Subj : November 4th - SS. Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs To : All From : rich Date : Tue Nov 03 2020 09:01:52 From: rich November 4th - SS. Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs ST. AMBROSE informs us that Agricola was a gentleman of Bologna, whose behaviour in the world had engaged the affection of the idolaters amongst whom he lived. Vitalis, his slave, learned from him the Christian religion, and first received the crown; for the servant and the freeman are one and the same thing in Christ, nor is there any difference from their condition in their reward. They were both seized, probably in the year 304, and Vitalis first put to the torture. He ceased not to praise God so long as he had the use of his tongue; and seeing no part of his body left which was not covered with wounds and blood, he prayed Jesus Christ to receive his soul, and to bestow on him that crown which his angel had shown him. His prayer was no sooner ended than he gave up the ghost. Agricola's execution was deferred out of a cruel compassion, that t= ime and the sight of the sufferings of his faithful servant might daunt his resolution. But he was animated and encouraged by such an example. Whereupon the affection of the judges and people was converted into fury; and the martyr was hung on a cross, and his body pierced with so many huge nails that the number of his wounds surpassed that of his limbs. The bodies of the martyrs were laid in the burial place of the Jews. St. Ambrose flying from the arms of the tyrant Eugenius, came to Bologna in 393, and there discovered these relics. He took to himself some of the blood that was found in the bottom of the grave, and the cross and nails which were the instruments of Agricola's martyrdom. Juliana, a devout widow of Florence, invited him to dedicate a church she had built in that city, and begged of him this treasure, which he was not able to refuse her, and the value of which he much extols to her three daughters, bidding them receive with respect these presents of salvation, which were laid under the altar. See St. Ambrose, Exhort. ad Virginit. c. 1, 2. St. Gregory of Tours, l. de Glor. Mart. c. 44. Saint Quote: We must meditate before, during and after everything we do. The prophet says: "I will pray, and then I will understand." This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are part of our work. In meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in other men. --Saint Charles Borromeo <><><><> Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead "Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you my friends, because the hand of the Lord hath touched me" Job. 19-21. FOURTH DAY Death separates us; it breaks the earthly tie which binds us one to another, but it cannot break the spiritual tie which unites one soul to another - one heart to another. Prayers: Our Father, Three Hail Marys, Gloria, De Profundis De Profundis =C2 =C2 Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice. =C2 =C2 Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. =C2 =C2 If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it? =C2 =C2 For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord. =C2 =C2 From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy; And with Him plenteous redemption. =C2 =C2 And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities. =C2 =C2 Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon them: =C2 =C2 May they rest in peace. Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, by the merits of Thy Precious Blood, deign to succour and release the Souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is most abandoned. Place it today in Heaven that in union with the angels and Thy Blessed Mother, it may praise Thee forever. Amen. See whole prayer at: http://www.dailycatholic.org/deprofun.htm#deprofundis --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .