Saint of the Day : November 04
Feast Day : November 5, in Hungary: September 4 (burial of his relics)
Saint Emeric was a son of Saint Stephen, King of Hungary. He was so devoted to prayer, that, from his early youth, he would rise from his bed, during night, and pass many hours in devotional exercises. He especially loved to repeat the Psalms, each of which he ended with an act of contrition. Stephen, his holy father, was greatly comforted by this, and left nothing undone to increase his son’s piety and virtue. The holy prince arrived at manhood without losing his early fervor; he frequently visited the Churches, and edified every one by his piety. One day, accompanied by one of his servants, he visited the church of Saint Gregory, at Vesprim, and while there, thought what sacrifice he could offer to the Almighty that would be most agreeable. Suddenly, the Church was illuminated by a heavenly light, and he heard a voice from above, saying: “Consecrate the purity of your soul and body to the Lord, and preserve it until your end.” Emeric rejoiced greatly at hearing these words, and immediately obeyed them, by making to God a vow of perpetual chastity.
Meanwhile, his holy father, who knew nothing of this, had anxiously sought a virtuous spouse for his only son, and now desired that Emeric should marry her. The prince had not the courage to reveal his vow to his father, much less to refuse the proposed marriage. Hence, trusting in God, he allowed the ceremonies to take place, but then made known his vow to his royal bride, and represented to her so clearly the value of angelical purity, that she willingly bound herself by the same vow. The chaste prince, however, neglected not to beg of God, by fervent prayer, and constant chastisement of his body the grace of being ever faithful to his promise, against all the temptations of Satan. He kept it inviolate, and lived like a Saint. God, not willing that such virtue should remain long unrewarded, called him from this world by an early death. Saint Emeric fell sick and prepared himself joyfully for departure. At the moment of his death, the Archbishop who assisted him, saw the soul of the holy prince ascend to heaven, accompanied by angels, whom he had endeavored to imitate in chastity. He was buried in Stuhlweissenburg; and God bestowed great favors upon those who, in their need, went to the tomb of the Saint for relief.
Practical Considerations
Saint Emeric, a royal prince, lived in chastity, and persuaded his bride to lead the same life which he had vowed to the Lord. He died joyfully, and was carried by the Angels into heaven. Cradoc, also a royal prince, becomes a slave to lust, tempts the chaste Winefrida to sin, dies a sudden death, and descends into hell. See how unlike is the end of the chaste to that of the unchaste. Like which of these princes would you rather die? Without doubt, like the chaste Emeric. If this is your earnest wish, then abstain from living like the unchaste Cradoc. Avoid the vice to which he was addicted, and dare not tempt others to it. The same God is still alive, who in the Old Testament allowed the debauched prince Zambri to be killed in his sin, and who punished Cra- doc by a sudden death. He is able to punish you in a similar manner. Fear Him, and if you fear Him truly, do not offend Him as Zambri and Cradoc did. Endeavor to live chastely in your station, after the example of Saint Emeric, and to this end, use the same means which this holy prince employed.
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