Today's saint is the patron of dentists! 🦷
Dear John, When St. Francis misunderstood Christ's call to rebuild the Church, he took the message literally and began construction on San Damiano. One by one, he placed the stones and brought the chapel back to life. We know, however, that Christ's call was for the larger Church. But the image of rebuilding San Damiano is powerful. In that spirit, we are also working to rebuild God's Church. We are doing that by customizing our resources to suit your needs better. You can help us by donating to Rebuilding God's Church. Please know that we consider it an honor and blessing to create resources that hopefully accompanies you or your loved ones on your spiritual journeys. Peace and all good! Susan Hines-Brigger Executive Editor |
Saint of the Day for February 12:
Apollonia (d. c. 249) Listen to Saint Apollonia’s Story Here The persecution of Christians began in Alexandria during the reign of the Emperor Philip. The first victim of the pagan mob was an old man named Metrius, who was tortured and then stoned to death. The second person who refused to worship their false idols was a Christian woman named Quinta. Her words infuriated the mob and she was scourged and stoned. While most of the Christians were fleeing the city, abandoning all their worldly possessions, an old deaconess, Apollonia, was seized. The crowds beat her, knocking out all of her teeth. Then they lit a large fire and threatened to throw her in it if she did not curse her God. She begged them to wait a moment, acting as if she was considering their requests. Instead, she jumped willingly into the flames and so suffered martyrdom. There were many churches and altars dedicated to her. Apollonia is the patroness of dentists, and people suffering from toothache and other dental diseases often ask her intercession. She is pictured with a pair of pincers holding a tooth or with a golden tooth suspended from her necklace. Saint Augustine explained her voluntary martyrdom as a special inspiration of the Holy Spirit, since no one is allowed to cause his or her own death. Reflection The Church has quite a sense of humor! Apollonia is honored as the patron saint of dentists, but this woman who had her teeth extracted without anesthetic surely ought to be the patron of those who dread the chair. She might also be the patron of the aging, for she attained glory in her old age, standing firm before her persecutors even as her fellow Christians fled the city. However we choose to honor her, she remains a model of courage for us. Saint Apollonia is the Patron Saint of: Dentists
Relief from Toothache
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Join us this Lent with St. Padre Pio! His daily example as a devoted follower of Christ helps guide readers through a reflective and prayer-filled Lenten season. |
Repair, Rebuild, Renew Absence was beginning to be replaced by presence, silence with voices. Or were the voices only in his head? Whatever. They moved him to act, to do positive things with his life, a pattern Francis would follow from then on. Once he knew God’s will, whether from some mystical voice or from listening to the scriptures, he would immediately try to live it out. He was filled with what theologians called “devotion,” an alacrity in doing God’s will. And that is how Francis began to change. He knew now that Christ is to be found in unexpected places and people. He had experienced the abstract God in the person of Jesus Christ who was the incarnation of the God he thought had abandoned him. And he had experienced this Jesus in the most excluded and feared people of his time, the lepers who, instead of bad things, brought him the greatest good, Jesus Christ. And now he had heard the voice of this Christ. It came from his crucified image in an abandoned church. It was a voice that gave him his life’s task: “Go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruins.” —from the book Surrounded by Love: Seven Teachings from Saint Francis
by Murray Bodo, OFM |
Spirituality and Humility Reflect Embracing spirituality and humility allows us to quiet our minds and hearts, finding solace in the presence of God. St. Francis found deep joy in his humble relationship with the divine, teaching us to seek inner peace through simplicity. Pray Divine Spirit,
Help us embody humility and deepen our spirituality.
Guide us to find joy in the simplicity of our faith journey,
knowing that true wealth lies in our connection with you.
Grant us the grace to follow St. Francis’ example of humble devotion.
Amen. Act In what ways can you simplify your spiritual practice? Consider how you can deepen your connection with God through quiet prayer, meditation, or acts of service. Actively seek opportunities to serve others humbly, mirroring St. Francis’ dedication to spiritual simplicity. Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Paul Lipowski. Learn more here! |
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