Turribius

    The first mystery is sound...
    The second mystery is the Word.
    In speech is joined the Origin of God..

    There is an ancient mystical hymn. If spoken, this hymn would
    unleash the Word of God. About the time of the Ox, Turribius began
    his mission of the Holy See into Lima, Peru. A model of Priestly
    virtue, he confessed he did not understand the people of Lima.
    The Buddhist monks did not discriminate against him. They openly
    embraced him and offered food and shelter in their temple.

    Turribius discharged his evangelism with zeal: telling any who
    would listen about the Son of God. The Buddhist monks prayed
    with him to the small silver sepulcher he had brought from Rome.
    Inside the box was a small relic of Saint Philip, blessed by the Pope.
    Turribius was not fluent in their language, but had a translator
    Bridgid. She was born in Nepal and had given herself to Christ.

    Bridgid had a thirst for books and letters. She would spend many
    hours in study of Tibetan' script. Bridgid's desire for knowledge led
    her to question her faith... Turribius bade her not to read these pagan
    text, "The spiritual flower must be fertilized in the Doctrines of the Faith."

    Bridgid bowed her head in obedience. Steady and silent she set herself
    to prayer. During her vesper a hymn arose from her ... It was a Buddhist
    mantra.

    A great sublime perfection came over her. Her body became weightless.
    She could feel the cool night breeze all around her. .. "A river of peace;
    sweet cool fragrant air." A joy filled her as her night gown drifted to the
    ground. She circled round and round the temple. The Buddhist monks
    smiled up at her and clasps their hands in praise.

    The following day,Turribius searched the temple for Bridgid. Her room
    was undisturbed. "What have these heathens done to thy
    servant, O Lord?" A monk approached with a white owl on his right
    arm. The Buddhist monk smiled. Turribius looked closely and beheld
    Bridgid's crucifix around the Owl's neck.+


    Reflections: Was this a martyr's death?


    =+=