Saint of the Day for June 9: Saint Ephrem
Saint Ephrem’s Story: poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church
He took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church.
Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he was baptized as a young man and became famous as a teacher in his native city.
When the Christian emperor had to cede Nisibis to the Persians, Ephrem fled as a refugee to Edessa, along with many other Christians.
He is credited with attracting great glory to the biblical school there. He was ordained a deacon but declined becoming a priest.
Ephrem was said to have avoided presbyteral consecration by feigning madness
He had a prolific pen, and his writings best illumine his holiness.
Although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures.
In writing about the mysteries of humanity’s redemption, Ephrem reveals a realistic and humanly sympathetic spirit and a great devotion to the humanity of Jesus.
It is said that his poetic account of the Last Judgment inspired Dante.
It is surprising to read that he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day.
He would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine.
Ephrem became one of the first to introduce song into the Church’s public worship as a means of instruction for the faithful
His many hymns have earned him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.”
Ephrem preferred a simple, austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa. It was here that he died around 373.
Read Also
Saint Of The Day For June 8: Saint William Of York
June 7 Saint Of The Day: Saint Antonio Maria Giannelli, Founder Of The Daughters Of Mary
Saint Of The Day For June 6: Saint Norbert
Liturgy Of The Word: The Priest’s Kisses During Mass
What Does It Take To Be A Nun?
My Mission As Ambassador Of The Works Of Mercy In Spazio Spadoni
Congo, The Right To Drinking Water And The Well In The Village Of Magambe-Isiro
Pearl And Angelica: The Two Sisters With Rosolini’s Mercy
Caritas Internationalis Elects Alistair Dutton As Its New Secretary General
Shipwreck In Cutro (Crotone), Massacre Of Migrants: Note From CEI President Card. Matteo Zuppi
Pope Francis In Africa, Mass In Congo And The Proposal Of Christians: “Boboto”, Peace