Saint Flora, Virgin
Patron of abandoned,
converts, single laywomen, and victims of betrayal
Feast day – October 05
St. Flora, Virgin, Patron
of the abandoned, of converts, single laywomen, and victims of betrayal – Feast
day is October 5th. Flora was born in France about the year 1309. She was a
devout child and later resisted all attempts on the part of her parents to find
a husband for her. In 1324, she entered the Priory of Beaulieu of the
Hospitaller nuns of St. John of Jerusalem. Here she was beset with many and
diverse trials, fell into a depressed state, and was made sport of by some of
her religious sisters. However, she never ceased to find favor with God and was
granted many unusual and mystical favors. One year on the feast of All Saints,
she fell into an ecstasy and took no nourishment until three weeks later on the
feast of St. Cecelia. On another occasion, while meditating on the Holy Spirit,
she was raised four feet from the ground and hung in the air in full view of
many onlookers. She also seemed to be pierced with the arms of Our Lord's
cross, causing blood to flow freely at times from her side and at others, from
her mouth. Other instances of God's favoring of his servant were also reported,
concerning prophetic knowledge of matters of which she could not naturally
know. Through it all, St. Flora remained humble and in complete communion with
her Divine Master, rendering wise counsel to all who flocked to her because of
her holiness and spiritual discernment. In 1347, she was called to her eternal
reward and many miracles were worked at her tomb.
I will force myself to be
brave and full of courage when the devil suggests things to me which would
offend our Lord.
Sources for this article were taken from: Catholic Online: http://www.catholic.org/saints/
Prayer
Glorious Saint Flora,
my beloved patron, you served God in humility and confidence on earth. Now you
enjoy His beatific vision in heaven. You persevered till death and gained the
crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers and confusion and anguish that
surround me and intercede for me in my needs and troubles, especially (name
your intention here).
Amen.
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