A Catholic prayer book issued to US soldiers in 1944. If you wish to send it to anyone, especially in the military

INTRODUCTION
During life you have asked a familiar question. Or, it has become familiar from the fact that you have heard so many others ask it.

That question is: What is the purpose of life? What is the meaning of it all?

Stated in a few words the answer is this: God created all things.

Through the agency of your parents He created you. Thus you came from God. One day you hope by dint of a decent life to return to God.

From birth unto death, or from God to God, you travel through this world over a path known as God's will. Thus, in all the eventualities of life misfortune, war, disappointment, disillusionment, sickness and death you hear God-fearing people exclaim: "Thy will be done." No matter what your vocation or job; whether you are a professional man, tradesman, defense worker, soldier, sailor, aviator or nurse the same way must be traveled, and that is: the way of God's will.

Therefore, we intend to present the lives of some of the Saints who happened to be service men, SOLDIERS, to show that even they, amid all the perils and despite all the temptations they met as soldiers, could, with their eyes on God and His will, live good moral lives, even to the extent of becoming PERFECT.

Someone has said, "Every now and then somebody takes Christ seriously and you get a saint." The following sketches are of men who, like you, trod this earth, who had the same flesh and blood, who were faced with the same weaknesses and inclinations.

Like you, or perhaps unlike you, they took Christ seriously, and see what happened.

ST. GENEVIEVE (c.

422-512)

Feast-day, January 3.
The name itself is of French and Celtic origin and means "white wave."

In the year 429, St.

Germain of Auxerre and St. Lupus of Troyes were sent on a missionary tour from Gaul to Britain. On their way they stopped at Nanterre, a small village about eight miles from Paris.

The natives flocked out to welcome them, and St. Germain preached to the assembled crowd. It chanced that, among the hearers, the general demeanor and attention of a young girl attracted his notice.

After the sermon he asked that the child be, brought to him, spoke to her, and encouraged her to persevere in the path of goodness. At the same time, he interviewed her parents, and foretold that their child would lead a life of sanctity and, by her example and instruction, would bring many young women to devote themselves to God. The next day, before leaving, he blessed her and gave her a medal engraved with a cross.

He urged her to be content with the medal and to wear it instead of pearls and golden ornaments.

This girl later was to become Saint Genevieve by reason of her faithfulness to the promises made on the visit of St. Germain to her native town of Nanterre.

Some thirty-one years later, Attila and his Huns were sweeping over Gaul; the inhabitants of Paris prepared to flee. Genevieve encouraged them to hope and trust in God; she urged them to do works of penance, and added, that if they did so, the town would be spared. Her advice was heeded; the citizens recovered their calm, and Attila's hordes turned off towards Orleans, leaving Paris untouched.

Such in brief is the military aspect of her life.

Through her protection of Paris on this and other occasions, she is regarded as :he patroness of that city. In the spring of 1944, the Women's Army Corps (the Wacs) selected Genevieve as their Patron Saint and had a medal cast in her honor.

But long before the selections of a protectress and medal, the Wacs had, and still have, spiritual aids at their disposal, aids which they MUST use if they expect to remain stainless here, and if they aspire to the conquest of heaven. The mere wish to be good is not enough, just as, we know, the mere wish to be strong physically, or wise intellectually, is not enough. Daily physical exercise is essential on the one hand, and daily mental application necessary on the other.

In one's spiritual life, EVERY day, the woman member of the service MUST be faithful about Morning and Night

Prayer; EVERY week, when possible, she MUST be at her Sunday Mass; Christian identification COULD BE resorted to hourly during the day with prayerful pauses, like, "My God, I love Thee;" "O Jesus, with all my heart I cling to Thee."

If any young woman thinks she can neglect these supernatural helps and survive the temptations and encounters of life, she is indeed sadly mistaken. There may be many poor examples a-round her.

Those who are pursuing the primrose path may SEEM to enjoy a succession of thrills, but even they will admit that the thrills soon pass, and in their wake come disillusionment, heartache and misery. The one loyal to God's precepts, and to duty, experiences an abiding peace and happiness. What is there in life that can surpass the contentment of a good conscience?

PRAYER TO ONE'S PATRON SAINT
"O heavenly Patron in whose name I glory, pray ever to God for me; strengthen me in my faith; establish me in virtue; guard me in the conflict; that I may vanquish the evil foe and attain to everlasting glory. Amen."
An indulgence of 300 days.

SAINT SEBASTIAN
Feast-day, January 20.
The name "Sebastian" means "to be reverenced, venerable."

Many a man goes into the service much against his will.

His inner self rebels at the idea. Secondly, war removes him from his dear ones. Distasteful as it is, go he must, and ultimately, because it is his patriotic duty, he is on his way.

Service men should get some consolation from St Sebastian of the 3rd century. When he entered the Roman army about the year 283, it was not because he had any liking for military life. He felt that in those days of bitter persecution, as a soldier, gain more easy access to those Christians who were held prisoners and who were confronted with a twofold choice: denial of their religion or martyrdom.

As a soldier, yea more, as a captain of the first company of the Praetorian Guard, Sebastian found many opportunities of visiting the imprisoned and supplying their needs, of consoling and encouraging them in their trials, often winning back to God the erring ones, who through fear had fallen away.

St. Sebastian exemplifies the practice of the spiritual works of mercy which ALL should exercise as opportunity offers.

The seven spiritual works of mercy are: to admonish the sinner, to instruct the ignorant, to counsel the doubtful, to comfort the sorrowful, to bear wrongs patiently, to forgive all injuries, and to pray for the living and the dead.

Finally apprehended in his activities, he was ordered by the Emperor Diocletian to be shot to death with arrows. Bristling with arrows and wounds, Sebastian managed to escape death, and reappeared before the Emperor and reproached him with his crimes.

He was then condemned to be clubbed to death. He died on January 20, 288. He is one of the Patron Saints of Soldiers, and is invoked against pestilence.

You too, as soldiers, can be on the alert lest any of your brothers in Christ slip away from the Faith or from the path of decency. like the soldier, Sebastian, you can always show a good example, and even deter the erring one by a well-placed word. Christ-like work of this type needs courage.

We obtain courage through prayer. Therefore, let us pray.

PRAYER
Look down upon our infirmity, O Almighty God, and because the burden of our own deeds weighs us down, .

let the glorious intercession of Thy blessed Martyr Sebastian protect us. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen (Missal).

SAINT JOHN OF GOD (1495-1550)
Feast-day. March 8.
"John" is a Hebrew name and means "God has shown mercy.

"


To save himself from confusion, the serviceman must remember that there are many Saints by the name of John. As a matter of fact, about fifty-six in all.

There have been a number of Popes by the name of John twenty-two in all.

The John we have in mind in this instance is known as Saint John of God, and his Feast falls on March 8. Perhaps the best way to remember his time is to recall . that he was born three years after Columbus discovered America.

John of God serves to illustrate the dangers and pitfalls existing in the life of a soldier. When he was twenty-two years of age, he joined a company of foot soldiers that would be the infantry would it not? and in that company, he fought for the Emperor, Charles V, first against the French in Fontarabia, later in Hungary against the Turks.

For some eighteen years John was a soldier employed in various parts of Europe. But while helping to win battles, he lost almost everything else. On the hillside as a poor shepherd boy, he had preserved some practice of religion; gradually, he had lost what little faith and devotion he once possessed.

He put aside the thought of good morals because he was ashamed to be considered better than his comrades-in-arms. The old story of human respect! In the course of years, John grew as rough in body and soul as anyone else.

Many a soldier, unable to sleep at night, thinks things over. So did John. Though he had been taken from his home at the age of eight, he had never forgotten the scenes of his early days.

The cottage in which he had lived as a child, with a contented father and mother, would rise up out of the mist; or again the hillside with the sheep, where he had wandered many a day, all alone, light-hearted and utterly free. These recollections he would contrast with the life he was living, with the noise and confusion of it all, with the wealth that occasionally came from loot but as quickly disappeared, with the revelry and drink and sin. But John had one saving grace a weak spot in his heart for the poor and suffering.

However reckless John's behavior, no beggar ever come to John without getting relief as long as he was able to give it. "Charity covers a multitude of sins."

When at forty he left the service, he made it his goal in life to do good to others.

During World War II you have seen pictures of natives in Africa, carrying, like human ambulances, wounded soldiers from the line of battle to first aid stations. This may seem an innovation and yet something like it goes back to John's day, the 16th century. John too had set up a combination hospital, and hostelry for the poorest of the poor.

He didn't wait until they sought out this refuge of mercy. Instead, he went forth day after day, wanting, as his guests, men who were outcasts of society. Finding some unable to walk, he put them across his shoulder, and carried them to the hospital.

There he would bathe them and care for their wounds. At other times he would beg, for it was only through the alms of others that he was able to finance this haven of mercy.

Thus John, a former soldier, went through the last fifteen years of his life in an effort to atone for the harm he had done to others in earlier days.

He performed good works(*) to the extent of ignoring his own welfare. When he was ill, which was often, he took no notice of his illness that he might serve those who were worse. In this way, he came to the end of life's trail.

Something like a one-man band, he had been a one-man social agency. Alone, he had set up his house of refuge for the poor and the sick. Alone, he had gone forth seeking out the unfortunate and underprivileged, and alone carried them personally to his shelter.

Alone, he had financed it by begging. Even in death, he wished to be alone. On his death.

-bed, characteristically enough, he requested those around him to leave the room for a few minutes. When they had gone, he arose from the bed and knelt before a crucifix. The nurses entered shortly after and found him still kneeling, his face resting on the feet of the Savior.

But he was dead. It was the eighth of March, 1550 his death-day on earth, his birthday in heaven.

He is one of the Patron Saints of hospitals and the sick, and his name is included in the Litany for the Dying.

PRAYER
Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us, set our hearts on fire with love of Thee (Roman Breviary). An indulgence of 500 days

SAINT LONGINUS
Feast-day, March 15.

Longinus was the centurion assigned by Pilate to stand guard with his soldiers at the crucifixion of our Lord.

He pierced Christ's side with a lance. He confessed to the Christian faith when he saw the signs which followed upon the death of Jesus; namely, the darkening of the sun and the quaking of the earth. His exact words were, "Indeed this man was the Son of God" (Mark 15:39).

Today Longinus he who went so far as to lance the side of Christ is honored in the Church as a SAINT. His feast is March 15. Should he not fill with hope any service man who may have strayed from the path called straight and narrow.

No matter what you may have been, no matter what you have done, even if, in the ELEVENTH HOUR, you turn from your waywardness, and ask God's mercy, that mercy will never be wanting.

It is "never too late to mend." This is one of the chief lessons connected with Calvary's hill.

Child, youth, man or woman, elderly person, soldier, sailor, aviator, or marine it is never too late to mend; it is never too late to begin to love and serve God at least, not while the daylight lasts. But when "the night comes when no man can work" (John 9:4), when the darkness of death has fallen upon you, then it is too late forever and ever. And God forbid to any one that wretched ending of life's day!

SAINT GEORGE
Feast-day, April 23.

Most Pullman porters are referred to us "George," and most farmers as "Elmer or "Si." It should be the other way around, at least as far as the latter are concerned, for strangely enough, the name "George" means "farmer.

"

George was born in Cappadocia toward the close of the third century. He followed a military profession, and rapidly rose to high office in the Roman Army. When Diocletian instituted a Christian persecution, George resigned his commission.

Ordered by the Emperor to renounce his faith, he was, on refusal, cast into prison, subjected to unspeakable torture and finally beheaded (273).

During the Crusades (approximately 11th to 16th centuries), his cult became widespread. He became the patron of the Order of the Garter, which Edward III established about 1347, and the cross of St.

George came to be considered the symbol of knighthood. The most popular legend concerning George is that of his encounter with the dragon. The pagan town of Selena in Libya had been harassed by a dragon exhaling a pestilential breath.

In order to appease him, sheep were offered as victims, but when the supply of these was exhausted, the inhabitants of the town were substituted. The king's young daughter, having been chosen by lot, was taken to the dragon's lair and left to the mercy of the beast. George riding by, slew the dragon and the town became converted.

The large red Saint George's cross against a white background still remains the ensign of the British Navy, and it is also one of the figures which make up the Union Jack.

St. George is the protector of soldiers, archers, knights, and saddlers, and is invoked against fever.

He is one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers in Need." He is the Patron Saint of England, Malta, Barcelona, Genoa, and Valencia.

The life of St.

George is a symbol of victory over evil, the triumph of faith over the powers of hell. The saints were only human. Of themselves they could do nothing; with God they could do, and did do all things.

We too, as we know full well, are only human. Of ourselves, we can do nothing. God, however, is waiting to help us if we will only call upon Him, and if we will co-operate with the help He will give us, "Hitherto you have not asked anything in my name.

-ask and you shall receive."

PRAYER
0 God, who, by calling us to have part of the merits and prayers of blessed George Thy martyr, dost give us cause of great joy, deny us not, we beseech thee, the good gifts which, relying upon help we implore from Thy loving kindness. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Son, who liveth and reigneth with
thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Amen (Missal).

SAINT JOAN OF ARC
Born January 6, 1412; died May 30, 145]
Feast-day, May 30.
The name "Joan" is an English variant of Joanna, and the latter is from the Hebrew meaning "grace of the Lord".

Because of the many, many women who are now attached to various branches of the service, let us consider a woman soldier, Joan of Arc.

This saint has had a strange history both in her lifetime and since her death. A simple, pious, peasant girl, summoned bv heavenly voices (the voices of Saints Michael, Margaret, and Catherine) to go to the help of the King of France, raised to be a leader of the French army, opposed and thwarted at every turn by jealousies and intrigues, condemned by an ecclesiastical court: abandoned to her fate by those whom she had aided, and burnt as a heretic, twenty-five years later her good name is restored, and at last, after nearly five hundred years, she is named a Saint.

We too are constantly summoned by a "voice." It is the still, small voice of conscience. If we follow the dictates of that "voice," we shall never go astray; in fact, with God's grace, we may even become saints.

And we cannot begin too soon, for examining Joan's birth and death dates, we find that she was but nineteen years of age at her death. Then too we can imitate her in the love she had for Jesus and Mary. On her standard in the army she had inscribed just two words: "Jesus, Mary"; and we are told that at the end, "above the cries of the women and children, above the hissing of the flames and the crackling of the wood beneath her feet, arose from her lips the same loving words: 'Jesus, Mary'.

" We are encouraged to say the same , for the Church grants 300 Days' Indulgence each time we say the Holy Name, "Jesus," and 300 Days' Indulgence each time we say the Holy Name, "Mary."

SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS (1550-1614)

Feast-day, July 18.
The name "Camillus" means "attendant at a sacrifice.

"

There are at least fifty-six canonized Saints by the name of John. In the case of Camillus we meet the opposite extreme. He is the only Saint by that name in the entire calendar of Saints,

Here we have a character who should be dear to the hearts of those servicemen who in their youth were among the underprivileged.

As a child he was lank and ungainly, unusually tall for his years, in appearance anything but attractive, lazy by nature and hating to be taught. He had a violent temper and obstinate self-will, with no one at hand to do much about it for his mother died when he was twelve and his father, a soldier was of necessity away from home. Knocked about from one place to another after his mother's death, he managed because of his unusual height to get into the army at the early age of 17.

As a soldier Camillus became famous not so much for shooting bullets- although we read nothing against his record for bravery as for rolling them bones. Yes, our friend had a weakness for gambling, and shortly after pay-day, one would find him down on his knees, not, however, for praying, unless one "prays" for a SEVEN on the opening roll. As with so many others, gambling didn't pay with Camillus either.

Found to be a bad influence; and guilty of insubordination, he received the old "heave-ho," and after five years' military service, was dishonorably discharged. (A move like that can make or break you. You can go from bad to worse, OR you can turn over a new leaf and profit by the experience.

) Fortunately, Camillus took his medicine like a man, and went to work, getting whatever odd jobs he could. On one job he was a hod-carrier, lugging loads of brick for the building of a Capuchin Seminary. However, in the army, whether from a wound or a neglected gash, he had developed a running sore on his leg which nothing seemed to heal.

He therefore was forced to give up his work and repair to the Hospital of St Giacomo in Rome for treatment, While there he was able to be up and about, and to help other patients which he did only too gladly, for he had a soft spot in his heart for the sick and afflicted. He noticed that the hospital servants were not enkindled with the same spirit as himself; there was unkindness, neglect and indifference. This he would correct if he could.

It dawned on him to become a priest and to found an Order of priests whose sole duty it would be to care for the sick and the dying, especially in places of plague and pestilence.

Camillus did some private studying at the hospital, but finally at the age of thirty-two, he entered a Seminary conducted by the Jesuit Fathers. One can imagine his difficult task.

With very little school training in his youth, after his busy life as a soldier and a laborer when he had little time for the perusal of books, finally, at thirty-two (when most in the world are quite willing to forget further learning), Camillus took up the momentous work of studying for the priesthood. Persevere he did, and in 1584, he arrived at his goal.

Camillus the organizer now came into being.

He gathered other zealous souls about him to do the work he had in mind. He therefore founded, with Papal Approval, the Brothers of a Happy Death, . to be known after his decease as the Order of St.

Camillus. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy marks about this Saint is the fact that we are indebted to him for the institution of the Red Cross. When the Order which he founded was formally approved by Pope Sixtus V, in order that its members might be distinguished from other Religious, Camillus asked that they be permitted to wear a red cross on their cassock and mantle.

32 By an apostolic brief, dated June 26, 1586, the permission was granted. Three days later, on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Camillus, with a few of his followers, came to St.

Peter's, each wearing :he red cross, and there they dedicated themselves and their work to God for ail time.

For thirty years following his ordination, this saint, who first learned to conquer self, went out and conquered the souls of others. How?

Simply by kindness: exercising mercy and love towards the poorest of the poor and the sickest of the sick. Even then he dared not rest on his laurels, for at the hour of death he cried out, "I beseech you on my knees to pray for me, for I have been a great sinner, a gambler, and a man of bad life." In his final moments he never ceased thanking God for all He had done for him through the merits of His Most Precious Blood.

When the end came, he stretched out his arms in the form of a cross, uttered the words, "O Most Precious Blood! O Jesus! O Mary!

" and died. It was the 14th day of July (1614) the month of the Most Precious Blood. Is it not inspiring to read of a death like that, to think that, after all, it really makes little difference when or where I die, as long as I die well, as long as I die in the good graces of my loving Savior?

And to insure such a death, I shall have short prayers ever on my lips, especially in times of temptation. These prayerful aspirations will become a habit with me, so that when death overtakes me, be it in the heat of battle, be it in mud, sand, water, fire, or air, I too will instinctively cry out, "O Most Precious Blood! O Jesus!

O Mary!"

St. Camillus is, and officially so, one of the Patron Saints of hospitals and the sick.

His name is included in the Litany for the Dying.

PRAYER
O God, who didst endow holy Camillus with a special grace of charity for the relief of souls in their last agony, we beseech Thee, by his merits so to pour into our hearts the spirit of Thy love, that at the hour of our departure we may overcome the enemy, and deserve to win a heavenly crown (Missal).

SAINT IGNATIUS (1491-1556)
Feast-day, July 31.

The name Ignatius means "fiery" or "native-born."

Ignatius was born in Spain in 1491. He was the youngest of twelve children, and from his earliest years manifested all the romantic characteristics of a knight errant.

He adopted the profession of arms, and whilst engaged in defending the fort of Pampeluna against the French, received a severe wound that necessitated a prolonged stay in the sickroom. Like many an incapacitated soldier of the present day, he called for books to read, and the only literature within reach was the life of Christ and the lives of the Saints. They were the means God used to take captive this heroic soul.

They are the means God presents to many another military soul. "Opportunity," the motto states, "knocks but once." In reality, as far as spiritual occasions of advancement are concerned, it knocks many times.

. The thing is to be on your toes, grasp the invitation held out to you, and FORWARD, MARCH!

The reading of the Saint's lives was for Ignatius a revelation.

It dawned on him that the Church has her army which, under the orders of the representative of Christ, fights to defend here below the sacred interests of the God of hosts. He then laid down his sword at the feet of the Virgin, in the famous Benedictine abbey at Montserrat; and his generous soul, once in love with worldly glory, now only longed "for the greater glory of God. ' The latter saying, A.

M.D.G.

"Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" "To the greater glory of God" was later to become the motto of the Society which he founded, the Society of Jesus.

This is the whole of holiness: not to do anything except for the glory of God, and to do everything for His greater glory. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31).

When he sent missionaries, members of the Society, abroad, he used to say to them: "Go, my brothers, inflame the world, and spread ever/where the fire which Jesus Christ came to kindle on earth." In other words, "Go, and set the world on fire with the love of Christ." Soldier, sailor, aviator not matter in which branch of the services you may be a member, those words are now being spoken to you.

It is not so much that you preach the Gospel of Christ but you live it. And this takes courage.

Now, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost is Fortitude.

We often hear this word referred to in the term "intestinal fortitude" which has been translated into the more understandable word "guts". You need "guts" not only as a soldier of war but as a soldier of Christ, and like "another Christ" to "go about doing good," which you are bound to do when you lead a decent, moral life.

St.

Ignatius, by popular belief, is one of the Patron Saints of Soldiers.

PRAYER
O God, who for the spreading of the greater glory of Thy name, didst, by means of blessed Ignatius strengthen Thy church militant with a new army, vouchsafe unto us, that after battling upon this earth even as he battled, helped by his prayers, it may one day be ours; to be crowned with him in heaven (Missal)

SAINT HIPPOLYTUS

Feast-day, August 13,
The name itself is from the Greek and means "horse-destruction."

Appointed by the Emperor to guard the cell of St.

Lawrence, Hippolytus was converted by his prisoner. In the cradle days of the Church, better known as the days of persecution, to be apprehended as a Christian simply meant you were finished as far as this world was concerned. It was merely a question of HOW you were to die.

Racked and scourged, the soldier Hippolytus lived true to his name, not by destroying a horse, but in being destroyed by one He was ultimately tied to the tail of a horse and dragged to death. This was about the year 252.

It is the reflection of St.

Augustine, that "if, with the martyrs, we seriously considered the rewards that await us, we should account all trouble and pain in this life as nothing, and should be astonished that Divine Goodness gives so great compensation for so little labor. Our trials might have been very long. Yet God in His mercy does not oblige us to suffer too great a time.

He says to toil not a million years, nor a thousand, nor even five hundred, but only the few years that you live; in these the dew of my consolations shall not be wanting; I will recompense your patience, for everything, with a glory that has no end. Though we were to be loaded with miseries, pain, and grief our whole life, the thoughts of heaven alone ought to make us bear its sharpest trials with cheerfulness and joy."

PRAYER
Grant we beseech Thee, O Almighty God that the venerable solemnity of Thy holy martyr Hippolytus, may increase our devotion and promote our salvation
(Missal).

SAINT LOUIS (1215 1270)
Feast-day, August 25.
The name "Louis" is Teutonic, and means "famous 'war".

Louis IX became King of France at the age of 12.

He was brought up in the fear of God by his mother, Queen Blanche, who taught him to die rather than ever to commit a mortal sin. He liked to be called Louis of Poissy, the place where he had been baptized, to show that his title of Christian was his most glorious title to nobility. Following the same idea, a present-day soldier might be Joe of Columbus, John of Portland, Jim of Springfield, depending on the place of his christening.

Modesty, the most amiable of virtues, was not the least part of this saint's character. Like Bing Crosby, of whom every service man has probably heard, he was a lover of music and singing; he wore very plain, and, at times, even shabby clothes. But if any one, in song or otherwise, let slip the least indecent word before him, he was forever banished from his presence.

When it was expedient for the king to marry, the most virtuous lady in the land was his choice.

Having recovered from a serious illness, he made a vow to undertake a crusade to reconquer Jerusalem. Like many another modern soldier, he was taken prisoner; he fell into the hands of the Saracens.

Restored to freedom, he remained five years in the East helping the Christians. On his return to France, he financed many pious foundations. Most severe with himself, he was most charitable to others, and used to say, "It is more fitting for a king to ruin himself in alms for God's sake than in pomp and vainglory.

"

Soldiers today are in the habit of wearing some religious article about the neck: a cross, a medal, a scapular. Captain Eddie Rickenbacker not a Catholic has worn for years a crucifix given to him by a little Catholic girl. Louis too wore the cross continuously to show that his vow to reconquer Jerusalem remained unaccomplished.

He undertook in 1270 another crusade, but an epidemic decimated his army in AFRICA and struck him down. With his arms crossed, lying on a bed of ashes, near Tunis, he gave up his soul at the same hour that Christ had died on the cross. He was heard to repeat the day before his death: "We shall go to Jerusalem.

" It was in reality to the heavenly Jerusalem, where conquered by his patience in the midst of setbacks he was to reign with the King of Kings.

PRAYER
O God, who hast taken blessed Louis, Thy confessor, from an earthly throne to seat him on one more glorious in heaven, have regard we beseech Thee, to his merits and prayers, and admit us to share the Kingdom of Jesus Christ ' King of kings, Thy Son: Who liveth and reigneth, world without end Amen (Missal).

SAINT EUSTACE
Feast-day, September 20.

The name "Eustace" means "steadfast, strong."

Eustace was a Roman general under Trajan. One day, while hunting, he witnessed an apparition of Christ between the antlers of a deer.

As a result he embraced Christianity. By his conversion he forfeited rank and fortune. Later in need of him, Trajan sought him out and again made him head of the Roman army.

But after a splendid victory, refusing to offer sacrifice to the false gods in thanksgiving, he with his wife and two children, was thrown to the lions. This proved to be too gentle and caused no harm, whereupon the victims were shut up in a red-hot brazen bull, and their martyrdom was completed by this torture, about the year 120.

As we shall see, the soldier saints were made up of both privates and officers.

Sebastian was a Captain, and Eustace, a General. Likewise, saints are to be Sound among soldiers, sailors, and all kinds of men, and this is an encouraging thought. No matter what my work, I can perfect it, and perfect myself in it.

Doing my job, no matter how small or insignificant it may be in the eyes of the world, and doing it the best way I know how this done with a supernatural motive, that is, for God, will, with the Master's help, elevate me to sainthood.

PRAYER
O God, by whose grace we keep the Festival of Thy holy martyrs Eustace and his companions, grant that we may enjoy their fellowship in everlasting bliss
(Missal)

SAINT MAURICE AND HIS COMPANIONS
Feast-day, September 22.
The name "Maurice" means "Moorish.

"

The Theban legion of which Maurice was the leader, composed entirely of 660 Christians, had been sent by the Emperor Maximian (286) into Gaul to suppress the Bagandae revolt. When ordered to sacrifice to the gods in thanksgiving, they refused. The enraged Emperor ordered them put to death.

Encouraged by Maurice, one by one, they unresistingly gave up their lives for their Faith. Before the massacre began, Maurice charged Maximian thus: "Know, O Emperor, that we are your soldiers
but we are servants also of the true God. In all things lawful, we will most readily obey, but we had rather die without shame than live by sin.

"

Saint Maurice is the patron Saint of many places in Switzerland, Piedmont, and France; of soldiers, the Swiss Guard of the Pope, swordsmiths, and dyers. Since he is patron of swordsmiths, there is no reason why defense workers could not have recourse to him. He is also invoked against gout and cramps.

In Italian art, he is portrayed with a red cross on his armored breast, and this same cross has become the badge of the Sardinian Order of Saint Maurice.

It might be well for present-day soldiers to repeat often to themselves, and even to others when the necessity calls for it, "We are soldiers, but we are servants also of the true God. In all things lawful we will most readily obey, but we had rather die without shame than live in sin.

PRAYER
O glorious St. Maurice . .

. increase in us that true piety which forms the characteristic of the sons of God. Cause us, in imitation of you, to have, like faithful servants, our loins girt, and our lamps burning in our hands, and to live in edifying penitence, that, when the eternal Master comes, we may be found ready to depart from this exile, and merit to be admitted to those eternal tabernacles where we hope for the enjoyment of the immortal King of ages, to whom honor, glory and benediction given, for ever and ever.

Amen (My Prayer Book)

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS (316 397)
Feast-day, November 11.
The name "Martin" means "of Mars, warlike."

Martin was born in Hungary and came to Gaul as a soldier.

While still a catechumen (one who is under instruction prior to receiving Baptism), on a bitter cold day, near Amiens, he gave half of his cloak to a poor man who asked an alms in the name of Christ (*). On the following night Jesus appeared to him clothed in the half of the cloak, and said to him: "Martin, a simple catechumen, covered me with this garment."

Baptized at the age of eighteen, he later became Bishop of Tours, and as such devoted himself to the glory of God and the saving of souls.

(*) It is of note that the title "chaplain", derived from the Latin word capellanus, had its origin in the capa or capella of St. Martin of Tours. As related above, St.

Martin gave half of his cloak (capa) to a beggar, and wrapped the remaining half about himself as a cape (capella). Tradition affirms that this cape, or its counterpart, was preserved as a relic by the Kings of France and taken with them as a talisman when they went to war. The tent in which this sacred relic was sheltered and in which was likewise held the Mass or divine worship by military chaplains became known as capella, hence chapel.

Later, the same name was applied to the oratory or place where this sacred relic was enshrined and where divine worship was held; the custodians of the place and relic, and the celebrants of the ceremony, were called capellani, or chaplains.

Few Saints have been so popular. Patron Saint of France, it is of note that the Armistice of World War One (1918) was signed in that country on his feast-day, November 11.

In France alone about 4,000 parish churches are dedicated to St. Martin, and 485 market towns and villages still bear his name.

Those youths who have found their ambitions thwarted by the war will find solace in this Saint.

He too had his own boyhood aspirations but at fifteen was compelled by the laws of the country to take a military oath, and was entered in the cavalry. And this item is significant: all the time he remained in the army a period of five years he kept himself free from those vices which too frequently sully and degrade that profession, and by his decency, goodness and charity, gained the respect and esteem of all his fellow-soldiers. He comforted all those who suffered affliction, and relieved the distressed, reserving to himself out of his pay only what was sufficient for his daily support.

This Saint lived 81 years, and yet as we look back now, it doesn't seem so very long. life will be over all too quickly. Therefore, how important it is that every man in the service keep himself pure, decent, and above reproach.

For like Martin, each one of us must go before the Judge in Heaven to give an account of our stewardship. And this soldier gives us the clue to a good life in having used of his salary only as much as was necessary for his daily needs. Why must some spend everything on themselves for pleasure and self-indulgence?

Perhaps those at home could use what you do not need. Perhaps you could help the poor. "As you sow so shall you reap.

" If you wish His blessing in battle, sow your benefits now among those who need them. Ask help in the following:

PRAYER
O God who seest that on no strength of our own can we rely, in Thy loving kindness grant that the intercession of blessed Martin, Thy confessor and bishop, be to us a pure defense in our every trouble (Missal).

SAINT NICHOLAS OF MYRA
Feast-day, December 6.

The name "Nicholas" means "victory of the people."

Among the Saints popular with seafaring men down through the centuries, we find listed St. Eulalia, February 12; St.

Cuthbert, March 20; St. Peter Gonzales, April 15; St. Brendan, May 16; St.

Erasmus, June 2; St. Paul, June 29; St. Nicholas of Tolentine, September 10; and St.

Nicholas of Myra, December 6.

It is impossible to consider all of these, but because the last one mentioned, St. Nicholas of Myra, is beloved by children as well as by sailors, we shall say a few words about him.

Every adult must be a child in spirit if he is to pass safely through the door of death to the life hereafter. We have Our Lord's own testimony for this: "Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

Different from many of the Saints we have met, this one was born of wealthy parents who exercised their riches to boy Nicholas an excellent education.

Though blessed with this world's goods, he was indeed poor in spirit, and utilized his temporal possessions to help others, as when he secretly threw a bag of gold in a window on three separate occasions to save the honor of three young girls. Otherwise, by reason of poverty, they would have been reduced to a life of shame. This act of Nicholas is commemorated nowadays in the idea of Santa Claus, when the children thank "Good Saint Nicholas" for the gifts left discreetly 'round the fire-place on "the night before Christmas.

" Santa Claus, you will note, is but a corruption of Sankt Nikolaus.

After he became a priest, it was the desire of Nicholas to make a trip to the Holy Land. This he did.

During the voyage, he foretold a furious storm in which all the passengers would consider themselves lost. But Nicholas overcame by his prayers the tempest which would have wrecked the ship. The grateful sailors fell at his feet and thanked him for his help.

The humble man reminded them that to God alone, the mighty Ruler of earth and sky and sea, their thanks were due, and that He had spared their lives in order that they might serve Him.

On more than one occasion, during his life and after his death, this Saint obtained the same favor for the storm-tossed travelers. It is for this reason that he is regarded as the patron of sailors.

It also happened that on one voyage he raised to life a seaman who had fallen from a high mast and had been killed. Having become Archbishop of Myra, he died in that city in the year 342.

St.

Nicholas is also Patron Saint of children, not so much because of the Santa Claus phase of his life, but because he was famed for his simple and childlike instructions to the little ones; and what is more, he backed up those instructions with a great holiness and simplicity of life. So too today, the children admire the men of the sea for their heroic deeds accomplished in line of duty. The question though is this: are those wonderful earthly actions confirmed by the heroism of the soul, the heroism of leading a good, decent, moral life; or, when on shore, do they let the "kids" down by over-indulgence in drink, or by their cheap regard for members of the other sex?

PRAYER
O God, who didst adorn the holy bishop Nicholas with the working of countless miracles, moved by his merits and prayers, save us, we beseech Thee, from the flames of hell (Missal).

OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Feast-day, December 8.
Patron Saint of the United States and special Patroness of all men and women in the service of these United States.

Patron Saints are saints who by designation of the sovereign pontiff or by popular tradition are venerated as favoring by their intercession certain interests, countries or localities, e.g. St.

Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church; St. Francis Xavier, Catholic Missions; St. Camillus de Lellis, hospitals.

The beliefs of a Catholic in an age of Faith prompted him to place not only his churches under the protection of some illustrious servant of God, but also the ordinary interests of life his health, his family trade, his maladies, and perils, his death, his city and country. The whole social life of the Catholic world before the reformation was animated by the idea of the protection by the citizens of heaven. It has been stated that in England there existed 40,000 religious corporations, including ecclesiastical bodies of all kinds, monasteries and convents, military orders, industrial and professional guilds and charitable institutions, each of which had its rites, funds and methods of assistance.

"...

The saint does not become the patron officially until the Holy See gives its approval" Catholic Encyclopedia, Supplement. Of the Saints considered here, all Patrons mentioned are patrons by popular belief or tradition. There are four exceptions.

Pope Leo XIII, at the desire of the bishops of the Catholic world, and by the advice of the Congregation of Rites, declared St. Camillus de Lellis and St. John of God the heavenly patrons of all hospitals and the sick in all places, and ordered their names to be invoked in the Litany for the Dying.

And by a decree of March 24, 1920, in the Pontificate of Benedict XV, Our Lady of Loreto was proclaimed patroness of aviators by the Holy See.

It would be well to add that over and above the fact that Our Lady had already been Patroness of the United States under the title of her Immaculate Conception (February 7, 1847), the Congregation of Rites under date of May 7, 1942, in response to the petition of the Most Reverend Francis J. Spellman, Archbishop of New York and Military Vicar, declared and established the same Immaculate Blessed Virgin to be the heavenly Patroness before God of all engaged in the military service of these United States.

PRAYER
O Mary, thou didst enter the world without stain; do thou obtain for me from God, that I may leave it without sin.__An indulgence of 300 days.

OUR LADY OF LORETO or SAINT MARY
Feast-day, December 10.

The more common view holds that the name "Mary" is another form of the Hebrew "Miriam" which means "beautiful lady" or "comely maiden."

To save our readers from a great deal of confusion, let us say that Mary, the Mother of God, is referred to by preachers, writers, and the faithful themselves, under ever so many titles. First of all, she is the Mother of God.

Then she may be called Saint Mary, Holy Mary, Our Blessed Mother, Our Blessed Lady, Our Lady, The Blessed Virgin, and then by any one of the many titles in her Litany, the Litany of Loreto.

With this in mind, let us say that by a decree of March 24, 1920, Our Lady of Loreto was proclaimed patroness of aviators by the Holy See. At the same time, the Congregation of Rites issued a special formula of blessing for flying machines, which has now been inserted in the Roman Ritual.

The choice of Our Lady of Loreto as special protectress of aviators recalls the ancient tradition that her home at Nazareth, in which the Incarnation took place, was, in the 13th Century, miraculously carried by angels through the air in safety, from Palestine to Loreto on the Italian shore of the Adriatic, where it is still held in veneration.

PRAYER
O God who by the mystery of the Word, therein became Incarnate, and didst, in Thy mercy, consecrate the House of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and wondrously didst translate it into the bosom of Thy Church, grant that, forsaking the tents of sinners, we may be found worthy to have our home in Thy holy dwelling place (Missal!.

Conclusion
Readers, one day you are going to die.

Whether in the military service or out of it, God only knows. Whether in your hometown or country, or abroad, God only knows- that it makes little difference may be seen from this story.

You may recall the picture which modern art has made so familiar, describing a scene, recorded for us in the book of the Confessions of St. Augustine. The Saint, with his good mother, St.

Monica, had just started from Rome for Africa, and had arrived at the port of Ostia, whence they are to embark. They are represented seated, hand in hand, looking up towards Heaven, whilst they are conversing upon the love and goodness of God. It was there that she was to die, for she could proceed no farther.

But it mattered not to her where she died. "Nothing is far off from God," she said, "and the wav to Heaven is as close from one spot as from another."

The important point is that you die well.

Despite the poor example of so many in the armed forces, it is possible as a soldier, sailor, or aviator to live properly and well. You can follow the crowd and go the easy way. On the other hand, whether officer or pilot you can be a moral leader in the sense that you have the courage to be different.

We have presented in brief the lives of soldiers who actually were different. They were different even to the extent that they reached perfection. This they managed to do by placing their dependence entirely on God.

You too have the same God above you. Ask His help from day to day. Co-operate with the assistance He will inevitably give you, and then like Saint Paul who declared he could do all things in God who gave him the strength, have the confidence, yea, even the heroism, to go out and "set the world on fire with the love of Christ.

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PRAYER MY GOD I LOVE YOU, BECAUSE YOU ARE SO GOOD; AND I AM SORRY FOR ALL MY SINS, BECAUSE I LOVE YOU.
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