St. Alexander – September 6th
Alexander was born in Egypt and became a soldier in the famous Theban Legion of the Roman army. The emperor had great confidence in these faithful warriors whose very appearance struck fear into the hearts of enemies. Alexander was a high officer, in charge of the four hundred men who were the first to charge in every battle.
When the Emperor called the Theban Legion to Rome before sending them to Gaul, they venerated the tombs of the martyrs, for they were all Christians. Then they received Confirmation from the Pope and left to fight. But at a certain point on the march, the command was given to worship the pagan gods. The whole Legion protested that although they were loyal soldiers of the Emperor, they were servants of the true God first of all. When they absolutely refused to offer sacrifice, they were all put to death. Alexander and a few others, however were saved by God, and escaped.
Several times Alexander was caught, put in prison and then managed to escape. His courage in refusing to adore the false gods and even breaking these idols was amazing. At last, he reached the city Bergamo in Italy and worked without stopping until he made it a Christian city. He preached so beautifully that the people cried: “We reject the false gods and want to serve the everlasting God whom Alexander adores!”
Before he was put to death as a martyr, the Saint could say: “My Lord Jesus, You told me to conquer this city for You and I did. Now my work is over. I am coming to You to receive the crown of justice.”
Thinking over the great sacrifices that these holy soldiers made for love of God, today I will offer at least a little mortification.
