ST DEOGRATIAS, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE - 22 MARCH

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MARCH

Saints celebrated on the 22nd of March

WELCOME!

SAINT DEOGRATIAS, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE, CONFESSOR  

Genseric, the Arian king of the Vandals, took Carthage in 439, filled the city with cruelties, and caused Quodvultdeus, the bishop, and many others, to be put on board an old leaky vessel, who, notwithstanding, arrived safe at Naples. 

THE VACANCY WAS FILLED

After a vacancy of fourteen years, in 454, St Deogratias was consecrated archbishop. Two years after, Genseric plundered Rome, and brought innumerable captives from Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica, into Africa, whom the Moors and Vandals shared among them on the shore, separating without any regard or compassion weeping wives from their husbands, and children from their parents. 

DEOGRATIAS PROVIDED THE IMMIGRANTS WITH FOOD AND SHELTER

Deogratias sold everything, even the gold and silver vessels of the church, to redeem as many as possible; he provided them with lodgings and beds, and furnished them with all succours, and though in a decrepit old age, visited those who were sick every day, and often in the night. 

WHEN THE BISHOP DIED, THE PRISONERS WERE HEARTBROKEN 

Worn out by these fatigues, he died in 457, to the inexpressible grief of the prisoners, and of his own flock. The ancient calendar of Carthage, written in the fifth age, commemorates him on January 5; but the Roman on March 22. 

Source: Fr Butler's Lives of the Saints

HIS ENTRY IN THE ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:

In the same place, Saint Deogratias, bishop of Carthage, who ransomed many captives taken from that city by the Vandals, and performed other good works, after which he went to rest in the Lord.

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Deogratias 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.