November 23: Miguel Agustin Pro, Martyr, 1927

One of the good things I like about working with Church calendars from various traditions is that it gives me opportunities to deepen my understanding of the catholicity of the Church, the nature and meaning of faith, and how one converts words and thoughts into actions. When I see what each day holds in memory, I often discover that the Holy Spirit is providing all of us with witnesses and examples of memorable and authentic Christian living. And when I explore the examples and lives of these remarkable women and men, the Holy Spirit deepens my prayer life so that throughout the day I have imprinted on my thinking sharper ways of confessing the Church's faith. Today, for example, my Lutheran calendar tells me that Miguel Agustin Pro, Martyr, 1927, is someone to keep in memory before God. Father Pro was executed for the sake of Christ. As I read summaries of his life, witness, and death (and looked at the various pictures of him), I ask myself, "Andrew, how are you facing your 'executions,' large or small as they may be, today? Are you taking seriously what Jesus says to you, "Whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it"? How might you exclaim, Viva Cristo Rey!"--"Long live Christ the King!" All of this is worth much prayer--prayer translated into action--letting myself die for the sake of Christ.

Using the Church's calendar of memories and commemorations as a kind of lectio, a good part of the day may be nourished by what the Holy Spirit wishes us to ponder in prayer.

God our Father,you gave your servant Miguel Agustinthe grace to seek ardently your greater glory and the salvation of your people. Grant that, following his example, we may serve you and glorify youby performing our daily duties with fidelity and joy and effectively helping our neighbor. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,One God, for ever and ever.

If you wish to know more about Miguel Agustin Pro, pilgrimage yourself to one or more of the following sites:

Women for Faith and Family

Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro

Blessed Miguel Pro: A Martyr for Our Times