May 12 2017 - St. Pancras the Martyr - Conversion, Happiness, Intercession

Saint Pancras was born in Phrygia, a kingdom in what is today west central Turkey, around the turn of the 4th century. He is also known by the names Pancritas and Pancratius. Pancras was orphaned at an early age and was taken to Rome by his uncle, Dionysius. The two of them converted to Christianity after meeting some Christians there.

Pancras lived during the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who we know mounted some of the fiercest persecutions of the early Church. And so converting to Christianity during this period was highly dangerous. And it wasn’t long before he was arrested and beheaded, perhaps on the same day as Saints Nereus and Achilleus, whose feast days are also today. Pancras was only 14 when he was beheaded, and so was one of the early patron saints of teenagers.

That’s about all we know of the life of St. Pancras. In 514 Pope Symmacus erected a Basilica in his honor. And in 672, Pope Vitalian sent his relics to the Northumberland in England. And through the centuries devotion to Pancras grew, many healing miracles came through his intercession. His powerful intercession and “glorious prayers” are mentioned in the Collect prayer.

Three lessons for us:

One, His conversion came through the influence of faithful Catholics. We never know how the Lord will use our simple faith to raise up saints. We do well to share our faith because people are craving an authentic relationship with God, even though at times they don’t act like it. And God will use us to draw them to Himself.

Two, Pancras converted and was martyred as a teenager. We need to share our faith with clarity and patience especially to those at such a tender age—when the ways of the world compete for their loyalty. Don’t be afraid to challenge them. Pope Francis recently said to teenagers: “there is no app for happiness”, meaning, he challenged their absorption with technology, in a clear, compelling, but loving way. And we shouldn’t be afraid to do the same.

Three, the intercession of the Saints, is powerful. Just because you currently don’t have a devotion to St. Pancras, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one. Devotion to the early martyrs will not only strengtrhen your own faith, but bring great graces.

May our devotion to St. Pancras, Achilleus, Nereus help us to stand firm and to persevere in sharing the faith and living the faith for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Our Savior’s faithfulness is mirrored in the fidelity of his witnesses who shed their blood for the Word of God. Let us off our prayers.

That our parish may grow it bearing witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ.
May all teenagers and young people, through the intercession of St. Pancras, avoid all worldly allurements and have a faith that is constant and pure.

For those who hold public office and those who assist them in promoting the common good.
For those who travel by sea, land or air, for captive and all held in prison.

The martyrs followed in the footsteps of Christ by carrying the cross, may all those enduring the misfortunes of life know endurance and peace, especially the sick and the dying.

For the dead...

O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.