Saint of the Day: St. Serenus the Gardener

His life

+ Serenus was born in Greece and left his home to live as a hermit in Sirmium (in modern-day Hungary).

+ Serenus dedicated his days to prayer and to raising fruits and herbs in his small garden, providing for himself, as well as for the poor.

+ According to legend, Serenus was denounced by the wife of a Roman soldier, who accused the hermit of speaking harshly to her. Although he was acquitted, his way of speaking and acting made the judge suspect he was a Christian.

+ When question about his faith, Serenus admitted he was a Christian. Although he was ordered to sacrifice to the Roman gods, he refused and sentenced to death. He was executed on February 23, 303.

+ Saint Serenus is honored as one of the patrons of gardeners.

For prayer and reflection

“I am ready to suffer all things for his name, that I may have a part in his kingdom with his saints.”—Saint Serenus

Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, who brought your Martyr blessed Serenus to overcome the torments of his passion, grant that we, who celebrate the day of his triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For One Martyr)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.