Saint Amelia was a woman who was very devoted to God. She was born in Belgium in the 700s and was raised as a devout Catholic with her brother. She longed to become a nun and devote the rest of her life to God.
There is a legend that King Charlemagne was attracted to Amelia because of her great beauty. He begged her to marry him, but she refused since she had given God her vow of virginity. While Amelia was in the church praying, Charlemagne accidentally broke her arm while attempting to drag her away. Some say that her arm was healed in the same moment, which is why she is the patron saint of broken arms and other arm related injuries. Still others say that Charlemagne became sick, so Amelia pardoned him and he got better when she prayed for him.
Saint Amelia is also the patron saint of fishermen because it is said that she rode on the back of a big sturgeon fish across the Scheldt River. That is also why she is sometimes pictured with a fish.
Saint Amelia died in 772 at the young age of 31.
Today we pray through the intercession of Saint Amelia for those with broken arms and other arm injuries, and those with shoulder or arm pain, that they might find relief in God. We also pray for fishermen and farmers, that they may see the love of God in their everyday life.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Amelia, help us grow in our devotion to God so that we might be willing to give him our whole life like you did. Pray for those who have broken arms and arm injuries. Heal our pain, both physical and spiritual. Help us to take the path you took to get closer to God.
Saint Amelia, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow’s saint of the day is Saint Benedict of Nursia.
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