Posts Tagged ‘Martyrdom’
The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian
After all of these things had taken place, Sebastian himself was arrested by the imperial spies. Since he was a man of high rank in the Roman army and court, he was taken before the emperor Diocletian for a personal audience. Diocletian looked upon Sebastian with some sadness and disappointment. At last, he exclaimed, “Sebastian,…
Read MoreThe Martyrdom of St. Maria Goretti
CHAPTER 8: EVEN TO BLOOD It is once more high noon. The sun from its zenith beats down on the Ferriere farm. A burning wind, storm-laden, sweeps across the swamps, licks the walls of the house and enters the kitchen by the open door. The Gorettis and Serenellis as usual are seated about the table.…
Read MoreThe Spiritual Significance of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
For Catholics the annual feast of Saints Peter and Paul is of immense spiritual import. In the Roman tradition, it is one of the more significant feasts on the liturgical calendar, kept as a solemnity on the General Roman calendar. In some countries it is still a holy day of obligation, such as in England. …
Read MoreThe Poignant Grief of the Holy Innocents
“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, O God, thou perfected praise because of thine enemies. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” -Roman Missal, Introit for Dec. 28, Feast of the Holy Innocents In the midst of the joy of Christmas which fills both heaven and earth,…
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