SAINT FEAST DAY 13 MAY: ST SERVATIUS, BISHOP OF TONGRES

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY

Saints celebrated on the 13th of May

WELCOME!

SAINT SERVATIUS, BISHOP OF TONGRES

Saint Servatius, Bishop of Tongres, [Tongeren - Maastricht] hosted St Athanasius during the latter's banishment and vigorously defended the Faith against the Arians. St Gregory of Tours relates that he foretold that the Huns would invade Gaul, and implored the divine mercy to avert that scourge by watching, fasting, prayers, and many tears, and by a pilgrimage to Rome to the tomb of St Peter. 

WATCHING, FASTING, PRAYERS

This penitential journey he undertook in the year 382. But he was informed by a revelation that God had determined to punish the sins of that nation, which calamity, like Ezechias, he was assured his eyes should never behold. 

A REVELATION

Thereupon, weeping, he hastened back to Tongres, where he shortly after sickened and died, on May 13, 384, having been bishop about thirty-seven years. The city of Tongres was shortly after plundered, and left in ruins by Attila, since which time, it retains nothing of its ancient splendour. 

(From Fr Butler's Lives of the Saints)

[St Servatius is patron saint of the City of Maastricht and of those suffering from foot and leg ailments. He is one of the Ice Saints.]

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Servatius may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.