September 21 Saint Maura of Troyes: Virgin of the Church.
September 21 Saint Maura of Troyes: Virgin of the Church.
827- 850
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Saint Maura demonstrated a simple, yet deep, faith which often presented itself as tears of love and joy. Through her prayers and acts, many were converted, including her entire family. We look to Saint Maura as a profound example of simple and child-like faith, and the joy and peace that can be found in a deep relationship with the Lord.
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Maura was born at Troyes, France, in the Champagne region. As a child, she demonstrated considerable faith, and spent large portions of her days in fervent prayer. Through her prayers and faith, she obtained the conversion of her father, who prior to her birth had lived a worldly life in the pursuit of wealth and success. Following his death, while Maura was still an adolescent, she resided with her mother, to whom she remained perfectly obedient. Through her pious example, her mother—and later her brother and the rest of the family—converted to the faith. In an act of charity inspired by Maura, the family’s large estate was sold, with the revenues given to the poor and foundations who cared for the poor and sick.
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Throughout her brief life, Maura remained chaste, having consecrated herself to the Lord. She served the poor and the Church, spent large quantities of time in prayer and penance, and was a perfect example of charity. She fasted twice each week, subsisting on only bread and water. Maura further found herself a spiritual director, to whom she visited with, walking barefoot over five miles to the monastery to visit. She took great pleasure in sewing sacred vestments, trimming the wicks of the Church lamps, and preparing wax for the altar.
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Saint Maura spent long hours in church, adoring God and meditating on His life and passion. Often during these moments of adoration, tears would stream from Maura’s eyes, reflecting the love, joy, and wonder of her relationships with the risen Lord. God performed many miracles through her intercession, but due to her humility, she made those she assisted promise not to tell anyone. Maura wished to avoid any semblance of praise or recognition from those around her, choosing instead to offer her own thanks to the Lord.
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Saint Maura died at the young age of twenty-three, following a long illness. She received her final blessing with extraordinary joy in looking forward to joining her God. Saint Maura died peacefully while reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Her relics are venerated at several churches throughout France, and her acts were recorded by Saint Prudentius of Troyes shortly following her death.
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Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. Maura of Troyes, and I give Thee thanks for all the graces Thou hast bestowed upon her. I ask Thee to please increase grace in my soul through the merits of this saint, and I commit the end of my life to her by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Thy goodness and promise, St. Maura of Troyes might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen.