SAINT METRONES, PENITENT

SAINT METRONES, PENITENT - 8 MAY

SAINT METRONES, PENITENT

Saint Metrones is a beautiful and edifying example of the strictest penance. He lived - at a time unknown - with a chain fastened to a stone like a criminal, in Verona. 

Perhaps a German by birth, but more likely, judging by the derivation of his name, a Greek (cf. Maji VII. 654), he had committed incest with his daughter, although unknowingly. 

When he later intended to become a priest, the bishop imposed a penance on him, which he aggravated in the manner indicated above. He threw the key to the chains into the river Etsch, with a vow not to get rid of them until a fish was caught that had the key in its entrails. After several years, this case really happened through divine providence. 

Stone and chain have long been shown at St Vitale, where the saint rests. He died in Verona. An elevation of his relics took place on May 7, 1658; on that occasion they were placed into a more valuable shrine. The following lines were inscribed on the epitaph above it:

"Penance still breathes the cold ashes."

And:

"From short joy I came to long sorrow,

From long sorrow to everlasting joy."

And:

"Imitate the penitents, O wanderer,

Showing disgust for the erring one!"

At Verona his office was transferred to May 10, the Bollandists* name him on May 8, and Usuardus* on May 13.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 4, Augsburg, 1875)

*A hagiography source used by the authors

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

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

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