Subj : On Self-Denial, and Renunciation of all Cupidity To : All From : rich Date : Mon Feb 19 2018 09:10:44 From: rich On Self-Denial, and Renunciation of all Cupidity [III] CHRIST. I have said, exchange what men consider desirable and honorable for that which they hold in low esteem. For true heavenly wisdom, having no exalted opinion of itself (Rom.12:16) seeks no recognition from the world, is almost disregarded by men and seems to them useless and of no importance. Many pay it lip-service, but it plays no part in their lives. Yet this is the precious pearl that remains hidden from many.(Matt.13:46) --Thomas =C3 Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 3, Ch 32 <<>><<>><<>> February 20th =E2=80=93 St. Eucherius of Orl=C3=A9ans, Abbot Born at Orl=C3=A9ans, France; died February 20, 743. Eucherius's sanctity was formed in the domestic church. His mother was a lady of great virtue. While she was carrying her son, she begged God daily for divine grace and offered the unborn Eucherius to the Father. At his birth, his parents dedicated him to God. When he was seven, his studies were planned to form both mind and soul. After being well-educated, especially in theology, Eucherius entered the Benedictine abbey of Jumi=C3=A8ges on the Seine in the diocese of Rouen c. 714. He spent six or seven years here practicing penitential austerities and obedience, until the senate, people, and clergy of Orl=C3=A9ans deputed persons to Charles Martel, mayor of the palace, to beg his permission to elect Eucherius to the see vacated by the death of Eucherius's uncle, Bishop Suavaric. Charles Martel agreed and sent one of his principal officers to conduct Eucherius from his monastery to Orl=C3=A9ans. Eucherius was horrified at the notion of being consecrated bishop and sought the protection of his brother monks. But they preferred the public good to their private inclinations, and resigned him up for that important charge. Eucherius was received and consecrated at Orl=C3=A9ans with universal applause in 721. Although he was apprehensive about assuming the responsibilities of a see, his prayer life was vital. He found all the help and encouragement he needed in his relationship with God. Eucherius devoted himself entirely to the care of his church. He was indefatigable in instructing and reforming his flock. His sweet spirit and charity were so genuine that, in general, he was loved and obeyed even by those whom he reproved. Except Charles Martel. In order to finance his wars and reward his vassals, Charles Martel often stripped the churches of their revenues, and encouraged others to do the same. Eucherius, who reproved these encroachments, was represented to the prince as offering a personal attack; therefore, in 737, Charles stopped in Orl=C3=A9ans on his return to Paris after having defeated the Saracens in Aquitaine. He ordered Eucherius to follow him to Verneuil upon the Oise, in the diocese of Beauvais, where he then kept his court. There Eucherius and all his relatives were exiled to Cologne in 737 by Charles Martel. Yet even in exile, Eucherius bloomed where God had planted him. The citizens of Cologne soon highly esteemed his virtue. So Charles Martel ordered him to move again, this time to a fortress in Hasbain (Haspengaw) near Li=C3=A8ge, where he was placed under house arrest. But the governor, Robert, so charmed with his virtue, that he made him almoner, and allowed him to retire to the monastery of Sarchinium, or Saint-Trond's near Maastricht, where he spent his last years in prayer and contemplation. His life was written by a contemporary (Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth). Saint Eleutherius is portrayed in art as a bishop with a monstrance. Sometimes he is shown (1) being blessed by Christ as he carries the monstrance among poor and wounded soldiers; or (2) as an angel frees him from stripes (Roeder). Saint Quote: It is needful also to make use of tradition, for not everything can be gotten from sacred Scripture. The holy apostles handed down some things in the scriptures, other things in tradition. -- Saint Epiphanius of Salamis Bible Quote: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13) <><><><> Ask Our LORD'S BLESSING Taken from JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH NOVENA MANUAL: Father Stedman Before leaving the Blessed Sacrament. BLESS ME, O God of bounty! Bless me, Thou Who art holy and good! Bless me a= s Thou didst bless the patriarchs and prophets; as Thou didst bless Thy beloved Mother; as Thou didst bless Thy disciples before ascending into Heaven. BLESS MY EYES. Never permit them to behold vanity. BLESS MY EARS. Set around them a hedge of thorns to guard them from hearing unChristian words. BLESS MY MOUTH. Surround it with a guard of truth and kindness. BLESS MY BODY. Grant that chastity may clothe it as with a garment of glory= ... BLESS MY MIND. Grant that my thoughts may be like Thine. BLESS MY HEART. Kindle in it the fire of love which Thou didst bring on earth. Make it the sanctuary of every virtue. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .