(d.c.257) The earliest stories of Saturninus’ life have been rewritten from their original sources and embellished with pious legend, making an accurate historical account difficult. He was the first bishop of Toulouse, France, where there were few Christians and many pagans. To get from his residence to the small church, Saturninus had to pass by a pagan altar. The pagan priests blamed his frequent passings for the silence of their oracles, so they eventually grabbed him and tied his feet to a bull, which dragged him to death.
The best defense against “the wickedness and snares of the devil” is personal sanctity. Every human is made for holiness; everyone created is made with the potential to be a saint. Staying close to God through the sacraments and growing in personal awareness and discipline through the Twelve Steps are our antidotes to the disease of addiction. Do you invite or flirt with darkness? Or do you boldly pursue the greatness you were made for?
“I adore one only God, and to him I am ready to offer a sacrifice of praise. Your gods are devils, and are more delighted with the sacrifice of your souls than with those of your bullocks. How can I fear them who, as you acknowledge, tremble before a Christian?” (Saint Saturninus)
Reflection by Brad Farmer