Category: Against Unexplained FEVER or HIGH Temperatures

Posted in Against TEMPTATIONS, Against Unexplained FEVER or HIGH Temperatures, Of a Holy DEATH & AGAINST A SUDDEN DEATH, of the DYING, FINAL PERSEVERANCE, DEATH of CHILDREN, DEATH of PARENTS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 January –S aint Syncletica (c320-c400) Virgin

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 5 January –S aint Syncletica (c320-c400) Virgin, Anchorite, Mystic, Spiritual Guide, Abbess in the Sketic Desert? Name means: “the chosen one” (From the Greek). Syncletica was born around 320 in Alexandria in Egypt and died there of natural causes in around 400. Patronages – against bodily ills, against loss of parents, against temptations, of the ill, of single laywomen. Also known as – Sincletica.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “St Syncletica, whose noble deeds have been recorded by St Athanasius.”

According to tradition, Syncletica came from a rich and pious family and is reputed to have been very beautiful. From childhood, however, Syncletica was drawn to a life of holiness and piety. She rejected several marriage proposals for she wished to lead a virtuous life devoted to her heavenly Spouse alone.

After the death of her parents, she distributed her inheritance to the poor and with her younger blind sister, Syncletica abandoned the life of the City withdrawing into a cave as a Recluse. Her holy life soon gained the attention of locals and, gradually, many women joined her to live as her disciples in Christ, teaching them the ascetic way of life.

She was mystically gifted. At the end of their lives, the tempter asked God for permission to test them – just as he had done with Job. Syncletica was tormented by many sufferings but despite her old age, she remained steadfast in her faith and asceticism until she died at the age of 84.

About 40 sayings have been preserved of and about Syncletica. Her life story probably dates to the 5th Century.

We are exposed to many temptations in life. Syncletica advises how we should deal with them:

“The devil’s snares are common. If he cannot dissuade the soul through poverty, then he brings wealth as a lure. If he cannot do anything through disgrace, then he withholds praise and honour from her. If he has to accept defeat through health, he makes the body sick. If he cannot deceive with his desires, then he tries to bring about a change through unwanted efforts.
He brings about certain very serious illnesses if he is allowed to, in order to darken the love of God in those who become faint-hearted. Then the body is worn out by the most violent fever and is harassed by unbearable thirst. If you, as a sinner, have to endure this, then remember the coming punishment and the eternal fire and the torments inflicted by the Judge and do not be discouraged because of the present.
Rejoice that God has visited you, and have that sweet word on your tongue – God has chastened me but has not delivered me to death (Psalm 117:18).
You were like iron but with fire you burnt away the rust but if you, as a righteous person, fall into sickness, you will progress from greatness to greaterness.
You are gold but through fire you become even more proven.

An Angel has been appointed to you for the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Be happy!
See who you have become like!
For you were worthy of the lot of St Paul . …
In such exercises let us form our souls. Because we see the enemy before our eyes!” (Compiled by Abbot em. Dr Emmeram Kränkl OSB
Benedictine Abbey Schäftlarn – for the Katholische SonntagsZeitung).

Fresco in the Chapel at St Thodosios’ Tomb in the Monastery of Agiou Theodosiou tou Neou near Agia Triada near Argos
Posted in Against DROWNING, Against Unexplained FEVER or HIGH Temperatures, Of a Holy DEATH & AGAINST A SUDDEN DEATH, of the DYING, FINAL PERSEVERANCE, DEATH of CHILDREN, DEATH of PARENTS, Of the SICK, the INFIRM, All ILLNESS, PATRONAGE - of BASKET-WEAVERS, CRAFTSMEN, PATRONAGE - SPOUSAL ABUSE / DIFFICULT MARRIAGES / VICTIMS OF ABUSE, SAINT of the DAY, SKIN DISEASES, RASHES

Saint of the Day – 13 August – St Wigbert of Fritzlar (c 675-c 746)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 13 August – St Wigbert of Fritzlar (c 675-c 746) a learned Scholar and Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, gifted with a penetrating understanding of Sacred Scripture as well as the gift of prophecy, companion of St Boniface, the Apostle of Germany. Born in c 518 in Erfurt, Saxony (England) and died on 13 August c 587 in Poitiers, France of natural causes. Wigbert was known as a quiet and gentle man and a great teacher. Both St Alcuin and St Bede knew and mentioned him in their historical writings of the times and of the Church. St Bede admired his contempt of this world and his learning. Patronages – against drowning, against fever/high temperature, against leprosy/skin diseases for example against scabies, against the death of parents, against ulcers, difficult marriages, of potters, weavers, Poitiers, France.

Wigbert was born in England about 675 of noble parents. He was known for the purity of his morals, his zeal for the salvation of souls, his boundless love, his penetrating knowledge and familiarity with the Sacred Scriptures.

Wigbert became a Monk, working with great piety to increase his sanctity in the monastic environment, to live the Rule in its entirety and to help others to do the same. He spent many years in Ireland, there using his great skill in teaching to help others in their search for knowledge and wisdom. St Boniface summoned him from England to Germany and, in about the year 734 Wigbert went to Germany to join the great Missionary. , There he was made Abbot of the Monastery of Hersfeld in Hesse. Among his pupils was St Sturmi, first Abbot of Fulda.

In about 737, Boniface transferred Wigbert to Thuringia as Abbot of Ohrdruf, where he worked with the same success as in Hersfeld. Later, Wigbert obtained Boniface’s permission to return to Hersfeld to spend his remaining days in stillness and to prepare for the hour of death.

Even in old age and in illness, he continued his austere mode of life, until the very end. The Saint reposed at Hersfeld in about 746. He was buried at Fritzlar in an inconspicuous grave but during an incursion of Saxons (774), his remains were taken for safety to Buraburg and from there, in 780, his sacred relics were transferred by Abbot St Lullus to Hersfeld.

In the year 850 a beautiful Church was built and dedicated to St Wigbert but it was razed by fire in 1037. A new Church replaced it and dedicated in 1144 but it burned in 1761 in a great fire. Thereafter, St Wigbert’s sacred relics were never found again by men.

Posted in Against Unexplained FEVER or HIGH Temperatures, DOMESTIC ANIMALS, EARACHE, EAR disorders, EPILEPSY, Of ANIMALS / ANIMAL WELFARE, SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – 16 September – St Pope Cornelius and St Cyprian of Carthage – Martyrs

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saints of the Day – 16 September – St Pope Cornelius and St Cyprian of Carthage – Martyrs.  St Pope Cornelius – Papal Ascension:  251.  He was Martyred in 253 and his remains were buried at the Cemetery of Saint Callistus Rome.   “Cornelius” means ‘battle horn.‘   Patronages – • against earache; earache sufferers• epileptics; against epilepsy• against fever• against myoclonus• cattle• domestic animals• Kornelimünster, Germany. St Cornelius was a Bishop becoming ar reluctant 21st Pope, elected after a 1 1/2 year period, during which the persecutions were so severe that Papal ascension was an immediate death sentence.   He worked to maintain unity in a time of schism and apostasy and fought Novatianism. He also called a Synod of Bishops to confirm him as rightful Pontiff, as opposed to the anti-pope Novatian.  He had the support of Saint Cyprian of Carthage and Saint Dionysius.   He welcomed back those who had apostacised during the persecutions of Decius –  the documents which settled this matter prove the final authority of the Pope. Exiled to Centumcellae in 252 by Roman authorities to punish Christians in general, who were said to have provoked the gods to send plague against Rome. Martyr.   A document from Cornelius shows the size of the Roman Clergy during his Papacy – 46 Priests, 7 Deacons, 7 Sub-deacons, approximately 50,000 Christians.   His name is in the Communicantes in the Canon of the Mass.

St Cyprian of Carthage – (Died in 190 in Carthage, North Africa – Bishop and Martyr, learned Rhetorician, Teacher, Writer, Theologian – beheaded 14 September 258 in Carthage, North Africa).   Patronages – • Algeria (proclaimed on 6 July 1914 by Pope Pius X)• North Africa (proclaimed on 6 July 1914 by Pope Pius X, on 10 January 1958 by Pope Pius XII and on 27 July 1962 by Pope John XXIII  NOTE – no, I don’t know why it was done so many times).  

St Cyprian was born to wealthy pagan parents.   He taught rhetoric and literature.    He was adult convert in 246, taught the faith by Saint Caecilius of Carthage. He was ordained in 247 and became the Bishop of Carthage in 249.   During the persecution of Decius, beginning in 250, Cyprian lived in hiding, covertly ministering to his flock;  his enemies condemned him for being a coward and not standing up for his faith.   As a writer he was second only in importance to Tertullian as a Latin Father of the Church.   Friend of Saint Pontius.   St Cyprian was involved in the great argument over whether apostates should be readmitted to the Church;  Cyprian believed they should but under stringent conditions.   He was supported St Pope Cornelius against the anti-pope Novatian.   During the persecutions of Valerian he was exiled to Curubis in 257, brought back Carthage and then martyred in 258.   His name is in the Communicantes in the Canon of the Mass.CORNELIUS POPESts. Cornelius and Cyprian

CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN MY SNIP

An excerpt written to Cornelius, Bishop of Rome condemned to martyrdom for his faith, from his brother Bishop Cyprian of Carthage, himself to give his witness as a Martyr a few years later.  Read on the feasts of Sts Cornelius and Cyprian, Martyrs, on 16 September.

Cyprian to his brother Cornelius.

My very dear brother, we have heard of the glorious witness given by your courageous faith.   On learning of the honour you had won by your witness, we were filled with such joy that we felt ourselves sharers and companions in your praiseworthy achievements. After all, we have the same Church, the same mind, the same unbroken harmony.   Why then should a priest not take pride in the praise given to a fellow priest as though it were given to him?   What brotherhood fails to rejoice in the happiness of its brothers wherever they are?

Words cannot express how great was the exultation and delight here when we heard of your good fortune and brave deeds:   how you stood out as leader of your brothers in their declaration of faith, while the leader’s confession was enhanced as they declared their faith.  You led the way to glory, but you gained many companions in that glory; being foremost in your readiness to bear witness on behalf of all, you prevailed on your people to become a single witness.

We cannot decide which we ought to praise, your own ready and unshaken faith or the love of your brothers who would not leave you.   While the courage of the bishop who thus led the way has been demonstrated, at the same time the unity of the brotherhood who followed has been manifested.   Since you have one heart and one voice, it is the Roman Church as a whole that has thus born witness.

Dearest brother bright and shining is the faith which the blessed Apostle praised in your community.   He foresaw in the spirit the praise your courage deserves and the strength that could not be broken;  he was heralding the future when he testified to your achievements; his praise of the fathers was a challenge to the sons.   Your unity, your strength have become shining examples of these virtues to the rest of the brethren.

Divine providence has now prepared us.  God’s merciful design has warned us that the day of our own struggle, our own contest, is at hand.   By that shared love which binds us close together, we are doing all we can to exhort our congregation, to give ourselves unceasingly to fastings, vigils and prayers in common.   These are the heavenly weapons which give us the strength to stand firm and endure;  they are the spiritual defenses, the God-given armaments that protect us.

Let us then remember one another, united in mind and heart.   Let us pray without ceasing, you for us, we for you;  by the love we share we shall thus relieve the strain of these great trials.

letter-to-cornelius-cyprian
Posted in Against Unexplained FEVER or HIGH Temperatures, DOCTORS, / SURGEONS / MIDWIVES., PATRONAGE - NEWBORN BABIES, YOUNG CHILDREN l, PATRONAGE-INFERTILITY & SAFE CHILDBIRTH, PREGNANCY, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 31 August – St Raymond Nonnatus O.deM. (1204-1240)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 31 August – St Raymond Nonnatus O.deM (1204-1240). Priest, Confessor, Cardinal, Friar of the Mercedarian Order.  He was delivered by Caesarean operation when his mother died in childbirth; hence the name non natus = not born. Born in  1204 at Portella, diocese of Urgel, Catalonia, Spain and died on 31 August 1240 at Cardona, Spain of a fever.   He was buried at the Chapel of Saint Nicholas near his family farm he was supposed to have managed.   He was Beatified on 5 November 1625 by Pope Urban VIII (cultus confirmed) and Canonised on 1657 by Pope Alexander VII.   Patronages – against gossip, of silence, against fever, of babies, infants, childbirth, children, pregnant women, falsely accused people, midwives, obstetricians, Baltoa, Dominican Republic, San Ramon, Costa Rica.  

st raymond nonnatus.4.

From the time he was very young, he manifested a great devotion to the Most Holy Virgin.   He prayed the Rosary every day in the hermitage of St. Nicholas of Mira  . Once Our Lady appeared to him and promised him her protection.   Afterward he was strongly tempted to sin against chastity but did not fall.   He went to thank his Patroness and consecrated his virginity to her.   Mary appeared to him again, showing her satisfaction and advising him to enter the Order of the Mercedarians (Order of Mercy), whose foundation she had inspired St. Peter Nolasco to make only shortly before, in 1218.

He was ordained a Priest and dedicated himself to the redemption of captives until 1231. He liberated 140 captives in Valencia, 250 in Argel and 28 in Tunis.   It was in this last city that he had the occasion to fulfill the special fourth vow of the Mercedarians to offer themselves to remain in captivity in the place of Catholic prisoners.   Since he was unable to pay the ransom demanded by the slave dealers in Tunis, Raymond offered himself to take the place of some prisoners.

The trade was made and he began a hard captivity.   To prevent him from speaking about Our Lord, for his engaging words were converting numerous Muslims, the Arabian slave masters pierced his lips with a red-hot iron and closed them with a padlock.   This padlock was only opened for him to eat.   After eight months of this torment, other Mercedarians arrived from Spain bringing the demanded ransom.

The last ten years of his life were spent in Rome, where he became the representative of his Order and in traveling throughout different countries to preach the Crusade.   As a cardinal representative of Pope Gregory IX he was sent to meet with St Louis of France and encourage him to go on the Crusade, which actually took place 10 years later.

St. Raymond Nonnatus died in Cardona, a Spanish village close to Barcelona, on August 31, 1240. He was only 37-years-old.

One particular devotion is centered around the padlock that is part of his martyrdom. Locks are placed at his altar representing a prayer request to end gossip, rumours, false testimonies and other sins of the tongue.   The locks are used as a visible sign of such prayer request, which first and foremost must take place interiorly, a prayer to God through St. Raymond’s intercession.

The Mercedarians – Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy:

The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy is an international community of priests and brothers who live a life of prayer and communal fraternity.   In addition to the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, their members take a special fourth vow to give up their own selves for others whose faith is in danger.

The Order, also called the Mercedarians, or Order of Mercy, was founded in 1218 in Spain by St Peter Nolasco to redeem Christian captives from their Muslim captors.   The Order exists today in 17 countries, including Spain, Italy, Brazil, India and the United States.

St. Peter Nolasco 01
St Peter Nolasco & St Raymond Nonnatus and the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today, friars of the Order of Mercy continue to rescue others from modern types of captivity, such as social, political, and psychological forms.   They work in jails, marginal neighborhoods, among addicts and in hospitals.

The spiritual and communal life of the friars include prayer, meditation, Holy Mass, recreation and apostolate.   Their life is based on the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions of the Order.

Overall, the Order of Mercy commits itself to give testimony to the same Good News of love and redemption that it has shown since the beginning of its history.