September 26: Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs—Optional Memorial

Read entire reflection online >>>September 26: Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs—Optional Memorialc. Late Third Century–c. 287 or 303Patron Saints of apothecaries, barbers, blind people, chemical industry, druggists, midwives, physicians, pharmacists, surgeonsInvoked against blindness, kidney stones, hernias, and pestilencePre-Congregation canonizationsLiturgical Color: RedQuote: The judge ordered them to be thrown into a large fire, but the flames leaped away from them and killed many. They were then ordered to be placed on a torture device…but an angel of the Lord protected them…The judge ordered the three to be imprisoned and had Cosmo and Damian crucified and stoned by the people, but the stones flew back at those who threw them, injuring many. Then the judge, filled with madness, made the three brothers stand by the cross and commanded four knights to shoot arrows at Cosmo and Damian. However, the arrows turned back…When the judge saw this, he was utterly baffled, tormented to the point of death, and ordered all five brothers to be beheaded together. ~Excerpt from the Golden Legend, Thirteenth CenturyPrayer:Saints Cosmas and Damian, you were touched by Christ and sought to share your faith in Him through your selfless and free service to all who needed your medical care. When persecuted, you remained strong in your faith, preferring death over sin. Please pray for me, that I will follow your example of selfless service to others and will have the courage to be a witness to Christ no matter the cost. I also entrust to you, this day, all who are ill and in need of your prayers. Saints Cosmas and Damian, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: mycatholic.lifeCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Statues By vbaleha; Martyrdom by Renáta Sedmáková – Adobe Stock