From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

September 21st - Saint Maura of Troyes, Virgin
(died 850)

=C2 Saint Maura demonstrated a simple, yet deep, faith which often
presented itself as tears of love and joy. Through her prayers and
acts, many were converted, including her entire family. We look to
Saint Maura as a profound example of simple and child-like faith, and
the joy and peace that can be found in a deep relationship with the
Lord.

Maura was born at Troyes, France, in the Champagne region. As a child,
she demonstrated considerable faith, and spent large portions of her
days in fervent prayer. Through her prayers and faith, she obtained
the conversion of her father, who prior to her birth had lived a
worldly life in the pursuit of wealth and success. Following his
death, while Maura was still an adolescent, she resided with her
mother, to whom she remained perfectly obedient. Through her pious
example, her mother=E2=80=94and later her brother and the rest of the family=E2=80=94converted to the faith. In an act of charity inspired by Mau= ra,
the family's large estate was sold, with the revenues given to the
poor and foundations who cared for the poor and sick.

Throughout her brief life, Maura remained chaste, having consecrated
herself to the Lord. She served the poor and the Church, spent large
quantities of time in prayer and penance, and was a perfect example of
charity. She fasted twice each week, subsisting on only bread and
water. Maura further found herself a spiritual director, to whom she
visited with, walking barefoot over five miles to the monastery to
visit. She took great pleasure in sewing sacred vestments, trimming
the wicks of the Church lamps, and preparing wax for the altar.

Saint Maura spent long hours in church, adoring God and meditating on
His life and passion. Often during these moments of adoration, tears
would stream from Maura's eyes, reflecting the love, joy, and wonde=
r
of her relationships with the risen Lord. God performed many miracles
through her intercession, but due to her humility, she made those she
assisted promise not to tell anyone. Maura wished to avoid any
semblance of praise or recognition from those around her, choosing
instead to offer her own thanks to the Lord.

Saint Maura died at the young age of 23, following a long illness. She
received her final blessing with extraordinary joy in looking forward
to joining her God. Saint Maura died peacefully while reciting the
Lord's Prayer. Her relics are venerated at several churches through=
out
France, and her acts were recorded by Saint Prudentius of Troyes
shortly following her death
=C2 by Jacob


Saint Quote:
If all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime
beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked, out with little
wildflowers.
--St. Teresa of Lisieux

Bible Quote:
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to
utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so
let your words be few."=C2 (Eccelsiastes 5:2)


<><><><>
Canticle 1 Timothy 3

The mystery and glory of Christ
Praise the Lord, all you nations!

He was manifested in flesh, justified in spirit--praise the Lord,
=C2 all you nations!

He was seen by the angels, he was preached to the nations--praise the Lord,
=C2 all you nations!

The world believed in him, he was taken up in glory--praise the Lord,
=C2 all you nations!

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
=C2 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
=C2 world without end.
Amen.

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* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)