The story and history of Saint John Nepomucen. St. John was born, in answer to prayer, 1330, of poor parents, at Nepomuc in Bohemia (thus came the name Nepomucen). His future sanctity was foretold by the appearance of bright rays miraculously shining over the house wherein he was born. He was saved from serious illness and possibly death by the protection of the Blessed Virgin, to whom his parents considered themselves indebted for his birth. In gratitude they consecrated him to God; and his holy life as a priest led to his appointment as chaplain to the court of the Emperor Wenceslas IV, where he converted numbers by his preaching and example. Amongst those who sought his advice was the empress, Queen Jane, who suffered much from her husband's unfounded jealousy. He had given himself up to vices. St. John taught her to bear her cross with joy; but her piety only incensed the emperor, and he tried to extort her confessions from the Saint. He threw St. John into a dungeon, but gained nothing; then, inviting him to his palace, he promised him riches if he would yield, and threatened death if he refused. The Saint was silent, refusing to accept them, thinking that they might interfere with his preaching the divine word. He was racked and burnt with torches; but no words, save Jesus and Mary, fell from his lips. At last set free, he spent his time in preaching, and preparing for the death he knew to be at hand. On Ascension Eve, May 16, Wenceslas, after a final and fruitless attempt to move his constancy, ordered him to be cast into the river, and that night the martyr's hands and feet were bound, and he was thrown from the bridge of Prague. As he died, floating down the river Moldau, flaming torches were seen following him, and a heavenly light shining on the water discovered the body, which was buried with the honors due to a Saint, much to the displeasure of the king.
A few years later, Wenceslas was deposed by his own subjects, and died an impenitent and miserable death. In 1618 the Calvinist and Hussite soldiers of the Protestant Elector Frederick tried repeatedly to demolish the shrine of St. John at Prague. Each attempt was miraculously frustrated; and once the persons engaged in the sacrilege, among whom was an Englishman, were killed on the spot. In 1620 the imperial troops recovered the town by a victory which was ascribed to the Saint's intercession, as he was seen on the eve of the battle, radiant with glory, guarding the cathedral. When his shrine was opened, three hundred and thirty years after his decease, the flesh had disappeared, and one member alone remained incorrupt, the tongue, which had returned to a bright red color; thus still, in silence, giving glory to God.
How many having orders today in these times, do you think, would stand up for what is right in not giving up the seal of the Confessional? I personally think that many would cave.
Our beloved Abbot Gueranger, offers up this prayer:
How great, O glorious martyr, was the honor reserved for thee by the Son of God, when He chose thee to be the one who was to attest, by laying down His life, the sacredness of the secret which protects the Sacrament of Penance! Other priests, as well as thyself, have bravely suffered persecution for the sake of the secrecy of the mystery of reconciliation: but thou wast the one chosen by heaven to give a solemn testimony of priestly discretion. Thy sufferings were known to more than angels: thy martyrdom was a public one, and the faithful honor thy courage as an eloquent proof of how truly our good Shepherd, Jesus, removes every difficulty that could deter the strayed sheep from returning to the fold.
We address ourselves to thee, O holy Martyr, on this day of thy triumph and beseech thee to intercede for sinners. Admirable minister of the Sacrament of Penance! thou seest how many Christians there are who neglect to avail themselves of the means of salvation prepared for them by our risen Saviour. Instead of laying hold of this 'second plank after shipwreck,' they let themselves be carried on to the deep abyss by the tide of their sinful habits. There are thousands who have turned a deaf ear, even this Easter, to the call of Holy Church, who invited them, as an affectionate Mother, to approach the tribunal of mercy and reconciliation. We beseech thee, intercede for these blind, unwary, ungrateful men. Procure for them the grace which will lead them to the feet of the God of mercy, Who is ever ready to grant pardon.
There are others, again, who go to Confession, but who have not the dispositions requisite for receiving the grace of the Sacrament--the justification of their souls. Pray also for these, that they may see the danger they incur of profaning the Blood of Christ. Obtain for all them who approach the holy tribunal an honest avowal of their sins, and contrition of heart; that thus the life of our Risen Jesus may be imparted to them and that they may never lose it. By thy powerful intercession, raise up zealous and faithful ministers of this great Sacrament of which thou wast the martyr. Draw down the blessing of heaven on their arduous labor: then will the number of the children of God be increased, and the grace of the Holy Ghost triumph in souls that have long been dead in sin.
Cast, too, an eye of compassion on thy fatherland of Bohemia, where there are so many faithful hearts that love and honor thee. Alas! there are tares which disfigure that portion of the Church. The enemy came, not many years after thy glorious martyrdom, and sowed the baneful weeds of heresy in thy native land. The 'good seed' claims thy protection; but take pity also on the 'cockle', for even it may be turned, by the true Faith, into wheat, and be garnered into the house of our heavenly Father. Secure peace to thy Bohemia (and the world in these times), and save her from the snares that are laid for her.
St. John Nepomucen, pray for us and our leaders. Please?!
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