If you read my column on CatholicMom, you know I’m a big wimp when it comes to evangelization.  My head knows I should share the truth of the Catholic faith, but my heart is terrified of the process and the cost.

The truth is, that cost is nothing compared to the price paid by so many Christian martyrs who have given their lives in service of the cross.

Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs

Martyrdom didn’t just happen to long ago saints.  It’s happening now, every day, in places like Syria, Iraq and Africa.  And while it currently takes a different form here in the United States, I’m not entirely sure there won’t be blood martyrdom on American soil in the years to come.  Want to know the sad reality?  Entire families find themselves faced with a choice: stand up for the truths of their Christian faith and be killed, or convert and turn their backs on Christ himself.

I can’t imagine what such a moment would entail.

I pray I never have to find out.

But I do know one thing:  Mary, Queen of Martyrs is with us always.  She is ready to support and defend us at every turn.  All we must do is call upon her in our of need and she will come, to hold our hand in the face of darkness and lead us toward the light.

Family Activities

• Pray the Memorare
• Adopt a martyr by praying for those in immediate danger of religious persecution

Family Prayer

Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs, be near to us.  Stand with us in the face of adversity, and lead us ever closer to your son.

This post is part of 31 Days of Devotion to Our Blessed Mother.  You can find the rest of the series here.