Today's saint, St. Lydia Purpuraria, was the first Christian convert in Europe, a businesswoman who dealt in luxury goods. She is the patron saint of cloth dyers. Saint Lydia was born during the first century in Thyatira, a town famous for its dye works in Asia Minor, famous for its dye works, (hence, her name which means purple seller). She was a seller of purple dye and was St. Paul's first convert at Philippi. The following is from the Acts of the Apostles: And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, did hear: whose heart the Lord opened to attend to those things which were said by Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying: If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. ~Acts 16:14-15 She was baptized with her household. Thereafter, Paul made his home with her while in Philippi. Lydia was a woman of hospital...
What an amazing Sacrament! Why don't people go?! Next to the Eucharist, this is my favorite!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Chris, that the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession is an amazing sacrament -- it brings about healing and forgiveness, and peace.
ReplyDeleteIn my parish, there are always long lines for Confession on a daily basis, but I believe that this is the exeption.
Jean, we have long lines too! Thanks be to God! I would add our pro-abort governor here in Michigan, Jennifer Granholm. May the Lord shine the light of his truth on each and every one of them.
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