Saint Florian!

St. Florian was born around 250 A.D. and was secretly a Christian in a time when the Roman emperors were   trying to eliminate Christianity throughout their realm. He was also a commander in the Roman army serving   under the Emperor Diocletian in present-day Austria. Among his duties was the organization of firefighting brigades. Saint Florian is once said to have saved a town from burning by saying a prayer and then throwing a single bucket or pitcher of water on the blaze. Despite being a firefighter, Florian and his guards were     ordered to burn Christian churches, books, and homes of Christians. Florian refused, and a high-ranking    official, Aquilius, was dispatched to investigate. When Aquilius investigated his refusal to execute Christians, Florian stated, “Tell the Emperor that I am a Christian and will suffer the same fate as the Christians.”    Aquilius then offered him a raise and promotion if he would change his mind, which Florian refused, outraging Aquilius. Florian was initially whipped, as pressure to renounce his faith and offer sacrifice to the Roman gods. He told Aquilius that he had “suffered many wounds for the Emperor” and therefore, why should he “fear a few scratches for his own beliefs?” His courage scared Aquilius, who feared that Florian would lead others to rebel and convert to Christianity.

Word reached the Emperor that he was not enforcing the ban against Christianity in his territory, and under  investigation he was found to be a Christian. The popular method of disposing of Christians in that day was to burn them to death, and it was suggested that Florian suffer the same fate. He, however, stated his intention to “climb to Heaven on the flames” of the funeral pyre being prepared for him. The soldiers decided at that point to dispose of him another way so he was tortured, then a large stone was tied around his neck and he was thrown into the Ennis River to drown. He was martyred around the year 304 A.D.

A faithful lady recovered and buried his body, which was later moved to the Augustinian Abbey of St. Florian, near current-day Linz, Austria. In 1138 some of St. Florian’s relics were given to King Casimir of Poland and the Bishop of Cracow. Since his relics arrived in Poland, he has been regarded as the patron saint of that country. Numerous miraculous occurrences have been reported both in the presence of his relics, and at the confluence of the Enns and Danube Rivers, where his martyrdom occurred.

Because of his association with fire, St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters and chimney sweeps and has been invoked for protection from both fire and water. St. Florian…pray for us!

We celebrate Pentecost on May 20th. Here is a short little video about the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. May we call on the Holy Spirit every day so that we have the courage and wisdom to say YES LORD!