ST PRISCILLA (JAN. 18TH)

St. Priscilla of Rome

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

In the hallowed tradition of Ancient Christian hagiography, there shines the luminous figure of St. Priscilla, whose life of sanctity and zeal for the Gospel remains a beacon of faith and devotion for all women of every generation. Born into a noble Roman family, Priscilla embraced the light of Christ in the first generation of gentile conversions, with unwavering fervor and became a stalwart supporter of the fledgling Christian community.

St. Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, dedicated her life to the service of the Lord. Their home became a sanctuary for the faithful, a place where the Word of God was taught, and where weary souls found solace and strength. Together, they exemplified the beauty of a Christian marriage, rooted in mutual love and devotion to Christ. Priscilla, with her wisdom and grace, played a pivotal role in nurturing the faith of many, guiding them towards the path of righteousness.

Her zeal for the Gospel knew no bounds. Priscilla and Aquila became esteemed missionaries, traveling alongside the Apostle Paul and laboring tirelessly to spread the Good News. Their mission led them to the bustling city of Corinth, where they established a church and strengthened the brethren. Priscilla's profound understanding of the Scriptures and her eloquent teaching won many souls for Christ. Her gentle yet firm instruction in the faith was a source of inspiration to all who encountered her.

In Ephesus, Priscilla's impact was further magnified. It was here that she and Aquila encountered Apollos, a learned man fervent in spirit but lacking in the full knowledge of the Gospel. With loving kindness and patient instruction, Priscilla expounded the way of God more accurately to him, thereby enriching his ministry and fortifying the Church. Her dedication to missionary work and her role in mentoring fellow believers earned her a place of honor among the saints.

As persecution against Christians intensified, Priscilla's unwavering faith shone ever brighter. Her home continued to serve as a refuge for the persecuted, and her life became a living testament to the power of God's grace. Though trials and tribulations beset her, Priscilla remained steadfast, her heart ever fixed on the eternal promise of Christ.

St. Priscilla is venerated as the patroness of good marriages and missionaries. Her life, a harmonious blend of marital devotion and missionary zeal, serves as an enduring model of Christian virtue. She is invoked by those seeking to strengthen their marital bonds and by missionaries striving to proclaim the Gospel with fervor and faithfulness.

On the 18th day of January, the Church honors the feast of St. Priscilla, celebrating her as a paragon of holy matrimony and evangelical fervor. Her legacy continues to inspire the faithful, urging them to pursue a life of devotion, charity, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church.

COLLECT

O MOST merciful and gracious God, who didst call Thy servant Priscilla to be a faithful witness to Thy truth and a tireless worker in Thy vineyard: Grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow her example, that our marriages may be blessed with Thy peace and our efforts in spreading Thy Gospel may bear abundant fruit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.