Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Readings: Heb 7:25—8:6; PS 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17; Mk 3:7-12
Prayers in the night
This grotto has been here for at least 25 years or more. Situated outside people come night and day to pray.
Many come from different traditions. Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, Other Christian. In the terror of night they come seeking relief for their sorrows. Anxiety sorrow, pain sorrow, brokenhearted sorrow, and the sorrow of low horizons. The sorrows of the human family.
But they come. Because this place. This tiny place is holy ground. It is made holy by the unending prayer of people. It is made holy because we choose to reach out to the eternal in this place again and again.
Today is the Memorial day for Saint Agnes.
From Catholic Culture:
One day when Agnes, then thirteen years old, was returning home from school, she happened to meet Symphronius, a son of the city prefect. At once he became passionately attracted to her and tried to win her by precious gifts. Agnes repelled him, saying: “Away from me, food of death, for I have already found another lover”.
Incensed by her rebuff, Symphronius denounced Agnes to his father, the city prefect. When he threatened her with commitment to a house of ill fame, Agnes replied: “At my side I have a protector of my body, an angel of the Lord” (2. Ant., Lauds). “When Agnes entered the house of shame, she found an angel of the Lord ready to protect her” (1. Ant., Lauds). A light enveloped her and blinded all who tried to approach. Then another judge condemned her to the stake because the pagan priests accused her of sorcery.
After the flames died out, she continued: “I praise You, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because by Your Son the fire around me was extinguished” (4. Ant., Lauds). And now she longed for union with Christ: “Behold, what I yearned for, I already see; what I hoped for, I already hold in embrace; with Him I am united in heaven whom on earth I loved with all my heart” (Ben. Ant.). Her wish was granted; the judge ordered her beheaded. —The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Patron: Affianced couples; betrothed couples; bodily purity; chastity; Children of Mary; Colegio Capranica of Rome; crops; engaged couples; gardeners; Girl Scouts; girls; rape victims; diocese of Rockville Centre, New York; virgins.
Read more about her life here: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2020-01-21
Mother Who is Blessed (Blessed Mother)
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Women in Leadership
So Saint Agnes and the Blessed Mother watch over us.
They intercede with the Eternal One to, please, watch over women who help govern this land. Amen.
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Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 