I offer this little bouquet of saints who are best represented by the flower called the red hot poker (also called torch lily). They were literally "on fire" for God and for their neighbor. Share the stories of these saints with your children who in our culture of death may be called on to suffer for the faith. The inspiration of such courage can't help but invite imitation.Blessed Miguel Pro - The Greatest Pro of Them All - He suffered death by "fire," the firing squad.
St. Joan of Arc who literally "burned" for the Lord.
St. Lawrence who was martyred by being cooked on a gridiron.
Martyrs of Rome - First Nero burned Rome, then he blamed the Christians and martyred many by covering them in pitch and using them to light his garden. (This article offers a unit study on the Roman era for home schoolers)
North American Martyrs - Saint John de Brebeuf and Saint Gabriel Lalemont were burned at the stake by the Mohawk indians after indesribable tortures including having scalding water poured over them and red-hot coals and hatchet heads placed on their heads and shoulders.
Blessed Thomas Tzugi was from the Japanese nobility. Educated by the Jesuits he became a priest and was burned at the stake in Japan about 1627 during a persecution of Christians. Ask his intercession for the unfaithful Jesuits of our day.
St. Edith Stein (Sr. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross died in the gas chambers of Auschwitz and was burned in the camp crematorium. This bride of Christ offered herself as a "sacrifice of atonement." Let us offer our daily sufferings with the same spirit.
Be a soldier for Christ! Remember the Church Militant doesn't need spiritual wimps, but spiritual warriors. If you haven't enlisted in Christ's army, if you're watching from the sidelines, respond to Gabriel's trumpet call and sign up. Our twelve star general (as Lambs of Christ priest Fr. Norman Weslin calls Our Blessed Mother) needs you! Put on the armor of God and hold your ground. (See Ephesians 6:13) We are promised the victory!
