In the third century, the Roman Emperor Valerian ordered that Christians had to take part in the state religious ceremonies. He also forbade them from assembling for Christian worship, threatening with death anyone who was found to disobey the order. St. Sixtus II was Pope during this terrible time. And for nearly a year Sixtus functioned as Pope, administering the Church. He famously worked to resolve a conflict with certain Eastern churches over the rebaptism of converted heretics.
In August of 258, Emperor Valerian issued a far crueler edict. It simply and coldly ordered that all bishops, priests, and deacons be put to death. On August 6, 258, Pope Sixtus II and four deacons, were seized while celebrating Mass in the Catacombs of Callistus in Rome. They were beheaded that same day.
Over a thousand years later, the Lord raised up a priest, a tremendously compassionate heart. He had been consecrated to the Blessed Virgin by his parents. Caitano, or Cajetan, as we call him, lived a life of great austerity and charity toward the poor. He was a mystic. His charity and prayer seemed to impress heaven itself: Our Lady appeared to him and allowed him to hold the child Jesus. He founded a religious order known as the Theatines to care for the impoverished sick and dying.
Sixtus and Cajetan, two very different saints, and yet, both imitating Our Lord. In the Gospel, we hear of the Lord walking on water, and commanding Peter to do the same. Yes, Peter sinks into the sea, and requires rescue from the Lord, but for a moment he walked on water, just like the Lord. The Lord said that we, his followers, would perform works just like his, miraculous works, works of charity, acts of great courage, and our suffering would be like his as well.Many Christians settle for mediocrity while the Lord is actually calling us to walk on water with Him. The Collect prayer for St. Cajetan beseeches God for the ability “to trust God at all times”, to trust Him when he calls us out of the comfort of the boat, out of the familiar, out of ingrained habits and routines, out of mediocrity, out of our vices, to love the sick and the poor more, like St. Cajetan, to witness with Courage to the truth of the Gospel even when we will be persecuted, like St. Sixtus, to walk on water like St. Peter.
The Lord longs to do great things in us, with us, and through us. Through the intercession and example of the saints, may we come to trust Him at all times in order to cooperate with His Holy Will, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That Pope Francis and all bishops and clergy may lead the Church by example in witnessing to the truth of the Gospel with courage and living the Gospel with charity and perseverance.
That politicians and government officials may protect religious freedom, promote virtue, and look to the law of Christ to guide their work for the good of nations and the human race, especially for the protection of the unborn.
For the Holy Father’s prayer intention for the month of August that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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