(c.1834-1900) Saint Marcus was a medical doctor in China, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He treated himself for stomach pain with opium and became addicted. Saint Mark was denied the sacraments because of constant relapse for 30 years, yet he stayed connected to his faith. He was martyred while still in active addiction during the Boxer Rebellion, beheaded while singing the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What many find remarkable in Saint Mark’s story is that he was canonized having never “beaten” his addiction. A closer look shows us heroic Perseverance. Even when we are “entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character” (Step 6) and then “we humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings” (Step 7), and God seems to hesitate, we still rely on His grace (Steps 1-3). What is our response when God allows things we don’t understand?

“Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord God, that we, your servants, may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and obtain eternal joy, through Christ our Lord. Amen” (Litany of Loreto).

Reflection by Brad Farmer