Thesis: A Litany to Saint Kristoff.

[thesmellypocket 1859]

Thesis

By Frederick Kristoff, Novice.

 

A SAINT FOR OUR TIMES: SAINT KRISTOFF

 

 

It has been my wish to write a Litany to Saint Kristoff, who my father saw fit to name me after. As we shall see, it was a most excellent choice: for this marvelous Saint is as relevant now as he was when he lived on the earth. The various sections of this thesis will be titled by the various titles afforded to him in the Litany, and may be used alongside such a Litany.

 

Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie Eleison.

 

Judge me, O Lord, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.

 

Amen.

 

‘Filii Amyas’

 

The stories and deeds of the Saints are some of the most relatable vessels of devotion available for laymen today. Dedication to a Saint, fermented with the cry ‘Ora pro nobis!’ (Pray for us!) can be the greatest aid of a man even in the darkest times. It is well known that Saint Kristoff’s fervent devotion to Saint Amyas was nothing short of remarkable. In every walk of life, and in every sense, Saint Amyas guided his decisions, life and morals. His decision to join the Brothers of Saint Amyas, and to take up the skill of medicine, with which he tended the wounds of war with the most tender charity, was influenced heavily by his devotion to Saint Amyas. Today, layman and priest, poor and rich; all men of every class and quality, can be guided in vocation and in virtue in the way that Kristoff was.

 

Saint Kristoff, help us to let the Saints on high guide our path, as Saint Amyas guided thine. May we, by our devotion, become thy true son, as thou truly deserve the title ‘Son of Amyas.’ Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Sancte Christophore, Filii Amyas, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Miles Dei’

 

Saint Kristoff was wounded in action fighting all manner of Demons, and by all accounts was a true soldier of God. The miracle attributed to his intercession, in which bandits and highwaymen were blinded utterly by a relic of the noble Saint, is evidence of God’s joyous approval of his manly and courageous deeds. Motivated by solely by the charity of protecting his Brothers, in times when a man often has to defend his own family and friends without aid from the law, we may find solace in his courage.

 

Saint Kristoff, help us to be courageous in the face of danger. Help us to be motivated by the honest virtue of charity, by which we become true and honourable Soldiers of God. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Sancte Christophore, Miles Dei, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Sacerdos Fidelissime’

 

After his wound, Saint Kristoff was guided on High again to take up the Cloth. He was the model priest, always available to console the Savoyard people, whom he loved dearly. Although a man among foreigners, by Faith he united men of disparate backgrounds, and we today can ask him for his intercession to help our priests be motivated by truth and justice.

 

Saint Kristoff, in the name of the Holy Rosary attributed to thee, help us foster devotion in our prayer life, and pray for our priests, so that they may achieve the same prayerful virtue that thou didst. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Sancte Christophore, Sacerdos Fidelissime, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Episcopus Justissime’

 

Despite being raised to the Bishopric, Kristoff did not forget the humility of his youth. It was as if he were still a mere Brother among an Order, or a common parish priest. Yet he carried his authority with the most justice and temperance possible. Presently, our own leaders, both secular and eccleisiastical, may learn from his humble example. That we may never forget the precepts of our Faith, and not stray into the path of power for its own sake.

 

Saint Kristoff, we ask thee to guide our Holy Pontiff, Daniel the Sixth. Inspire his prayers and allow him to rule as justly as thou didst; keep the unity of the Church. As for the Emperors, Kings and Magnates of this world, give them the grace to remember that they are but dust, and to dust they shall return. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Sancte Christophore, Episcopus Justissime, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Terror Daemonum’

 

The Daemons are as terrified of Saint Kristoff now as they were when he walked upon the earth. As he fought Daemons with sword and holy water on the earth, still today he intercedes on our behalf, our most gracious advocate against the most terrible diabolical forces that threaten our lives. We can be sure that he is fighting on our behalf, and if we but invoke his intercession, the foes of God will recoil with fear.

 

Saint Kristoff, cast off all the diabolical forces of evil that threaten the balance of our world. Be our protector and champion, as we adopt thee for our own patron and defender. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Sancte Christophore, Episcopus Justissime, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Martyr Fortissime’

 

In the end, Kristoff gave his very life in the safe and secure knowledge of the world that is to come. Friends, brothers and sisters of the Church, this man’s Faith was so strong that he sacrificed his very life in order to defend the Church and her acolytes. Never forget his name, and constantly invoke it, for if his Faith was so strong, by the grace of God, and by his intercession, so too may it become readily renewed in us.

 

Saint Kristoff, strengthen our Faith and make us ready to lay down our lives rather than forsake the truth. Thy witness to God cost thee thy life, but thou didst win greater glory in Heaven. Help us all to that same glory, and pray for us to God to make it so. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Sancte Christophore, Martyr Fortissime, ora pro nobis!

 

SANCTE CHRISTOPHORE, ORA PRO NOBIS.

 

Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie Eleison.

 

Judge me, O Lord, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.

 

Amen.

[Froschli 838]

Archbishop Ernst of Curonia views the thesis carefully, reading it multiple times