(c.410-482) It is speculated that Severinus was born to Roman nobility and gave away his wealth to live as a hermit in Egypt. The first actual historical record of Saint Severinus was with his appearance along the Danube in what is now Austria, caring for the starving captives and establishing monasteries. He prophesied the destruction of Astura, Austria, by Attila and the Huns, and he assisted the refugees of that conflict.
There are strong metaphors for recovery with respect to ministering to those in famine and ransoming the captive. We need a new way of life. We need true food and true drink. We need Jesus, a power far greater than ourselves that can overcome what we could not on our own. Saint Severinus helped foster this way of life by establishing centers of prayer and work, or monasteries. How have you established centers of prayer and work in your recovery?
“Hope, therefore, by the help of constant prayer, that God may illumine the eyes of your heart” (Saint Severinus of Noricum).
Reflection by Brad Farmer