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| Religion Forum Index » Apologetic Forum » October 29th - St. Narcissus of Jerusalem... |
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| Traudel... |
 Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:30 am |
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October 29th - St. Narcissus of Jerusalem B (RM)
Born in Greece; died c. 222. Saint Narcissus was at least 80 when he was
made
the 30th bishop of Jerusalem. In a letter written in 212, Saint Alexander,
who
later became his coadjutor, refers to Narcissus as being 116 years old. He
was
one of those who at a council held at Jerusalem favored the Roman custom of
celebrating Easter.
Eusebius states that in his time many of the miracles wrought by Saint
Narcissus
were still remembered by the people of Jerusalem. One Easter Eve, when the
supply of oil for the lamps in the church had run out, Narcissus told his
deacons to bring him some water from the neighboring wells. After he had
prayed
over it, he had the deacons pour the water into the lamps, which they did.
To
the amazement of the faithful, the water was miraculously converted into
oil.
Some of this oil was kept there as a memorial at the time when Eusebius
wrote
his history.
Although Narcissus was ancient when he assumed the see of Jerusalem, he was
not
a weak bishop. He censured slackness among the laity and clergy throughout
his
diocese. Perhaps because of the severity with which he enforced the
observance
of discipline, he provoked the hostility of three perjurers who accused him
of
some crime that Eusebius does not specify but that the three men affirmed
with
violent oaths. "May I be burned alive if I am lying," said the first. "May I
be
stricken with leprosy," said the second. "May I be deprived of my sight,"
said
the third. Not long afterwards, the first died with his entire family in a
house
fire, and the second died of leprosy. The third was so terrified by what had
befallen his fellow calumniators that he confessed the conspiracy and
slander.
His tears of repentance were so copious that he is said to have lost his
sight
before he died.
Though vindicated--indeed few people at the time had believed the accusation
brought against him--Narcissus use the scandal as an excuse to go into
retreat
to pray constantly without distraction, an ambition which he had long
cherished.
During his absence, first Dius (or Pius), then Germanius, and then Gordius
filled his see. Narcissus lived in such complete solitude that it was widely
assumed that he had died, and his sudden return to Jerusalem had the same
effect
as if he had indeed come back from the dead. He was received with great
rejoicing by the people of his diocese who urged him to stay and resume his
episcopal functions. Narcissus agreed but, on account of his great age,
appointed Saint Alexander to help him. He continued in his office until his
death, which is believed to have taken place in about 220-222 (Benedictines,
Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth).
In art, Saint Narcissus is depicted as a bishop holding a thistle in
blossom.
Sometimes there is a pitcher of water near him or an angel is shown carrying
his
soul to heaven (Roeder).
From:
http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/1029.shtml
Saint Quote:
The measure of charity may be taken from the want of desires. As desires
diminish in a soul, charity increases in it; and when it no longer feels any
desire, then it possesses perfect charity.
--St. Augustine
Bible Quote
13 I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen
write to
thee. 14 But I hope speedily to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth.
Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name. (3
John
1:13-14)
<><><><>
The final Sunday of October is the Feast of Christ the King, the Kingship of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Lord is King of all His Creation by birth and by conquest.
First is His Kingship as God the Son through the hypostatic union whereby
Divinity is united in humanity in the person of Christ.
The second is His rescue of mankind by the Incarnation, as He came to the
world to save those fallen in the act of Adam and Eve and ravaged by the
temptation of Satan. He is King by our sanctification through His passion,
death, and resurrection thereby conquering sin and death.
And as King his Body and Blood wash away our iniquities and cleanse us of
our sins present in the Passion and present in the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass.
<><><><>
Lord Our God
Lord our God, Your power is indescribable, Your glory is
incomprehensible, Your mercy is infinite, and Your love is
immeasurable. Look down with compassion on us and on
Your Holy Church.
Bestow Your bountiful goodness and mercy on us, and all
who pray to You. All glory, honor and worship belong to You,
now and forever unto all eternity. -
Amen. |
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