Saint of the Day (Sunday, March 31, 2013) - St. Stephen of Mar Saba

Sunday, March 31, 2013 St. Stephen of Mar Saba (d. 794) A "do not disturb" sign helped today's saint find holiness and peace. Stephen of Mar Saba was the nephew of St. John Damascene, who introduced the young boy to monastic life beginning at age 10. When he reached 24, Stephen served the community in a variety of ways, including guest master. After some time he asked permission to live a hermit's life. The answer from the abbot was yes and no: Stephen could follow his preferred lifestyle during the week, but on weekends he was to offer his skills as a counselor. Stephen placed a note on the door of his cell: "Forgive me, Fathers, in the name of the Lord, but please do not disturb me except on Saturdays and Sundays." Despite his calling to prayer and quiet, Stephen displayed uncanny skills with people and was a valued spiritual guide. His biographer and disciple wrote about Stephen: "Whatever help, spiritual or material, he was asked to give, he gave. He received and honored all with the same kindness. He possessed nothing and lacked nothing. In total poverty he possessed all things." Stephen died in 794. CLICK HERE FOR PRINT VERSION If you are having difficulty listening to Saint of the Day audio, or need help setting up an audio player, go to our Audio Help page for more information. SHARE THIS EMAIL: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ Check out all our fine free e-newsletters from Franciscan Media: 28 W. Liberty Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Copyright© 1996-2012 Franciscan Media. All rights reserved. Unsubscribe

We were left shackled in the sun all day...

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Dear Catholic Online Reader,     "Roll call was at five in the morning. They would burst into the cells and force us outside. When the whistle sounded, everybody had to fall silent and stand at attention, even during downpours and snowstorms, in the winter ice, or under the scorching summer sun….”     This Easter season, I’d like to share with you Bishop Simoni’s story. Under Communist rule in Albania, the young priest was imprisoned and tortured.     We were left in the sun all day. Shackled and left that way. Guns were tied to us. That way if we made any movements, we would shoot ourselves." Yet this priest’s Faith embraced him and lifted him up when he feared he could no longer stand. Faith filled his heart with prayer when his captors cursed God and His existence.     After his release, Bishop Simoni was forced to minister to his flock secretly, praying from his concealed Bible. Faithful would quietly gather in the hallway of an apartment building, some carrying babies to be baptized, all were in grave danger.     "Easter was the biggest holiday we celebrated. We hung wreaths, but did so that it did not look religious. We also baked cakes. But we celebrated in secret."     At this very moment priests are risking their lives—in Syria, India, and Iraq. As it was for Jesus, their incredible commitment to their Faith helps them to rise above their suffering, and tend to their faithful.     This Easter, please help our priests in danger. Your gift is a testament to your faith. Your prayers and support will demonstrate that our shared Faith is unbroken, and, like Jesus, will ever rise above the pain and suffering in this world. You will be remembered gratefully in their prayers.     May the joy of the Risen Christ be with you and your loved ones now and always.

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