June 16: Saint Julitta and Quiricus, Her Son
Saint Julitta took her three year old son and fled from the persecution, then going on. Having been recognized, she was arrested and conducted before the judge with the infant Quiricus in her arms. Fire and incense were produced, in order that, renouncing Jesus Christ, she might sacrifice (to the pagan gods); but the saint answered: "I am a Christian, and therefore am prepared to lose not only my property, but even my life, rather than deny my God." ... Quiricus meanwhile, was beholding the agonies of his mother, and struggling to return to her embrace; but Alexander, to quiet him, place him on his knees, and endeavored to kiss him. The child, however, kept his eyes fixed continually on his parent, and by plunging and kicking, tried to free himself from the tyrant, crying out at the same time: "I also am a Christian." The inhuman wretch dashed the child from him, and the agonizing mother, seeing the steps of the throne spattered with the blood and brains of her infant, exclaimed: "I give Thee thank, O my God! for having called my boy before me to Thyself.", Saint Alphonsus relates. He goes on to relate the details of her martyrdom.
How holy a mother she must have been to have her boy proclaim he was a Christian at such a tender age. Let us learn to teach our children to do the same!
PRAYER: Saint Julitta, you showed us how to be a perfect mother, by attempting to protect your son from persecution. God had different plans and you gloriously withstood all temptation to apostatize and for a reward accompanied your son to heaven. Inspire all parents to train their children, so that they are always ready to die and go immediately
to heaven. Amen.
PRAYER: Saint Quiricus, you gave your life for Jesus at such a tender age. Many of your age today are horribly mistreated by neglectful and abusive parents. Intercede before the throne of the Infant Jesus to come to the aid of these poor unfortunates and to knock their parents out of their lethargy and abusive ways so that all may learn the science you mastered at such a young age, the science of the saints. Amen.
