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| San Bruno di Colonia, ora pro nobis |
October 6th is the Feast of San Bruno di Colonia (St. Bruno of Cologne), eleventh century Hermit and Founder of the Carthusian Order (1084). Invoked against demonic possession, he is the Patron Saint of Serra San Bruno in the Calabrian Province of Vibo Valentia. Serving as a close advisor to Pope Urban II, San Bruno was offered the archbishopric of Reggio Calabria, which he refused. Seeking seclusion, he obtained Papal permission to return to monastic life and withdrew to the remote wilderness of Calabria. Granted land from Count Roger of Sicily, the Holy Hermit founded the Charterhouse of Saint Stephen and monastery at La Torre. Widely venerated in Calabria, during Pentecost devotees carry the saint’s relics in procession from the Certosa dei Santi Stefano e Bruno to the Eremo di Santa Maria.
In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Saint Bruno. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. Evviva San Bruno di Colonia!
Prayer to Saint Bruno
O glorious patriarch, holy Father Bruno, look down upon us with those eyes of kindness that so often won men's hearts. Day and night as of old, thou dost hear in heaven's court the voices of thy sons upon earth joined in God's praises, linked with the angel choirs. Sweet Father, if our voices may reach that Throne of Majesty, we ourselves are not yet come there. Guard and guide us on that heavenward road thou hast trod before us. Thou knowest its dangers; thou knowest our weakness. Be our helper that we may keep unquenched that fire of fervor which thou didst light up so long ago. Then shall we be thy crown of glory both here and hereafter. O glorious St. Bruno, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death! Amen
