From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

=C2 June 30: The First Martyrs of Rome
=C2 (died 64-68)

Today we celebrate the feast of the First Martyrs of Rome brave and
courageous Christians who suffered for their faith. Following the
Ascension of Christ, the disciples had preached the Gospel, spreading throughout the region. Some, as we have read, settled in Rome, where
they continued to convert and baptize in the name of Jesus. This was
most unsettling to the Emperor, as it led to conflict between the
majority of Rome's citizens--Jews--and the new Christians.

In approximately 49 A.D., the historian Suetonius recorded that
Christians were expelled from Rome by the Emperor Claudius, due to
disturbances that he attributed to Christ. However, it appears likely
that after the Emperor's death, the Christian citizens of Rome
returned, only to be persecuted in a much crueler and vindictive
manner by Emperor Nero.

In July of 64 a large fire broke out in Rome, destroying nearly half
of the city. The fire was blamed on the Emperor, who is said to have
wanted to enlarge his palace. Nero quickly blamed the Christians, who
he accused of =E2=80=9Chatred of the human race=E2=80=9D and likened to mod= ern-day
terrorists. As a result, public outcry was minimal when Nero ordered
thousands to be put to death-- some were covered with the skins of
animals and thrown to wild dogs to be torn apart; others were
crucified and at sunset were covered in oil and used as human torches
to light the path of the Emperor's chariot. Saints Peter and Paul w=
ere
among those martyred. Needless to say, eventually the good people of
Rome took offense to Nero's rampant persecution of Christians, and
following a revolt by the military, he took his own life in 68 A.D.


The Roman historian Tacitus tells the story of the first Martyrs of Rome:

"Yet no human effort, no princely largess nor offerings to the gods
could make that infamous rumor disappear that Nero had somehow ordered
the fire. Therefore, in order to abolish that rumor, Nero falsely
accused and executed with the most exquisite punishments those people
called Christians, who were infamous for their abominations. The
originator of the name, Christ, was executed as a criminal by the
procurator Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius; and though
repressed, this destructive superstition erupted again, not only
through Judea, which was the origin of this evil, but also through the
city of Rome, to which all that is horrible and shameful floods
together and is celebrated. Therefore, first those were seized who
admitted their faith, and then, using the information they provided, a
vast multitude were convicted, not so much for the crime of burning
the city, but for hatred of the human race. And perishing they were additionally made into sports: they were killed by dogs by having the
hides of beasts attached to them, or they were nailed to crosses or
set aflame, and, when the daylight passed away, they were used as
nighttime lamps. Nero gave his own gardens for this spectacle and
performed a Circus game, in the habit of a charioteer mixing with the
plebs or driving about the racecourse. Even though they were clearly
guilty and merited being made the most recent example of the
consequences of crime, people began to pity these sufferers, because
they were consumed not for the public good but on account of the
fierceness of one man."
=C2 by Jacob

Saint Quote:
If you wish to arrive speedily at the summit of perfection, animate
yourself to the true love of shame, insults, and calumny.
--St. Ignatius

Bible Quote:
And then shall many be scandalized: and shall betray one another: and
shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall
seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many
shall grow cold.=C2 But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.=C2 (Matt 24:10-13)

<><><><>
Aspirations

Omnipotence of the Father, help my frailty, and rescue me
from the depths of misery.

Wisdom of the Son, direct all my thoughts, words, and actions.

Love of the Holy Spirit, be the source of all the operations of
my soul, so that they may be entirely conformed to Thy Divine Will.

Eternal Father, by the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
glorify His most holy Name according to the desires of His adorable Heart.

We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits.
Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

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