Saint of the Day: Saint Florian, Maryr and Patron Saint of Firefighters

The St. Florian we commemorate today was an officer of the Roman army, who occupied a high administrative post in Noricum, now part of Austria, and who suffered death for the Faith in the days of Diocletian.

It is said that he stopped a town from burning by throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze, which is why he was later named the patron saint of firefighters and chimney sweeps (who also protect us from fire). When ordered to execute a group of Christians, he refused, making a bold confession of his Christian faith.

He died in 304. He was twice scourged, half-flayed alive, set on fire, and finally thrown into the river Enns with a stone around his neck. His body was later retreived by Christians and buried at an Augustinian monastery near Lorch. His relics were transferred to Rome in 1138. Part of the relics were given to King Casimir of Poland and the Bishop of Cracow by Pope Lucius III, which led to Florian's patronage of Poland and Upper Austria.

Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession and he is invoked as a powerful protector in danger from fire or water.

Prayer

Dear God,
Through the intercession of our patron, Saint Florian, have mercy on the souls of our comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duty, and on all who have gone before us after years of faithful discharge of their responsibilities which now rest on ourselves. Give us Grace to prepare each day for our own summons to Thy tribunal of justice. Into Thy hands O Lord, I commend my spirit. Withersoever Thou callest me, I am ready to go. Merciful Father of all men, save me from all bodily harm, if it be Thy will, but above all, help me to be loyal and true, respectful and honorable, obedient and valiant. Thus fortified by virtue, I shall have no fear, for I shall then belong to Thee and shall never be separated from Thee. Amen.

~ Richard Cardinal Cushing