Archive for May, 2009

Saint John I


Saint John
Pope and martyr
526 A.D.

Pope John was by birth, a Tuscan. He distinguished himself from his youth in the Roman clergy, of which he became the oracle and the model. He was archdeacon when, after the death of Hormisdas, in 523, he was chosen pope. Theodoric the Arian King of the Goths, held Italy in subjection, and though endowed with some great qualities, did not divert himself of that disposition of cruelty and jealousy, which is always an ingredient in the character of an ambitious tyrant and a barbarian.

It happened that the Emperor Justin published an edict, ordering the Arians to deliver up all the churches they were possessed of to the Catholic bishops, by whom they were to be consecrated anew. Theodoric, was the patron of that sect, took this law very ill; and in revenge threatened, that if it was not repealed in the East, he would not only treat the Catholics in his dominions in the same manner, but would fill Rome with blood and slaughter. Being, however, in some awe of the Emperor, he resolved to try what he could by negotiation, and sent the Pope, at the head of an embassy of five bishops and four senators, of which three have been consuls, to Constantinople on that errand.

John used all manner of entreaties to decline such a commission, but was compelled by the King to take it upon him. He was received in the East with the greatest honors possible; and the whole city Constantinople went out twelve miles to meet him, carrying wax tapers and crosses. The Emperor, to use the words of Anastatius, prostrated himself before the most blessed pope, who also relates that the saint, entering the city, restored sight to a blind man at the golden gate, who begged that favor of him. The same is mentioned by St. Gregory the Great, who adds, that the horse on which he rode would never after bear any other rider.

The joy of that city was universal on this occasion, and the pomp with which the successor of St. Peter was received seemed to surpass the festival of a triumph. Authors vary as to the issue of his embassy; some say that the Pope confirmed Justin in his resolution of taking away the churches from the heretics; but Anastasius tells us that the pope persuaded Justin to treat the Arians with moderation, and to leave them the churches of which they were possessed, and that the Emperor acquiesced.

However that be, whilst our saint was in the East, Theodoric caused the great Boetius, who was the Pope’s most intimate friend, both before and after he was raised to the pontificate, to be apprehended. And no sooner was Pope John landed at Ravenna, Italy but, together with the four senators, his colleagues, he was cast into a dark and loathsome dungeon. The tyrant forbid any succor or comfort to be allowed to the prisoners, so that the by the hardships of his confinement, and the stench of the place, the good Pope died at Ravenna, on 27 May, 526, soon after the cruel execution of Boetius, having sat two years and nine months. His body was conveyed to Rome, and buried in the Vatican church. The two letters, which bear his name are suppositions, as appears from their very dates, &e.

When we see wicked men prosper, and saints die in dungeons, we are far from doubting of providence, we are strengthened in the assured belief that God, who has stamped the marks of infinite wisdom and goodness on all his works, has appointed a just retribution in the world to come. And faith reveals to us clearly this important secret. We at present see only one of the chain’s links in the conduct of providence towards men; many links in it are now concealed from our eyes. Let us wait a little, and we shall see in the eternity God’s goodness abundantly justified.

Who does not envy the happiness of a martyr in his dungeon when he beholds the inward joy, peace, and the sentiments of charity, with which he closes his eyes to this world! and much more when he contemplates in spirit the glory with which the soul of the saint is conducted by angels, like Lazarus, to the abodes of the immortal bliss! On the contrary, the wicked tyrant cannot think himself safe, upon his throne, and amidst his armies, but sits, like Damocles under the terrible sword in the midst of his enjoyments in the dreary expectation every moment of perishing. At best, his treacherous pleasures are a wretched exchange for the true joy and peace of virtue; nor can he fly from the torment of his own conscience, or the stench of his guilt. How dreadfully hard his horrors, increased upon the approach of death! And how will he to all eternity condemn his extravagant folly, unless by sincere repentance, he shall have prevented everlasting woes!

The Little Catholic Store


May 21 2009 | The Other Saints | No Comments »

Saint Julia


Saint Julia
virgin and martyr
May 23

Julia was a noble virgin at Carthage, who when that city was taken by Genseric in 439, was sold for a slave to a pagan merchant of Syria. Under the most mortifying employments of her station, by cheerfulness and patience she found, besides her sanctification, a present happiness and comfort which the world could not have afforded. All the time she was employed in her master’s business was devoted to prayer and reading books of piety.

Julia fasted very rigorously every day but Sunday; nor could all the entreaties of her master who was charmed with her fidelity and other virtues, nor the hardships of her situation, prevail with her to be more tender to herself. The merchant thought proper to carry her with him in one of his voyages to Gaul, where he imported the most valuable commodities of the Levant. Having reached the northern part of Corsica, or that point now called Capo-Corso, he cast anchor and went on shore to join the pagans of the place in an idolatrous festival kept there at that time with the sacrifice of a bull.

Julia was left at some distance because she would not be defiled by the superstitious ceremonies, which she openly reviled. Felix, the governor of the island, who was a bigoted pagan, asked the merchant who the woman was who dared to insult the gods. He informed him that she was a Christian, and that all his authority over her was too weal to prevail with her to renounce her religion; but that he found her so diligent and faithful he could not part with her.

The governor offered him four of his best female slaves in exchange for her. But the merchant, whose name was Eusebius, replied, “No; all you are worth will not purchase her; for I would freely lose the most valuable thing I have in the world rather than be deprived of her.” However, the governor, whilst Eusebius was drunk and asleep, took upon him to compel her to sacrifice to his gods. He proffered to procure her liberty if she would comply.

The saint made answer that she was as free as she desired to be, as long as she was allowed to serve Jesus Christ; and whatever should happen, she would never purchase her liberty by so abominable a crime. Felix thinking himself derided by her undaunted and resolute air, in a transport of rage caused her to be struck on the face, and the hair of her head to be torn off; and lastly, ordered her to be hanged on a cross till she expired.

Certain monks of the isle of Gorgon (which is now called La Gorgons, and lies between Corsica and Leghorn) carried off her body; but in 763, Desiderius, King of Lombardy, removed her relics to Brescia, where her memory is celebrated with great devotion.

Saint Julia, whether free or a slave, whether in prosperity or in adversity,was equally fervent and devout. she adored all the sweet designs pf providence; and far from complaining, she never ceased to praise and thank God under all His holy appointments, making them always the means of her virtue and mortification. God, by an admirable chain of events, raised her by her fidelity too the honour of the saints, and to the dignity of a virgin and martyr.

Little Catholic Store


May 15 2009 | The Other Saints | No Comments »