May 14: Blessed Giles, Converted Satanist
Do you renounce Satan? At one point Giles would have resoundly responded No. He rose through the ranks of the Church to become abbot of a large abbey. However, he was never seen in church, but spent his time studying natural sciences. In fact he was so interested in his secular studies that he turned over management of his abbey to the prior and headed for Paris to study medicine. On the way he met the devil, who offered to reveal the secrets of science to him. He accepted this offer and the devil took him to a cave to study with him for seven years. In fact he signed a contract with the devil: I renounce my baptism and my claim to be a son of God, to become a servant of Satan, who in return will procure for me the honors and pleasures of this world. How many of us have signed this contract by following the guidance of the devil?
Like Giles we will not find happiness, following the devil's laws. Giles left the cave and went on to Paris, where he was a leading scientist as well as a leading sinner. One night in a dream, he saw himself carried to the cemetery connected with his abbey. On his grave he saw something dancing, saying: Woe to you, if you do not change your life! Being terribly frightened, he called on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Who uttered these reassuring words: You are saved! The next day he headed home and made his peace with God in Confession.
PRAYER: If we have signed a contract with Satan; help us Blessed Giles to renounce Satan and all of his works and suggestions. Amen.
