December 26th - St. Tathai of Wales
Traudel
(also known as Meuthin, Tathan, Tahai, Tathaeus, Tathar, Athaeus)
Hermit of Glamorganshire, Abbot of Llantathan
Nephew of Saint Sampson of Dol, Brittany
5th century or early 6th century. Nephew of Saint Samson of Dol, this
Irish saint planted himself in the land of Wales, first as a hermit,
where he founded a church at Glamorganshire and bore good fruit. His
monastery at Llantathan, named after him, was one of the most famous
schools in Wales. From there he went to Caerwent (Gwent), where he
founded another monastic school that produced the great Celtic scholar,
Saint Cadoc.
According to his vita, Tathai was famous as a miracle-worker and as the
"Father of all Gwent, he was the defender of the woodland country . . .
he was never angry . . . whatever was given to him, he gave to others .
. . no one was more generous in the West for receiving guests and giving
them hospitality." Both Caerwent and Llantathan claim to be the place
where he died (Benedictines, Encyclopaedia, Farmer, Montague).
Troparion of St Tathai tone 8
Teacher of true piety and blessed adornment of Christ's Church, O Father
Tathai:/ as thou didst serve Wales with thy tireless endeavours, teach
us, O Saint, the virtues of unshakeable stability and loyalty to the
true Faith,/ that at the end Christ our God will grant great mercy to
our souls.
Quote:
I wish I could persuade spiritual persons that the way of perfection does
not consist in many devices, nor in much cogitation, but in denying
themselves completely and yielding themselves to suffer everything for love
of Christ. And if there is failure in this exercise, all other methods of
walking in the spiritual way are merely a beating about the bush, and
profitless trifling, although a person should have a very high contemplation
and communication with God.
-St. John of the Cross
Bible Quote
8 Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
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Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Divine Jesus, You have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall
find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Behold me kneeling at Your feet,
filled with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by Your
Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary. I come to ask this favor:
Mention your request).
To whom can I turn if not to You, Whose Heart is the source of all graces
and merits? Where should I seek if not in the treasure which contains all
the riches of Your kindness and mercy? Where should I knock if not at the
door through which God gives Himself to us and through which we go to God? I
have recourse to You, Heart of Jesus. In You I find consolation when
afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials,
and light in doubt and darkness.
Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that You can grant me the grace I implore, even
though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer
will be granted. I admit that I am most unworthy of Your favors, but this is
not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercy, and You
will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of
You, and Your kind Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for
granting my prayer.
Sacred Heart, whatever may be Your decision with regard to my request, I
will never stop adoring, loving, praising, and serving You. My Jesus, be
pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of Your
adorable Heart, which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and
all Your creatures forever.
Grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You through the Immaculate
Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother. You entrusted me to her as her child,
and her prayers are all-powerful with You. Amen.