Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint George, Catalonia's second patron. He was a bold knight, who probably suffered martyrdom at Lydda, in Israel. If History is not very explicit regarding George's biography, the legend has certainly more than “completed” his figure.

Venerated since the 4th century, he has been chosen as patron by different countries and places: Greece, England, Portugal, Latvia, Georgia, Genoa... In the 13th century, his devotion was introduced in Catalonia and Aragon, where he was also elected as their patron.

The name of George brings very dear and fond feelings to the people of Catalonia: a book and a rose, culture and poetry. And also heritage, sanctity, protection, intercession. Saint George embodies not only patriotic, cultural, literary and chivalrous values, but also and most of all, profound Christian values.

Because, where could Saint George get the courage to fight the dragon and rescue the princess? From his union and communion with Jesus that nourished him with the sap of his own life: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (Jn 15:5). Where did he get the strength to remain faithful and be able to stand his martyrdom? From the Lord who said: “without me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).

Another consideration: Catalonians —and any other people— may live united and vigorous at a Christian level, provided those who belong to that culture live as branches that remain part of the Vine and are united among themselves. Each one is not independent from the others. All branches help each other, they communicate with one another, they mutually provide among themselves, in short, they have communion of life.

We Christians are called to graft into Jesus and live in communion of life with him and with all the others. Thus, through us, all the other branches, even those which have a short life or are apart from the true Vine, will have a certain link to Christ.

Saint George’s festivity invites us to remain well united to Jesus to receive his life, and to the others, to make them participate.