Blessed Victoria Rasoamanarivo: If You Must Shed Blood, Begin with Mine

Today in the book In Caelo et in Terra, we read about an unusual woman. Her name was Victoria Rasoamanrivo, and she was a princess. She lived in Madagascar, which had a love and hate relationship with the Catholic church. Priests were welcomed and then expelled, depending on which ruler was in power at the moment. During one of the times when they were welcome, Victoria became a Christian. She felt called to religious life, but was pushed into an arranged marriage instead. She was thrilled when her husband converted to Christianity on his deathbed. 

After he died, priests were kicked out of Madagascar again. They authorities tried to arrest the faithful who came to church, but Victoria stood in their way and famously said, "If you must shed blood, begin with mine." Of course, being the princess, she was safe from bloodshed, and therefore so were the Christians.

She had a brief illness and then passed away at the young age of 42. After she died, the priests were once again welcomed to Madagascar, and when they returned they found a strong and vibrant church, thanks in large part to the intercession of Blessed Victoria. You can read more about her here.

How is God calling you to intercede for those who are suffering today? If nothing else, say a prayer for the Christians of Afghanistan, who are facing serious persecution now that the Taliban is back in charge.

God, thanks for the courage of this unusual woman. Blessed Victoria Rasoamanarivo, pray for us.