13TH MARCH 2003
ST EUPHRASIA
VIRGIN ( a.d 380--420)
;LIFE:
Euphrasia was a daughter of a senator of constantinople( Turkey)
Antigonus, who died shortly after her birth.He was related to the Emperor
Theodosius I , who took the widow and the child under his protection.As the
custom ,Theodosius arranged a betrothal for Euphrasia , at the age of 5,
to the son of a wealthy senator.The widow went with Euphrasia to Egypt
where they settled down near a convent of nuns.
When 7 years old, she was greatly drawn to the life of the
convent & begged her mother to allow her to stay with them, the abbbess
told her that the Grace of God was working in Euphrasia.,soon after
Euphrasia got the habit ,her mother died.
Meanwhile she declined her btrothed who then desired the
marriage.12 years old now and an heiress, she wrote a letter to Emperor;
to allow her to follow her vocation and requesting him to use her
parents` property among the poor and to enfranchise all her slaves.Arcadius
compiled with her requests. Euphrasia was given hard and humbling tasks to
divert her attention from the world ,to which she was tenpted to
return.She compiled cheerfully to whatever she was bidden to do.
Years later, as she lay on her death bed ,Julia who
shared her cell, besought her to obtain for the grace of being with her
in heaven.The saint died and three days after, Julia followed suit.
According to Russian usage St.Euphrasia is named in preparation of the
Byzantine Mass.
REFLECTION:
** Christ does not force our will.He takes only
what we give him.But does not give himself entirely until He see that we
yield ourselves entirley to Him** ( St.Teresa of Avila)
COMMENT:
***** ABOVE all things and in all things, O my soul, rest always in
God,
for He is the everlasting rest of the saints.
Grant, most sweet and loving Jesus, that I may seek my repose
in You above every creature; above all health and beauty; above
every honor and glory; every power and dignity; above all
knowledge and cleverness, all riches and arts, all joy and
gladness; above all fame and praise, all sweetness and
consolation; above every hope and promise, every merit and desire;
above all the gifts and favors that You can give or pour down upon
me; above all the joy and exultation that the mind can receive and
feel; and finally, above the angels and archangels and all the
heavenly host; above all things visible and invisible; and may I
seek my repose in You above everything that is not You, my God.****( IMITATION OF
CHRIST..)
we adore Thee O Christ and we bless Thee,Because of Thy Holy Cross
Thou ha s redeemed the world....!!!!!
S.THOMAS
NOTTINGHAM
ENGLAND
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