The Feast of Our Lady Mary

On this day, we celebrate Our Lady Mary, the Mother of God, who brought salvation to the world through her Son, Jesus Christ. She prays for us every day, and we honor her with joy.
Hail to you, O Mary!

The Story of Saint Irene

This same day is also special because it remembers Saint Irene. Her name means Peace.

Long ago, there lived a king named Lucianus, and Irene was his daughter. The king loved her very much. He built her a shining palace with twelve grand halls and eight sparkling windows. Inside was a golden table and vessels made of silver and gold. Irene had three young servants to help her, and a wise teacher who taught her lessons from outside the palace walls.

At this time, Irene was just seven years old.

The Strange Visitors

One day, while Irene was sitting at her golden table, something amazing happened.

• A gentle dove flew in, carrying an olive leaf, and placed it on the table.
• Then, a mighty eagle appeared with a crown and set it down.
• Finally, a dark raven swooped in with a serpent and dropped it beside the others.

Irene was very afraid. She told her teacher about the strange signs. He explained:

• “The dove is God’s Law, and the olive leaf is Christian baptism.”
• “The eagle is the conqueror, and the crown means victory for the righteous.”
• “The raven is a king, and the serpent is suffering and trials.”

Then he told her, “You must be ready to fight for the name of Christ.”

The Father’s Proposal

One day, King Lucianus came to visit his daughter. He said,
“My child, I wish to marry you to one of the nobles.”

Irene gently answered,
“Father, give me three days to think about it.”

When her father left, Irene went to the idols in the palace, asking them for advice. But they were silent. Then Irene lifted her eyes to heaven and prayed:
“O God of the Christians, have mercy on me.”

At once, an angel of God appeared and said,
“Tomorrow one of Saint Paul’s disciples will come. He will baptize you in the name of Christ.”

And just as the angel promised, the next day a disciple arrived. Irene received Christian baptism with great joy.

Irene Declares Her Faith

Three days later, her parents returned. Irene stood before them bravely and said,
“I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

Her father was furious. He ordered soldiers to tie her up and trample her with horses. But God protected her—no harm came to her at all!

When her parents saw this miracle, their hearts changed. They believed in Christ, left behind their royal throne, and chose a quiet life of faith.

The Kings Who Tried to Stop Her

But Irene’s faith journey was not easy. Many kings heard about her and tried to stop her.

• One king set lions and serpents upon her, but they would not touch her.
• He even sawed her with a blade and tied a heavy stone around her neck—but Jesus saved her each time.

Later, her parents and three hundred of their servants were baptized, along with many others in the city.

Another king, Numerianus, locked her in a brass bull, but God shattered it and set her free.
When King Sabor tried to spear her, she gave up her spirit. But Christ raised her back to life!
Seeing this, King Sabor and many people believed in Jesus. Through Irene’s witness, more than three hundred thousand people became Christians.

The End of Her Journey

At last, Saint Irene was carried by God’s power to the city of Ephesus, where she performed many miracles. She healed the sick and showed courage before powerful kings.

Finally, she rested in peace and was buried in a beautiful church. Her tomb became a place of healing, where many miracles happened through her prayers.

Closing

Saint Irene lived with courage, faith, and love for Christ. Though kings and rulers tried to harm her, God always protected her until the time came for her to rest with Him.

Hail to you, Saint Irene! Glory be to God, who is glorified in His saints. Amen.