Bright New Crowns

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"The Church, spotless bride of Christ, became resplendent
with bright new crowns of martyrdom”

Quote taken from today's Saint(s) of the Day e-letter, on Blessed John Francis Burté and Companions, about their martyrdom during the French Revolution. Again, as I ponder the word martyr, I realize that we, in reality are all called to be these "bright new crowns", by daily giving up ourself for the One who alone knows our true self.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1
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