Optional Memorial

Oh my loved friends,
Ye children of the Church,
Offer up your praise
At the season of the dawn:
Every morning let us give thanks, 
And bow down in adoration,
To the good Being who hath arranged in order,
All the starry lights on high. – Saint Ephraem [1]

Saint Ephraem was born in Mesopotamia in the fourth century and grew up under the leadership of Jacob, the second bishop of Nisibis. He became a respected deacon and teacher and composed works as apart of his educational office. Saint Ephraem’s earnest love for Christ is evident in the volumes he wrote; as thousands of sermons, commentaries, poems and hymns were penned. Saint Ephraem is endeared titles such as ‘the Harp of the Spirit’ and ‘the Sun of the Syrians.’ Pope Benedict XV venerated him to Doctor of the Church in 1920. [2]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
[1] Ephraem Syrus, “A Morning Hymn,” in Select Metrical Hymns and Homilies of Ephraem Syrus (Berlin: Asher and Co., 1853), 67, quoted in Rev. Henry Birgess, Ph.D, ed. www.archive.org
[2] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Ephraem.”
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ.