Saint Bono Vukovar
Saints are religious people who, during their lifetime, lived exemplary and holy lives. Their kindness and selfless charitable acts were witnessed by many and their religious sacrifices contributed to the spreading of Christianity. This was extremely valuable to the Roman Catholic Church who recognized these Christians by proclaiming them Saints. Some of these faithful followers even died for their belief, in which case they were deemed martyrs.
Saints are an inspiration to many Christians and they are greatly respected for their unwavering devotion to their religion. Their heroic behavior is a motivator for courage and unity, virtues vital to the survival of any community. Some Saints are termed Patrons and are considered guards who protect certain areas of life. They can be prayed to by single individuals, or are often adopted by entire communities.
The Patron Saint of the Croatian city Vukovar is St. Bono, a remarkable roman soldier from the 1st Century, who left his military career behind to dedicate his life to Christianity, until he was put to death by the Roman emperor Gallienus for his religious beliefs. In 1754, St. Bono’s body was transferred to Vukovar where his crypt was put on display in the Franciscan Church of St. Philip and Jacob. During the War of Independence the burial ground was desecrated by members of the Serbian army and almost everything was destroyed. Despite this disastrous event, the city of Vukovar still honors St. Bono every year with a procession, which goes from the banks of the Danube to the Church of St. Philip and Jacob.
Saint Bono Reunited With Vukovar
In official Catholic Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood. A candidate has to become Venerable, which equals a title stating that the deceased was recognized as having lived heroically. The next steps are being Blessed and, with charitable virtues and at least one miracle added to the individual's intercession, he or she can then be declared a Saint. Thisfinal step is called canonization.
Among the different categories of Saints are Patron Saints, those selected as special protectors or guardians over certain areas of life, such as occupations, craft, health, regions and cities, or anything else important to mankind. These Saints were purposely chosen because of their social involvement and charitable work during their lifetime and are believed to have the power to guard and shield their followers from evil and misfortune, as well as bringing them spiritual relief.
Throughout history, many towns and cities have selected a Patron Saint to protect their citizens and Vukovar, a once wealthy city in the northeast part of the Republic Of Croatia, favored St. Bono as its protector. Saint or Sveti Bono was originally a warrior who lived in the 1st Century. Inspired by a new religion, Bono switched his sword for a cross and started to dedicate his life to Christianity. This was an action deemed as treasonous by the Roman emperor Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus (253 to 268), who ordered Bono’s death.
For many centuries, the remains of Saint Bono were located in Rome, but thanks to the involvement of Josip Janković, the body was brought to Vukovar on June 24rd, 1754 and kept in the church of Sv. Filip i Jakov. Unfortunately, during the War of Independence members of the Serbian army, who were occupying Vukovar, opened the casket. Irritated that there were no valuable treasures they burned the casket and its contents. By miracle one bone survived the tragedy and is now carried around the city in a procession once a year, on June 24th, the day the martyr’s body was brought to Vukovar.
Religion and health
Religion has long since been an indicator of many things in ones life. Depending on your religious background, you may turn to religious deities for the answers to your problems or health conditions. Religion and health are usually matched together, because many people believe that through prayer and meditation they can overcome the health issues that affect their daily lives.
Religion is a large part of many individuals lifestyle, and plays a key role in how they act and behave. Religion is also used by many to treat their health problems. In thousands of instances people have experienced miracle cures to pain or suffering through many hours of prayer or meditation. Sometimes both are combined to create maximum results.
The reason why prayer and meditation work is because the individual doing those things is focusing all of their positive energies on something that is greater than they are. They are removing negative focus and channeling themselves into a higher state of being, and asking a greater being for assistance.
The positive affects of meditation and prayer through religious practice is astounding. Religion and health have always had a positive change on each other, and have been able to successfully guide people towards a more healthful life. When you allow yourself to think in a positive manner and react to positive changes, then you will see your life and health forming around those things.
There are many different religions around the world that have different ideas and belief systems directed towards ones health conditions or how they should treat them. It’s often an alternative way to get help with your health, and one that is equally effective as medications. Religion and health when combined to work together are a special and powerful ways to change your health and improve your life for the better.