All around the United Kingdom and Ireland there are local saints that we should remember. They have brought the faith to local communities, so today we remember St Carthage who was born in Kerry in Ireland.
St Carthage saw a bishop and his clergy in procession, chanting psalms, while he was out herding pigs in the fields. He had never seen anything so beautiful so he ran to tell his father. His father wanted him to be a warrior, but eventually he agreed to allow him to become a monk in a neighbouring monastery under the guidance of St Carthage the Elder who subsequently ordained him a priest.
As Scouts we should be open to what God is calling us to be in our lives. Some of us may become soldiers, but others may be called to be priests. Of course it is possible to combine the two vocations as our defence forces need chaplains. So today, let us ask St Carthage of Lismore to pray for us to find our vocation in life – and to find the courage to follow it.
Collect of the Day
Grant, we ask you, O almighty God: that the solemn feast of your Confessor and Pontiff Carthage may increase our devotion and make sure our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
St Carthage of Lismore, pray for us.
NCC Scouting 