Friday, August 15
Continuing Dan's parade of feasts occulted by the Solemnity of the Assumption...
Today also marks the feast of Saint Tarsicius of Rome, the patron of altar boys. (some of my favorite people are altar boys!) According to Damasus I, Tarsicius was martyred defending the Holy Eucharist. Tradition has it that he was carrying the Eucharist to prisoners awaiting martyrdom when he was waylaid by bystanders curious to see what he was carrying. When he refused, they beat him and tried to pry his arms away from his chest to relieve him of his precious cargo. As he prayed, his arms miraculously became stronger than iron. He was rescued by friends, but refused to open his arms until he was brought before the Pope. As he was carried into the Pope's presence, he died, his arms fell away from his chest, and the air was filled with an odor like lilies.
Saint Tarsicius, pray for us, that we may have the fortitude to defend the Blessed Sacrament against all forms of irreverence and profanation!
Today also marks the feast of Saint Tarsicius of Rome, the patron of altar boys. (some of my favorite people are altar boys!) According to Damasus I, Tarsicius was martyred defending the Holy Eucharist. Tradition has it that he was carrying the Eucharist to prisoners awaiting martyrdom when he was waylaid by bystanders curious to see what he was carrying. When he refused, they beat him and tried to pry his arms away from his chest to relieve him of his precious cargo. As he prayed, his arms miraculously became stronger than iron. He was rescued by friends, but refused to open his arms until he was brought before the Pope. As he was carried into the Pope's presence, he died, his arms fell away from his chest, and the air was filled with an odor like lilies.
Saint Tarsicius, pray for us, that we may have the fortitude to defend the Blessed Sacrament against all forms of irreverence and profanation!
![[SMMMHDH]](http://www.mgilleland.com/music/smmmhdh.png){kind=small}
