Subj : June 1: Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto, Model of Charity To : All From : rich Date : Sun May 31 2020 09:06:07 From: rich June 1: Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto, Model of Charity (also known as Saint Fortunatus of Territet, fourth century). by Jacob Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto. As described in the Roman Martyrology, =E2=80=9CAt Montefalco in Umbria, Saint Fortunatus, a priest renowned for his virtues and his miracles.=E2=80=9D The Acts of Saint Fortunatus were recorded in the 7th century, by a priest named Audelaus, based upon the verbal account of a venerable priest named Firmino.=C2 According to this record, Fortunatus was a priest of the church of Turrita, near the Umbrian town of Montefalco, Italy.=C2 He was a caretaker for the many valuables of the Church=E2=80=94specifially, the poor, and he brought them the deepest and m= ost profound mysteries of the Church alongside the charity that he was keen to offer them in Jesus' name. Although he was a priest, this offered him barely enough money to live upon, and so as well as tending to his priestly flock, Saint Fortunatus is remembered for also working as a farmer, living off the land he tilled, and sharing all he could tend and raise with those in need.=C2 He is frequently described as driving cattle with a small stick, stopping to distribute all he owned the poor. One particular legend recounts how while tilling the earth one day, Saint Fortunatus discovered two dull coins, seemingly worth very little.=C2 Thanking God, and slipping the coins in his pocket, he continued his work until sunset, certain and confident that the Lord would inspire him as to how to use the newly discovered currency.=C2 As the sun set, Saint Fortunatus began driving his cattle home.=C2 Upon the road, the saintly man met a poor beggar, and reaching into his pocket discovered that the dull coins had been transformed into radiant gold. Rather than keep the coins, he quickly gave them away to the beggar, overcoming his own avarice.=C2 In this manner, Saint Fortunatus demonstrates how to overcome greed, converting wealth and desire into love for those in need. Upon his death, it is said that he was buried in a field called the =E2=80=9CAgellus,=E2=80=9D which he had frequently tended.=C2 The rod th= at he had used to dive his oxen miraculously flowered and grew into a majestic tree, when stuck into the ground following his death.=C2 He is often depicted holding a rod which appears to be flowering at its tip. It is said that 20 years following the death of Saint Fortunatus, Saint Severus stopped at his grave en route to Ravenna where he was to stand trial.=C2 Praying for the intercession of the saint, he was acquitted and returned to build a church on the spot of Fortunatus' burial.=C2 The church was consecrated on August 8, 422, by Bishop Spes of Spoleto, and the relics of the saint were translated to its altar. While we know little about the life of Saint Fortunatus, we recognize in him the calling to the path of service that the Lord provided, and the refinement of his own sins through the grace of God and practice of charity.=C2 We look to Saint Fortuantus as a reminder and inspiration that we, too, are called to share what we have with those in need, that regardless of our current struggles, there are those in worse situations, and that through our charitable works, we radiate the love of God on earth for all to see. We pray, today, for the inspiration of Saint Fortuatus, that we may live lives of charity and love for all we encounter. by Jacob Saint Quote: Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides of death always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence the first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord, and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father's mercy. -- Saint Cyprian of Carthage Bible Quote: O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable his ways! =C2 [Romans 11:33 ] DRB <><><><> Mother of Mercy By St Bonaventure (1217-74) Seraphic Doctor Virgin full of goodness, Mother of Mercy, I entrust to you my body and soul, my thoughts, my actions, my life and my death. O my Queen, help me, and deliver me from all the snares of the devil. Obtain for me the grace of loving my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, with a true and perfect love, and after Him, O Mary, to love you with all my heart and above all things. Amen --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .