June 2

Martyred, 303.

Bishop of Formia, Campagna, Italy. He fled to Mount Lebanon in the persecutions of emperor Diocletian where he was fed by a raven so he could stay in hiding. Discovered by the authorities, he was imprisoned, but an angel rescued him. Recaptured, he was martyred. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

St. Erasmus may have become the patron of sailors because he is said to have continued preaching even after a thunderbolt struck the ground beside him. This prompted sailors, who were in danger from sudden storms and lightning, to claim his prayers. St. Elmo's fire is named after St. Erasmus (also called St. Elmo). St. Elmo's fire is a weather phenomenon which sometimes appeared on ships at sea during thunderstorms and was regarded by sailors with religious awe for its glowing ball of light. They considered St. Elmo's fire as a sign of the presence of their patron saint.

Prayer:
St. Erasmus, our life is like a rough sea. We are threatened by tempests of unbelief, by the waves of selfishness, by the whirls of fear, by the darkness of being without hope. Lead the nave of our life safely to the other side, to an eternal life. Amen.

St. Erasmus, pray for us!