TODAY'S SAINT (Narcissus)

NARCISSUS

Bishop of Jerusalem

It may be inferred that the average reign of the early Bishops of Jerusalem was short indeed, for St. Simeon, the second incumbent, died in 116, and St. Narcissus who died toward the close of the same century, was its thirieth Bishop. St. Narcissus was born toward the end of the 1st century. He was almost eighty years of age when he ascended the episcopal throne of Jerusalem. More than a century had then elapsed since the city had been destroyed by the Romans, and it had since been rebuilt as Aelia Capitolina by the Emperor Hadrian.

In 195, St. Narcissus, together with Theophitus, Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine, presided over a Council held by the Bishops of Palestine in the last-named city, and it was decreed that Easter is always to be kept on a Sunday and not with the Jewish passover. According to Eeusebius, the holy Bishop wrought Several miracles. Notwithstanding his sanctity, the holy man was basely calumniated by certain members of his own flock, but God soon made his innocence known and the imprecations with which the calumniators had sought to confirm their words were terribly verified in their case.

The holy man left Jerusalem and retired into solitude, where he spent several years. Three Bishops governed the See in succession during his absence. On his return to his diocese, the faithful besought him to resume the admistration, which he did; but, bending under the weigtht of extreme old age, he made Alexander his coadjutor. He continued to serve his flock and other churches by his assiduous prayers and his earnest exhortations to unity and concord. He died in his hundred and seventh year. Eusebius testifies that he once changed water into oil to supply the lamps of the church on the Vigil of Easter.

PRAYER

God, You made St. Narcissus an outstanding exemplar of

Divine love and the Faith that conquers the world, and add

him to the role of saintly pastorrs. Grant by his itercession

that we may perseveree in Faith and love and become shar-

ers of his glory. Amen.