From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
March 7th - St. Drausius, Bishop, Founder
died c. 674
How someone gets from one place in life to another is often
fascinating. Usually, it has to do with the people one gets to know in
life. They both help shape an individual and open doors to others who
can help determine what happens. Such was the case with St. Drausius
(or Drausin).
As a youth, he was educated at--a community northwest of Paris--under
St. Anseric, the bishop of Soissons.
Next, Drausius was named an archdeacon by Anseric's successor, Bp.
Bettolin, who saw a great deal of promise in the young man. Indeed, he
thought so highly of Drausius that as Bettolin was preparing to retire--because, he said, his election as bishop was not valid--he
recommended Drausius be selected as his successor.
As bishop, Drausius quickly built a reputation as an able
administrator and an excellent preacher. Many people were said to have converted after hearing him preach. Drausius also was known for his
austere way of life. It is said he fasted throughout life and, despite
his poor health, compounded his suffering through voluntary
mortifications.
Drausius also founded two religious communities in his diocese--one
for men, the other for women. He built a monastery along the Aisne
River at Rethondes, on land he bought from Bettolin.
The convent appears to have been an even bigger endeavor. Drausius
built it in Soissons with a great deal of help from Leutrude, the wife
of Ebroin, mayor of the palace.
Work on Notre Dame de Soissons Church was completed in 664, when the
church was dedicated. But it was obvious that it was not large enough,
so Drausius built two other chapels. One was used by the abbess and
the nuns in the community. The other one was reserved for sick nuns,
guests and the poor, to whom they ministered. Drausius lived long
enough to complete the work.
His life challenges us to consider how we carry out the work of God in
our lives. While the self-disciplines he practiced seem overly severe,
they invite us to consider whether we are asking enough of ourselves
in prayer, service and penitential practices, particularly during this
Lenten season.
http://www.thecompassnews.org/compass/2002-03-01/cnindex.htm
Saint Quote:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is half my life. The other half
consists in loving Jesus and winning souls for Him.
--Saint Mary Hermina Grivot
Bible Quote:
I then heard the voice of the Lord saying: 'Whom shall I send? Who
will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I, send me. He said: 'Go, and
say to this people, "Listen and Listen, but never understand! Look and
look, but never perceive!" Make this people's heart coarse, make their
ears dull, shut their eyes tight, or they will use their eyes to see,
use their ears to hear, use their heart to understand, and change
their ways and be healed.' [Isaiah 6:8-10]
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CROSS MY HEART FOREVER, JESUS
Place Your hand upon my heart,
Seal my future with Your kiss;
Take this soul forever homeward.
To Your land of love and bliss.
Free my spirit from the shackles,
Bound on earth by body pleasures;
Let me fly unto the Kingdom,
Shining there with godly treasures.
Light my way through earth's bleak darkness;
Place the seal that makes me free.
Feed my soul with Heaven's manna;
Give me eyes and heart to see.
Share Your friendship with the weak soul;
Strengthen us with Heaven's power.
Set the road just straight before us;
Send the essence from the flower.
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)