• July 10th - SS. Amalburga of Temse and Amalburga of Maubeuge

    From rich@1:396/4 to All on Mon Jul 9 10:17:43 2018
    From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

    July 10th - SS. Amalburga of Temse and Amalburga of Maubeuge

    Today we celebrate the feasts of two saints with the same name--holy
    women who lived a century apart, but who are frequently confused. The
    details of the lives of Saint Amalburga of Temse and Saint Amalburga
    of Maubeuge have been mostly lost to history, but the sanctity,
    miracles, and good works of these saints live on in holy legend.

    Saint Amalburga of Temse (also known as Saint Amelia) is a Belgian
    saint who lived in the eighth century. She was likely a romantic
    acquaintance of Charlemagne, who fell in love with her grace and
    beauty and pursued her for seven years. During that time, she
    continuously refused to marry him, due to her desire and calling to
    enter a religious life. On one occasion during which he attempted to
    persuade her physically to marry him, Saint Amalburga threw herself at
    the foot of the church alter, where she was unable to be moved from by
    divine and miraculous intervention. Charlemagne tried so strenuously
    to pull her from her position that he broke her arm, later
    miraculously cured. Soon thereafter, he fell ill, and only after
    repenting and giving up his pursuit of Amalburga was he cured of his
    illness.

    Additional miracles attributed to Saint Amalburga include communion
    with fish, especially a giant sturgeon on which she is reputed to have
    once crossed the Escant River. In memory of this event, local
    fishermen continue to offer sturgeon in the chapel of Saint Amalburga
    on her feast day each year. It is said that no sturgeon are even seen
    in the waters of the Escant, except on July 10, when one always
    presents itself. Similarly, sturgeon were reported to have been
    observed escorting her funeral barge up the river, following her
    death. And while she lived, Amalburga is said to have fed the masses
    during famine with the flesh of large fish which appeared opportunely
    in the river.

    Saint Amalburga is also said to have created miraculous springs in the
    fields, during time of drought, and healed many sick. A small chapel
    remains in her name, where miraculous cures have been reported. Her
    relics have resided in Saint Peter's abbey church in Ghent, Belgium
    since 1073. Saint Amalburga of Temse is the patron of farmers,
    fishermen, young people struggling to stay faithful to Christ, and
    those with fevers, bruises and arm pain.

    Saint Amalburga of Maubeuge was a Lotharingian (short-lived Western
    European kingdom, where the modern-day Netherlands now stand) saint
    who lived in the 7th century. She was born of royalty, and unlike the
    virginal Amalburga of Temse, married the Duke of Lotharingia.
    Together, the two holy parents produced four children, each of whom,
    under her instruction, were later canonized saints for their piety,
    holy works, and faith.

    As she aged, Amalburga felt called more and more to religious life of
    a nun, and her husband to that of a monk. They eventually parted ways,
    both joining separate religious orders. Amalburga entered the monastic community at Maubeuge Abbey--a Benedictine cloister. There, she lived
    out her life in prayer, contemplation, and silence, committing herself
    to the Lord. Her relics are housed in the Belgian city of Binche.

    At first glance, the lives of these two holy women are quite
    different. Yet we celebrate their feast days on the same day of the
    year, and in doing so find the similarities between them. Saint
    Amalburga of Temse wrought miracles for the poor, and committed
    herself wholeheartedly to the Lord. Saint Amalburga of Maubeuge raised
    a devout and pious family, and also listened intently to the will of
    the Lord, committing herself to Him. One life appears flashy and
    filled with miracles, whereas the other seems quiet and contemplative,
    filled with the daily activities of a wife and mother. And yet, both
    women are remembered for their holiness and contributions to the
    Church. We are reminded that each of our lives are special and
    beautiful to the Lord--that we are called to play roles in the lives
    of others and the life of the Church based upon the special talents
    and gifts that have been bestowed upon us. Just as Saint Amalburga of
    Temse could not have filled the role of Saint Amalburga of Maubeuge,
    nor should we live a life other than that desired for us by the Lord.
    When we listen for His Will, we can accomplish miraculous things!
    by Jacob

    Quote:
    =E2=80=9CNothing, how little so ever it be,
    if it is suffered for God's sake,
    can pass without merit
    in the sight of God.=E2=80=9D
    --Thomas =C3 Kempis

    Bible Quote
    7 Behold, he cometh with the clouds, and every eye shall see him, and
    they also that pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth shall
    bewail themselves because of him. Even so. Amen. 8 I am Alpha and
    Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord God, who is, and who
    was, and who is to come, the Almighty. (Apoc. 1:7-8)


    <><><><>
    There is an Important prayer which is called the "Jesus Prayer."
    It should be recited devoutly every day and is as follows:

    "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, a sinner."

    When I say,"Hail Mary"
    the heavens bow down,
    the angels rejoice,
    the earth jubilates,
    hell trembles,
    and the devils take flight!

    St. Francis of Assisi
    --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
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