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Martyrdom of Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych by Józef Simmler  (1823–1868)

• The Relics of St Josaphat in the Vatican

"The life of St. Josaphat is a lesson for all time. The two truths which he was charged by our Divine Lord to proclaim, and which he was to seal with his blood: the supremacy of the Roman Pontiff and the unity of the Church, are denied in our own day by the same sectaries, and all who maintain them assailed by the same fiendish cruelty." The Dublin Review, Part 1 page 46. 1877

"Stir up, O Lord, we beseech thee, in thy Church the Spirit wherewith the blessed Josephat thy Martyr and Pontiff was filled."  Thus prays our Mother, today, and the Gospel likewise points to the desire of obtaining pastors like to thee, O holy Bishop! The sacred text speaks of the false shepherd, who flees at first sight of the wolf; but the Homily, which explains it in the Night Office, brands equally with the title of hireling the keeper who, though he does not flee, suffers the enemy un-resisted to work havoc in the fold. May the divine Shepherd, whom thou didst imitate unto the end, even unto laying down thy life for the sheep, live again in all those whom he calls, like Peter, to exercise a greater love." The Liturgical Year: Passiontide and holy week, 3d edition. 1901 Abbot Prosper Gueranger OSB

"ST. JOSAPHAT was born in Volhynia, a province of Poland, of noble and virtuous parents who brought him up in lively sentiments of piety. During his childhood he was much affected at the thought of the sufferings which Jesus Christ had endured for the love of men, and one day when his mother was discoursing about our Lord's Passion, a dart issuing from the side of Jesus, as represented in a neighboring crucifix, transfixed his heart.

From that moment he felt himself powerfully inflamed with the fire of Divine Love, and gave himself up with such fervor to prayer and works of charity as to excite the wonder and admiration of all who beheld him. When he had reached the age of twenty, Josaphat received the religious habit in a convent of Basilian monks, where he practiced the most severe austerities and made rapid progress in virtue. His great reputation for sanctity and learning caused him to be raised to the office of Superior, and afterwards to the higher dignity of Archimandrite or Abbot. Finally, in spite of his earnest opposition, he was elected and consecrated Archbishop of Poloczk.

Invested with this new dignity, Josaphat continued the same humble and penitential way of life which he had followed within the walls of his monastery. Perfectly detached from earthly things, he devoted the whole of the revenue of his See to works of charity and the service of the Church. At the same time he gave himself up with unremitting assiduity to the care of his flock, whom he earnestly strove to preserve from the inroads of schism and heresy. Never was there to be found a more devoted champion of the rights and privileges of the Holy See, which he strenuously defended against the heretics both by his sermons and writings. Almighty God blessed his efforts with great success, and he was the means of bringing back innumerable souls to the unity of the Faith. His success in this respect drew upon him the hatred of certain fiery zealots, who conspired to effect his death; nor was their design hidden from our Saint, who in a public sermon forewarned the people of his approaching departure. Meanwhile he hastened to complete the visitation of his flock, that death might find him faithfully employed in the service of his Master and with his accounts made ready.

Having completed their preparation, the conspirators took occasion of the Archbishop's visit to Vitepsk in the course of his ministration, to carry their plot into execution. Rushing tumultuously to the Archiepiscopal residence, they entered with drawn swords, striking and slaying whomsoever they met. Josaphat immediately went forth to meet them. "My children," said he, "why do you slay my friends? Behold if you have anything against me, here I am." At these words, they rushed upon him, loaded him with blows, pierced him with their daggers, and finally struck off his head with an axe. His blessed body was cast into the neighboring river, but being discovered by a miraculous light, was taken out and interred with great solemnity and veneration. St. Josaphat accomplished his glorious martyrdom on November 12, A.D. 1623, being then in the forty-third year of his age."  Short lives of the saints, for every day in the year, Volume 3 By Rev. Henry Gibson 1897

"Honor thy father, and forget not the groaning of thy mother. Remember that thou hadst not been born but through them, and make a return to them; as they have done for thee." (Eccl. VII. 29-30) Next to God, our parents are our greatest benefactors, entitled to most tender love and gratitude, which is the sacred duty of every child. This duty does not end with this life; it is extended even to eternity. Should our departed parents find no relief in their pains? Must they cry out in bitter anguish: "I have reared sons and daughters, but they have forgotten me?"

If we compassionate the misery of strangers, if we do not heartlessly send a beggar from our doors, oh, let us remember how near and dear father and mother are to us, and how greatly we are indebted to them. After their death, we owe them prayers, alms, good works, and Masses. They cry out to us for mercy. Would it not be the lowest degree of ingratitude were we to forget those who bestowed their best love and care upon us in life? The commandment of God, "Honor thy father and thy mother," is an obligation also towards our deceased parents.

Prayer: O God, Who hast commanded us to honor father and mother, look in loving kindness upon the souls of my father and mother, and forgive them their trespasses and grant unto my the joy of being re-united to them in the glorious light of everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.

Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen

Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of parents who have been forgotten by their children.

Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (three times)

Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!