January 29 — Saint Martina

tremble, is not less powerful now to stay the violence of the world that threatens to destroy our souls. Thy own brave combats have given thee a place of honour near our Redeemer's Crib: if, like thee, we will but resist and conquer, this Mighty Ood will welcome us, too, and bless us. He came into this world that he mighl vanquish our enemies, but he requires of us to share with him the toils of the battle. Pray for us, O Martina ! that our confidence in our God may ever be accompanied by diffidence in ourselves, and we shall never be cowards in the great contest for heaven 1

CHRISTMAS.

January 3L SAINT PETER NOLASCO,

CONFESSOR.

The Ransomer of Captives, Peter Nolasco, is thus brought before us by the Calendar, a few clays after having given us the Feast of his master, Raymunjl of Pegnafort Both of them offer to the Divine Redeemer the thousands of Christians they ransomed from slavery. It is an appropriate homage, for it was the result of the Charity, which first began in Bethlehem, in the heart of the Infant Jesus, and was afterwards so fervently practised by these two Saints.

Peter was born in France, but made Spain his adopted country, because it offered him such grand opportunities for zeal and self-sacrifice. In imitation of our Redeemer, he devoted himself to the ransom of his brethren ; he made himself a prisoner to procure them their liberty ; and remained in exile, that they might once more enjoy the happiness of home. His devotedness was blessed by God. He founded a new Religious Order in the Church, composed of generous hearted men, who, for six hundred years, prayed, toiled, and spent their lives, in obtaining the blessing of liberty to countless Captives, who would else have led their whole lives in chains, exposed to the imminent danger of losing their faith.