(First century) Saints Processo and Martiniano were soldiers of the Roman Praetorian Guard at Mamertine Prison in Rome, where they guarded Saints Peter and Paul. After converting to Christianity and being baptized by Peter, they were tortured and beheaded outside of Rome under the persecutions of Nero. Their relics are in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Quite often, addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments were those “private” things we guarded. In recovery, we bring it into the light. Like the above story, the guards are converted, and the consequence is not always comfortable. But we were not made for comfort. As Pope Benedict XVI writes in his Encyclical letter on hope, Spes Salvi: “Man was created for greatness—for God himself; he was created to be filled by God. But his heart is too small for the greatness to which it is destined. It must be stretched…” How has this applied to your recovery?

“Their sufferings only wrung from them the words, ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord’” (Father Alban Butler, Lives of the Saints).

Reflection by Brad Farmer