Saints celebrated on the 2nd of June
SAINT ERASMUS OF FORMIA, BISHOP AND MARTYR
Originally from Antioch, St Erasmus (St Elmo) became Bishop of Formia, Campagna, Italy. To lie low during Christian persecution during Diocletian's reign (c. 303), he fled to Mount Lebanon, living a life of prayer and penance, during which time he was miraculously fed by a raven.
HE CONVERTED MANY SOULS
The Bishop was tracked down and sent to Diocletian, imprisoned, and freed by an angel. After having converted many more souls he was discovered once more and martyred by being disembowelled. Some sources report that this was done by winding his intestines on a windlass.
PATRON SAINT OF THOSE SUFFERING FROM GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESSES
St Erasmus is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and invoked against gastrointestinal illnesses such as cancer and Crohn's Disease. His intercession is asked by soldiers and sailors, too; the blue static electrical discharges which would sometimes appear on the masts or riggings of their ships ("St Elmo's Fire") was seen as a sign of his protection. St Erasmus is pictured with St Maurice.
PRAYER:
O God, who gladden us each year by the feast of your holy Martyrs, Marcellinus, Peter and Erasmus, graciously grant that, as we rejoice in their merits, we may be inspired by their example. Through our Lord Jesus Christ...
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