ST EMERIC, PRINCE AND CONFESSOR - 4 NOVEMBER

 

SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 4th of November

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SAINT EMERIC, PRINCE AND CONFESSOR

Saint Emeric (Emericus, Emmerich, Emmerik][born in 1007] was a son of St Stephen, King of Hungary. He was so devoted to prayer, that, from his early youth, he would rise from his bed, during night, and pass many hours in devotional exercises. He especially loved to repeat the Psalms, each of which he ended with an act of contrition. 

HE ESPECIALLY LOVED TO PRAY THE PSALMS

Stephen, his holy father, was greatly comforted by this, and left nothing undone to increase his son’s piety and virtue. 

The holy prince arrived at manhood without losing his early fervour; he frequently visited the Churches, and edified every one by his piety. 

SUDDENLY THE CHURCH WAS ILLUMINATED BY A HEAVENLY LIGHT

One day, accompanied by one of his servants, he visited the church of St Gregory, at Vesprim [Veszprim], and while there, thought what sacrifice he could offer to the Almighty that would be most agreeable. Suddenly, the Church was illuminated by a heavenly light, and he heard a voice from above, saying: "Consecrate the purity of your soul and body to the Lord, and preserve it until your end." Emeric rejoiced greatly at hearing these words, and immediately obeyed them, by making to God a vow of perpetual chastity.

HE HAD NOT THE COURAGE TO REVEAL HIS VOW TO HIS FATHER

Meanwhile, his holy father, who knew nothing of this, had anxiously sought a virtuous spouse for his only son, and now desired that Emeric should marry her. The prince had not the courage to reveal his vow to his father, much less to refuse the proposed marriage. 

Hence, trusting in God, he allowed the ceremonies to take place, but then made known his vow to his royal bride, and represented to her so clearly the value of angelical purity, that she willingly bound herself by the same vow. 

HE BEGGED GOD FOR THE GRACE OF BEING EVER FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISE

The chaste prince, however, neglected not to beg of God, by fervent prayer, and constant chastisement of his body the grace of being ever faithful to his promise, against all the temptations of Satan. He kept it inviolate, and lived like a Saint. God, not willing that such virtue should remain long unrewarded, called him from this world by an early death.

HE SAW THE SOUL OF THE HOLY PRINCE ASCEND TO HEAVEN

St Emeric fell sick and prepared himself joyfully for departure. At the moment of his death [1031], the Archbishop who assisted him, saw the soul of the holy prince ascend to heaven, accompanied by angels, whom he had endeavoured to imitate in chastity. He was buried in Stuhlweissenburg; and God bestowed great favours upon those who, in their need, went to the tomb of the Saint for relief. [Saint Emeric is also commemorated on September 3.]

(From Fr Weninger's Lives of the Saints - 🎨 St Emeric is presented to the Blessed Virgin by his father, St Stephen)

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