Subj : March 11th - Saint Eulogius of Cordova To : All From : rich Date : Sun Mar 10 2019 10:14:46 From: rich March 11th - Saint Eulogius of Cordova (died 859) Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Eulogius of Cordova , a pious priest who offered encouragement to those facing martyrdom at the hands of the Moors, before being martyred himself. Saint Eulogius demonstrated courageous love for the Lord, accepting martyrdom even when his position within society would have allowed him to avoid such a fate. He recorded a detailed history of the martyrs of Cordoba, illuminating the widespread heroic faith which occurred in that region. Saint Eulogius was born of a senatorial family of Cordova, Spain. At that time, Cordova was the capital city of the Moorish occupation of Spain, and the Christians in that region were ever at risk. Over time, many recanted their faith, turning to Islam, and adopting the customs of the Moors. Saint Eulogius was educated and ordained a priest, and became the leader of the local church in Cordova, teaching as principal at the ecclesiastical school there. Despite the pressure from the occupying forces, he continued to celebrate Mass and offer encouragement to those brave Christians who held true to the faith. In 850, Saint Eulogius was imprisoned for his acts of faith. Not content to languish in captivity, he wrote his manuscript, =E2=80=9CExhortation to Martyrdom,=E2=80=9D which he addressed to the virgi= n martyrs Flora and Mary, who were beheaded in 851. Throughout their imprisonment, he offered spiritual guidance and support, encouraging them to stay strong in their faith, and to look to martyrdom as glorious testimony to Jesus Christ. Following their deaths, he was released=E2=80=A6 but the martyrdom of members of his congregation continue= d. In 852, several more were killed for the faith, with Saint Eulogius by their side offering strength throughout. Following Saint Eulogius' concealment and assistance in escaping of the virgin Leocritia, he was summoned before the Muslim magistrate and scourged. Saint Eulogius bravely stated the simple truth of the Gospel, encouraging all in earshot to repent and convert. The magistrate, not sure what to do with this learned and respected man, sent him before the king. There, Eulogius again presented the truths of the Gospel, and was ordered to be decapitated so as not to influence others to follow Christ. While being led away to his execution, one of his captors struck him on the face for daring spoken against the prophet Mohammad. Saint Eulogius patiently (and literally) turned the other check, allowing the guard to strike him a second time. Saint Eulogius bravely and cheerfully went to his martyrdom, decapitated on the 11th of March. His life reminds us that all we have is given to us by the Lord=E2=80=94that without Him, we are nothing. The message of Ash Wednesday resonates with the lives of these =E2=80=9Cvolunta= ry=E2=80=9D martyrs of Cordova who gave their lives for their faith, recognizing that those lives belonged to He who created them. Saint Eulogius, pray for us, that we may be ever mindful that all our gifts come from God, that we not be prideful, but willing always to follow His lead. Amen by Jacob Saint Quote: =E2=80=9CA single act of pure love pleases Me more than a thousand imperfec= t prayers. One of your sighs of love atones for many offenses with which the godless overwhelm Me....=E2=80=9D --Words of Our Lord to Saint Faustina(#1489) Bible Quote: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.=C2 (Hebrews 13:5) <<>><<>> Invitation to Jesus: a prayer of Saint Gertrude. O Jesus, surpassingly sweet, who has said with Thine own gracious lips that Thy delights are to be with the children of men, my soul longeth for Thee, my heart yearneth now towards Thee. I invite Thee to come unto me with all that devotion, and that love, wherewith any loving soul hath ever invited Thee to itself. Come, then, O most beloved, and only love of my soul; come and turn aside awhile into the poor and wretched hovel of my heart. Come, Thou Heavenly Physician, come and heal my stricken soul. Amen. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .