March 13th
St Euphrasia (380-410), Virgin; Constantinople

"Invincible emperor, having consecrated myself to Christ in perpetual chastity, I cannot be false to my engagement, and marry a mortal man, who will shortly be the food of worms.  For the sake of my parents, be pleased to distribute their estates among the poor, the orphans and the church.  Set all my slaves at liberty, and discharge my vassals and servants, giving them whatever is their due.  Order my father's stewards to acquit my farmers of all they owe since his death, that I may serve God without let or hindrance  and may stand before Him without the solicitude of temporal affairs.  Pray for me, you and your empress, that I  may be made worthy to serve Christ."

St Augustine (354-430), Confessor, Bishop, Father of the Church; Thagaste, Algeria; Feast day August 28th

"Late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved You!  You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you.  In my unloveliness, I plunged into the lovely things which You created.  You were with me, but I was not with You.  Created things kept me from You; yet if they had not been in You they would have not been at all.  You called, You shouted, and You broke through my deafness.  You flashed, You shone, and You dispelled my blindness.  You breathed Your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for You.  I have tasted You, now I hunger and thirst for more.  You touched me, and I burned for Your peace."


Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain

"Lord, give me the grace to love You as much as I can, so that by the strength of this love I may disdain every earthly love."