We are your soldiers, O Emperor, but we freely profess that we are Christ’s servants. To you we owe military service, to Him the beginning of life itself. So for Him we are prepared to suffer every torment, and we will never give up our faith in Him! ~ St. Exuperius, Martyr and standard-bearer of the Holy Theban Legion*
San Maurizio Martire, ora pro nobis
September 22nd is the Feast of San Maurizio (St. Maurice) and his Companions, Legionnaires and Martyrs. Commander of the famed Theban Legion composed entirely of Christians, they were sent to Gaul in the 3rd century to help Emperor Maximian put down a rebellion. Refusing to offer sacrifices to idols or take an oath against Christians, the Holy Martyrs were mercilessly put to the sword at Agaunum, now Saint-Maurice, Switzerland.
Patron saint and protector of soldiers, swordsmiths, armies, and infantrymen, San Maurizio is also the patron of the Holy Roman Empire, Montalbano Jonico in Matera, and the Italian Army's historic Alpini, a specialized mountain infantry corps.
In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Maurice. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Maurizio!
Prayer to Saint Maurice
Saint Maurice, most blessed and honorable patron saint, you who fought so valiantly on the battlefield of faith, steadfastly opposed the tyranny of earthly rulers, boldly confessed faith in the one true God, and preferred to die by the sword rather than to betray your Lord, Jesus Christ, pray for us.
O holy martyr and loyal soldier of Christ, obtain for us the courage to persevere in truth, to be a light in the darkness of the times in which we live, and to defend the honor of the Church wherever it is opposed. Obtain also for us the grace to endure patiently all the trials and hardships of this life, and to carry our cross in the spirit of prayer and self-denial. In particular we ask you to obtain for us from God the following favor: [Mention your special request]. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
* Quoted from The Golden Legend: Readings on the Saints, Jacobus de Voragine, Princeton University Press, 2012, p.576
