SOLDIERS OF CHRIST!

Today is a busy day in the 'Liturgical Year' in regards to saints, and I'm going to pass on a couple of them. Maybe we can ask for their prayers in our troubled times. We are called to be 'soldiers' of Christ. Here are a few examples. The first one is St. Felix I, who was a Pope and Martyr in the 3rd century. Next comes St. Ferdinand III, King of Castille and Confessor. He is one I'm going to, with my limited knowledge, attempt to teach you what he was all about.

Catholic Spain is personified in Ferdinand. He resisted to the face the Moors, who were attempting to take over the world, as they do today. Ferdinand is the worthy representative of the brave heroes who drove out the Moors from their fatherland and made her what she is (or at least was): he had the virtues of a saint, as well as the courage of a soldier.

His life was one of exploits, and each one was a victory. Cordova the city of Caliphs, was conquered. Alhambra ceased to be a palace of Mahometan crime. Its Mosque was consecrated to the divine service, and afterwards became the Cathedral of the City. The followers of Mahomet had robbed the Church of St. James at Compostella of its bells, and had them brought in triumph to Cordova; Ferdinand ordered them to be carried there again, on the backs of the Moors.

After a siege of 16 months, Seville had fallen into Ferdinand's hands. Its fortifications consisted of a double wall, with 166 towers. The Christian army was weak in numbers; the Saracens fought with incredible courage, and had the advantages of position and tactics on their part: but the Crescent was to be eclipsed by the Cross. Ferdinand gave the Saracens a month to evacuate the city and territory. 300,000+ withdrew to Xeres, and 100,000+ went into Africa. The brave Moorish general, when taking his last look at the city, wept, and said to his officers: "None but a Saint could, with such a small force, have made himself master of so strong and well-manned a place."

His life was also dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and she, in turn, procured the victories for him.

He had intended to follow the Moors into Africa and wipe them out, but his death at the age of 54 prevented this. On his deathbed, after granting the kingdom to his son Alphonsus, telling him to keep up the good work, he made this prayer:

"Thou, O Lord, hast given me the kingdom, which I should not otherwise have had; Thou hast given me more honor and power than I deserved; receive my thanks! I give Thee back this kingdom, which I have increased as far as I was able; I also commend my soul into Thy hands!" He then took a blessed candle, raised it towards heaven and said: "Lord Jesus Christ! my Redeemer! naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I return to the earth. Lord, receive my soul! and, through the merits of Thy most holy Passion, deign to admit it among those of Thy servants!" With that he died.

I'm going to add another Saint, Joan of Arc. She was a child of the countryside, pious, gentle, and utterly ignorant. However, she was in contact with some very important beings: namely, St. Michael the Archangel, as well as the Virgin-Martyrs Catharine and Margaret. Things were going to change for her drastically. When she was 13 years old, and knew nothing but housework and field work and the basics of the Faith, God had chosen her to deliver France from her enemies and restore the kingdom to its former independence. At the age of 17, she made her appearance as an incomparable warrior. Her victories, her personal influence and strategical genius equal the most famous captains. She surpasses them all in heroism. She was to contact the governor of the area, who, after several times repulsed by her, finally gave her audience. She presented to them that the King of heaven was demanding the cities to be returned to the royal service they had been installed.

She told them of the commands she had received, with proof that her mission was from God. She proceeded to Orleans, and in a few days inflicted three defeats on the enemy, relieved the town, and raised her banner aloft in triumph. (Her banner read as follows: 'De par le Roi du ciel' which means: 'By order of the King of heaven.')

After her many victories, with heavenly help, Charles was rightfully crowned king. Her voices had told her that she would fall into the hands of the enemy, and she was finally taken prisoner. She suffered many accusations , and endured all with patience for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wicked judges who tried this gentle and innocent virgin, condemned her to be burnt. So, fortified by the Holy Eucharist, which she had long desired, and her eyes fixed upon the Cross, while she constantly murmured the Name of Jesus, she took her flight to heaven at the tender age of 19.

I have entered both of these saints as examples to us, to endure as long as we can the injustice, slander, name calling, and everything we receive in this life, so that we can reach what has been promised to us.


Keep the Faith
There is nothing more necessary to the Christian than confidence in God. Never lose it, and it will be with you all the days of your life.
St. Bernard



Here's a little poem I found tonight. It's addressed to St. Joan of Arc

O valiant maiden of Orleans,
Leader in armies, model for heroines,
Inspirer of kings and queens;
O heaven instructed shepherdess
detect the beastly faithlessness
in sheep's fleece and shepherds dress.
O gallant bearer in the field,
Of Mary's banner and Michael's shield;
teach us to fight and not to yield;
To stare beyond the passing cloud,
To dare the mighty and the proud,
To stand alone amidst the crowd.



KEEP THE FAITH! Do not lose heart! Fight as it your life depends on it, because your eternal one does. In these times, it doesn't just feel that we are outnumbered, we are. But we have God on our side, and He will NOT lose.