May 2nd - St. Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor of the Church
(296-375)
Saint Athanasius was born in Alexandria, Egypt, towards the end of the
third
century, and from his youth was pious, learned, and deeply versed in the
sacred
writings. He left the paternal home to be raised by the bishop of
Alexandria
like a new Samuel in the Lord's temple, as befitted one whom God had
chosen
to
be the champion and defender of His Church against the Arian heresy, which
denied the Divinity of Christ.
While still a deacon, he was chosen by Saint Alexander, his bishop, to go
with
him to the Council of Nicea, A.D. 325. There he attracted the attention of
all
the prelates by the learning and ability with which he defended the Faith.
Five
months later, as Saint Alexander was dying, he recommended Athanasius for
his
successor as Patriarch of Alexandria, and in that office for forty-six
years
the
new Patriarch bore the whole brunt of the Arian assault, often virtually
alone
and undefended.
When the invincible Athanasius refused to restore Arius to Catholic
communion,
he was exiled to Treves in France, and the Emperor ordered the Catholic
Patriarch of Constantinople to receive the heresiarch. The end of that man
of
error is very instructive. He took an oath that he had always believed as
the
Church believes, though he taught that there was a time when the Word of
God
WAS
NOT. Thereupon the Catholic Patriarch of Constantinople, with Saint James
of
Nisibe, who was in Constantinople at that time, Saint Athanasius in France
and
the Catholics everywhere, had recourse to fasting and prayer, that God
would
avert from the Church the frightful sacrilege. The day came for the solemn
entrance of Arius into the great church of Saint Sophia. The heresiarch
and
his
party set out, elated, in triumph. But before he reached the church, death
smote
him in an exemplary, swift and terrible way, and the dreaded sacrilege was
averted.
Saint Athanasius stood unmoved against four Roman emperors, was banished
five
times, was the butt of every insult, calumny and wrong the Arians could
devise,
and lived in constant peril of death. Though strong as diamond in defense
of
the
Faith, he was meek and humble, pleasant and winning in conversation,
beloved
by
his flock, unwearied in labors, prayer and mortifications, eloquent in
speech,
and unsurpassed in zeal for souls. From his places of exile he wrote many
great
works for the instruction and strengthening of his flock, writings rich in
thought and learning, clear, keen and stately in expression. He is honored
as
one of the greatest of the Doctors of the Church.
His admirers told the story of his response to a search party pursuing him
downstream, as he retreated by boat. Knowing of their approach, he ordered
the
captain to change direction and return. When he crossed the search party
on
the
river, they hailed him and asked whether he had seen the bishop of
Alexandria
pass by. He replied, "Continue; he is not far from here." Restored to his
see by
the emperor Valens for fear of a popular uprising, the stormy life of the
Saint
closed in peace on May 2nd of the year 373.
Reflection. The Catholic Faith, says Saint Augustine, is far more precious
than
all the riches and treasures of earth; more glorious and greater than all
its
honors, all its possessions. This it is which saves sinners, gives light
to
the
blind, restores penitents, perfects the just, and is the crown of martyrs.
Sources: Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, a compilation based on
Butler's
Lives of the Saints and other sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger
Brothers:
New York, 1894); Vie des Saints pour tous les jours de l'année, by Abbé L.
Jaud
(Mame: Tours, 1950).
See longer version found at:
http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0502.shtml
Saint Quote:
You will not see anyone who is really striving after his advancement who
is
not
given to spiritual reading. And as to him who neglects it, the fact will
soon be
observed by his progress.
--Saint Athanasius
Bible Quote
19 And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into
heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God. 20 But they going forth preached
every
where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that
followed. (Mark 16:14-20
<><><><>
A Prayer to St. Peregrine for Sick Relatives and Friends
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called
"The Mighty", the "The Wonder Worker"
because of the numerous miracles
which you obtained from God for those
who have turned to you in their need.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh
this cancerous disease that destroys the
very fiber of our being.
You turned to God when the power
of human beings could do no more,
and you were favored with the vision of
Jesus coming down from His cross
to heal your affliction.
I now ask God to heal these sick persons
whom I entrust to you:
(Here mention their names)
Aided by your powerful intercession,
I shall sing with Mary a hymn of gratitude
to God for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.
|
