TODAY'S SAINTS (Flora and Mary)

FLORA AND MARY

Virgins and Martyrs

The daughter of a Mohammedan father, St. Flora was secretly instructed in the Christian Faith by her mother during the rule of the Moors in 9th century Spain. She was brought to the attention of the authorities by her Mohammedan brother, brutally tortured, and then returned to her brother so that her resolution in the Faith might be broken. However, she escaped and hid with one of her sisters for some time.

Such was the steadfastness of her Faith that she then returned to Cordova and prayed publicly in the Church of St. Acisclus the Martyr. Here she made the acquaintance of Mary, whose deacon-brother had just been martyred. They decided to give themselves up to the authorities and were imprisoned with some loose women.

St. Eulogius, who was himself in another prison, wrote to exhort them to martyrdoom and to bolster their Faith and courage. In 851, Sts. Flora and Mary were beheaded together for their heavently Spouse after pledging to intercede for the release of St. Eulogius and the other imprisoned Christians. One week after the death of these heroic girls, all were set free.

PRAYER

Lord God, You showered heavenly gifts on Sts. Flora and

Mary. Help us to imitate virtues during our earthly life and

enjoy happiness with hher in heaven. Amen.

Feast: November 24