May 4: Saint Florian

Today, May 4, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Florian (died 303), martyr of the faith, and patron saint of firefighters. Florian was a General of the Roman Guard, assigned to lead an elite firefighting brigade during a time of military restructuring. Stationed in Lorch, Austria, Saint Florian was known for his dedication, hard work, problem solving abilities, courage, and ability to get along with and lead a diverse group of soldiers. It was these qualities that had advanced him quickly through the ranks of the Roman Army, and made him the perfect officer for firefighting.

While little is known of his life other than his heroic exploits in the Army, it is clear that be 284, Saint Florian had converted to the Christian faith. Of course, this was a most dangerous thing to do, as during the reign of Decius, great persecution of Christians was occurring. Despite being a firefighter, Florian and his guard were ordered to burn Christian churches, books, and homes of Christians. Florian refused, and a high-ranking official, Aquilius, was dispatched to investigate. Upon inquiry regarding his refusal to execute Christians, Florian stated, "Tell the Emperor that I am a Christian and will suffer the same fate as the Christians." Aquilius then offered him a raise and promotion if he would change his mind, which Florian refused, outraging Aquilius. Florian was initially whipped, as incentive to renounce his faith and offer sacrifice to the Roman gods. He told Aquilius that he had “suffered many wounds for the Emperor” and therefore, why should he “fear a few scratches for his own beliefs?” His courage scared Aquilius who feared that Florian would lead others to rebel.

Based upon his profession of faith, Saint Florian was subsequently sentenced to death by fire. First he was beaten with spiked clubs, and partially flayed alive. Moved by his courage and fortitude, the soldiers threw him into the fire to end his pain, whereas he is said to have challenged his persecutors by urging them to build his funeral pyre higher. “If you do,” he proclaimed, “I will climb to heaven on the flames.” The emperor, concerned that he might subsequently become a martyr, instead had a stone tied around his neck and Florian was drowned in the river Enns not far from where it enters the Danube.

The body of Saint Florian was discarded, left to wash up on the shore of the Enns, where it was reportedly guarded from further harm by a great eagle. Eventually, a local peasant woman, Valeria, found the body and gave Saint Florian a proper Christian burial at the Augustinian Abbey at Linz. His relics were translated to Rome, and in 1138, Pope Lucius III distributed some of the relics to the king of Poland and bishop of Krakow, as Saint Florian is the patron saint of that country. Numerous miraculous occurrences have been reported both in the presence of his relics, and at the confluence of the Enns and Danube Rivers, where his martyrdom occurred.

Many legendary acts are reported of Saint Florian. He is once said to have saved a town from burning by throwing a single bucket or pitcher of water on the blaze, which is how he is often depicted in art, with an angel accompanying him. Saint Florian is invoked as a powerful protector from dangers from fire, floods and drowning. Saint Florian is the patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, coopers, barrel-makers, brewers, soap boilers and Austria. He is invoked against battles, fires, drowning, floods and for fire protection and harvests.

The symbol most associated with St. Florian is the Maltese Cross, commonly known as St. Florian's Cross. It is used the world over as an insignia for fire departments and firefighters. The cross is made up of four v-shaped arms, giving it eight points on the outside edge.

Saint Florian’s life—at least what we know of it—inspires us with courage and confidence in the Lord. His faith was so strong he could not stay silent, nor could he actively persecute those who shared his beliefs. Rather, he professed his faith, going to certain death with steadfast righteousness. At a troubled time in our Church history, where it might be easy or tempting to keep our faith quiet, Saint Florian reminds us that speaking up as members of the Body of Christ is our call—that through our witness the persecution of the Church will diminish. In his case, less than 100 years after his death, the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as the official religion. What could our witness do for the Church today?

A prayer for Saint Florian's intercession, dedicated to firefighters, but appropriate for all!
St. Florian, Heaven’s patron of firefighters,
who once was dedicated to the services
of your fellowmen as an official in the
Army of Rome, look with kindly and
professional eye upon your earthly force,
desirous of the preserving of our fellowmen
from the dangers to life and property.
Give us cool heads, stout hearts, strong muscles
an instinct for prudent investigation and
wise judgment.


Make us the terror of arsonists, the friends of
law-abiding citizens, kind to the frightened,
polite to the bores, strict with lawbreakers,
and obstinate to temptations.
In troubles give us strength to be efficient,
in times of great danger, give us the ability
to be calm and enable us to impart assurance
to those who verge on panic.

You know, beloved St. Florian, from the
sacrifice of your own life for the sake of
your faith, that the fireman’s lot on earth
is not always a pleasant one, but your
sense of duty that so pleased God, your
courageous strength that so over-whelmed
the devil and your saintly self-control,
give us inspiration.


Make us as fearless in practicing the laws
of God as we are brave in protecting the
lives and property of our fellowmen, and
when we answer our final alarm, enroll
us in your Heavenly force, where we will be
as proud to protect the throne of God as
we have been to protect the city.
Amen

Year 2: Day 124 of 365

Prayer Intentions: Courage to be powerful witnesses to the good of the Church.
Requested Intentions: Successful resolution to legal proceedings (N); Freedom from worry and successful employment (M); For successful sale of home and freedom from debt (J); Freedom from pain and illness (E); For successful living arrangements, travels, health, and studies (F); Healing, successful studies, financial success (F); For husband’s successful employment (Y); For children’s faith journey; Recovery of a friend suffering from addiction (M); Successful employment (P); Obedience to the will of the Lord (J); Financial recovery (S); Freedom from evil influence (I); Recovery from illness (J); Freedom from addiction (J); Successful transplant surgery (K); Healing for a daughter (T); Acceptance into school (V); Successful immigration; for a sister’s career and marriage (F); Financial recovery; Successful ministry (A); Financial ability to send children to school (S); Safe return of a runaway (J); Healing of a family (J).