Saint of the Day – 12 August – Saint Simplicius of Vercelli (Died c470) the 8th Bishop of Vercelli, Italy. Also called – Simplicio.
In the ancient Eusebian Basilica, now disappeared and replaced by the current Cathedral, the series of the first 40 Bishops of Vercelli could be seen painted in the central nave, starting from St. Eusebius up to Nottingo, who lived from the middle of the 6th Century to around 830. Under each portrait the name of the Bishop represented was written in large letters. The dating of this series of portraits is still being studied.
Of course, the portraits were an authoritative document for the history of the ancient Bishops but due to neglect or old age, they disappeared over the centuries and only 25 names could be read, when the Bishops Bonomius and Ferrerus, at the end of the 16th Century and the beginning of the 17th, wanted to transcribe them, to compose the Episcopal catalogue of the Diocese.
Added to this is the dispersion of the archive documents which occurred during the barbarian invasions, particularly in the Lombard era.
The little which is known about the Bishops of Vercelli, who lived from the middle of the 5th Century to the beginning of the 9th, comes from sepulchral inscriptions, from some local liturgical books, from documents of other Churches and from news of civil history.
Vercelli Cathedral dedicated to St Eusebius
Therefore, even of St Simplicius very little is known, he was the 8th Bishop of Vercelli, as reported by the Episcopal catalogue compiled by the historian F Savio (1898) which corrects the previous ones. Our Saint is one of the Bishops whose name was not clearly legible under the faded effigy.
His Episcopate can be dated around 470, in the difficult period of the barbarian invasions. The historian, Cusano, reported that at the beginning of the 17th Century, his Tomb was discovered with the following inscription: “Simplicius, the 8th Bishop, extraordinarily endowed with the grace of God, shone brightly with the greatest splendour of sanctity.” (“Simplicius Episcopus octavus, mira Dei gratia praeditus, maximo sanctitatis splendeur praeluxit”).
The authoritative “Bibliotheca Sanctorum” catalogues him together with St Discolius, the 4th Bishop of Vercelli because they were probably celebrated on the same day, 12 August, in the local liturgical calendar. (Adapted from the Italian by Author: Antonio Borrelli).
St Eusebius of Milan (Died 462) Archbishop of Milan. Born in Greece (although some sources regard him as Milanese) and died on 12 August 462. He was the Archbishop from 449 until his death. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Milan, Saint Eusebius, Bishop, who worked diligently for the True Faith and rebuilt the Cathedral destroyed by the Huns.” His Zealous Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/12/saint-of-the-day-12-august-st-eusebius-of-milan-died-462-bishop/
St Felicissima the Blind St Gracilian St Herculanus of Brescia St Jambert of Canterbury St Julian of Syria
St Macarius of Syria St Merewenna St Micae Nguyen Huy My St Murtagh of Killala St Photinus of Marmora
St Porcarius of Lerins St Simplicius of Vercelli (Died c470) Bishop St Ust
Martyrs of Augsburg – 4 Saints: The mother, Hilaria,and three friends of of Saint Afra ofAugsburg. While visiting the tomb of Saint Afra who were seized by the authorities and Martyred when they visited Afra’s tomb – Digna, Eunomia, Euprepia and Hilaria. They were burned alive c 304.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Crescentian, Juliana, Largio, Nimmia and Quiriacus. They died in c304 in Rome, Italy and were buried on the Ostian Way outside Rome.
Saint of the Day – 11 August – St Equitius (Died c570) Abbot, Miracle-worker, a renowned Preacher and Evangeliser spreading the tenets and glory of monasticism, Founder of a Monastery. Equitius was born between 480 and 490 in the region of Valeria Suburbicaria (present-day L’Aquila-Rieti-Tivoli. Italy). He died at the Monastery of San Lorenzo di Pizzoli of natural causes. Also known as – Equizio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Province of Valeria, St Equitius, Abbot, whose sanctity is attested to by the blessed Pope Gregory.”
St Gregory the Great refers to Equitius in his Dialogues and states that Equitius was a follower of St Benedict of Nursia.
Equitius worked to spread monasticism in Italy and the West but remained a Friar and through humility was never Ordained as a Priest.
Pope Gregory writes that Equitius’ reputation for sanctity was such that the Saint by his own example drew many disciples to embrace the religious life as Monks. According to ancient testimonies, the Monks of Equitius gave two Pontiffs to the Church and numerous Bishops and Cardinals.
Extraordinary events are related regarding Equitius, such as the liberation from temptations by the work of an Angel and the prophetic unmasking of a certain ‘Basil the Magician.’
The Saint died in his Monastery of San Lorenzo di Pizzoli. After his death his unapproved order was absorbed by the Benedictines with which he had such affinity. His Feast is celebrated on 11 August and his remains rest in the Church of San Margherita all’Aquila, now of the Jesuits and known as San Margherita deL Gesu all’Aquila,
St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, the son of Saint Chromatius the Prefect of Rome, also a Martyr. St Damasus (c305-384), the Pope, wrote about Tiburtius. He died by being beheaded in c286 in Rome, Italy and his remains are entombed in the Ad Duas Lauros Cemetery at the three mile marker on the Via Lavicana in Rome. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, between the two laurels situate about three miles from the City, the birthday of St Tiburtius, Martyr, under the Judge Fabian, in the persecution of Diocletian. After he had walked barefoot on burning coals and confessed Christ with increased constancy. he was put to the sword.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-saint-tiburtius-died-c286-martyr/
St Cassian of Benevento St Chromatius the Prefect Martyr, the Father of St Tiburtius also celebrated today and also a Martyr St Digna of Todi St Equitius (Died c570) Abbot
One Minute Reflection – 10 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr, “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26 – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If it dies, it produces much fruit” – John 12:24
REFLECTION – “Saint Lawrence was a Deacon in Rome. The Church’s persecutors ordered him to hand over the treasures of the Church. It was to win a real treasure in Heaven that he underwent the torments which we cannot listen to, without horror, for he was stretched out on a gridiron over a fire … Nevertheless, he triumphed over all his bodily sufferings by means of the extraordinary strength he drew from his charity and, with the help of Him, Who made him resolute. “For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works which God has prepared in advance that we should live in them” (Eph 2:10).
Now this is what stirred up his persecutors’ wrath … Lawrence said: “Order chariots to come along with me, on which I can bring you the treasures of the Church.” When he was given some chariots, he filled them with the poor and brought them back, saying: “These are the Church’s treasures.”
Nothing is truer, my brethren. The great wealth of Christians is found in the needs of the poor, provided we grasp how to put our possessions to good use. The poor are always before us; if we entrust our wealth to them, we shall not lose it.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 302, for the Feast of Saint Lawrence).
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to extinguish the flames of our sins, as Thou granted St Lawrence to overcome the fires of his tortures. 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 – 10 August – Saint Asteria of Bergamo (Died c307) Virgin Martyr. Died by beheading. Asteria is the sister of St Grata of Bergamo, Martyr, who is celebrated on 4 September. The 2 sisters are Co-Patron Saints of Bergamo in Northern Italy. Also called – Hesteria.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Bergamo, St Asteria, Virgin and Martyr, in the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian,”
Asteria and Grata, at the time of Diocletian and Maximian, buried Alexander of Rome. Grata was put to death; Asteria buried her and then she too was arrested, and tortured.
An ancient Epitaph describes her as having been beheaded as a Christian under Diocletian, when she had already reached her sixtieth year.
She was Martyred for refusing to worship the pagan god Jupiter and for constantly confessing Christ. She has been celebrated on 10 August, most especially in Bergamo for centuries.
St Deusdedit the Cobbler (6th Century)Confessor, Layman – Deusdedit was a poor layman shoemaker in 6th Century Rome, Italy. Patronages – shoemakers, of the poor. His name meaning, “dedicated to God.” The Roman Martyrology reads of him today: “At Rome, the holy Confessor Deusdedit, a working man, who gave to the poor, every Saturday, whatever he had earned during the week.” His Dedicated Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/10/saint-of-the-day-10-august-st-deusdedit-the-cobbler-6th-century-confessor-layman/
St Gerontius St Paula of Carthage
Martyrs of Alexandria – 260+ Saints: A large number of Christians who were Martyred in Alexandria, Egypt between 260 and 267 in the persecutions of Decius and Valerian, whose names have not come down to us and who are commemorated together.
Martyrs of Rome – 165 Saints: Group of 165 Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Aurelian. 274 in Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 9 August – Saint Falco of Palermo (Died mid 11th Century) Hermit, Monk, Miracle-worker. Born in the Calabria region of Italy and died ion 13 January of natural causes at Palermo, Italy. Also known as – Falcon, Falco the Hermit. Additional Memorias – 13 January in commemoration of his death and on the Sunday following 15 August 15 in memory of the translation of his Relics from the Church of St Egidius. St Falco was Canonised in 1893 by Pope Leo XIII.
Falco, born in Taverna in Calabria towards the middle of the tenth century, of the ancient and noble Poerio family, was, from a very young age, attracted by solitude andan eremetic life.
He soon decided to retire to the Monastery of Pesica near his hometown, among the Basilians, under the discipline of a holy Abbot named Ilarione. The community was already known throughout Calabria for the virtues and sanctity of all the brothers who formed it.
In 980 Calabria became the scene of ruin as a prey of the Saracens. From the Monastery of Taverna, the “seven brothers” (a long story of Falco’s friends who all entered religious life and were all Canonised with him) decided to leave for Abruzzo. Here they built some cells and a small Church, the ruins of which were visible until the end of the 19th Century. Here, they settled, living in poverty and sanctity, imposing rigid rules on themselves as true imitators of the ancient Monks of Egypt.
Under the guidance of their holy Abbot Hilarion, they led an austere life of fasting, eating mostly herbs, except on Sundays. Their conversation consisted of the practice of prayer and the recitation of praise. When the holy Abbot died, they elected as Superior, the youngest, Nicolò Greco, younger in age but not in merit. The new Abbot, to give thanks to God, asked his brothers to make a pilgrimage to Rome. During the journey, with their prayers, “the seven brothers” managed to free seven possessed people from evil spirits they had met near Lake Fucino. Once they set off again, one of them, weighed down by poor health, left his companions and, near Ortucchio, found shelter in the Church of the Santissima Vergine, in St Maria in Capo d’acqua.
The other companions, having completed the pilgrimage, returned to Prata to their monastic life. Nicolò was the Abbot for several years but at his death, the other brothers, unable to elect a successor, considered themselves free to follow their own path. Falco decided to return to Rome and set out but that same evening, having reached Palena, attempting to climb the mountain of Coccia, he felt his strength failing and was forced to rest in the nearby Church of St Egidius. At the unexpected arrival of this holy Friar, the district infested by evil spirits, was immediately purified and his presence was a reason for hope for the inhabitants of the place who immediately acclaimed him and showed him respect. He thus decided to remain in those mountains, continuing his life of rigours and prayers.
Out of extreme humility he never wished to embrace the Priesthood but to remain a very humble Friar, an example of virtue.
It was the morning of 13 January presumably of a year around the middle of the 11th Century, suddenly the small bell of the hermitage where Falco lived in retreat, was heard ringing. Many people rushed there, thinking that the Friar needed help and found him lifeless lying on a table with two lit candles. His body was transported to the Church of St Egidius Abate, where, after the funeral, he was buried.
A possessed man was passing by those parts when everyone with amazement, saw him break the ropes and run towards the Tomb of the Saint, where as soon as he arrived, he was freed from the devil. From that moment the fame of St Falco became even greater and confirmed by several other miracles, so much so that at the request of the people, the remains were exposed to public veneration.
If the archives of Sulmona and Palena had not been destroyed in a fire, we would today have countless descriptions of graces and miracles reported in the acts of his Canonisation.
In 1383, due to continuous raids and robberies, fearing for their fate, the Bishop of Sulmona decided to transfer the Relics and the Statue of St Falco to the Church of St Anthony Abbot in the centre of Palena. Since then, the Church and the Relics of St Falco became a destination for pilgrims, believers, devotees, the sick and the obsessed, even from far away.
The Church of St Anthony Abbot in Palermo
In the earthquake of 1706, the Church was not exempt from disaster but was soon rebuilt with the help and devotion of the faithful. In 1841, fue to the growing devotion and the countless pilgrimages, it was decided to demolish the old Church to build a much larger and more spacious one and in 1842, thanks to the great devotion, a half-length silver Statue of the Saint was erected by the famous Domenico Capozzi.
The Shrine with his Relics, the Dalmatic tunic in the Greek style and the silver Statue containing his skull, are exposed twice a year for the devotion of the faithful, on 13 January in commemoration of his death and on the Sunday following 15 August 15 in memory of the translation of his Relics from the Church of St Egidius. St Falco was Canonised in 1893 by Pope Leo XIII.
Interior of the Church where St Falco is enshrined
St Nathy St Numidicus of Carthage St Phelim St Rusticus of Sirmium St Rusticus of Verona St Secundian of Civitavecchia St Stephen of Burgos St Verian of Civitavecchia
Martyrs of Civitavecchia: Three Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius. We know little more than the names – Marcellian, Secundian and Verian. 250 near Civitavecchia, Italy.
Martyrs of Constantinople: 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who were arrested, tortured and executed for defending an icon of Christ in defiance of orders from Emperor Leo the Isaurian. We know the names of three, but nothing else about them – Julian, Marcian and Mary. They were beheaded in Constantinople.
Saint of the Day – 8 August – Saint Famianus O.Cist. (1090-1150) Cistercian Monk, Hermit, Pilgrim, Miracle-worker. Born in 1090 in Cologne, Germany as Gerhard Quardus and died on 8 Augustn 1150, aged 59 or 60, in Gallese, Umbria, Italy of natural causes. St Famianus bears the great honour of being the first Cistercian to be Canonised which took place in 1154 by Pope Adrian IV. Patronage – of Gallese, Italy. Also known as – Gerhard, Wardo, Famian, Famiano, Famianus of Compostela, Famianus of Gallese. The name Famianud comes from Latin and means “who has acquired fame.”In Germany he is known as St Wardo Famianus.
Bronze Relief (2003) at the Basilica of St Famianus in Gallese
Gerhard (called Ward – the name Wardo is derived from ‘the fourth’ probably being the fourth child) Quadrus, son of a prominent family, gave away his inheritance and in 1108 travelled as a pilgrim to the seven pilgrimage Churches in Rome , where he stayed for six years.
In 1114 he made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and then lived in a Monastery dedicated to the Sts Cosmas and Damian near Tui in Galicia. When the Cistercian Abbey of Osera was built nearby, he joined the Order. But after some time he went on a second pilgrimage to the Holy Land and on his return, via Italy, he visted the Town of Gallese, where he later died.
He is highly venerated in Gallese. This Town in the Viterbo area was the birthplace of 2 Popes Marinus I (Pope from 882 until his death in 884) and Romanus I (Pope from August to November 89).. The prestige which the Town acquired thanks to its religiosity called several pilgrims to Gallese, including out Saint Famianud. This Monk, known as “di Gallese – of Gallese” died in the Town in question on 8 August 1150.
Fresco, 1516, in the Basilica of San Famiano in Gallese (School of Antonio del Massaro)
Famianus ws Canonised by Pope Adrian IV with the name of St Famianus in 1154 and his remains were placed in a cave, where in 1155, the Basilica which bears his name, was erected. Many miracles occurred at Wardo’s grave in Gallese which is why he was given the name Famianus. In 1244, a Basilica dedicated to him was built over his grave which included a pilgrims’ hostel and a small Monastery. Wardo’s body is still incorrupt to this day.
In the place of worship, the Incorrupt Body of St Famianus, the Patron Saint of Gallese, is preserved, guarded in a precious Sarcophagus placed in the crypt. The Church, located outside the urban perimeter, incorporates the cave, transformed into a crypt, where the Saint wanted to be buried. About three kilometers from the historic centre of Gallese, in the countryside, is another Church dedicated to St Famianus, the Chapel of St Famianus at Lungo.
In this Chapel, is preserved the spring which on 17 July 1150, the Saint, made flow by striking the ground with his walking stick. This had occurred at the end of his pilgrimage, which had taken him to Spain (where he is still highly venerated), to the Holy Land and to Rome Even today, on 17 July of each year, the place is the destination of a pilgrimage which travels from very early in the morning to reach the Chapel in time for Holy Mass.
The cult of the Saint and the custody of the two Churches are entrusted to the ancient Confraternity of St Famianus, reconstituted in 1990.
Basilica of St Famianus with Wardo’s Tomb in Gallese
St Eleutherius of Constantinople St Famianus O.Cist. (1090-1150) Cistercian Monk. His Body remains Inoccrupt in Gallese, Umbria, Italy. St Gedeon of Besancon St Hormisdas of Persia St Largus St Leobald of Fleury St Leonidas of Constantinople St Marinus of Anzarba St Mummolus of Fleury St Myron the Wonder Worker St Rathard of Diessen St Severus of Vienne St Sigrada St Smaragdus St Ternatius of Besançon St Ultan of Crayke
Martyrs of Albano – 4 Saints: Four Christians who were Martyred together, and about we today know little more than their names – Carpóforo, Secondo, Severiano and Vittorino. They were martyred in Albano, Italy – their remains are interred in the San Senator cemetery, on the Appian Way, 15 miles from Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: Five Christians Martyred together; we know nothing else about them but the names – Ciriaco, Crescenziano, Giuliana, Memmia and Smaragdus. They were martyred at the 7 mile marker, on the Via Ostia, Rome, Italy.
Saint/s of the Day – 7 August – Blessed Agathangelus Nourry OFM.Cap (1598-1638) and Blessed Cassian Vaz Lopez-Neto OFM Cap (1605-1638) Martyrs, Friars of the Capuchin branch of the Friar’s Minor, Missionaries. Agathangelus was born on 31 July 1598 near Vendome, France and died by being stoned to death or hanged with the cords of his own Habit (records vary) on 7 August 1638 at Dibauria, Abyssinia. Also known as – Agathangelo Noury, Agathangelus of Vendome, Agathangelus Noury, Agathange Noury of Vendôme.
Agathangelus Noury joined the Capuchin Friars in 1619. He worked as a Missionary from 1629 until his death.
As Superior of the mission in Cairo, Egypt, he worked zealously to bring the Copts back to the unity of the Church.
When, in 1637, he was sent as Superior to the new mission in Ethiopia, he summoned Cassian Lopez-Netto to assist him.
Cassian was born in Nantes in 1607 and made profession in the Capuchin Order in 1623. In 1637, he joined his Superior in the new Mission in Ethiopia to spread the Gospel and evangelise the natives.
After a few months of missionary activity both were seized by the Abyssinians. As a reward for their apostolate both were crowned with Martyrdom in the City of Gondar in the year 1638.
They were Beatified on 1 January 1905 by St Pius X.
St Albert of Trapani O.Carm. (c1240-1307) Carmelite Priest, Confessor, Preacher, Evangeliser, apostle of prayer and a devout servant of the Blessed Virgin and the Passion of Christ. St Teresa of Jesus (1515-1582) and St Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (1566-1607) were especially devoted to him, the Bl Baptist Spagnoli (1447–1516) composed a sapphic ode in his honour. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/07/saint-of-the-day-7-august-saint-albert-of-trapani-o-carm-c-1240-1307/
+Blessed Cassian Vaz Lopez-Neto OFM Cap (1605-1638) Martyr St Claudia of Rome St Donat St Donatian of Chalons-sur-Marne St Donatus of Besancon St Faustus of Milan St Hyperechios Bl Jordan Forzatei St Julian of Rome St Peter of Rome
Martyred Deacons of Rome – 6 Saints: A group of Deacons who were Martyred with Pope Saint Sixtus II. We know nothing about them but their names and their deaths – Agapitus, Felicissimus, Januarius, Magnus, Stephen and Vincent. They were beheaded on 6 August 258 in a cemetery on the Appian Way, Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Como – 6 Saints: A group of Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army. Martyred in the persecutions of Maximian. We know little else but the names – Carpophorus, Cassius, Exanthus, Licinius, Secundus and Severinus. c.295 on the north side of Lake Como, near Samolaco, Italy. Their relics in the church of San Carpoforo, Como, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 6 August – Saint Glisente (Died 796) Hermit, Soldier known in the region as “The Warrior on the Mountain.” Died on 7 August 796 on Mount Berzo near Berzo Inferiore, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Glisente of Brescia, Glisento of Berzo, … of Valcamonica, … of Valle Comonica. Additional Memorial – 26 July (commemorates the theft and return of his Relics).
Glisente was a valiant Commander of Charlemagne’s Army, until, after the defeat of the Lombards in Val Camonica on the slopes of Mortirolo, he asked his Sovereign to be released from his military duties in order to dedicate himself to the service of the Almighty in a life of prayer, penance and solitude.
He settled in a underground cave dug in the hillside above Berzo Inferiore where he died on 7 August 796.
The next day some shepherds following a dove which was carrying twigs and leaves presumed to be building a nest, found the body of the holy Hermit. They then took some Relics and brought them to the Church of San Lorenzo in the Village of Berzo below.
Festivities on St Glisente’s Feast Day
But the inhabitants of Collio, led by the Knight of Christ, D Ardemagni (a well-known Templar of the time, as well as a Court musician of undoubted prestige), envious of the sacred remains, attempted to steal the body of Glisente and transfer it to their Town. But God punished them with blindness and only when they brought the body of the Saint back to his Tomb did they regain their sight.
Today, above the cave in lower Berzo, stands the Church of the St Glisente and the Hermit’s Cave can still be visited below the Church through a tunnel. St Charles Borromeo visited both during his pastoral visit to Valle Camonica in 1580.
The cult of Glisente has been attested since at least the 13th Century. In 1200, in fact, there was an Altar dedicated to him in the Church of Bovegno and a small Church was consecrated to him to the north-west of the same location.
Episodes from Glisente’s life are depicted in the frescoes of the Parish Church of San Lorenzo (16th Century), in the Parish Church of San Maria in Berzo and in the one dedicated to him on the mountain hich divides the territory of Berzo from Bovegno and Collio in Valle Trompia (15th Century).
In the current Parish Church of Berzo (17th Century) another Altar is dedicated to him. In the 17th Century St Gl;isente was included in the Calendar of Brescian Saints and his Feast day was established on 25 July because the inhabitants of Collio returned the Relics of the Saint which they had previously stolen, on that day. Today, however, they have disappeared again and it is not known where they are.
St Pope Sixtus II/ Xystus (Died 258) Pope and Martyr, Philosopher. 25th Pope from St Peter. Papal Ascension 30 August 257. He was Martyred along with seven deacons, (St Lawrence of Rome a few days later) during the persecutions of Christianity by Emperor Valerian. This is the St Sixtus who is commemorated in the Roman Canon Eucharistic Prayer. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/06/saint-of-the-day-6-august-saint-sixtus-ii-died-258-pope-and-martyr/
Bl Octavian of Savona St Stephen of Cardeña Bl William of Altavilla
Martyrs of Cardeña: Two hundred Benedictine Monks at the Saint Peter of Cardegna monastery, Burgos, Spain who were Martyred in the 8th century by invading Saracens. They were buried by local Christians in a nearby churchyard in Burgos, Spain and Beatified in 1603 by Pope Clement VIII (cultus confirmed).
Saint of the Day – 5 August – St Abel of Rheims (Died c770) Bishop, Confessor, Abbot, Defender and Protector of the rights and property of the Church. Born in the British Isles, most likely in Ireland and died in c770 at Lobbes, Belgium of natural causes. Also known as – Abel of Lobbes.
Abel was the Archbishop of Rheims, for only four years. In the official chronology of the Diocese, he was placed in twenty-eighth place, after Milon of Trier and before Turpin.
Abel was the Shepherd of the Diocese of Rheims from 744 to 748. Of Scottish or Irish origin, he was a Monk at the Abbey of Lobbes , Belgium, in the Diocese of Liège. He was chosen as the Bishop by Pépin the Short, to replace Milon of Trier. The dismissed Bishop, Milon, made Abel’s life impossible, especially since Pepin the Short was very busy waging war and was, therefore, absent and unable to rebuke Milon and protect Bishop Abel from abuse. All of this relates to the constant interference and seizing of Church property of the Lords, very often assisted by the so-called bishops in situ – one of these being Milon.
After four years of constant defence of his See, Abel, who sought only the glory of God in everything, gave way to his anger in accordance with the evangelical precept, renounced his Office and withdrew to the blessed solitude of his old Monastery, there offering his prayers and penances for the defence of the Holy Church of Christ. Later Abel may have been appointed as the Abbot of Lobbes Abbey.
St Abel ended his days with a reputation for holiness between 750 and 770. His body, along with the other holy bodies of this Monastery, was transferred from Lobbes to Binghan in the year 1400to protect the holy Relics from the ravages of war.
St Abel of Rheims (Died c770 Bishop St Addai St Aggai of Edessa Bl Arnaldo Pons St Cantidianus St Cantidius St Cassian of Autun St Casto of Teano Bl Corrado of Laodicea
St Eusignius St Gormeal of Ardoilen Bl James Gerius St Margaret the Barefooted (1335-1395) Married Laywoman St Mari St Memmius of Châlons-sur-Marne
St Nonna of Nazianzen (c305-c374) Widow. Mother– Widow. Mother – Widow of St Gregory Nazianzen the Elder, (c276-374) the saintly Bishop of Nazianzen and Mother of St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Doctor of the Church, his younger brother St Caesarius Nazianzen (c331-368) a Physician and St Gorgonia (Died c375) Married, Mother. St Gregory Nazianzen’s Mother: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/05/saint-of-the-day-5-august-st-nonna-of-nazianzen-c305-374-widow/
St Sobel St Theodoric of Cambrai-Arras St Venantius of Viviers St Viator
Martyrs of the Salarian Way: Twenty-three Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. Died in 303 on the Salarian Way in Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 4 August – Blessed William Horne O.Cart. (Died 1540) Martyr, Carthusian Lay Brother of the Charterhouse in London. William was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn Tree, London, for treason for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church. Additional Memorial – 4 May as one of the Carthusian Martyrs of London.
William was the last of the Carthusians who died for Christ and His Church. He was one of 18 Carthusian Monks murdered between May 1535 and August 1540. Some were hanged, drawn and quartered, some were hanged in chains and others were starved to death.
We have no personal information of Blessed William escept relating to his Martyrdom. He was arrested for opposing the religious policies of King Henry VIII (reign 1509-1547) which included the imprisonment of Catholics and the destruction of Monasteries. William was executed at Tyburn with two companions.
In the great persecution against Catholics decreed by Henry VIII, King of England, each religious Order of the time, together with the Diocesan Clergy, left a tribute of blood and Martyrdom for the defence of the Catholic Church.
He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) Confessor, Founder of the Dominicans – The Order of Preachers – Priest, Founder, Teacher, Preacher, Mystic, Miracle-Worker, Apostle of the Holy Rosary. At Dominic’s Baptism, Blessed Joan, his Mother, saw a star shining from his chest, which became another of his symbols in art and led to his patronage of astronomy. https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/saint-of-the-day-8-august-st-dominic-de-guzman-founder-of-the-dominican-order-of-preachers/ A lovely personal description of St Dominic here: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/04/saint-of-the-day-4-august-st-dominic-confessor/ The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Bologna, St Dominic, Confessor, Founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, most renowned for sanctity and learning. He preserved his chastity unsullied to the end of his life and by his great merits, raised three persons from the dead. After having repressed heresies by his preaching and instructed many in the religious and Godly life, he rested in peace on the 6th of this month. His Feast, however, is celebrated on this day by decree of Pope Paul IV.”
Saint of the Day – 3 August – Saint Euphronius of Autun (Died after 472) Bishop and Confessor, Founder and builder of a Basilica and a Monastery. Also known as – Euphromius, Eufronio. Additional Memorial – 3 June in Autun.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Autun, the demise of St Euphromious, Bishop and Confessor.”
Autun Cathedral
Euphronius, Priest of the Church of Autun, while still young, built a Basilica on the Tomb of the Martyr Saint Symphorian (Died c180) which would later become a famous Monastery.
In 453, Euphronius composed a letter, now lost, to the Bishop of Angers, Talasius. Around 470, when Bishop Perpetuus of Tours was building a new Church to house the remains of St Martin of Tours, Euphronius sent the marble for the covering of the Saint’s Tomb.
The letters of St Sidonius Apollinaris the Bishop of Clermont, notes that around the year 470 our Saint Euphronius, accompanied his great friend, St Lupus of Troyes, whom we celebrated on 29 July, together with the Bishop of Lyons and other Prelates, to Chalon-sur-Saône to Consecrate a new Bishop there.
Also in 472, Sidonius wrote to Euphronius to invite him to attend the Consecration of the new Bishop of Bourges.
Euphronius’ name appears in the Martyrology of Hieronymus but his cult in Autun does not seem to date further backwards beyond the 11th Century. He was celebrated on 3 June in Saint Symphorian’s Basilica and Monastery of Autun where he was buried and in the Church Consecrated and dedicated to him (now disappeared) in the village of Saint-Euphròne (Còte d’Or) mentioned from 865.
Blessed Augustine Gazotich OP (1262-1323) Bishop of Lucera, Croatia, of the Order of Preachers. He was also noted for being the guide for Dante Alighieri as the poet travelled through Croatia. His reputation for personal holiness remained noted long after his death; this resulted in Pope Innocent XII confirming the late Bishop’s Beatification in 1700. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/03/saint-of-the-day-3-august-blessed-augustine-gazotich-o-p-1262-1323/
St Dalmatius St Euphronius of Autun (Died after 472) Bishop and Confessor St Gamaliel St Gaudentia Bl Godfrey of Le Mans Bl Gregory of Nonantula St Hermellus St Nicodemus
St Senach of Clonard (Died 6th Century) One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland
Saint of the Day – 2 August – Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Religious of the Third Order of the Friars Minor and Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker, Exorcist. Born in c1255 in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy and died on 2 August 1335 of natural causes. Also known as – Frederico, Frederick.
Federic was born in Syracuse to the noble Campisani family, between 1250 and 1260. Since boyhood, he was attracted to listening to the Word of God and, as soon as he could, he wore the Franciscan Habit as a penitent.
He retired as a solitary hermit in the Maddalena Peninsula, so called by a small Church dedicated to the holy penitent St Mary Magdalene which later became the place where Blessed Federic lived.
With the view of the immense sea, he lived a life full of virtue and full of miracles which occurred through his intercession. It is said that various possessed people were freed from the devil, various illnesses were cured and a dead man was resurrected. Frederic had been granted the gift of prophecy too and many came to him seeking spiritual advice and assistance.
On 2 August 1335, the solitary of the Magdalene fell asleep in the Lord, full of merits and amid the mourning of those who turned to him for help for their body and spirit.
The first canonical process in 1336 was desired by the Bishop of Syracuse, Pietro De Montecateno and in 1761, Bishop Giuseppe Antonio De Requesens ordered the canonical recognition of the the blessed Fredric’s Relics.
The devotion and cult fof Blessed Federic has had ups and downs over the Centuries and has resurfaced in our times, almost as if to show us the path of perfection to be sought in silence, in the immense noise of modern life. But if we manage to create silence around us, the contemplation of nature will return and we will still be able to listen to the Word of God as our Blessed Frederic did from childhood until death..
St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church, Founder of the Redemptorists, Spiritual Writer, Composer, Musician, Artist, Poet, Lawyer, Scholastic Philosopher and Theologian.
St Auspicius of Apt St Betharius of Chartres (Died c623) Bishop St Etheldritha of of Croyland Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Third Order Religious of the Friar s Minor, Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker. Bl Gundekar of Eichstätt Bl Joanna of Aza Bl John of Rieti St Maximus of Padua St Pedro de Osma St Plegmund St Rutilius
Saint of the Day – 1 August – St Felix of Gerona (Died c304) Deacon Martyr, Missionary, Preacher and courageous Evangeliser heading directly into the Diocletian persecutions. Born in Carthage in Africa and died by horrific torture at Gerona in Spain. Also known as – Feliu, Felice.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Gerona in Spain, the birthday of the holy Martyr Felix. After enduring various torments, by order of Daciall, he was cut with knives, until he gave his undaunted soul to Christ.”
Felix, originally from Carthage of a noble and rich family. He studied in Caesarea where he was Baptised., During the persecution of the Christians by Diocletianus at the end of the 3rd Century, he left Africa and travelled to Spain with St Cugat, the latter going to Barcelona and Felix to Gerona. (We celebrated St Cugat on 25 July).
There he converted so many heathens that his activities soon attracted the attention of the authorities and he was thrown into prison. As he refused to deny Christ, he was tortured, although he was saved from death by angelic intervention several times.
On one occasion, he was thrown into the sea with a millstone attached to his neck and a gentle breeze guided him back to shore. Eventually, he was flayed alive with iron hooks and died on the same day, in the same year, as his fellow Missionary St Cugat.
The Sarcophagus of the Saint, in St Felix Church, dating from the 4th Century, indicates that by then, the Christian community was entrenched and powerful as the marble, from which it was created is of the finest quality and were worked in Rome.
St Felix Sarcophagus
Spain became a Catholic Nation in 589, when the Spanish King, Recaredo I and all his Court, converted to Christianity. Subsequently, the King travelled to Gerona to offer a Golden Crown at the Tomb of the our Saint.
The Portiuncula Indulgence: An Indulgence which may be gained in any Church so designated by the Bishop, by all the faithful who, after Confession and Holy Communion, visit such Churches between noon of 1 August and midnight of 2 August, or on the Sunday following. The Indulgence is toties quoties and is applicable to the souls in Purgatory.
St Jonatus St Justin of Paris St Kenneth of Wales St Leontius of Perga St Maur St Nemesius of Lisieux Bl Orlando of Vallombrosa St Peregrinus of Modena St Rioch Bl Rudolph St Secundel St Secundus of Palestrina St Sophia St Verus of Vienne
Seven Holy Machabees – 8 Saints: “At Antioch, the Martyrdom of the Seven Holy Brothers, the Machabees and thei mother, who suffered under King Antiochus Epiphanes. Their relics were transferred to Rome and placed in the Church of St Peter in Chains.”
Saints Faith, Hope and Charity: The daughters of Saint Sophia. While still children, they were tortured and Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of Hadrian. They were scourged, thrown into a fire, and then beheaded.
Saint of the Day – 31 July – Revisiting St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic. Born in 1491 at Loyola, Guipuzcoa, Spain as Inigo Lopez de Loyola and died on 31 July 1556 at Rome, Italy of fever. Also known as- Inigo Lopez de Loyola. The name Ignatius = of fire, igneous, from the Latin
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the birthday of St Ignatius Loyola, Confessor and Founder of the Society of Jesus, renowned for sanctity and miracles and most zealous in propagating the Catholic Religion in all parts of the world.”
The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune, when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand to assist in passing the time, during his convalescence, Ignatius spent the time reading The Golden Legend, a collection of biographies of the Saints and the Life of Christ by Ludolph the Carthusian. His conscience was deeply touched and a long, painful turning to Christ began.
Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, on his recovery he took a vow of chastity, hung his sword before the Altar of the Virgin of Montserrat and donned a pilgrim‘s robes. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper’s Hospice, often in a cave in the hills, praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, the Sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned by the grace of Gpd.
It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write the material which would later become his greatest work, “The Spiritual Exercises.” In 1523, he finally achieved his desire of visiting the Holy Land but could not remain, as he planned because of the hostility of the Turks.
In 1528 he began studying Theology in Barcelona and Alcala in Spain, and Paris, France receiving his degree on 14 March 1534. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European Universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods.
In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the Pope. The latter became the only choice. During this time he was also Ordained to the Priesthood. In 1537, Ignatius had one of the decisive experiences of his life. He related to his companions that on a certain day, while in prayer, he seemed to see Christ with the Cross on His shoulder and beside Him, the Eternal Father, Who said, “I wish Thee to take this man for Thy servant,” and Jesus took him and said, “My will is that you should serve Us.” On Christmas Day 1538 Ignatius said his first Holy Mass at the Church of St Mary Major in Rome.
Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first General. Ignatius himself, never used the term ‘Jesuit’ which was coined as an insult by his opponents. The Society today uses the term with pride.
When companions were sent on various missions by the Pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new Order, instructing new members but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society.
While General of the Order, Ignatius was frequently ill. In January 1551 he became so ill that he begged his associates, though to no purpose, to accept his resignation as Superior. Despite his condition, he continued to direct the Order until his death in July 1556. Since his days at Manresa, Ignatius had practiced a form of prayer which was later published in The Spiritual Exercises and appears to have rivaled that of the greatest Mystics. Before his death, aged 65, Saint Ignatius was nearly blind.
Ignatius Loyola was Beatified by Pope Paul V on 27 July 1609 and Canonised by Pope Gregory XV on 12 March 1622. His achievements and those of his followers form a Chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church that cannot be neglected by those who desire to understand this glorious Church of Christ..
Blessed Giovanni Colombini (1300-1367) Confessor, Layman, Husband and Father, Founder of the Apostolic Clerics of Saint Jerome (the Jesuati), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Penitent, Missionary, Miracle-worker. After many miracles had occurred at his tomb, Pope Gregory XIII inserted Giovanni Colombini’s name in the Roman Martyrology, fixing 31 July for the celebration of his feast His Life https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-blessed-giovanni-colombini-1300-1367/
St Helen of Skofde St Neot
Martyrs of Syria – 350 Saints: 350 monks massacred by heretics for their adherence to orthodox Christianity and the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon. 517 in Syria.
Martyrs of Synnada: 3 Saints Democritus Dionysius the Martyr Secundus
Saint/s of the Day – 30 July – Saint Abdon and Saint Senen (Died c250) Martyrs. Both our Martyrs were born in Persia and died in Rome by tortures and finally beheading around 250 under the persecutions of Emperor Decius. Patronages – against eye diseases, against rickets, against vermin, of barrel and cask makers, of blind children and children in general, of farmers and gardeners, of Arles and the Diocese of Perpignan in France, of Calasparra, in Murcia, Spain. Unfortunately, I can find no English text explaining the reasons for their various Patronages. They would naturally have related to miracles granted by the intercession of Sts Abdon and Senen before or after death. Also known as – Abdo, Abdus and Sennes, Sennis, Zennen. Additional Memorials – 20 March, and the first Sunday of May on some calendars.
The two Saints have been the privileged object of many artistic works in various Churches and Cathedrals, in Italy and around Europe. In addition to the richness of their clothes is shown to indicate their Persian origin. They often wear a royal diadem like the one sometimes attributed to the Three Wise Men who were in fact oriental but the constant presence, is the sword, with which they were beheaded.
Saints Abdó and Senen – Diocesan Museum of the Cathedral of Tarragona – Cataloni, Spain.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome in the reign of Dec ius, the holy Persian Martyrs, Abdon and Sennen, who were bound with chains, brought to Rome, scourged with leaded whips for the Faith of Christ and then put to the sword.”
The Acts of Abdon and Sennen written for the most part prior to the 9th Century, describe them as Persian nobles, captured and taken to Rome in the 3rd Century, during a Roman army military campaign.
In Rome they converted to Christianity and helped bury the Christian dead. They came to the attention of Emperor Decius who had them taken in chains before the Roman Senate, where they refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods. They were condemned to death and taken to the Amphitheater where the Colossus of Nero stood, between the Flavian Amphitheater and the Temple of Venus, to be devoured by wild beasts. But they miraculously tamed the animals which avoided them. Abdon and Sennen were then beheaded by gladiators. Their bodies were thrown in front of the statue of the Sun, where they remained for three days, until the Deacon, Quirinius, picked them up and hid them in his house, where they remained for a very long time.
St Abdon and St Senen carrying the early Christian martyrs off for burial, Guillaume Courtois
Later, during the reign of the blessed Constantine the Great (reigned 306–337), translated to the Cemetery of Pontianus on the way to Porto, near the gates of Rome. In this Cemetery there is a 6th Century Fresco which depicts them with beards, dressed in tunics, with the Phrygian cap worn by natives of Phrygia. Above the Fresco, a Latin inscription names them unequivocally. In the Fresco, Abdon appears more mature with a short, round beard, while Sennen has a pointed beard and is certainly younger.
Still in the same Cemetery, a terracotta lamp of the 5th Century was found, with the image of a praying figure, covered by a rich Persian cloak with a short, round beard, in which Abdon was immediately identified.
Another Fresco found on a 6th Century Sarcophagus contaning their remains represents them receiving crowns from Christ.
Several Cities, notably Florence and Soissons, claim possession of their bodies but the Acta Sanctorum insist that they rest in the Basilica of San Marco Evangelista al Campidoglio, Rome, having been brought there in 1474 and where there is now an Altar dedicated to them. . The Benedictine Abbey of Sainte-Marie in Arles-sur-Tech, France also claims their Tomb but it does seem that portion of their Relics have been shared in those Cities of which they are Patrons.
The Basilica of St Mark the Evangelist in Rome where Sts Abdon and Senen rest
Bl Antonio di San Pietro Bl Edward Powell St Ermengyth
St Godelieve (c 1049-1070) Flemish Laywoma. Born in c 1049 at Londefort-lez-Boulogne, France and died by murder by being strangled by her mother-in-law’s and husband’s servants on 6 July 1070 at Gistel, Belgium. Patronages – difficult marriages, against abuse and spousal abuse, against throat diseases, in-law problems, for good weather and against storms. Her Life and Sad Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-saint-godelieve-c-1049-1070/
Bl Richard Featherstone St Rufinus of Assisi * St Senen St Tatwine of Canterbury St Terenzio of Imola Bl Thomas Abel St Ursus of Auxerre
Martyrs of Tebourba – 3 Saints: Three girls Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little else about them but the names – Donatilla, Maxima and Secunda. 304 at Tebourba in North Africa.
Saint of the Day – 29 July – Saint Lupus of Troyes (c383-c479) Bishop and Confessor, Defender – defended the City from the devastating fury of the Huns and strenuously fought the rampant heretical climate. He was also a friend of Bishop St Euphronius of Autun (Died c473). Born in Toulouse, Alsace, around 383 and died c479 in Troyes of natural causes. Patronages – against demonic possession, against epilepsy, against paralysis, of Benevento, and San Lupo, Italy and of Troyes, France. Also known as – Leu, Lou, Loup, Lupo.
St Sidonius Apollinaris (c430 – 489) called him “The Father of Fathers and Bishop of Bishops, the Chief of the Gallican Prelates, the Rule of Manners, the Pillar of Truth, the Friend of God and the Intercessor to Him for men.”
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Troyes, in France, St Lupus, Bishop and Confessor who accomopanied the blessed St Germanus to England to combat the Pelagian heresy and by assiduous prayers, defencded the City of Troyes from the fury of Attila, who was debastating all of France.”
Lupus was the son of a wealthy nobleman, Epirocus of Toul. It is believed that Lupus was the brother of St Vincent of Lérins (Died c445) Monk, Ecclesiatical Writer. Having lost his parents when he was an infant, Lupus was brought up by his uncle Alistocus. He was brother-in-law to St Hilary of Arles (c400-449), as he had married one of Hilary’s sisters, Pimeniola. He held a number of estates in Maxima Sequanorum and worked as a lawyer. After six years of marriage, he and his wife parted by mutual consent to dedicate themselves to God’s service.
Lupus sold his estate and gave the money to the poor. He entered Lérins Abbey, a community founded and led by St Honoratus of Arles (c350-c429), where he stayed about a year. In 427 Honoratus was named as the Archbishop of Arles and St Hilary accompanied him to his new See. Lupus then retired to Macon where he came to the attention of St Germanus of Auxerre (c378 – c448) , who appointed him as the Bishop of Troyes. He was reluctant to assume this high and demanding office and at first declined but eventually relented.
In the autumn of 429, the Council of Arles, at the request of the Bishops of Britain, sent Lupus and Germanus to combat Pelagianism. As such, Lupus is remembered in Wales as Bleiddian and appears in early Welsh Literature. He is particularly venerated at Llanblethian in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The two Saints returned to Gaul just after Easter in the spring of 430 having achieved great success in countering and instruction against the Pelagianist heresy.
In 451, hearing of the advancing Huns, after praying for many days, Lupus, dressed in full Episcopal regalia, went to meet Attila at the head of a procession of the Clergy. Attila was so impressed with Lupus that he spared the City. Attila went onto lose the Battle of Châlons. Lupus then encountered an extremely fraught and difficult problem, when Attila asked the Bishop to accompany him and his army afterthe loss at Châlons, believing that Lupus’ presence would spare his army from extermination. Of course, Lupus had to decline. Many doubt the veracity of the account of the Attila incident. However, the historical kernel it contains is that Troyes was spared being sacked by Attila’s army and that its inhabitants considered this a miraculous deliverance by the intercession and bravery of St Lupus!
St Lupus was the Bishop of Troyes for fifty-two years and died at Troyes in c479. His Relics are enshrined in Troyes Cathedral.
His cult in Benevento, Italy and in his own Diocese, dates to at least the 9th-10th Centuries. Already in the 9th Century, there existed in Benevento a Benedictine Abbey named after him, whose Abbots exercised spiritual and temporal jurisdiction over the fortified village of San Lupo (Archdiocese and Province of Benevento). When, in 1450, Pope Nicholas V suppressed the Abbey, its assets and jurisdiction were annexed to the metropolitan Chapter which, since then, has honoured our holy Bishop as its illustrious Patron.
Statue in Troyes
In San Lupo, Italy, our Saint is celebrated from 27-29 July each year with processions, Holy Mass and many festivities.
AnaStpaul 
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