St. Stephen and the Holy Mass
A man that takes the role of a Deacon is by faith shows himself by his submission, sacrifice and love to be extolling a purification of manhood. Donning vestments, whether Priest or Deacon is the ultimate witness of manliness. It is no coincidence that the first Christian Martyr was a Deacon. By God’s grace, through a Deacon, God let open the heavens to let St. Stephen see the rewards of all those who die for the faith. The grace of martyrdom is a joy of the will of God being fulfilled, for if we love God, we love Him and those He loves to our last breath and our last drop of blood. Those that are chosen for this gift are very few, and it is only by the love in their heart for others that they are chosen. The martyr is prepared for death by the knowledge that their blood feeds the Church, and by the shedding of their blood, within God's will, they are given the greatest gift while still in the flesh; .... TO READ ...