Who is St Agatha?
Almost nothing is
historically certain about this saint except that she was martyred in Sicily in
251. Legend say she scorned a suitor who then had her arrested as a Christian
and tortured. She died from wounds to her breasts. Other legends say she
survived the torture only to be burned at the stake. All agree she died from
suffering. It has been said that “the blood of the martyrs” is the nourishment
of the Church. But, it is also true that the blood of martyrs is the often
repeated result of war and human violence. In honoring St. Agatha, she may be
trying to help us learn tolerance for others who disagree with us, and to teach
us a kinder, gentler way of living in the world.
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Prayer
to St. Agatha
St. Agatha, woman of valor, we ask your prayers
for those who suffer, especially from breast cancer. You were a victim of
torture and learned, first hand, of human cruelty and inhumanity. We ask you to
pray for our world. Ask God to send us His Spirit of Serenity, to help us share
that peace with all we meet, and to give us the Grace we need to remain holy in
difficulties, not allowing our anger or our bitterness to overtake us. Pray that
we will be more peaceful, more charitable, and strive to create a world of
justice and peace. Amen.
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