Happy Valentine's Day from Autom!

   At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under the date of February 14th. For our purposes we will reflect on the life of Valentine, Bishop of Interamna, Italy.

   In 270 A.D. Emperor Claudius issued an edict forbidding marriage because he believed that married men made poor soldiers, not wanting to leave their families to go to battle. Bishop Valentine disagreed with the emperor and invited young lovers to come to him in secret to be married. When Claudius found that Bishop Valentine was performing secret marriage ceremonies, he was incensed. He had Valentine seized and brought before him. When Valentine refused to change his views and renounce Christianity, he was imprisoned to await execution. In February of 270, Valentine was clubbed, stoned, and then beheaded. 

   Tradition tells us that while Valentine was in prison he corresponded with those under his care by sending little letters and love notes to those in his parish. He would always close his letters with the signature, “From your Valentine”. From then on, the tradition grew of sending Valentines, for as it has ever been, those who love~remember.

   May you celebrate this day of affection by sending Valentines to those you love as well!

Happy Valentine’s Day to one and all! 

May the LORD bless you and keep you!

May the LORD let his face shine upon you,

and be gracious to you!

May the LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

-Numbers 6:24-26

A Prayer for Sandy Hook Elementary School

We have just learned of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut where at least 20 children and 6 adults are confirmed dead. The gunmen is also dead.

Please join us in prayer:

Dear God,

We lift up to you the children, staff, and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in wake of the terrible shooting that happened there this morning.

In Your divine mercy, please send Your healing grace upon all who were wounded, and Your mercy upon the souls of all who were killed. Please send Your healing mercies upon the children, all of whom are so frightened and traumatized by this attack. Bless also their families as they wait for news of their children, and as they seek to comfort and reassure them today and in the days ahead.

Dear God, have mercy also upon the soul of the one who committed this terrible act of violence. Only You know the depths of the heart, and thus only You can judge. Please make good come out of this sorrow, according to Your promise.

Finally, dear God, thank You that Your Son Jesus has assured us, “Be not afraid. … I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Feast of Saint Bartholomew - August 24th!

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW

Feast Day: August 24

Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles who was called by our blessed Lord Himself. The Church has always taught that this apostle is the same as Nathaniel, a native of Cana, in Galilee, whom Saint Philip brought to Jesus, and whose innocence and simplicity of heart were praised by Jesus. 

Bartholomew carried the Gospel through the most barbarous countries of the East, penetrating into the remoter Indies. He then returned again into the northwest part of Asia, and met Saint Philip, at Hierapolis, in Phrygia. From there he traveled into Laconia, where he instructed the people in the Christian Faith.

Saint Bartholomew’s last mission was into Armenia, where, preaching in a place obstinately addicted to the worship of idols, he was flayed alive. Thus, Bartholomew is the patron saint of plasterers and butchers. Traditionally, artists portray Bartholomew with a knife as his symbol. Michelangelo created a very expressive portrait of the flayed apostle, and the scene below pictures Saint Bartholomew at the Last Judgment, as seen in the Sistine Chapel, where he is holding his own skin!

During World War II, the Fascist regime in Italy looked for ways to finance their activities. The order was given to take the silver statue of Saint Bartholomew from the Cathedral of Lipari and melt it down. The statue was weighed, and it was found to be only a few grams, so it was returned to the Cathedral. In reality, the statue is made from many kilograms of silver and it is considered a miracle that it was not melted down!

Happy Feast of Saint Bartholomew!

Back to School Bible Sale 2012!

Our Back to School Bible & Book Sale is back for 2012!

Don't wait too long to order... Offer ends 8/11/2012

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Back to School Bible Sale - 2012!

Happy Feast of Joan of Arc - May 30th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Joan of Arc!

SAINT JOAN OF ARC
Feast Day: May 30
Patron of Servicewomen

Saint Joan of Arc was born in France in 1412. One day, as she cared for the sheep on her family farm, she heard the voices of some of the saints. They told Joan to help the king of France fight his enemies.

At the young age of 17, Joan went to help the king. She won the battle for Orleans, France, with a small army. She won many more battles, and helped the king to regain the throne of France. The king’s enemies kidnapped Joan and put her in prison. Joan was condemned to death because she refused to lie and say the saints had not spoken to her. She was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19. However, the Church later canonized her as Saint Joan of Arc.

Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc

Dear Saint Joan of Arc, God gave you great skill in fighting for France. Through your prayers may He bless all women who love and stand up for their families, their country, and their Faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us.

Memorial Day Prayer 2012