St. Theodore

Today is the feast day of one of my personal favorites, St. Theodore (+ 304 AD), who hailed from the city of Tyre.

Theodore was an officer in the Roman army of the east, and was enjoined by his commander to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods. The young Christian refused, and so was allowed the night to think over his decision. Theodore took the opportunity to sneak out and set the local pagan temple of Cybel on fire. He was subsequently starved, beaten, and tortured, but he stuck by his guns; he was finally martyred by being burned alive. Pious witnesses saw his soul rise to heaven like a flash of light and fire.

Come Holy Ghost
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.