The Beginning Part 1
The Beginning
November 23, 2024
Written by Joseph V. Jairam
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Dear Reader,
Currently I am the Badger Patrol cook and treasurer. Last Saturday, the 16th, I was asked by the council of Chiefs consisting of Elk, Hedgehog, Bobcat, Peter Griger, Paul Kelley, and Kiki Davidson if I would be willing to take on the role of being the Patrol Chief of a new patrol. This new patrol would split from 1st Oceanside and become the first patrol of the troop 1st Murrieta. After considering the ramifications of leaving the Badger Patrol and even the troop, I accepted the position.
Today I have picked the animal this new patrol shall be: The Goshawk Patrol. The colors for this animal are red and light blue. My reasons for picking this animal are as follows: Goshawks are birds of prey. Those are the best in my opinion. They have great eyesight (Explorers see the goal), They are agile (We find ways to reach the goal), They are strong (We stay strong physically and mentally), They are dedicated and loyal for they mate for life (Explorers are loyal and dedicated to each other and God), and They use teamwork but don't rely on each other (An explorer works with the other explorers. But doesn't rely on them for everything), among many other reasons.
In terms of colors, red symbolizes Sacrifice (An Explorer serves others), Danger (Explorers are willing to face danger and our fears), Courage (An Explorer is not cowardly but has courage to do what is right as well as fun things. Not advocating for stupidity or rashness), Confidence (An Explorer is confident in his abilities but note does not gloat or brag no overestimate himself), Optimism (An Explorer looks on the bright side), Action Oriented (An Explorer doesn’t deal in sloth nor does he wait for others to do the work for him), and Love (An Explorer loves God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength and his neighbor as himself). Light Blue symbolizes Peace (An Explorer strives to establish peace in interactions), Calm (An Explorer keeps his head and stays calm in all situations), Intuition (An Explorer uses his mind), and Reliability (An Explorer is trustworthy and can be relied on by others). When mixed together the colors make Violet. Violet symbolizes Power (An Explorer sharpens his skills and will power), Ambition (An Explorer reaches for his goals), Creativity and Imagination (An Explorer has fun).
The patrol's patron saint shall be St. Eustachius.
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St. Eustachius Biography
St. Eustachius, also known as Eustace or Eustathius, is a Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. He is said to have lived in the 2nd century AD, although the details of his life and martyrdom are shrouded in legend.
According to tradition, Eustachius was a Roman general under Emperor Trajan. He was a pagan at the time, but while hunting in the forest, he had a vision of a stag with a cross between its antlers. This vision prompted him to convert to Christianity, along with his wife and children.
After his conversion, Eustachius began to openly practice his new faith, despite the fact that it was illegal to do so under Roman law. He was eventually discovered and arrested, and Emperor Trajan ordered him to renounce his faith or face execution. Eustachius refused to renounce his faith, and he and his family were martyred for their beliefs.
The legends about Eustachius’ martyrdom vary. In some versions, Eustachius and his family were boiled alive in a bronze bull. In others, they were thrown to the lions or burned at the stake. In all versions, however, Eustachius and his family remain steadfast in their faith and die as martyrs for Jesus.
The devotion to Eustachius started by the Christian in the 5th century, his cult was more strong from the 8th century onward. He became the patron saint of hunters, firefighters, and the diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia.
He is also depicted as a warrior saint, since he is a martyr who was a military officer. He is often portrayed with a stag, as a reminder of the vision that led to his conversion. His feast day is celebrated on September 20th.
In the Middle Ages, the legend of Eustachius is closely associated with the story of Saint George, and it was believed that the two saints were friends and fellow martyrs. In addition, the association of Eustachius with hunting and the forest gave rise to the belief that he had the power to protect huntsmen and their dogs from harm.
Eustachius’ cult is present in Europe and also in America. Different churches, chapels, and altars are dedicated to him. In particular, the church of San Eustachio in Rome is one of the important places of devotion, the church was built in the early Christian era and was rebuilt in the 16th century.
Eustachius’ story has been popularized in art, literature and music. His name has been used in several literary works, including Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, and he is the patron saint of the Tuscan city of San Miniato, which has a church dedicated to him. His story also figures in paintings, sculpture and stained glass, with many examples found throughout Europe and the Americas.
The Life of St. Eustachius
St. Eustachius, a nobleman, and his wife Theopista were known as Placidus and Tatiana before their conversion to Christianity. They had two sons, Agapius and Theophrastus. According to legend, Eustachius, while still a heathen, served as a Roman general under Trajan.
One day he saw a stag approaching with a crucifix between its horns, and at the same time he heard a voice telling him that he would suffer much for Christ’s sake. He received Baptism, together with his wife and two sons. The vision is said to have occurred at Guadagnolo, between Tivoli and Palestrina, near Rome. Loss of fortune caused the family to be separated for a while.
Because Eustachius refused to sacrifice to the idols, Trajan was infuriated and ordered him and his family to be exposed to the lions. Not being harmed, they later suffered death in a heated bronze bull. A church in honor of St. Eustachius was erected in Rome in ancient times, and his body rested therein until the 12th century, when it was translated to the Church of St. Denis in Paris. Some of the martyrs' bones were burnt by the Huguenots in 1567, but a portion of them still are venerated in the church of St. Eustachius in Paris.
Prayers to St. Eustachius
O God, who lead Thy holy martyr Eustachius safely through many trials and dangers to the glorious crown of martyrdom; enlighten and strengthen us through his intercession, that we persevere in Thy love amid the trials of this life, and by resignation to Thy holy will come forth from the darkness of this earth into the light of Thy eternal glory. Amen.
Prayer for the Intercession of St. Eustachius
My Lord and my God! I offer up to You my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Your Son, together with the merits of His Immaculate and Blessed Mother, Mary ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, particularly with those of the Holy Helper, St. Eustace, in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Your Grace and Your Love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.
Prayer to St. Eustachius
Dear St. Eustachius, who suffered greatly for your faith and persevered through trials, I come to you in prayer. Teach me to trust in the Lord, even in the face of hardship, and to maintain my faith, no matter the cost. Help me to be brave and courageous, and to share my faith with others, so that they too may come to know the Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Intercession of St. Eustachius
Dear St. Eustachius, who was known for your devotion to the Lord, I ask for your intercession in my life. Help me to deepen my relationship with the Lord, and to find peace and comfort in his love. Guide me in the way of righteousness, and protect me from harm and danger. May your unwavering faith and trust in the Lord inspire me to live a life of faith and hope. Amen.
Prayer for Strength through St. Eustachius
St. Eustachius, who persevered through trials and difficulties, I seek your guidance and strength as I face challenges in my life. Help me to trust in the Lord and to find comfort in his love, even in the midst of uncertainty. Grant me the courage to remain faithful to the Lord, and to face each day with confidence and hope. Amen.
-Biography and Prayers taken from Christian Apostles.com
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The current plan is to start the patrol sometime in February of 2025. Currently known soon to be members are Joseph Jairam, and Alexander Jairam.
End of Log.
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