THE FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS - AGATHIUS

 

The Fourteen Holy Helpers are a group of saints venerated together in Roman Catholicism because their intercession was believed to be particularly effective against various diseases.

This group of "helpers in need" originated in 14th century Rhineland, due largely as a result of the epidemic that grew to become the Black Death, but their veneration spread almost as quickly as the plague. According to Christian tradition Saint Agathius, also known as Acacius of Byzantium, was a Cappadocian Greek centurion of the imperial army.

He was arrested for his faith on charges of being a Christian in Thrace, tortured, and then taken to Byzantium (Istanbul), where he was scourged and beheaded.

He was martyred in 303 because he would not give up his Christian Faith.

In Greece during the reign of the Ottoman Empire in which the Ottomans attempted to forcibly convert everyone to Islam he became very popular in the Christian resistance.

His patronage is against headaches and his feast day is observed on May the 8th.

BY GODS GRACE

 

At the end I am serenely at peace

In the moments of my final hour

I feel the presence of the Lord

Who gently plucks me like a flower

KISSING FRIDAY

 

The tradition of kissing Friday

Was called Nippy Hug Day

When Leicestershire men

Could demand on that day

A kiss from any woman

Of his choice by custom

And if she was to refuse

He could then pinch her bum

But since world war two

Kissing Friday doesn’t apply

It has fallen from favour

I can’t understand why

WHAT DO YOU CALL THE DAY?

 

What do you call the day?

That comes after Ash Wednesday

And before kissing Friday

Well, we just call it Thursday

I HAVE GIVEN UP FOR LENT

 

I have given up for lent

Pate de fois gras

Lobster thermadore

And Beluga caviar

Well in a way

I’ve never had them ever

But I won’t have them

Between now and Easter

LENT

 

This time of year, is significant

For what Lent represents

But I have racked my brains

And don’t know what to give up for lent

I really don’t know what to give up

I don’t have a sweet tooth

And I neither smoke nor drink

No vices at all and that’s the truth

So, despite its significance

For what Lent represents

I have come to the conclusion

It’s easier just to give up lent

IT’S LENT ONCE MORE

 

It’s Lent once more

A time to cleanse the soul

Empty the trash

And let Christ keep us whole

 

Clear the spam

Empty the buffers of sin

Deny yourself

And let the lord back in

 

It’s Lent once more

Pray to your saviour for peace

Cleanse your soul

Then your penance can cease