SAINT FEAST DAY 21 AUGUST: BL. VICTORIA RASOAMANARIVO

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN AUGUST

Saints celebrated on the 21st of August

WELCOME!

BLESSED VICTORIA RASOAMANARIVO, "GUARDIAN OF THE CHURCH"

Blessed Victoria Rasoamanarivo, born in 1848 into a powerful Madagascar family, was baptised at 15, and a year later married according to family custom.

SHE REMAINED FAITHFUL TO DAILY MASS

Though obliged by her position to frequent the court, she remained faithful to daily Mass, prayers and works of mercy.

Her marriage was unhappy as she had no children and her husband’s life style was scandalous. When pressurised to divorce him, she refused to break the vow she had given in the sacrament of matrimony.

THE GUARDIAN OF THE CHURCH

During the 1883-1885 war when French priests were being expelled, they entrusted her with the protection of the church, knowing her piety and privileged position.

Thanks to her support, the Catholics survived the crisis and she was heralded as the guardian of the church. She died in 1894 and was beatified by St John Paul II in Madagascar on August 21, 1989.

Information from: Claver Calendar, 2015

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Victoria 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.