Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Zeno of Nicomedia (d.303)

Saint Zeno was a Roman soldier. He was apprehended and condemned to death for laughing at and ridiculing Emperor Diocletian's sacrifice to a statue of the goddess Ceres. His jaws were shattered for opposing the emperor and he was beheaded. Saint Zeno of Nicomedia stood strong, and was willingly martyred for his faith.

Reflection

Although our society does not violently persecute Christians, Saint Zeno is an example to us of the long tradition of Christians who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith. If you were in a society like that of Saint Zeno, would you be willing to practice your Christian faith even if you knew it might be dangerous? Would you fearlessly face death for your beliefs? Many Christians around the world are still targeted and victimized for their faith.

Prayer

Pray for the Christians and Catholics throughout the world who are being treated poorly and sometimes violently attacked for their faith. Ask God to help others love them and treat them with compassion.