Saints for Today!

SAINT CECILIA

Patron Saint of Musicians
November 22
Saint Cecilia was born in Rome. She was very rich and distinguished, but she lived a life a prayer and penance. When she was very young, her father gave her in marriage to a youthful pagan patrician named Valerian, On the wedding day, amid the music and rejoicing of the guests, she sat apart, singing to God in her heart. She renewed the vow by which she had consecrated her virginity to God. Celicia later converted her husband to the faith of Christ. Because he helped Cecilia in her charity toward the poor, he was put to death. Later Cecilia was arrested. She chose death rather than sacrifice to the gods and renounce her faith.

Fearing her youth , her nobility, and above all her charity to the poor would arouse the people If she were executed publicly. Almachius, the Prefect of Rome, had her imprisoned in the vapor or steam bath of her own home that she might die of suffocation. Around the walls of this room ran leaden pipes which were heated to such a high degree that death seemed inevitable.

Celicia remained a whole day and night in this stifling steam without suffering any harm. Finding himself forced to shed the blood of this Roman lady, Almachius sent an executioner to behead her. With trembling hand he struck the three bows which the law allowed but failed to cut of the head of Cecilia. She fell to the floor. For two days and nights she lay on the pavement of her bath, alive and fully conscious, with her head half-severed.

The Christians rushed in after the hasty departure of the executioner and, with linen cloths, wiped up the blood flowing from her wounds, but did not raise her from the floor. On the third morning the venerable Bishop Urban came to say good-bye to Cecilia. As she lay dying, she requested palace be made into a church that the poor she had always loved should be cared for. She was lying on the right side, her hands as if she crossed in prayer before her. She turned face to the floor so that no one might disturb her last secret communing with God and then expired. A story relates that the position of her fingers – three extended on her right hand and one on the left – were her final silent profession of faith in the Holy Trinity. Her death probable occurred in the year 117.

 

Charitable Organizations

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

fr. apostoli

Fr. Andrew Apostoli went to his Eternal Reward on December 13th, 2018.

He was a very Holy and Wonderful Priest full of Love, Wisdom, Holiness and Warmth (He also had a great love for the Yankees!)

We were blessed to have him come bless our business through the years. His presence was always a sure feeling of God’s Presence. His Heart was one with him and we felt that when we were near him. He would always say “May God Grant you His Peace” it was so soothing to the soul. After his passing there is even more of a sense of his presence. His help and guidance.

He was one of the original founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Which grew to the wonderful community of Priests Brothers and Sisters it is today.

We are honored to be connected to them in our heart and prayers. Sacred Heart Gifts & Apparel strives to make this group known because of their awesome work and fidelity to Our Catholic Church. Their outreach spans the world now and they bring their love and talents to all people In different walks of life. The Poor and also the Poor in Spirit.

Join us in being richly blessed by knowing them and being involved with them. Check out there website HERE!

Sisters of Life

Started by the Late Cardinal O’Connor. In 1991. They are dedicated to the sanctity of life. Their mission and outreach or to women who are pregnant or who have had abortions and are in need of healing.

Check out there website HERE!