The Torches of Nero, who targeted Christians as responsible for the fire.
One night in July of 64 there was an atrocious fire in Rome, with the wind quickly spread the flames, spreading terror among the population. The fire ruined the city and left a trail of suspicion. Both contemporaries and historians blamed the emperor himself, who had sung with his lyre as he watched entranced the devouring power of the flames. The Emperor Nero used the fire to build his grand palace, Domus Aurea, while blaming the Christians of the disaster to ward off suspicion from himself.
Pope Francis presided over a Mass in Santa Marta, Monday, June 30, 2014, to remember the martyrs of the Roman Church, cruelly murdered at the foot of the Vatican Hill by order of Nero after the fire. We present next excerpts of the Pontiff’s homily:
“We know that there is no growth without the Spirit, it is He who makes the Church, it is He who makes the Church grow, and calls the community of the Church. But it also requires the testimony of Christians. And when the testimony comes at the end when the historical circumstances ask us for a strong testimony, there are martyrs, the greatest witnesses. And that Church is watered by the blood of martyrs. And this is the beauty of martyrdom. It begins with the witness, day after day, and you may end up like Jesus, the first martyr, the first witness, the faithful witness: with His blood.”
“Today there are so many martyrs in the Church, many Christians are persecuted. Consider the Middle East, Christians are fleeing persecution, Christians killed by his pursuers … Today there are more witnesses more martyrs in the Church than in the early centuries. And at this Mass, remembering our glorious ancestors, here in Rome, also think of our brothers and sisters living persecuted … We pray for them and for us.”
The Holy Spirit gives martyrs the gift of Fortitude to cope with their ordeals. I present excerpts of my article Fortitude:
“Fortitude, Strength or Courage is the Sanctifying Gift that allows a Christian ‘to overcome difficulties or to endure pain and Suffering with the strength and power infused by God.’ Fortitude operates under the impulse of the Holy Spirit, and gives strength to the person to resist evil and persevere to everlasting life. This gift enables Christians to live the other virtues heroically, to suffer with patience and joy, and to serve God with conviction and enthusiasm. Fortitude also allows us to cope with poverty and loss, and to cultivate Christian virtues to rise above the basic requirements of Christianity. The gift also manifests in courage against evil spirits, improper fashions, human respect, and comfort.
Sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice is necessary to stand for rightness and to save our souls. Fortitude is the virtue of the martyrs, who are willing to die rather than to renounce their Faith. That sacrifice may be passive, but it is determined, resolute and conscious.”
PRAY FOR PEACE in the Midde East.
Manuel Silveira 