Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Sylvia (d.593)

Saint Sylvia was the mother of Saint Gregory the Great. When Sylvia's husband passed away, her son Gregory converted their home into a monastery. Silvia was then able to retire to a life of solitude in a small home in close proximity to the Church of Saint Sava. She often brought fresh vegetables to her son on a silver platter. One day, when Gregory found himself with no food to give a humble beggar, he gave him the silver platter instead. Sylvia is believed to have died between 592 and 594. After her passing, Gregory had a portrait of his parents depicted in the Church of Saint Andrew. Pope Clement VIII added Sylvia to the Roman Martyrology in the the 16th century. Saint Sylvia is the patron saint of pregnant women.

Reflection

Change can be difficult for us to accept, but a lot of good can come from it. Saint Sylvia had to deal with a lot of change in her life, from her husband's passing to her home's conversion into a monastery. However, after these changes Saint Sylvia was able to retire to a life of solitude and prayer near her son. How do you deal with change? Ask Jesus to help you handle changes in your life, and to always be open to his message and love.

Prayer

God, our rock, we know you are there for us. You are strong and ever-present. Be with us in these times of change. Strengthen and encourage us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

When you wake up in the morning, what is your first thought? Is it, "Uggggh, I am sooo tired!" or "I do not want to take that test this afternoon!" or maybe "So glad it's the weekend and I don't have homework!" ? Do you notice something about all of these thoughts? They are all about ME. In St Paul's letter to the Philippians, he tells us not to do anything out of selfishness or vainglory - which is pretty hard in a culture that constantly tells us to look out for ourselves. In order to cultivate the habit of being less selfish or less vainglorious (that is, less obsessed with seeking attention and recognition from others), try to make your first thought in the morning about anything but yourself. Maybe say a prayer for a friend who is struggling or a loved one who passed away; maybe name one thing for which you are grateful; maybe slowly say the Lord's Prayer or the Hail Mary. Even this small gesture can be a big step toward becoming more other-centered and more loving.