Saints

Date: 25 April 2006 02:29:31

Hristos a înviat!
[last entry: Christus ist auferstanden! -- German. Response: Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!]

With thanks to Joe for the tag. I have stuck here to those that have influenced the spiritual side of my life.

I'd be interested to read any of your saints, or for those who come from a tradition (or no tradition for that matter!) that does not recognise "saints", those persons who have had a profound influence on your life. Tell me in the comments so I can read yours.

1)St John Climacus -- I took him as my name saint on my Chrismation. Ever since I saw the Icon of the Ladder of Divine Ascent, even before I'd even heard of him, my heart was warmed and drawn: the icon conveys my thoughts on the Christian life exactly: a climb to God, assisted by the prayers of the Saints and angels, and beind dragged down by the world, material and spiritual. Reading his life continued to draw me in, and through my reading of his book (which I've only just begun) I realise he has much to teach me.

2) Martyr Sebastian of Rome -- I have found his life story encouraging, distressing and appealing all at the same time. As I prepared for chrismation, it was a pleasant surprise to find his Feast day fell on the day of my Chrismation and I knew I needed his prayers.

3) St Ephrem the Syrian -- his hymns are glorious: vivid, striking, and full of wisdom. He also gave us the wondrous Lenten Prayer.

4) St Benedict of Nursia -- I love Benedictine spirituality and the rule of worship that goes with it. There are still times I ponder if I should've investigated a life under his rule more. But one grows where he is planted.

5) St John of the Cross -- reading his "Dark Night of the Soul" taught me a great deal about the growth that occur in one's spiritaul life in the driest times. His poems, in particular the Romance on the Gospel text In principio erat Verbum regarding the Blessed Trinity are sublime. His writings led me to other mystics, such as Saint Teresa of Ávila and the unknown monk who wrote The cloud of Unknowing.

Not officially recognised:

6) John Donne: I've gone on about before him as long-suffering readers will attest. His poetry, sacred and profane, deeply moves me. Another thanks to Mr Brennan my years 11 and 12 English teacher who had enough faith in my ability to introduce me to Donne's work.

7) John Mason Neale: his great work in translating hymns of Greek and Latin to provide us English speakers with a wealth of hymnography. So many of his works are firm favourites of mine. And I'm greatly enjoying discovering some of his other works.