Subj : =?UTF-8?Q?August_14th_=E2=80=93_Saint_Athanasia_of_Timia?= To : All From : rich Date : Fri Aug 13 2021 10:26:04 From: rich August 14th =E2=80=93 Saint Athanasia of Timia Born on the island of Aegina; died 860. Some complain that most of the saints were hermits and virgins, priests and popes, who bear little resemblance to the typical Catholic in the pews. Saint Athanasia was married. Not only was she married, she was married twice. Both times she did so reluctantly. The first time her parents arranged a marriage to an army officer. Although Athanasia would have preferred the religious life, she readily complied with their wishes. Three weeks after their wedding, her husband was killed in a battle with a Moorish raiding party from Spain. The savagery of these raids so decimated the population of Aegina that authorities passed a law that made celibacy illicit. So, Athanasia married again. She was equally yoked with her second spouse. Together they led a life of good works and prayer so that their home became a center of religious activity. His wealth permitted them the means to extend considerable charity to those in need. In a division of labor, Athanasia visited the sick in their homes in the city and countryside, while her husband remained at home and dispensed aid to all who came to them. On Sundays, Athanasia conducted Bible-reading groups. After a few years of marriage, her husband decided to become a monk. He turned over all his property to Athanasia, so that she could continue their work. When he had entered the monastery, Athanasia turned their home into a convent. The sisters lived an extremely austere life that was moderated by the able guidance of an abbot named Matthias, who also suggested that they move the convent to a more isolated location called Tamia. The monastery grew and so prospered at Tamia that the fame of Athanasia reached the ears of the empress at Constantinople. Theodora, the wife of Emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast, called her to Constantinople to help her restore the veneration of images. Athanasia stayed in Constantinople for 7 years, and fell deathly ill shortly after her return to Tamia. Nevertheless, Athanasia continued to attend divine office until the eve of her death (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). In art, Saint Athanasia is shown weaving. There is a star over her or on her breast. Sometimes the picture will include Empress Theodora (Roeder). Reflection: As the body sinks under fatigue unless supported by food, so external works, however holy, wear out the soul which is not regularly nourished by prayer. In the most crowded day we can still make time secretly to lift our soul up to God and draw new strength from Him. Saint Quote: Whatever a man prefers to God, that he makes a god to himself. -- Saint Cyprian of Carthage Saint Quote: =E2=80=9COnly the =E2=80=9Cnew=E2=80=9D person can sing a new song to the L= ord: the person restored from a fallen condition through the grace of God. Let us sing a new song =E2=80=93 not with our lips but with our lives!=E2=80=9D --St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church <><><><> QUEEN of Heaven, most Holy Mary, I was once a slave of sin, but now I consecrate myself to thee as thy client forever. I give myself to thine honor and service for the rest of my life. Do not reject me as I deserve, but accept me as thy servant. I have placed all my hope in thee as my Mother. I bless and thank Almighty God, because in His mercy He has given me this confidence in thee. It is true that in the past I have shamefully fallen into sin; but I trust that, through thy prayers and the merits of Jesus Christ, I have been forgiven. But yet, my Mother, this is not enough. One fear I have which troubles me: that I may fall into sin again and lose the grace of God. The dangers are constant; my enemies never sleep; and new temptations will assail me. O my Lady, protect me. Help me in the assaults of Hell, so I may never again offend thy Divine Son Jesus. Let not the same thing happen again, that I lose my soul, Heaven, and God. This is the grace I beg of thee, O Mary; this is what I long for; obtain this grace for me through thy prayers. Amen. Thus, I hope. Thus, may it be. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .