Saint of the Day – 3 September – St Aigulphus OSB (c630-c679) Abbot of Lérins. Born around 630 near Blois in France and died around 676 on the Island of Aigylion / Caprasia, today Capraia in Italy. Patronage – the cure of eyes ailments, against obsessions. Also known as – Aigulphe, Aygulphe, Ayou, Ayoul. Additional Memorial – 17 May (translation of Relics to Lérins).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of the holy Martyrs, Aigulphus Abbot of Lérins and the Monks, his companions who, after their tongues were cut off and their eyes plucked out were murdered with the sword.”
Aigulphus became a Benedictine Monk in the Monastery founded around 651 in Fleury – today’s Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire.
According to tradition, in around 655 he fetcjed the remains of Saints Benedict and Scholastica from the Monastery of Monte Cassino, which had been devastated by the Lombards. Around 661 he was elected as the Abbot of the Monastery on the Lérins Island. There he wanted to introduce the mixed Rule comprising elements of the Order of Columban and the Benedictines.
Aigulphus and 3 companion Monk were attacked by pagans who objected to the growing influence of the Monks. Horrible tortures were inflicted upon Aigulphus. His tongues and eyes were cut and gouged ou t. Then heand his companions were forced into exile on the Island of Caprasia – today’s Island of Capraia – where there was a colony of Hermits which is now named after St Aigulphus. He was finally killed by pirates on this Island. Some sources say that this torture and Martyrdom was actually perpetrated by Monks who disliked Aigulphus’ strict reforms.
It is often said that he had 33 companions but in reality there were probably only three, namely the monks Trucharius and Frongentius (Frugentius) and one whose name is unknown.
His remains were returned by Abbot Rigomir to the Monastery at Lérins. Relics were also brought to Provins and rediscovered there by Archbishop Seguin in the 10th Century. Part of the head Relic was brought to the Cathedra in Grasse, see below.
St Regulus of Rheims St Remaclus St Sandila of Cordoba St Vitalian of Capua (Died 699) Bishop
Martyrs of Aquileia – 4 Saints: Four young women, variously sisters and cousins, who were born to the nobility, the daughters of the pagans Valentinianus of Aquileia and Valentius of Aquileia. Each woman converted and made private vows, dedicating themselves to God. They were arrested, tortured and martyred by order of Valentius for becoming a Christian. We know little else but their names – Dorothy, Erasma, Euphemia and Thecla. They were martyred by beheaded in the 1st century in Aquileia, Italy and their bodies were thrown into a nearby river.
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 6 Beati: A group of Priests and Clerics, native and foreign, murdered together in the anti-Christian persecutions in Japan. They were scalded in boiling water and then burned alive on 3 September 1632 in Nishizaka, Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX. They are: Anthony Ishida, Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez, Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez, Gabriel Tarazona Rodríguez, Jerome of the Cross de Torres, Vicente Simões de Carvalho
Saint of the Day – 2 September – Saint Elpidius (4th Century) Abbot in Alcona, Italy, Monk, Hermit, Missionary to Italy, Born in Cappadocia in Asia Minor and died in Piceno, Ancona, Italy. Patronages – Sant’Elpdio a Mare, Sant’Elpidio Morico and Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy. Also known as – Elpidius of Cappadocia, Elpidius the Abbot, Elpidius the Hermit, Elpidio…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Marche of Ancona, another St Elpidius, an Abbot. A Town hearing his name glories in the posseson of his sacred body.”
South of Ancona, several Towns bear the name of today’s Saint – Sant’Elpidio a Mare, Sant’Elpidio Morico and Porto Sant’Elpidio. In the Piceno area, this name is also frequently used by parents for their male children, yet, little is known about this Saint, so distant in time and memory that he has been confused with various other figures.
Some believe St Elpidius originated in Cappadocia. The writer Palladius recalls him in his Lausiac History as a Hermit who lived for many years in a cave near Jericho and sings the praises of an ascetic who, estranged from the company of men, chose the solitary ascent to the heights of Christian perfection.
At the time of Sant’Elpidius’ life, in the 4th Century, a new form of monasticism was gaining ground, with St Pachomius, the Founder of community life. In the Thebaid, near the Nile, he founded the first Convents of men and women, divided into individual cells, with a communal Church and refectory. At the head of each nucleus (the future Convent) was the Abbot, whose task was to ensure observance of the common Rule, enforcing chastity, work, fasting and the recitation of the Office.
A few years after St Pachomius, the great Church Fater, theologian and mystic, St Basil the Great, also of Cappadocia, issued a more moderate but wiser Rule, destined to become the constitutions, of all Christian monasticism, through the Benedictine Rule.
Elpidius had likely left the Monastery for a period of austere and solitude near Jericho, if we accept this version of the Saint’s life. He later moved to Piceno in Ancona, Italy, by the visitation and instruction of an Angel (see image below) to establish a Monastic community or at least to carry out some form of apostolate among the people. Some scholars, however, believe Elpidius was originally from Piceno and spent his entire life there, adhering to a highly personal ascetic rule, one which earned him the esteem and devotion, of the entire region. This great veneration has not yet diminished for the beloved St Elpidius who has interceded on many occasions for the welfar of the people and Towns under his patronage.
St Elpidius Relics eare nshrined in the Town of Cluana (modern Sant’Elpidio a Mare), Ancona, Italy. The miracles wrought through the veneration of these Relics saved the Town from a Lombarsiege when Elpidius appeared in the sky.
St Elpidius receives a vision in which an Angel informs him that he must evangelise in Ancona
St Prospero of Tarragona St Theodota of Bithynia St Valentine of Strasbourg St William of Roeskilde
Marytrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. No details about them but their names have survived – Concordius, Theodore and Zenone. They were martyrd in Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).
The Holy Martyrs of September (Died 1792) – 191 beati: Also known as – Martyrs of Paris, Martyrs of Carmes. They were massacred by a mobs on 2 September and 3 September 1792 and Beatified on 17 October 1926 by Pope Pius XI. THEIR LIVES AND DEATHS: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/02/saint-s-of-the-day-2-september-
Martyrs of 2 September – 10 Saints: A group of ten Martyrs; their names are on old Martyrologies but we have lost all record of their lives and deaths. They were Canonised: Antoninus, Diomedes, Eutychian, Hesychius, Julian, Leonides, Menalippus, Pantagapes, Philadelphus, Philip.
Holy Bishops of Rennes: Honours all the Bishops of the Diocese of Rennes, France who have been recognised as Saints and Beati. They include Saint Maximinus of Rennes Saint Modéran of Rennes Saint Rambert of Rennes Saint Riotisme of Rennes Saint Servius of Rennes Saint Synchronius of Rennes
Saint of the Day – 1 September – St Verena (c260-c320) Virgin, Recluse, Ascetic, Apostle of the sick, gifted with the charism of curing illness and by her prayers, healing the sick, Miracle-worker. Born in Egypt in c260 and died in Tenedo, today (Bad) Zurzach, in Switzerland. Also known as – Verena of Zurzach, Verena of Thebes.Patronage – against eye ailments, children, fishermen, for male offspring, housewives, especially those serving in a presbitory, mariners, sailors, millers, nurses, poor people, ship captains, – in Switzerland: Basel, Diocese of Zurich.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Baden, in the Diocese of Constance, St Verena, virgin.”
Verena was born to wealthy parents and Baptised in her hometown by Bishop Chaeremon of Nilopolis. She fell in love with a young Christian who was a member of the Theban Legion of St Maurice who was her cousin. When the Legion was ordered to Gaul by Emperor Maximilian around 300, Verena joined the entourage which travelled with the soldiers as far as Milan . There she lived in the house of the holy man St Maximus and fed and buried fellow Christian. When she heard of the beheading of St Maurice and his followers in Agaunum, she went there to bury them.
Then she travelled on to Solothurn, where Victor – according to some versions of the legend, her fiancé – and Ursus had also been Martyred. She settled there in a hermitage, a cave in the Verena Gorge near Solothurn which was later named after her and lived there as an ascetic.
Martins Chapel, behind it the cave in which Verena is said to have lived, at the Hermitage in the St Verena Gorge near Solothurn
Verena often sought out lepers outside the gates of the City of Solothurn to wash them. Because of her healing powers, Verena was considered a Saint by the people; the sick sought her assistance and prayers in her hermitage through her miracles. Soon many young women joined her and formed a community. Verena supported herself and the these young women by selling handicrafts and converted many Alemanni to the Faith in Christ but was eventually imprisoned by the anti-Christian City Commander, Hirtacus. In prison, St Maurice appeared to her , radiant with heavenly light and strengthened her faith. When Hirtacus fell ill and was healed by Verena, he released her but expelled her from the City.
Verena is said to have then floated down the Aare River on a flat stone—or a millstone. In Koblenz, then a small Roman settlement, she made a long stop on an island in the Rhine, freed it of snakes and once again devoted herself to nursing the ill.
Island near Koblenz at the mouth of the Aare (right) into the Rhine (left)
Then she came to the nearby Roman Fort of Tenedo – present-day Zurzach (Bad) – where she became the Priest’s domestic servant. Everyday, carrying a jug and comb, she went outside the City walls to wash the lepers. When she was accused of unlawfully carrying wine and bread to the poor, the wine turned into water. The Priest’s ring, which he refused to wear during Lent, was given to her for safekeeping. A servant, fearing discovery, stole it and threw it into the Rhine. A fisherman brought a large fish as a gift, and Verena cut it up and found the ring.
The Priest then had a cell built for her in Zurzach where, until her death, she washed the heads of the sick with the healing waters of a spring, combed their hair, healed them and anointed them. In her hour of death, Our Lady Mary appeared to Verena with many holy women who guided her to Heaven.
St Verena Chapel at the Hermitage in the St. Verena Gorge near Solothurn
Probably in the 5th Century – proven by archaeological finds – a Church was built over Verena’s grave which lay in a burial ground near an old Roman Fort on the Roman road – on the site of the Cathedral in Bad Zurzach which is now named after St Verena In around 745, a Benedictine Monastery was opened there. This Monastery was converted into a Canonry in the 13th Century and dissolved in 1876.
The first biography was written in 888 in Reichenau Monastery by the Benedictine Abbot Hatto, later Archbishop of Mainz; a further Vita with additions about her work in Koblenz and Zurzach was probably written in the Zurzach Monastery in the 10th Century and a collection of her miracles followed around 1000. Although heavily interspersed with legendary elements, they probably contain a historical core. The gravestone of her Sarcophagus was erected in 1613.
St Verena depicted at the Monastery Church in Rot an der Rot
The St Verena Minster in Bad Zurzach houses the arm Relic a valuable piece of gold from the 14th Century. Relics are also kept in the Minster in Radolfzell . The Church of the Monastery in Rot an der Rot, is dedicated to her. The small Church of St Verena in Rotholz near Lengstein/Longostagno – a district of Ritten near Bolzano – first mentioned in documents in 1256, is also named after her.
Gold figure at the Fountain in the Cathedral in Bad Zurzach
Twelve Holy Brothers: Martyrs of the South – A group of Martyrs who died c303 at various places in southern Italy. In 760 their relics were brought together and enshrined in Benevento, Italy as a group. Saint Arontius of Potenza, Saint Donatus of Sentianum, Saint Felix of Sentianum, Saint Felix of Venosa, Saint Fortunatus of Potenza, Saint Honoratus of Potenza, Saint Januarius of Venosa, Saint Repositus of Velleianum, Saint Sabinian of Potenza, Saint Sator of Velleianum, Saint Septiminus of Venosa, Saint Vitalis of Velleianum. One tradition describes Saint Boniface of Hadrumetum and Saint Thecla of Hadrumetum as their parents.
St Abigail the Matriarch St Aegidius St Agia St Anea St Arcanus St Arealdo of Brescia Bl Colomba of Mount Brancastello
St Constantius (Died c570) Bishop of Aquino, Italy. Gifted with the charism of Prophecy, St Gregory the Great himself says, in particular, that our Saint shone through the gift of prophecy and miracles. Patronage -Co-Patron with St Thomas Aquinas of the City of Aquino and the Diocese of Sora-Cassino-Aquino-Pontecorvo, Italy. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Aquino, Saint Constantius, a Bishop renowned for the gift of prophecy and many virtues.” Fervent St Constantius: https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/01/saint-of-the-day-1-september-st-constantius-died-c570-bishop/
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Saint of the Day – 31 August – St Honoratus (5th Century) Bishop of Marseilles and disciple of St Honoratus of Arles, the holy Bishop, Founder and Abbot of Lerins Monastery. Also known as – Onoratus, Onorato.
Honoratus was a Bishop of Marseille who lived in the 5th Century.
In the records of the Diocese, he is listed as number sixth after Greco, mentioned in 475 and before Saint Cannatus, mentioned at the end of the 5th Century.
We know very little information about him. Tradition holds that he was a disciple of Saint Honoratus of Arles, of whom, as modern Hagiographers affirm, he wrote the Vita.
Honoratus was the Bishop pf Marseilles during the Pontificate of Gelasius, with whom he had a lively exchange of correspondence, now lost, during which he had to defend his orthodoxy to the Pontiff.
According to some sources, our Saint Honoratus is described as a renowned orator and preacher of great power.
Our Morning Offering – 30 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Rose of Lima OP (1586-1617) Virgin
Virginis Proles Anonymous Latin, 8th Century Trans. Fr Edward Caswall C.Orat. (1814-1878)
O Thou Thy Mother’s Maker, hail! Hail, Virgin-born! to Thee; Hear us, who on this day record Thy Virgin’s memory.
Oh, through her prayers our sins forgive, All good and gracious King ! So purified in heart may we Thy praise eternal sing.
All glory to the Father be; Praise to His only Son; With Thee, who dost from both proceed. While endless ages run.
This Hymn is used for Matins in the Common of Virgins in the Extraordinary form of the Roman Breviary. Verses 1, 4 and 5 above, are used for a Virgin who is not a Martyr.
Saint of the Day – 30 August – St Fantinus (c927-1000) Confessor, Abbot of San Mercurius, Ascetic, Hermit, Missionary, Preacher, Spiritual Adviser and Miracle-worker. Born in Calabria in Italy in c927and died in Greece at around year 1000, Also known as – Fantinus of Calabria, Fantinus the Younger, Fantino…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Thessalonica, St Fantinus, Confessor, who suffered much from the Saracens, was driven from his monastery in which he had lived in great abstinence. After having brought many to the ways of salvation, he rested at last at an advanced age.”
Saint Fantinus (on the right). Sanctuary of San Nicodemo, Mammola.
Born in Calabria in a locality described as being the “closest to Sicily” in its customs and appearance. Fantinus’ parents were named Giorgio and Vriena.
Fantinus was introduced as a child, to Saint Elias, a renowned cave-dwelling Hermit. His religious education was entrusted to Elias, leading Fantinus to become a Monk at the age of thirteen and working as a cook and as the doorman in the Monastery
At the age of thirty three, he became a Hermit in the region of Mount Mercurion in the north of Calabria. There, many Monasteries and Hermitages had been established under the Basilian rule. Fantinus lived a life of extreme asceticism, eating only raw vegetables and occupying much of his time copying manuscripts. He also experienced a vision of Heaven and Hell.
Fantinus lived both as a Hermit and as an Abbot. He subsequently convinced his aged parents, as well as his two brothers, Luke and Cosmas, and sister, Caterina, to enter the monastic life.
When he became a Hermit, he left his brother Lucas in charge of the Monastery he had founded. Though a Hermit, he often returned from the wild in order to guide and teach the disciples, who desired his spiritual counsel.
The Monastery he founded named San Mercurius, was destroyed by Muslim raiders during Fantinus’ lifetime. But Fantinus was told by an Angel to preach in Greece. He left Calabria with two disciples, Vitalis and Nicephorus. During the voyage, the ship ran out of drinking water. Fantinus made the Sign of the Cross over a container filled with seawater and miraculously converted it into drinkable water.
Fantinus visited Corinth, Athens and Larissa, where he lived near the sepulcher of Saint Achillius of Larissa. He lived for four months in a Monastery dedicated to Saint Menas near Thessalonica and then lived outside of its walls. In Thessalonica itself, he cured the sick and caused a corrupt Judge to repent of his sins. Fantinus was also honoured for his intercession in preventing a violent invasion of the City. Fantinus died in Greece.
Saint Fantinus died around the year 1000, after embracing and blessing the Monks attending him and was buried with great solemnity in the place of his choosing. The Saint’s Vita concludes with a series of miracles he performed after his death.
St Rose of Lima OP (1586-1617) Virgin and Penitent, Mystic, Visionary, Stigmatist (invisible), Apostle of the Poor. Also known as “St Rose of Saint Mary” – her Religious name. (Her Feast was moved from today to 23 August after Vatican II). Devoted and Ascetic St Rose: https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-rose-of-lima-1586-1617/
St Adauctus AND St Felix Martyrs of Rome (Died c303) – both dying in c303 by beheading in Rome. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome on the Ostian Way the Martyrdom of the blessed Priest, Felix, under the Emperor Diocletian and Maximian. After being racked, he was sentenced to death and as they led him to execution, he met a man who spontaneously declared himself a Christian and was, forthwith, beheaded with the holy Felix. The Christians, not knowing his name, called him Adauctus – the Latin word meaning “added to” because he was added to St Felix and shared his Crown.” Their Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/30/saint-s-of-the-day-30-august-saints-felix-priest-and-martyr-and-saint-adauctus-died-c303/
St Agilus St Arsenius the Hermit St Boniface of Hadrumetum St Bononius of Lucedio Bl Bronislava of Poland Bl Edward Shelley Bl Ero di Armenteira Bl Eustáquio van Lieshout St Fantinus (c927-1000) Abbot of San Mercurius
St Pelagius the Hermit St Peter of Trevi Bl Richard Flower Bl Richard Leigh Bl Richard Martin St Rumon of Tavistock St Sylvanus the Hermit St Thecla of Hadrumetum St Theodosius of Oria
Martyrs of Colonia Suffetulana – 60 Saints: A group of 60 Christians Martyred for destroying a statue of Hermes. They were Martyred in Colonia Suffetulana, Africa.
Saint of the Day – 29 August – Saint Adelphus (5th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Metz, France. Patronages – of the Cities and Diocese of Metz and Strasbourg in France. Also known as – Adelfo, Adelfus, Adelphe, Adelphus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Metz, St Adephus, Bishop and Confessor.”
According to a Vita, of the 9th Century Adelphus was born to a noble Burgundian family. Some time before his birth, an Angel appeared to his mother, Beatrice, in a dream and informed her that her child would become a great Bishop.
He indeed became the 10th Bishop of Metz which office he served faithfully for 17 years as a most zealous shepherd and preacher, bring many pagans to Christ and His Church.
In 836, during the Episcopate of Drogo, Adelphus’ remains were translated to the Abbey of Neuvillers (Alsace) and became a destination for numerous pilgrimages.
In the 11th Century, they were placed in a Church dedicated to him but during the Revolution, they were returned to the Abbey Church for protection. Adelphus’s Feast Day falls on 29 August but in Neuvillers, it is celebrated on 1 September due to the celebration of the Feast of the Beheading of St John the Baptist on the same day.
St Adelphus was Canonised on 3 December 1049 by Pope Leo IX. SBelow is a scene from the life of Adelphus as depicted in the Adelphus Tapestries from the 1470s and is in the Abbey of at his Shrine in Neuvillers.
St Adelphus (5th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Metz, France St Adausia of Rome St Alberic of Bagno de Romagna St Basilia of Sirmium Bl Bronislava St Candida of Rome St Edwold the Hermit St Euthymius of Perugia St Maximian of Vercelli St Medericus St Nicaeus of Antioch St Paul of Antioch St Repositus of Velleianum Bl Richard Herst St Sabina of Troyes St Sator of Velleianum St Sebbe of Essex (c626-695) King, Monk St Velleicus St Victor of La Chambon St Vitalis of Velleianum
Saint of the Day – 28 August – St Eustochium (c368-c419) Virgin, daughter of St Paula a noble matron of Rome. Guided by the teachings of St Jerome, Eustochium practiced asceticism and committed her life to perpetual virginity. Also known as – Julia Eustochium
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The holy virgin, Eustochium the daughter of blessed Paula, who was brought up at the manger of our Lord, with other virgins and being celebrated for merits, went to our Lord.”
Eustochium was the third of four daughters and one son of the Roman Senator Toxotius. The three sisters were named, Blaesilla, Paulina and Rufina, and a brother, named Toxotius. After the death of her husband in around 380, Paula and her daughter Eustochium, lived in Rome as austere a life as the fathers of the desert.
When Jerome came to Rome from Palestine in 382, they put themselves under his spiritual and educational guidance. Hymettius, an uncle and his wife, Praetextata, tried to persuade the youthful Eustochium to give up her austere life and enjoy the pleasures of the world but all their attempts were futile. About the year 384, she made a vow of perpetual virginity, on which occasion Jerome addressed his celebrated letter on virginity, to her “De Custodia Virginitatis.”
Eustochium and Paulahad known St Jerome ever since his arrival in Rome in 382.[3] In 386 they accompanied him on his journey to Egypt, where they visited the hermits of the Nitrian Desert in order to study and afterward imitate their mode of life. In the autumn of the same year, they returned to Palestine and settled permanently at Bethlehem. Paula and Eustochium at once began to erect four Monasteries and a Hospice near the spot where Jesus Christ was born. While the erection of the Monasteries was in process (386–389) they lived in a small builing in the neighbourhood.
St Eustochium by Juan de Valdés Leal
When completed, one of the Monasteries was occupied by Monks and put under the direction of St Jerome. The three others were taken by Paula and Eustochium and the numerous virgins who flocked around them. The three convents, which were under the supervision of Paula, had only one oratory, where all the virgins met several times daily for prayer and the liturgy of the hours. St Jerome testifies (Ep. 308) that Eustochium and Paula performed the most menial services. Much of their time they spent in the study of Sacred Scripture under the direction of St Jerome.
Eustochium spoke Latin and Classical Greek with equal ease and was able to read the Scriptures in the Hebrew text, thus afording great assistance to St Jerome in his works of translation and commentaries.
The letters which St Jerome wrote for her instruction and spiritual advancement are, according to his own testimony, very numerous.
St Jerome with Sts Paula and Eustochium
In 417, a crowd of ruffians attacked and pillaged the Monasteries of Bethlehem, destroyed one of them by fire, besides killing and maltreating some of the residents.Both St Jerome and Eustochium informed Pope Innocent I by letter of the occurrence, who severely reproved the patriarch for having permitted the outrage.
Eustochium died shortly after and was succeeded in the supervision of the Convents by her niece, the younger Paula. St Eustochius of Tour might have been her nephew and further lateral descendants may include Sts Perpetuus and Volusianus.
St Augustine (354-430) – Bishop of Hippo, Confessor, Doctor of Grace and one of the original Four Fathers & Doctors of the Latin Church, Theologian, Preacher, Writer a None of these titles, though accurate, would please him, however, as much as the simple one he used to describe himself: ‘Servant of God.’ For, whatever we achieve in life, whatever gifts and talents we have been given, are of little value unless they lead us, as they did Augustine, to know, love and serve God ever more deeply.
St Facundinus of Taino St Felix of Venosa St Fortunatus of Salerno St Gaius of Salerno St Gorman of Schleswig
Bl Hugh More Bl James Claxton St Januarius of Venosa
St Julian (Died c304) Martyrof Auvergne . The Roman Martyrology reads today : “At Brioude, in Auvergne, St Julian, Martyr, during the persecution of Diocletian. Being the companion of the blessed tribune, Ferreol and secretly serving Christ under a military garb, he was arrested by the soldiers and killed in a barbarous manner by having his throat cut.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/28/saint-of-the-day-28-august-st-julian-of-auvergne-died-c304-martyr/
Saint of the Day – 27 August – St Osio (c256-c357) Bishop and Confessor of Córdoba, Spain, Spiritual writer, Born in c256 in Córdoba, Hispania (modern Córdoba, Spain) and died in c357 in Sirmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia). Also known as – Hosius, Hossius… Hozius… Ossios… Osius… Ossiuo… Ossius… Córdobalı Hosius.
Osio’s exact date of birth is unknown, although, based on the facts of his life, it can be deduced that he was born in Córdoba around 256 and died in Sirmium around 357, reaching the respectable age of over one hundred years.
Artist – Ángel María de Barcia Pavón (1841–1927)
He must have quickly given proof of his holiness, prudence, culture and zeal for the glory of God, since around 295 we find him as the Bishop of Córdoba, the former metropolitan See of Baetica. There are also serious doubts about his Episcopal Ordination. According to the Episcopal catalogue of Córdoba, he appears to have been acclaimed by the Clergy and the people, thanks to his life, marked by a reputation for holiness.
Many authors attach great importance to Osio and his thought within the life of the Church in antiquity; two lost works are attributed to him: “De laude virginitatis” and the “Treatise on Priestly Vestments.”
Ossio distinguished himself at the Council of Elvira, whose acts he signed eleventh. It seems that at this Council, Ossio acquired his great fame as a theologian. Those who claim that Ossio distinguished himself at this Baetic Council for his theological ability are plausible.
Diocletian’s accession to the throne revolved around the date of our Bishop’s Consecration and a few years later he launched a persecution against Christians. This was one of the first problems the new Bishop of Cordoba encountered:
And so Osio governed his See peacefully with great fruit, until the year 303, when at Easter which was on the 18th of April, the decree of the cruelest and bloodiest persecution was published which flooded the Provinces with the blood of Martyrs.
This is what the Episcopology tells us but it seems that bloodshed did not come until 304. This terrible persecution lasted until May 305, when Diocletian resigned his office. One of Christ’s Confessors during this persecution was Bishop Osio, who, although he escaped bloody Martyrdom, saved his life by God’s permission and for the benefit of his Church. It seems that the illustrious Bishop suffered great torments for Christ, bearing in his life the scars and signs of that attack which earned him the prestigious title of Confessor of the Faith which is Christ. It is known that the shepherds of the Church were greatly persecuted and this Osio, in particular.
Monument of the Sacred Heart, Cerro de los Ángeles, Getafe, Madrid, Spain: “Spain Defender of the Faith”
He will make the Bishop of Córdoba a courageous witness to the Faith which will bring him torture and exile. He himself will later describe to Constantine: “I have confessed the Faith of Christ.”
After the end of the persecution and following the promulgation of the Edict of Peace (Edict of Milan in 313), and especially from 313 to 326, we find Osio in close relationship and communication with the Emperor Constantine apparently playing a possible advisory role. Constantine’s rise to imperial power marked the inauguration of a new era not only in the history of the Church but also in universal history.
The Council of Arles, the Alexandrian question of nascent Arianism, the celebration of the Church’s first Ecumenical Council and its post-conciliar controversies, would shape the future of imperial policy and the development of the Church. On all these occasions, the figure of Bishop St Osio of Córdoba appears explicitly. Hence the need to shed light on the importance and significance of this distinguished figure of the Spanish Episcopate and of the century marked by his life and ministry. Holy St Osio please pray for the Church of Christ and for us all! Amen.
Feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady – This Feast is also known as “The Franciscan Crown,” The Seven Joys of the Virgin. Today was kept by the Franciscans as the Feast of the Seven Joys of the Virgin Mary. As an expression of the Seraphic Order’s devotional life, it corresponds to the Feast of the Holy Rosary, which began among the Dominicans and the observance on 15 September of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin, https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/27/27-august-feast-of-the-seven-joys-of-our-lady-the-franciscan-crown/
St Agilo of Sithin St Angelus of Foligno St Anthusa the Younger St Arontius of Potenza St Baculus of Sorrento St Carpophorus St David Lewis St Decuman St Ebbo of Sens St Etherius of Lyons St Euthalia of Leontini St Fortunatus of Potenza
St Osio (c256-c357) Bishop and Confessor of Córdoba
St Phanurius St Poemen Bl Roger Cadwallador St Rufus of Capua St Sabinian of Potenza St Syagrius of Autun
Martyrs of Tomi – 5 Saints: A group of 17 Christians imprisoned and excuted for their faith during the persecutions of Diocletian. They miraculously were unburned by fire and untouched by wild animals. We know the names and a few details on five of them – John, Mannea, Marcellinus, Peter and Serapion. They were tied to stakes and burned alive; they emerged unharmed – thrown to wild animals in the amphitheatre; the animals ignored them; they were beheaded in 304 in Tomi, Mesia (modern Costanza, Romania).
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 14 Beati: A group of fourteen missionaries and Japanese native Christians, who were Martyred together for their faith. They died on 16 August 1627 in Nagasaki, Japan and were Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX. They are – Blessed Antonius of Saint Francis, Blessed Bartolomé Díaz Laurel, Blessed Caius Akashi Jiemon, Blessed Francisca Pinzokere, Blessed Francisco of Saint Mary, Blessed Franciscus Kuhyoe, Blessed Leo Kurobyoe Nakamura, Blessed Lucas Tsuji Kyuemon, Blessed Ludovicus Matsuo Soyemon, Blessed Magdalena Kiyota, Blessed Maria Shobyoe, Blessed Michaël Koga Kizayemon, Blessed Thomas Sato Shin’emon, Blessed Tsuji Shobyoe.
Saint of the Day – 26 August – Saint Anastasius (Died c304) the Fuller or Laundery man,Martyr . Born in Aquileia, Italy and died in Salona in modern Croatia, by being drowned with a stone around his neck during the persecutions of Diocletian in c304. Patronages – of Fulles and Weavers. Also known as – Anastasius of Salona, Anastasius of Lavandaio, Anastasio…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Split in Dalmatia, in present-day Croatia, Saint Anastasius the Fuller, Martyr.”
Mosaics at St Venantius Chapel at the Lateran Basilica showing Jesus with Saints and Martyrs one of whom is our St Anastasius
In the Martyrology of St Jerome,Anastasius is commemorated on 26 August with the title of Fuller (Laundery man). In the Roman Martyrology, however, an Anastasius Military Officer) is commemorated on 21 August and an Anastasius of Aquileia on 7 September. These last two names come from a legendary Passio and were introduced into the Martyrology by Adonis.
In reality, there is only one Martyr, Anastasius and precisely the one dated today, 26 August.
Mosaics at St Venantius Chapel at the Lateran Basilica with Saints and Martyrs one of whom is our St Anastasius
According to the Passio, the Author claims to have composed it based on oral tradition but not to be completely disregarded, Anastasius was originally from Aquileia. During the Diocletianic persecution, he was in Salona, where he was arrested and condemned to be thrown into the sea with a stone around his neck. The Matron Asclepia had him buried outside Salona in a splendid two-story mausoleum, around which the Marusinac cemetery grew and which was included in a Sanctuary at the end of the 4th Century. Pope John IV (640-642) had his Relics transported to Rome, along with those of other Dalmatian Saints and placed them in the Chapel of St Venantius near the Lateran Baptistery, where the Martyr is depicted in the splendid mosaic located there.
Mosaics at St Venantius Chapel at the Lateran Basilica with Saints and Martyrs one of whom is our St Anastasius
Our Lady of Czestochowa, Queen of Poland – Our Lady of Czestochowa is a revered icon of the Virgin Mary housed at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland. Several Pontiffs have recognised the venerated icon, beginning with Pope Clement XI who issued a Canonical Coronation to the image on 8 September 1717 via the Vatican Chapter. Patron of Poland. According to tradition, the Icon of Jasna Góra (Bright Mountain) was painted by St Luke the Evangelist on a tabletop built by Jesus Himself and the Icon was discovered by St Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine and collector of Christian Relics, in the Holy Land. Visit our Mother here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/blessed-feast-of-our-lady-of-czestochowa-queen-of-poland-26-august/
St Elias of Syracuse St Eleutherius of Auxerre St Felix of Pistoia Bl Herluin Bl Ioachim Watanabe Jirozaemon St Irenaeus of Rome
St Jeanne Elisabeth des Bichier des Anges FC (1773-1838) (commonly referred to as St Elisabeth Bichier) and known as “the Good Sister” – Religious and co-Founder with Saint André Hubert Fournet – [After the approval of 2 miracles, he was Beatified on 16 May 1926 by Pope Pius XI and Canonised on June 1933 by the same Pope, after a further 2 miracles.](whom we celebrate on 13 May –https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-saint-andre-hubert-fournet-1752-1834-the-good-father/) of the Sisters of the Cross, Sisters of St Andrew, a religious congregation which was established for the care of the poor and the instruction of rural children in the Diocese of Poitiers in 1807. She also helped to inspire the founding of a community of Priests dedicated to Missionary service, the St Elisabeth died in 1838, at which time there were about 600 Daughters of the Cross serving in some 100 communities. She was Beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1934 and Canonised by Pope Pius XII in 1947. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/26/saint-of-the-day-26-august-saint-jeanne-elisabeth-des-bichier-des-anges-fc-1773-1838/
St Jean Bassano St Jean of Caramola Bl Juan Urgel Bl Margaret of Faenza St Maximilian of Rome St Melchizedek the Patriarch St Orontius of Lecce St Pandwyna St Rufinus (15th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Capua St Secundus the Theban St Victor of Caesarea St Victor the Martyr St Vyevain of York
Martyrs of Celano – 3 Saints: Three Christians, Constantius, Simplicius and Victorinus, Martyred in the same area at roughly the same time. They were Martyred in c 159 in the Marsica region of Italy. At some point their relics were interred under the main Altar of the San Giovanni Vecchio Church in the Collegiata di Celano and were authenticated in 1057 by Pope Stephen IX. The city was depopulated in 1222; when it was re-built, the relics were re-enshrined in the Church.
Saint of the Day – 25 August – Saint Menas (Died 552) Bishop of Constantinople , (modern Istanbul, Turkey). Born in Alexandria in Egypt on an unknown date and died on 24 August in 552 in Constantinople. Also known as Mennas, Mina, Minas.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Mennas, Bishop.”
Menas was the director of the hospice of Saint Samson in Constantinople. Following the deposition of Bishop Anthimus I of Constantinople, Pope St Agapetus I elected him on 3 March 536 to fulfil the high office as the Bishop of that City..
After the Pope’s death, Menas presided over the Council which excommunicated Anthimus. In 543 he headed the Council which ratified Justinian ‘s edict against the Origenists and in 547 he signed, together with the Eastern Bishops, the condemnation of the Three Chapters for which he was excommunicated by Pope Vigilius.
In 552 Mena presented a retraction of his ideas with a profession of faith to the Pope. After his reconciliation with the Church he dedicated to Divine Wisdom the great Church built by the Emperor Justinian.
Menas died on 24 August 552. He was venerated as a Saint and celebrated in the Byzantine Church on 24 August 24 or 25, the latter date on which he is still celebrated in the Roman Martyrology.
St Alessandro Dordi St Andreas Gim Gwang-Ok St Aredius of Limoges St Ebbe the Elder St Eusebius St Genesius of Arles St Genesius of Brescello St Genesius St Gennadius of Constantinople St Geruntius of Italica St Ginés de la Jara
St Gurloes of Sainte Croix St Hermes of Eretum St Hunegund of Homblieres St Julian of Syria St Julius of Eretum St Maginus (Died c304) Martyr, Hermit
St Maria Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament (1809-1865) “Mother Sacramento” was a Spanish professed Religious and the Founder of the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament, Apostle and martyr of charity. In 1922, Pope Pius XI, proclaimed Mother Sacramento’s heroic virtues. On 25 July 1925, he Beatified her and on 4 March 1934, he Canonised her. Her Blessed Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/25/saint-of-the-day-25-august-saint-maria-micaela-of-the-blessed-sacrament-1809-1865/
St Menas (Died 552) Bishop of Constantinople St Nemesius of Rome
St Patricia (7th Century) Virgin, Consecrated as a Religious Sister, Pilgrim. Patronage – of Naples, one of a long list of Patron Saints of Naples. St Patricia is less well known than St Januarius, also a Patron Saint of the City, who attracts crowds to Naples Cathedral three times a year to witness the miracle of a small sample of his blood turning to liquid but St Patricia’s blood liquifies every Tuesday, on her Feast Day and at many other times. Wondrous St Patricia: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/25/saint-of-the-day-25-august-st-patricia-of-naples-7th-century-virgin-of-the-miraculous-liquifying-blood/
St Peregrinus of Rome St Petrus Gim Jeong-Duk St Pontian
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Saint of the Day – 24 August – St Ouen (c610-684) Bishop and Confessor of Rouen, Founder of many Monasteries including Fontenelle – today’s St Wandrille, Royal Advisor, a gifted poet and writer. Born in around 610 near Soissons in France and died on 24 August 684 near Clichy-la-Garenne , today a district of Paris. Patronages – against deafness, of the deaf. Additional Memorial – 31 March, translation of St Ouen’s Relics. Also known as – Aldovin, Aldowin, Aldwin, Audaenus, Audeon, Audoeno, Audoen, Audoenus, Audoin, Dado, Dadon, Owen.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rouen, St Ouen, Bishop and Confessor.”
Ouenwas the son of the Frankish nobleman, Autharius of La Ferté , who was in the service of the Merovingian King Chlothar II and his first wife Aiga, brother of St Ado of Jouarre, was raised at the Royal Court like him and received the blessing of St Columban the Younger, as a child.
Ouen grew to exercise great political influence and was a leading figure in a circle of nobles and Bishops. He became chancellor at the Court of King Dagobert I and promoted monasticism.
In 635 he founded the Monastery in Rebais and was able to establish its independence. In 641 he became the Bishop of Rouen, where he founded several Monasteries, including , in 648, Fontenelle – today’s St Wandrille.
He also had great influence as an advisor to the Court in Paris and defended the independence of Neustria. Around 675 Ouen made a pilgrimage to Rome. There he visited the Shrines and Sanctuaries, distributed alms to the poor of Rome and collected Relics to take back to Rouen.
After Ebroin, the Chancellor’s death in 681, Ouen went to Cologne and succeeded in restoring peace between Neustria and Austrasia but died shortly thereafter at the Royal villa at Clichy on 24 August 684.
He was buried in the Church of Sant-Peter which he himself had built. The former Abbot of Fontenelle, Ansbert, succeeded Ouen as Bishop and had his predecessor reburied behind the High Altar, then the equivalent of a Canonisation.
Ouen wrote a Vita of his great friend, the wonderful St Eligius. This biography, which is one of the most authentic historical monuments of the 7th Century, contains a store of valuable information regarding the moral and religious education of that time and testifies to the life of St Aurea of Paris.
St Eutychius of Troas St George Limniotes St Irchard
St Jeanne-Antide Thouret (1765-1826) French Religious and the Founder of the Thouret Sisters – renamed the Sisters of Divine Charity., Apostle of Charity and the Poor and helpless, Teacher. Thouret’s life was one of service to children and the ill across France in schools and hospitals – some of which her order established. This active apostolate did not cease when the French Revolution forced her into exile. She continued her work in both Switzerland and the Kingdom of Prussia. St Jeanne-Antide was Canonised on 14 January 1934 by Pope Pius XI. Her DevotedLife: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/24/saint-of-the-day-24-august-saint-jeanne-antide-thouret-1765-1826/
St Ouen Bishop and Confessor of Rouen
St Patrick the Elder St Ptolemy of Nepi St Romanus of Nepi
Saint of the Day – 23 August – St Zaccheus (2nd Century) the 4th Bishop of Jerusalem. Also known as – Zacharius, Zaccheus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Jerusalem, St Zaccheus, Bishop who governed the Church of that City, the 4th after the blessed Apostle, James.”
St James the Greater
The Roman Martyrology lists only two Saints named Zacchaeus, one the Bishop of Jerusalem with a Feast Day on 23 August and the other, the Martyr of Caesarea in Palestine together with St Alphius.
Zacchaeus as the Bishop is mentioned by St Eusebius (265-340), the Bishop and Historian of Caesarea, who in his “Historia Ecclesiastica” lists the names of the first 4 Bishops of Jerusalem, namely St James Apostle, St Simeon, Justus and Zacchaeus.
Therefore, Zacchaeus was the 4th Bishop of Jerusalem and lived in the 2nd Century. Unfortunately, nothing else is known of his life and his time as the Ecclestical shepherd of Jerusalem.
Tthe Hagiographer Adone († 875) was the first to include him in his ‘Martyrology’ from which it passed to that of Usuard († 877) and from there to the ‘Roman Martyrology’ compiled by Cardinal Caesar Baronius in the 16th Century.
St Philip Benizi OSM (1233-1285) Confessor, Co-Founder (one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servants of Mary) OSM, Servite Priest Genera\Superior, Reformer, Preacher, Medical Doctor. St Philip was Beatified on 8 October 1645 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 12 April 1671 by Pope Clement X – he was the first Servite to be Canonised. Born on15 August (Feast of the Assumption and the day that the Blessed Virgin appeared to the first of the Founders of the Servite Order) 1233 at district of Oltrarno, Florence, Italy -and died on 22 August (Octave of the Assumption i.e. the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) 1285 at Todi, Italy). This Amazing Life: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-philip-benezi/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-philip-benizi-osm-1233-1285-confessor/
St Abbondius of Rome St Altigianus St Apollinaris of Rheims St Archelaus of Ostia St Asterius of Aegea St Claudius of Aegea St Domnina of Aegea St Eleazar of Lyons St Eonagh
Bl Giacomo Bianconi of Mevania St Hilarinus St Ireneus of Rome St Lupo of Novi St Luppus
St Marcian of Saignon, France – Priest, Founder and the first Abbot of the Benedictine Abbaye Saint Eusebe, the Abbey of St Eusebius. Unfortunately we do not even know the year of his birth or of his death but we do know the day of death was 23 August. The Little We Know of His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-marcian-of-saignon-abbot/
St Maximus of Ostia St Minervius of Lyons St Neon of Aegea St Quiriacus of Ostia St Theonilla of Aegea St Timothy of Rheims
St Victor of Vita St Zaccheus (2nd Century) Bishop of Jerusalem
Martyrs of Agea – 4 Saints: A group of Christian brothers, Asterius, Claudius and Neon, denounced by their step-mother who were then tortured and Martyred in the persecutions of Pro-consul Lysias. They were crucified in 285 outside the walls of Aegea, Cilicia (in Asia Minor) and their bodies left for scavengers.
One Minute Reflection – 22 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Octave Day of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31 – John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27
REFLECTION – “He Who is the Fruit of one holy Virgin is the glory and honour of all the other holy virgins; for like Mary, they are themselves the mothers of Christ, if they do the Will of His Father, the glory and happiness of Mary in being the Mother of Jesus Christ shines forth above all, in the Lord’s words: “Whoever does the Will of my heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to me.” (Mt 12:50)
Thus He shows the spiritual relationships which attaches Him to those whom He redeemed. His brothers and sisters are the holy men and women who partake with Him in the heavenly inheritance. His Mother is the entire Church because by God’s grace, she brings forth the members of Jesus Christ, that is to say, those who are faithful to Him. His Mother is also every holy soul who does the Will of His Father and whose fruitful charity is made manifest in those whom it brings forth for Him until He Himself is formed in them (Gal 4:19)…” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (On holy virginity 5).
PRAYER – Almighty, everlasting God, Who in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, prepared a dwelling place worthy of the Holy Ghost, graciously grant, that we, who are devoutly keeping the Feast of her Immaculate Heart, may be able to live according to Thy Heart. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 22 August – Blessed Bernard Perani OFM,Cap. (1604-1694) Lay Brother of the Capuchin Branch of the Order of Friars Minor, Lay Brother fulfilling various roles in the service of his fellow Friars, Apostle of the poor and sick, Mystic with various charisms and a powerful devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Born on 7 November 1604 at Villa d’Appignano, Offida, in the Marche, Italy as Dominico Francesco and died in 1694 at his Monastery in Offida aged 89 years old. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Offida, Italy. Also known as – Bernard Offida, Bernard Offidski, Bernard z Offidy, Dominico Francesco. …
Domenico Perani was born to the peasant family of Domenico Perani and Elisabetta Puccio Perani as the third of eight children. His mother often held him up as an example worthy of imitation, to his siblings. At his Baptism he was given the names of Domenico Francesco. He assisted his father as a shepherd in his childhood.
In 1626 at the age of 22, Dominico entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Corinaldo, taking the name of Bernard. From his entrance until 1633, he worked in the kitchen.
He became an ardent student of Sacred Scripture and devotee of the Blessed Sacrament, being seen to experience ecstasy whilst praying before the Tabernacle. He practised severed mortifications and penances.
He was placed in the Friary at Fermo from his profession until two decades later and in 1650 Bernard was returned to his birthplace of Offida, where he was blesed to remain for the rest of his life and where he later died on 22 August 1694 mere months before turning 90. He died with a Crucifix in his hands.
Joseph Haydn wrote a special Mass in his honour named the “Missa sancti Bernardi von Offida.”
Pope Pius VI held the Beatification celebration for Bernard on 25 May 1795 in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The cause for his Sainthood was formally opened on 20 September 1797.
St Anthusa of Seleucia St Antoninus of Rome St Arnulf (9th Century) Hermit of Eynesbury Information regarding this Saint have been lost but he has long been venerated in Arnulphsbury, Cambridgeshire, England. St Athanasius of Tarsus
Blessed Bernard Perani OFM. Cap (1604-1694) Lay Brother
St Dalmau Llebaría Torné St Epictetus of Ostia St Ethelgitha of Northumbria St Fabrician of Toledo St Felix of Ostia
St John Kemble (1599 – 1679) Martyr, Priest. Ordained in 1625, he returned to Monmouthshire and served more than 50 years as an itinerant Priest, winning admirers even among Protestants. After being dragged on a hurdle to Widemarsh Common, Kemble declared on the scaffold that he died for the religion that had made this country Christian and that he forgave all his enemies. He was then obliged to encourage the executioner, who had no stomach for his task. The hanging was horribly botched, so that Kemble took half an hour to die. Subsequently he was beheaded and his left hand cut off, this may still be seen at the church of St Francis Xavier in Hereford. Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/22/saint-of-the-day-22-august-st-john-kemble-1599-1679-martyr/
St John Wall St Josep Roselló Sans St Julio Melgar Salgado St Maprilis of Ostia St Martial of Ostia St Maurus of Rheims St Philibert of Toledo Bl Richard Kirkman St Saturninus of Ostia Bl Simeon Lukach St Sigfrid of Wearmouth + St Symphorian of Autun
Saint of the Day – 21 August – Saint Euprepius (1st/2nd Century) he 1st Bishop and Confessor of Verona. Died at Verona at the end of the 1st Century or the beginning of the 2nd Century. Also known as – Euprepus, Puprepis.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Verona, St Euprepius, Bishop and Confessor.”
Unknown Bishop Blessing by Vittore Carpaccio
Not much is known of his life beyond the fact that his name was Greek. According to the local tradition of Verona, he was one of the Seventy (two) Disciples mentioned in the Gospel but his name does not appear among them in the 2nd Century list compiled by St Hippolytus of Rome.
Local tradition states that Euprepius was the Bishop of Verona from 60 to 72. The work, known as the ‘Carmen Pipinianum’ includes a description of Verona and its Churches and gives a list of the first eight Bishops: Euprepius, Dimidrianus (Demetrianus), Simplicius, Proculus, Saturninus, Lucilius (Lucillus, Lucius), Gricinus and Zeno.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “the period of St Euprepius and ,therefore, of the erection of the See, must be placed not before the peace given to the Church under Gallienus (260) but rather, under the first period of the reign of Diocletian, when the Church enjoyed peace.
The reconstruction of the Chronology of Bishops known as the ‘Velo di Classe’ (which dates from the end of the 8th Century or beginning of the 9th), places Euprepius first in the list of Bishops of Verona. His Feast day in the Martyrologium Romanum is 21 August.
St Euprepius’ cult did not gain much popularity until the 14th Century. In 1492, his Relics, along with those of other Veronese Bishop Saints, were rediscovered in the Crypt of San Procolo. The Relics were translated to the ancient Basilica of San Zeno in 1806, where an inscription on the Altar reads:
“Euprepio Veronae a Christi ann. LXXII praesuli primo.” “Euprepius, first Bishop of Verona, from the year 72 of Christ. ”
In the 16th Century, Domenico Riccio painted a series of portraits of the Bishops of Verona, ranging from Euprepius to one of Cardinal Agostino Valerio for the Palazzo del Vescovado di Verona.
St Euprepius (1st/2nd Century) Bishop and Confessor of Verona
St Fidelis of Edessa St Theogonius of Edessa St Gracia of Lérida St Hardulph St Joseph Nien Vien St Leontius the Elder St Luxorius of Sardinia St Maria of Lérida St Maximianus the Soldier St Maximilian of Antioch St Natale of Casale Monferrato St Paternus of Fondi St Privatus of Mende St Quadratus of Utica
Saint of the Day – 20 August – St Herbert Hoscam (Died c1181) Bishop of Gonza, Italy, Missionary, Scholar. Born in England, in the 12th Century and died in Conza della Campania , Italy, around 1181. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Gonza. Also known as – Herbert of Conza, Erberto…
Unknown Italian Saint Bust may be St Herbert Hoscam
Herbert is still the highly venerated Patron Saint of the City and Diocese of Conza. He lived in the second half of the 12th Century, as attested by a parchment from 1169 preserved in the Diocesan Archives of Conza. This document states that he granted Robert, the Bishop of Muro Lucano, the right to Consecrate a Church in honour of St Martin.
He was present at the Third Lateran Council in 1179 and was considered a she[herd illustrious for his sanctity and learning.
Herbert died around 1181. On 23 March 1684, the Theatine Archbishop Gaetano Caracciolo, inspected the Relics placed in a side Altar and transferred them to an urn under the High Altar of Conza Cathedral, where they remain today. On this occasion, the Archbishop took the Episcopal ring, which every year, on the eve of the Feast, 20 August is immersed in Holy Water and then devotedly sprinkled over the faithful, while the hymn of the holy confessors is sung.
The venerated shepherd of this Diocese and City, so struck by recurring earthquakes and constanly reborn over the centuries, the last of which was in 1980, always enthusiastically supported the cult of the St Herbert. At the behest of Archbishop Giuseppe Nicolai († 1758), a precious silver Statue was erected in honour of the Patron Saint and at the end of the 19th Century, Archbishop Antonio Buglione named a Rural Bank after him.
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