Meskerem 21 — October 01

A Special Day for Our Lady Mary

Today is a happy feast for Our Lady, the holy Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. The wise old books of the Church tell us that the 21st day of every single month belongs to her. So every month, when we reach this day, we get to stop and say thank you to God for her.

Mary loved God with her whole heart. When God chose her to be the mother of Jesus, she said yes with joy and trust. She is gentle and kind, like the very best mother, and she cares about every child who prays to her.

On her feast day we sing to her, we bring her our happy hearts, and we ask her to pray for us, the way you might ask your own mother to help you. Because Mary is so close to Jesus, her prayers are very special. When we honor Mary, we are really thanking God, who made her so good and chose her for such a precious gift.

Today we celebrate Our Lady Mary. Every month, the 21st day is hers.

Cyprianus, Who Learned That God Is Stronger

Long ago there lived a man named Cyprianus (say it: sip-ree-AH-nus). At first he did not know God at all. He used magic tricks and bad spells, and he thought he was the cleverest man around. He was proud and unkind.

In a city called Antioch lived a good Christian girl named Justina (say it: jus-TEE-na), who loved God and prayed every day. A young man wanted Cyprianus to use his spells to make Justina do what he wanted. But every time Cyprianus tried, it did not work, because Justina was praying and the evil spirits could not even come near her. God's protection was all around her, like a strong wall.

When Cyprianus saw this, he was amazed. He thought, "If even the name of this praying girl is too strong for my spells, then God must be the strongest of all!" So he made his choice. He burned all his magic books and was baptized as a Christian.

Cyprianus changed completely. He gave his life to quiet prayer as a monk, then became a priest, and at last a kind bishop who took care of God's people. Justina became the leader of a house where many women prayed together. Both of them stayed faithful to God for the rest of their lives, and God welcomed them home to heaven. What a happy ending for a man who once knew nothing about God!

If even her name is too strong for my spells, then God must be the strongest of all!

Saint Tiberius the Apostle

We also remember Saint Tiberius (say it: ty-BEER-ee-us). He was an apostle, one of Jesus' helpers who told people the good news about God. Tiberius was one of the Seventy-two disciples. Jesus once chose seventy-two friends and sent them out, two by two, to share his love everywhere they went.

Tiberius spent his life teaching people about Jesus and helping them believe. After many years of faithful work, God called him home to rest. We thank God for brave helpers like Tiberius, who carried God's good news to so many people.