SS. Nazarius, Celsus, and Victor, MARTYRS, and Innocent, POPE AND CONFESSOR A.D. about 68, and 201, 417.
by VP
Posted on Monday July 28, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"THE first two lived soon after the apostles. Nazarius having been baptized by St. Linus, who succeeded St. Peter, and taking with him Celsus, a youth whom he had instructed in the Christian faith, went to Treves, where in the persecution of Nero, they were both cast into the sea, But being miraculously delivered they came to Milan; where, for preaching the gospel,
they were beheaded. Their bodies were found many years after by St.
Ambrose, with their blood yet fresh as if they had been then taken out of the executioner's hands.
Pray for a like zeal for the faith of Christ. Let neither fear nor shame hinder you from doing good to others. To contribute to the salvation of your neighbour, is the most effectual way of securing your own. Be not sparing of your
pains in a cause for which so many have laid down their lives. And
remember, that whilst vice and liberty have so many abettors, you cannot
want opportunities of practising this charity. Others are bold in evil; why should not you be so in all that is good? The devil has many apostles; be you one of Jesus Christ.
Victor, bishop of Rome, was a prelate zealous in maintaining the faith received, and the discipline of the Church. He died in the year 201, after he had sat ten years. It is not certain that he died a martyr, though he is usually styled so; perhaps on account of the continual persecutions which he suffered.
"All Ecclesiastical matters throughout the world are, by divine right, to be referred to the apostolic see, that to St. Peter, the author of its name and honor" Pope Innocent I Source: The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints, Butler
Innocent was bishop of the same holy see in the time of St. Jerome and St. Augustin, who make mention of his great sanctity. Having faithfully discharged all the duties of a good pastor, he made a happy end in the year 417. Pray for the present head of the Church, that God would assist him with all grace necessary for his great charge. Pray for all the pastors in Christ's Church, that being animated with the spirit of the primitive times, they may spend their lives for the good of their flock." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Novena for Priests to St. John Vianney Day 3
by VP
Posted on Monday July 28, 2025 at 12:00AM in Prayers
St. John Vianney, Adorer of the Blessed Sacrament holy Priest of Ars,
you had such an overwhelming
love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament that you prayed for hours in
His presence. You said that when our Lord sees them coming eagerly to
visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament, He smiles upon them. They come with
that simplicity which pleases Him so much. O Saint of the Eucharist, may
your example enkindle in Father ___ a deeper love for Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament. By your prayers, never let him doubt Christʼs Real
Presence, but obtain for him a firm faith rooted in the Eucharist. Help
him not to be afraid to defend or preach Christʼs Real Presence in the
Blessed Sacrament. Obtain for him the grace to approach our Lord with
simplicity of heart as he lays his soulʼs innermost thoughts before
Jesusʼ Sacred Heart. Keep Father ___ under your continual protection,
that he may be supported by your example and assistance and be
faithfully devoted to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. May his life
reflect the belief of our Lordʼs abiding presence with us. O St. John
Vianney, by the power of your intercession, give us Priests devoted to
the holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Novena Prayer:
O holy Priest of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney, you loved God and served
Him faithfully as His Priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven.
You never despaired but persevered in your faith until
you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround
Father ___ and intercede for him in all his needs and troubles
especially console him in his most difficult moments, grant him
serenity in the midst of crisis, and protect him from evil. O St. John
Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession.
Pray for Father ___ in a special way during this novena.
