherius to the see vacated by the death of Eucherius's
uncle, Bishop Suavaric. Charles Martel agreed and sent one of his
principal officers to conduct Eucherius from his monastery to Orl=C3=A9ans. Eucherius was horrified at the notion of being consecrated bishop and
sought the protection of his brother monks. But they preferred the
public good to their private inclinations, and resigned him up for
that important charge. Eucherius was received and consecrated at
Orl=C3=A9ans with universal applause in 721.
Although he was apprehensive about assuming the responsibilities of a
see, his prayer life was vital. He found all the help and
encouragement he needed in his relationship with God. Eucherius
devoted himself entirely to the care of his church. He was
indefatigable in instructing and reforming his flock. His sweet spirit
and charity were so genuine that, in general, he was loved and obeyed
even by those whom he reproved. Except Charles Martel.
In order to finance his wars and reward his vassals, Charles Martel
often stripped the churches of their revenues, and encouraged others
to do the same. Eucherius, who reproved these encroachments, was
represented to the prince as offering a personal attack; therefore, in
737, Charles stopped in Orl=C3=A9ans on his return to Paris after having defeated the Saracens in Aquitaine. He ordered Eucherius to follow him
to Verneuil upon the Oise, in the diocese of Beauvais, where he then
kept his court. There Eucherius and all his relatives were exiled to
Cologne in 737 by Charles Martel.
Yet even in exile, Eucherius bloomed where God had planted him. The
citizens of Cologne soon highly esteemed his virtue. So Charles Martel
ordered him to move again, this time to a fortress in Hasbain
(Haspengaw) near Li=C3=A8ge, where he was placed under house arrest. But
the governor, Robert, so charmed with his virtue, that he made him
almoner, and allowed him to retire to the monastery of Sarchinium, or Saint-Trond's near Maastricht, where he spent his last years in prayer
and contemplation. His life was written by a contemporary
(Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth).
Saint Eleutherius is portrayed in art as a bishop with a monstrance.
Sometimes he is shown (1) being blessed by Christ as he carries the
monstrance among poor and wounded soldiers; or (2) as an angel frees
him from stripes (Roeder).
Saint Quote:
It is needful also to make use of tradition, for not everything can be
gotten from sacred Scripture. The holy apostles handed down some
things in the scriptures, other things in tradition.
-- Saint Epiphanius of Salamis
Bible Quote:
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not
of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of
God." (John 1:12-13)
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Ask Our LORD'S BLESSING
Taken from JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH NOVENA MANUAL:
Father Stedman
Before leaving the Blessed Sacrament.
BLESS ME, O God of bounty! Bless me, Thou Who art holy and good! Bless me a=
s
Thou didst bless the patriarchs and prophets; as Thou didst bless Thy
beloved Mother; as Thou didst bless Thy disciples before ascending into
Heaven.
BLESS MY EYES. Never permit them to behold vanity.
BLESS MY EARS. Set around them a hedge of thorns to guard them from hearing unChristian words.
BLESS MY MOUTH. Surround it with a guard of truth and kindness.
BLESS MY BODY. Grant that chastity may clothe it as with a garment of glory=
..
BLESS MY MIND. Grant that my thoughts may be like Thine.
BLESS MY HEART. Kindle in it the fire of love which Thou didst bring on
earth. Make it the sanctuary of every virtue.
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)