Dear Parishioners,
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” wrote Tertullian, one of the first Christian theologians. Today, we remember the first martyrs of the church of Rome. Just as we remembered Peter and Paul yesterday, we recall the slaughter of many early Christians under the leadership of Nero beginning in 64 AD. We don’t just celebrate a memory of these men and women in giving their lives for the faith and the love of Jesus Christ; but we see in them a “model” of self-offering and sacrifice out of love for God.
Today, remember those in our Christian family who have given their lives and spilled their own blood seeding the faith for future generations. Are we entering another period of martyrdom in this present age?
Be assured of our prayers for you each day as we continue our journey together and apart.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
