Subj : =?UTF-8?Q?May_31st_=E2=80=93_St=2E_Petronilla_of_Rome?=
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From : rich
Date : Thu May 30 2019 09:30:27

From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

May 31st =E2=80=93 St. Petronilla of Rome

It is probable that Aurelia Petronilla was of the imperial family of
the Flavii. The early traditions of the Church speak of her as being
the spiritual daughter of the Prince of the Apostles; and though she
did not, like Domitilla, lay down her life for the faith, she did
offer to Jesus that next richest gift, her virginity. The same
venerable authorities tell us also that a Roman Patrician, by name
Flaccus, having asked her in marriage, she requested three days for
consideration, during which she confidently besought the aid of her
divine Spouse. Flaccus presented himself on the third day, but found
the palace in mourning, and her family busy in preparing the funeral
obsequies of the young virgin, who had taken her flight to heaven, as
a dove that is startled by an intruder's approach.

In the eighth century, the holy Pope Paul I had the body of Petronilla
taken from the cemetery of Domitilla, on the Ardeatine Way. Her relics
were found in a marble sarcophagus, the lid of which was adorned, at
each corner, with a dolphin. The Pope had them enshrined in a little
church, which he built near the south side of the Vatican Basilica.
This church was destroyed in the 16th century, in consequence of the
alterations needed for the building of the new Basilica of St. Peter;
and the relics of St. Petronilla were translated to one of its altars
on the west side. It was but just that she should await her glorious
resurrection under the shadow of the great Apostle who had initiated
her in the faith, and prepared her for her eternal nuptials with the
Lamb.

Thy triumph, O Petronilla, is one of our Easter joys. We lovingly
venerate thy blessed memory. Thou didst disdain the pleasures and
honors of the world, and thy virginal name is one of the first on the
list of the Church of Rome, which was thy mother. Aid her now by thy
prayers. Protect those who seek thine intercession, and teach us how
to celebrate, with holy enthusiasm, the solemnities that are soon to
gladden us.

Excerpted from The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.

Patron: against fever; dauphins of France; mountain travellers;
treaties between Popes and Frankish emperors.

Symbols: Keys; broom and closed book; crown of roses; dolphin.
Often portrayed as: Being healed by Saint Peter; early Christian
maiden with a broom; holding a set of keys; lying dead but incorrupt
in her coffin with flowers in her hair; receiving the newly dead into
heaven; spurning a marriage proposal, with a ring being offered by a
king; standing with Saint Peter; woman with a dolphin.


Quote:
A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover, as the love of
the giver. He esteems the affection above the gift, and values every
gift far below the Beloved. A noble lover is not content with a gift,
but desires Myself above all gifts.
--Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

Bible Quote:
"The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath cursed his sanctuary: he
hath delivered the walls of the towers thereof into the hand of the
enemy: ... The Lord hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter
of Sion: ... and hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: and the
bulwark ... and the wall hath been destroyed together. Her gates are
sunk into the ground: he hath destroyed, and broken her bars: her king
and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more, and her
prophets have found no vision from the Lord"=C2  (Lamentations 2:7-9)


<><><><>
Prayer for Those in the Armed Service

O God, we implore Thee, watch over those exposed to the horrors of war
and to the spiritual dangers of a soldier's, a sailor's or airman's
life. Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever
lead them to deny it, or fear to practice it. Do Thou by Thy grace,
fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that, being
preserved from vice, and serving Thee faithfully, they may be ready to
meet death whenever it may happen, through Christ our Lord. O Sacred
Heart, inspire them with sorrow for sin, and grant them pardon. Mother
of God, be with them in battle, and, if they should be called to make
the supreme sacrifice, obtain for them that they may die in the grace
of thy Divine Son. May their guardian angels protect them. Amen.

--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)

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