September 21st - Saint Maura of Troyes, Virgin

[Weedy]

September 21st - Saint Maura of Troyes, Virgin
(died 850)

Saint Maura demonstrated a simple, yet deep, faith which often
presented itself as tears of love and joy. Through her prayers and
acts, many were converted, including her entire family. We look to
Saint Maura as a profound example of simple and child-like faith, and
the joy and peace that can be found in a deep relationship with the
Lord.

Maura was born at Troyes, France, in the Champagne region. As a child,
she demonstrated considerable faith, and spent large portions of her
days in fervent prayer. Through her prayers and faith, she obtained
the conversion of her father, who prior to her birth had lived a
worldly life in the pursuit of wealth and success. Following his
death, while Maura was still an adolescent, she resided with her
mother, to whom she remained perfectly obedient. Through her pious
example, her mother—and later her brother and the rest of the
family—converted to the faith. In an act of charity inspired by Maura,
the family’s large estate was sold, with the revenues given to the
poor and foundations who cared for the poor and sick.

Throughout her brief life, Maura remained chaste, having consecrated
herself to the Lord. She served the poor and the Church, spent large
quantities of time in prayer and penance, and was a perfect example of
charity. She fasted twice each week, subsisting on only bread and
water. Maura further found herself a spiritual director, to whom she
visited with, walking barefoot over five miles to the monastery to
visit. She took great pleasure in sewing sacred vestments, trimming
the wicks of the Church lamps, and preparing wax for the altar.

Saint Maura spent long hours in church, adoring God and meditating on
His life and passion. Often during these moments of adoration, tears
would stream from Maura’s eyes, reflecting the love, joy, and wonder
of her relationships with the risen Lord. God performed many miracles
through her intercession, but due to her humility, she made those she
assisted promise not to tell anyone. Maura wished to avoid any
semblance of praise or recognition from those around her, choosing
instead to offer her own thanks to the Lord.

Saint Maura died at the young age of 23, following a long illness. She
received her final blessing with extraordinary joy in looking forward
to joining her God. Saint Maura died peacefully while reciting the
Lord’s Prayer. Her relics are venerated at several churches throughout
France, and her acts were recorded by Saint Prudentius of Troyes
shortly following her death
by Jacob


Bible Quote
But Jesus called them to him, and said: You know that the princes of
the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that are the greater,
exercise power upon them. It shall not be so among you: but
whosoever will be the greater among you, let him be your minister:
And he that will be first among you, shall be your servant. Even as
the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and
to give his life a redemption for many. (Matthew 20:25-28) DRB

Saint Quote:
If all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime
beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked, out with little
wildflowers.
--St. Teresa of Lisieux

Bible Quote:
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to
utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so
let your words be few." (Eccelsiastes 5:2)


<><><><>
Reborn and fed by the Spirit

"And then that rebirth, which brings about the forgiveness of all past
sins, takes place in the Holy Spirit, according to the Lord's own
words, 'Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, one cannot enter
the kingdom of God.' But it is one thing to be born of the Spirit,
another to be fed by the Spirit; just as it is one thing to be born of
the flesh, which happens when a mother gives birth, and another to be
fed from the flesh, which appears when she nurses the baby. We see the
child turn to drink with delight from the bosom of her who brought it
forth to life. Its life continues to be nourished by the same source
which brought it into being."
--St. Augustine--(excerpt from Sermon 71.19)