A Saint is Found

Angela has a Saint for 2010

This year my youngest cat, Erica, asked (nay, demanded) to be the channel for Angela Messenger's saint for 2010.  Erica, being new to this whole channeling business, was having a tough time.  But finally, on our last session, with the candles lit, incense clouding the room, Gregorian chant wafting from the computer speakers, I managed to get her focused enough to complete the job.

It was a sight to behold. There was little Erica, sitting upright with knees crossed,  paws resting gently on her thighs, and eyes raised heavenward when she quietly spoke,  "Mummmmeow." Not being sure if this was Angela's saint, or a request to visit the litter box, or possibly york up her dinner, I asked her to repeat more slowly what she had said. 

"Mummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeophen."  Ok. Maybe we're getting somewhere now.  Let's try that one more time - really, really slowly.

Before she could utter another word, her purr-box started to emit a sound that was like the heavens singing. Her expression became beatific and as clear as a bell  she said,

"What, are you stupid?  I've said St. Stephen twice now!! Do I need to spell it out? (Well, she is a cat and not likely to suffer fools gladly)

So, Saint Stephen it is...

Prayer to St. Stephen the Protomartyr 

O Great St. Stephen, the scriptures tell us that your face was like an angel’s as you witnessed to the truth of Christ.

Please ask the Most Holy Trinity to fill my soul and the souls of all my brothers and sisters throughout the world with a deep hunger for the truth that comes from the Heart of Jesus, and also with the loving courage to embrace and profess the truth even amid difficulties, confusion, and persecution. 

May the serenity and peace which were yours at the hour of your stoning be ours as well as we wait in hope for the coming of the Lord Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Amen.

  

NOTE: You need not be Catholic to have a patron saint.  Angela works hard each year assigning saints to all those that request them.  However, she does have a cut off date of Dec. 1st.  If you wish to have a patron saint, head on over to her blog.   All are welcome...

Artwork: Franz Anton Maulbertsch, The Preaching of St Stephen, 1783. Fresco, Parish church, Papa, Hungary.