September 21: Saint Maura of Troyes

Today, September 21, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Maura of Troyes (died 850), Virgin of the Church. Saint Maura demonstrated a simple, yet deep, faith which often presented itself as tears of love and joy. Through her prayers and acts, many were converted, including her entire family. We look to Saint Maura as a profound example of simple and child-like faith, and the joy and peace that can be found in a deep relationship with the Lord.

Maura was born at Troyes, France, in the Champagne region. As a child, she demonstrated considerable faith, and spent large portions of her days in fervent prayer. Through her prayers and faith, she obtained the conversion of her father, who prior to her birth had lived a worldly life in the pursuit of wealth and success. Following his death, while Maura was still an adolescent, she resided with her mother, to whom she remained perfectly obedient. Through her pious example, her mother—and later her brother and the rest of the family—converted to the faith. In an act of charity inspired by Maura, the family’s large estate was sold, with the revenues given to the poor and foundations who cared for the poor and sick.

Throughout her brief life, Maura remained chaste, having consecrated herself to the Lord. She served the poor and the Church, spent large quantities of time in prayer and penance, and was a perfect example of charity. She fasted twice each week, subsisting on only bread and water. Maura further found herself a spiritual director, to whom she visited with, walking barefoot over five miles to the monastery to visit. She took great pleasure in sewing sacred vestments, trimming the wicks of the Church lamps, and preparing wax for the altar.

Saint Maura spent long hours in church, adoring God and meditating on His life and passion. Often during these moments of adoration, tears would stream from Maura’s eyes, reflecting the love, joy, and wonder of her relationships with the risen Lord. God performed many miracles through her intercession, but due to her humility, she made those she assisted promise not to tell anyone. Maura wished to avoid any semblance of praise or recognition from those around her, choosing instead to offer her own thanks to the Lord.

Saint Maura died at the young age of twenty-three, following a long illness. She received her final blessing with extraordinary joy in looking forward to joining her God. Saint Maura died peacefully while reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Her relics are venerated at several churches throughout France, and her acts were recorded by Saint Prudentius of Troyes shortly following her death.

Year 2: Day 263 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Lives of quiet, simple, child-like faith.
Requested Intentions: Business success, peace, health (E); Conversion and deliverance of those who suffer, increase in vocations (M); Financial security and safe housing (M); For a daughter (K); Conversion of a family, deliverance of the souls in Purgatory (S); Successful marriage (A); Health, safety, grace, success of a building project (A); Successful treatment and recovery from cancer (D); Clear speech for a child (C); Conversion of a family (A); Successful employment (S); For the healing of impaired vision (F); For a couple experiencing difficulties (L); Successful employment after finishing college (M); Mother’s health (A); Financial security, freedom from anxiety (S); For a son and cousins (L); Peace and civility (B); Successful examination results (D); Safety of family, strength, courage, wisdom (C); For the souls of a departed father and brother, finding of a suitable marriage partner (R); Successful pilgrimage, deepening of prayer life (R); Restoration of health (J); Restoration of health (S); Freedom from pride (A); For children and marriage (M); For the birth of a healthy baby (Y); For personal family intentions, for the sick, poor, hungry, and homeless (G); Financial security and peace (J); Grace, peace, and obedience to the will of God in a marriage (H); Successful and blessed marriage for sin, freedom from anxiety for husband, spiritual contentedness for family (N); Employment and health for a husband (B); Recovery and health of a mother (J); For a family to grow closer to the Church, salvation for all children (D); Successful employment (L); Successful employment (S); Renewal of faith life (A); Support for an intended marriage, health for friend and aunt (J); Mental health assistance for son (G); Freedom from illness (S); Successful employment (C).