Though born to Orthodox parents, St Josaphat became a Catholic. He worked faithfully for the reform of the Church and unity between East and West. He faced much opposition and suffered martyrdom at the hands of an angry mob.
The Great War brought the reality of modern conflict into the lives of a whole society. This blog collects some specifically Catholic experiences and responses.
In 1940, in the midst of the Second World War, an anonymous chaplain authored "At the Front: thoughts and prayers for the fighting forces". Here is an extract from these thoughts and prayers, containing four key points for Catholic soldiers, which many of us may still find helpful today.
St Martin of Tours was a young soldier who was riding his horse in the coldest part of the winter, when he met a beggar sitting at the side of the road by the city gate. He had nothing to give him, but in a moment of inspiration he drew his sword, cut his cloak in half, and gave one half to the beggar.
St Leo the Great became Pope in 440. His famous meeting with Attila the Hun outside Rome saved the city from destruction then, although, despite his efforts, it was pillaged by Vandals in 455. His theological writings earned him the title of Doctor of the Church.
Having celebrated the saints in Heaven, the Church today turns her attentions to the Holy Souls in Purgatory – holy because Heaven awaits them but suffering the pain of purification in the crucible of God’s love. The process of purgation can also be assisted through our prayers, penances and good works.
