COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Encouragement
The quick story
St. Demiana was the daughter of Marcos, a ruler in Egypt who raised her in the Christian faith. She loved prayer and reading holy books. Wanting to devote her life to Christ, she asked her father for a place where she could live with other women who shared that desire. Forty companions joined her in a community of prayer.
When Marcos gave in to the emperor and worshipped idols, Demiana went to him and urged him to return to Jesus. Her words helped him repent. He publicly confessed his Christian faith again and died as a martyr.
The emperor then sent soldiers to Demiana and her companions. She prayed for strength and encouraged the women as they faced persecution. They remained faithful to Christ and were killed. The Church remembers their courage and shared devotion. Demiana's story shows how a faithful example can strengthen others and how loving encouragement can help someone return to God.
Explore the life
PART 1
A life of prayer
Demiana asked her father for a home where she could serve Christ. Forty women joined her in a community of prayer.
PART 2
Helping her father return
Her father, Marcos, gave in to the emperor and worshipped idols. Demiana urged him to return to Christ. He confessed his Christian faith again.
PART 3
Faithful together
Demiana prayed for strength and encouraged her companions when they faced persecution. She refused to abandon Jesus.
PART 4
Practise encouragement
A kind word can help someone try again. Notice effort, celebrate small improvements, and invite others to join in. Ask Jesus to help you be a caring friend.
Think about it
How can you encourage someone who feels like giving up?
Tap to discover the answer
Listen kindly, remind them that they are loved, and offer to help. You can pray together and ask a trusted adult for support.
Try it today
Encourage a teammate who finds a skill difficult. Say something kind and practise together.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.