In (Re)considering the Saints

Hurricane season is approaching…again. That’s important to those of us who live in the southeastern states. I know firsthand the potential destruction a hurricane can cause. Though we had many community cookouts afterwards (no electricity to run the freezer!), I would just rather not endure the negative consequences. A couple of years ago, Hurricane Helene was heading our way. Early projections of the hurricane’s path indicated a direct hit at my address (well, that’s a bit too dramatic; it was actually Atlanta). As I stated earlier, I would just rather not endure such potential destruction. A quick Google search, and I discovered Saint Medard (sometimes called Medardus). The Church assigned him as the Patron of those who desire protection from severe storms. There is wonderful story from pious tradition which indicates Saint Medard was protected by the wings of an eagle from the effects of a severe storm (see image). I printed out the image of Saint Medard from the internet, placed it in my home chapel with a candle burning before it, and asked him to pray for us. Specifically, I asked him to pray that not one member of Saint Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church would even lose power during the encounter with Hurricane Helene. Our Catholic Catechism says the Saints “do not cease to intercede with the Father for us” (956). A few hours before it was projected to arrive at my place, the Hurricane took an easterly turn. Hurricane Helene caused 252 deaths, and over $78 billion in damage. Not one member of Saint Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church even lost power. Saint Medard, Pray for us!