Saint of the Day – 20 October – Saint Vitalis of Salzburg (Died c730) Bishop of Salburg for around 15 years, Monk, Abbot, Missionary. Born in either France or Italy and died in c730 at his Diocese of Salzburg in Austria of natural causes. Patronage – of Pinzgau; of children and pregnant women, Salzburg, Austria together with St Rupert (in the image below of St Vitalis’ Altar at the Monastery of St Peter, St Ruper’s Statue is on the left and St Vitalis on the right). The Name ‘Vitalis’ means: ‘the invigorating one’ (Latin). Also known as – Vergilius.
Vitalis was a student of the first Bishop of Salzburg, St Rupert (c660–710) and his successor as the Second Bishop and Abbot of the important Benedictine Monastery of St Peter from 715/716.
According to tradition, he was particularly involved in missionary work in Pinzgau, south of Salzburg, of which City he is the patron.
Vitalis’ grave was initially located in the Cathedral in Salzburg. It was an important pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages after miracles occurred there during the construction of the Cathedral. In the middle of the 15th Century, Pope Pius II approved the reburial of the Relics in the Church of St Peter’s Monastery. Vitalis’ grave relief from 1497 is an important medieval sculpture. Below is the beautiful Altar of St Vitalis at the Abbey Church of St Peter.
In 1678, Pope Urban VIII approved St Vitalisa festival with a Mass and Officein the Diocese of Salzburg. He is listed as a Saint in the Roman Martyrology . Attributes: Lily growing from his heart.
Blessed James Strepar OFM (c 1340-1409) Archbishop of Halicz, Poland from 1392 until his death Religious Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Missionary. St Pius X proclaimed Blessed James, along with St Anthony of Padua, the Patrons of the Conventual Franciscan Order of Krakow Province. He was given the title of “Protector of the Kingdom, Defender and Guardian of the Homeland,” for his exceptional merits, including civil ones. Such was he considered by all. He was Canonised by by Pope Pius VI on 11 September 1791. His body is incorrupt. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-blessed-james-strepar-ofm-c-1340-1409/
St Leopardo of Osimo St Lucas Alonso Gorda St Martha of Cologne + Virgin Martyr
St Maximus of Aquila (c228-c250) Deacon Martyr. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Aveia, near Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy, the birthday of blessed Maximus, Deacon and Martyr, who, through the desire of suffering, presented himself to the persecutors who sought him. After answering with great constancy, he was racked and tortured, then beaten with rods and finally, he died by being precipitated from an elevated place.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-saint-maximus-of-aquila-c228-c250-deacon-martyr/
St Orora St Saula of Cologne + Virgin Martyr St Sindulphus of Rheims St Usthazanes St Vitalis of Salzburg (Died c730) Bishop
Saint of the Day – 19 October – Saint Frideswide (c665-c735) Virgin, Abbess, Founder of the St Mary’s Convent, Miracle-worker The Convent is now Christ Church College, University of Oxford and the Convent Church became Oxford Cathedral. Born in c665 in the upper Thames region of England and died on 19 October 735 of natural causes at her little hermitage at Binsey. Patronage – of the City of Oxford, England and of the University of Oxford. Also known as – Fredeswida, Fredeswinda, Frévisse, Friday, Frideswida, Frideswith, Friðuswiþ, Fris, Fritheswithe, Frithuswith, Fridesvida.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Oxford, in England, St Frideswide, Virgin.”
This Statue of St Frideswild at the St Michael’s Church Oxford
Today is the Feast of Oxford’s Patron St Frideswide, a true Anglo-Saxon Saint. She was born in the Southern border regions of the Kingdom of Mercia, traditionally at Oxford. She was the daughter of pious parents, Didan, the 7th Century sub-King of North and West Berkshire and his wife, Sefrida. These two committed her to the care of a holy woman named, Aelfgith, but, after her mother’s death, Frideswide returned to live with her father. She persuaded him to build her a Church at the gates of Oxford and, there, she took the veil with twelve young women of her acquaintance. Didan enhanced the establishment, by erecting Convent buildings nearby and, there, they lived, not bound by the rules of the cloister but by holy charity and love of seclusion.
Not long afterward, Aelfgar, a minor Prince of Mercia, heard of Frideswide’s great beauty, as well as her wealth as Didan’s heiress and sent a messenger to ask for her hand in marriage. She excused herself, upon the plea of her vow of celibacy but the Prince persisted and, eventually, made a plan to carry her off. Fortunately, Frideswide discovered the scheme and fled, just in time, to the River Thames. Finding an unattended boat there, she floated to a place, probably Bampton (Oxfordshire) or Frilsham (Berkshire). She took up her abode in a deserted hut used to shelter the pigs which fed upon the acorns in the surrounding forest. A fountain sprang up at her prayer and she was thus able to survive, concealed there for about three years.
Prince Aelfgar had been determined not to be beaten so easily, however and continued to try and find the lady’s hiding place. By the time she felt it safe to return to Oxford, he was absolutely fuming. Hearing of her return, Aelfgar besieged the City and threatened to burn it to the ground unless Frideswide was given up to him. He vowed to sacrifice the lady, not only to his own brutality but to that of his men. Both Frideswide and her father’s defending army were worn out with fatigue. Just as she was about to fall into Aelfgar’s hands, she was reminded of the early saintly ladies of the Church who had saved their honour at the price of life. She thus invoked Sts Catherine and Cecilia, who immediately struck her persecutor blind at the moment he broke through the City gates and entered Oxford. With their leader so wounded, Aelfgar’s fear-stricken men dispersed.
The Princess returned to her nunnery and collected around her a number of Saxon maidens and Monks, over whose double Monastery she presided in great holiness for many years. The origins of the University of Oxford are said, to lie in the school she established there.
Abbess Frideswide was well known for the miracles she performed during her own lifetime. One well-known tale reveals how she was once accosted by a local leper who appealed to her, in the name of Christ, to kiss him. Overcoming her fear of infection and natural disgust at his loathsome condition, the holy lady made the Sign of the Cross and kissed him. Immediately, the scales fell away and his flesh became like that of a child.
In later life, Frideswide retired to the transquility of a little hermitage at Binsey, not far outside Oxford. There she died on 19 October 735, being subsequently buried in her Monastery in Oxford, where Christ Church Cathedral now stands. Multitudes of pilgrims resorted to her tomb and to the Binsey Chapel, although the well and Chapel at Frilsham were eclipsed by other claimants. All became famous for miraculous cures. She is represented, in art, with the pastoral staff of an Abbess, a model of her foundation and Church, a fountain springing up near her and an ox at her feet.
St Altinus St Aquilinus of Evreux St Asterius of Ostia St Beronicus of Antioch St Columban of Tours — Priest. Listed in the Martyrology of St Jerome. No other details have survived.
St Desiderius of Longoret St Ednoth St Ethbin St Eusterius of Salerno St Frideswide (c665-735) Virgin St Laura of Cordoba St Lucius of Rome St Lupus of Soissons St Pelagia of Antioch
St Varus and 6 Companions (Died c307) Martyrs, Soldier. Died in c307 by being tortured and then hanged from a tree on 19 October 307 in Kemet, Upper Egypt. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Egypt, St Varus, Solder under the Emperor Maximinus. He used to visit and comfort seven saintly Monks, detained in prison, when one of them happening to die, he wished to take his place and having suffered cruel afflictions, with them, he obtained the Palm of Martyrdom.” Their Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-varus-and-six-companions-died-c307-martyrs/
Saint of the Day – 18 October – Blessed Theobald of Narbonne OdeM (Died 1253) Martyr, Friar of the Order of Order of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of the Captives (Mercedarians). Born in France and died by Martyrdom in 1253 in modern Tunisia.
In 1253, Theobald was appointed redeemer of the Mercedarian Order, together with Saint Ferdinand of Portalegre. They embarked from Barcelona to Tunis (Africa).
On 16 October of the same year, having concluded the redemption in which they had redeemed 129 slaves, they promised two Moors to buy some of their slaves but finding others, especially many women and children, in greater need of being freed, they did not keep their promise. Then the two Moors fwent to the King of Tunis, in revenge and told lies, T the King finally had Theobald imprisoned. Ferdinand who insisted on testifying to the innocence of his companion, was beaten and forced to return to Spain with the redeemed slaves.
At the end of October 1253, after various torments, Theobald was thrown into a fire and since he was slow to die, he was killed by stones. Praising God he reached the crown of Martyrs. The Order celebrates him on 18 October.
Bl Margherita Tornielli St Monon of Nassogne St Proculus of Pozzuoli Blessed Theobald of Narbonne OdeM (Died 1253) Martyr St Tryphonia of Rome
Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martryed together in Africa. The only details that have survived are the names – Beresus, Dasius, Faustinus, Leucius, Lucius, Martialis, Victoricus, Victrix and Viktor. They were Martyred in c300 in Africa.
Saint of the Day – 17 October – Saint Victor of Capua (Died 554) Bishop of Capua, Italy, Spiritual Writer. He died there in 554 of natural causes.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Capua, St Victor, the Bishop, distinguished for erudition and sanctity.”
Pages 296–297 of the Codex Fuldensis
Very little is known about Victor’s life. Apart from his writings, Victor is known only by his Epitaph, which states that he died in AApril 554, after an Episcopate of about 13 years from February 541.
Victor’s best known work is the Codex Fuldensis which was written between 541 and 546 while he was the Bishop of Capua. The Codex is an early manuscript of the Vulgate and it contains the entirety of the New Testament, as well as the apocryphal Epistle to the Laodiceans.
Other works include several commentaries on the Old and New Testaments, and a work on the Paschal Cycle which was praised and quoted in fragments, by the great St Bede. Victor also authored analyses of the genealogy of Jesus and Noah’s Ark, all of which are lost.
He dedicated a codification of the order of pericopes in a Lectionary to St Constantius of Aquino.
His feast in the Roman Martyrology is on 17 October.
Bl Gilbert the Theologian St Heron of Antioch Bl Jacques Burin St John the Short/Dwarf St Louthiern St Mamelta of Persia St Nothelm of Canterbury St Richard Gwyn St Rudolph of Gubbio St Rufus of Rome St Serafino of Montegranaro St Solina of Chartres St Victor of Capua (Died 554) Bishop St Zosimus of Rome
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details about them that have survived are their names – Alexander, Marianus and Victor. 303 in Nicomedia (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Valenciennes -5 Beati: A group of Ursuline nuns Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution. Hyacinthe-Augustine-Gabrielle Bourla Jeanne-Reine Prin Louise-Joseph Vanot Marie-Geneviève-Joseph Ducrez Marie-Madeleine-Joseph Déjardins
Martyrs of Volitani: A group of Martyrs who were praised by Saint Augustine of Hippo. In Volitani, proconsular Africa (in modern Tunisia).
Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – St Gerard Majella CSsR (1726-1755) Religious Lay Brother of the Redemptorists
“The Most Blessed Sacrament is Christ made visible. The poor sick person is Christ again made visible.”
“Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?”
“Consider the shortness of time, the length of eternity and reflect, how everything here below comes to an end and passes by. Of what use is it then, to lean upon that which cannot give support?”
Saint of the Day – 16 October – St Eliphius (Died 362) Bishop (?) or Deacon (?) Martyr, Missionary. Eliphius was the child of a King of Scotia (Ireland) and preached in Toul, modern France, where he converted hundreds to Christianity. He was accompanied by his siblings – St Eucharius, and three sisters, Menna, Libaria and Susanna. Born in Ireland and died by beheading in 362 in Toul, France. Also known as – Elifio, Eloff, Elophe, Éliphe, … of Toul.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Cologne, St Eliphiuis, Martyr, under Julian the Apostate.”
We have various conflicting reports and opinions of our Saint, some say he became the Bishop of Toul and others that he remained a Deacon. Even his birthplace is doubted, in the 12th Century, Abbot Rupert of Deutz (c1075- c1130), author of the Acts of the Saint, was of the opinion that Eliphius and his siblings were natives of Toul.
All of Eliphius’ siblings, except Menna, were beheaded at or near Toul, at the order of Julian the Apostate although it seems at different times.
Eliphius were buried at Mount Eliph, named after our Saint. The Lorsch Codex mentions the donation of the Relics of St. Eliphius to the Great St. Martin Church, in Cologne and thus became the second named Patron of that Church. These Relics were later translated back to Toul. There is a Town near Toul in France, names St Eloff.
St Bolonia St Conogon of Quimper St Dulcidius of Agen St Eliphius (Died 362) Martyr St Eremberta of Wierre St Florentinus of Trèves (Died 4th Century) (Bishop
St Gerald of Clairvaux O.Cist (Died 1177) Abbot regarded as the first Cistercian Martyr St Junian St Lull St Magnobodus of Angers St Martinian of Mauretania St Mummolinus St Saturian of Mauretania St Silvanus of Ahun St Victor of Cologne St Vitalis of Noirmoutier
Martyrs in Africa – 220 Saints: A group of 220 Christians Martyrs about whom we know nothing but that they died for their faith.
Martyrs of North Africa – 365 Saints: A group of 365 Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of the Vandal king Genseric. The only details that have survived are the names of two of the Martyrs – Nereus and Saturninus. 450 in North Africa.
Saint of the Day – 15 October – Saint Severus of Triers (Died c455) Bishop and Confessor of Trier in Germany, Defender of the Faith, Misionary and Apostle to the Germans in the lower Moselle region.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Treves (Triers), St Severus Bishop and Confessor.”
St Severus, painting on a pillar in Nave of the Church, 1429
Severus is part of a generation formed at the school of shepherds of Gaul of noble Roman origins (Lupus of Troyes, Hilary of Arles, Germanus of Auxerre) in the French Monastery of Lérins.
What we know about Severus is extracted from theVita of St Germanus of Auxerre and he is also mentioned by Constantine of Lyons. Furthermore, Severus appears too in the Life of St Lupus of Troyes and the Ecclesiastical History of the Venerable Bede, in regard to the mission to assist against the heresy of Pelagianism. These combined works brought together the previously separate reports on the journey to Britain and the German Mission.
St Severus Statue in the entrance hall of the Church, 14th Century.
His term as Bishop succeeded the term of Leontius of Triers, who died in 446. One of Severus’ most notable accomplishments was accompanying St Germanus on his second trip to England, at the urgent request of the English Bishops, to combat the virulent Pelagian heresy – this mission took place about the year 446/447.
Upon his return, he took firm possession of his Diocese and evangelised the territories of the Lower Moselle and the Middle Rhine area in Germany. It is also reported that Severus had received the first Papal Privilege for the Trier Diocese.
There is a large Church names and dedicated to St Severus and St Martin, in Triers which was formerly the Cathedral.
St Callistus of Huesca St Cannatus of Marseilles St Euthymius the Younger St Fortunatus of Rome St Leonard of Vand(Died c455) Bishop St Severus of Trier (Died c455) Bishop and Confessor
Martyrs of Cologne: A group of 360 Christian soldiers Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian. They were Martyred in 303 outside the City walls of Cologne, Germany.-
Saint of the Day – 30 September – St Simon de Crépy (c1048-1082) Monk, Count of Amiens, of the Vexin and of Valois, Papal Advisor, Diplomat and Peacemaker. Died in 1082 in Rome, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Saint Simon, Simone … Simon de Vexin.
Born at Crepy-en-Valois and related to Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, at whose Court he was educated. In 1072, upon his father’s death, Simon became the lord of considerable territory around Amiens and in the Vexin region. These lay between the royal domain of King Philip I of France and the lands of William of Normandy, by then King of England and made Simon an important man.
Simon wished to be a Monk but William wanted him to marry his daughter Adela. Simon went to Rome, ostensibly to see if the proposed marriage was within the prohibited degrees (as William’s own marriage to Matilda had been) and, on the way, he took the monastic Habit at the Abbey of Saint-Claude. But Simon was not content with the relatively luxurious surrounds of the Abbey of Saint-Claude,and decided upon a life as a Hermit in the forests of Burgundy on the upper reaches of the river Doubs. There he and a few fellow Friars constructed cells and cleared land to farm. This Priory remained dependent upon Sainte-Claude until the 12th Century, then upon Saint-Oyen de Joux. The village of Mouthe later grew up around the Priory.
His becoming a Monk did not mean that he was without influence. On the contrary he was in considerable demand as a mediator and negotiator. St Hugh of Cluny recovered lands from the King of France through Simon’s intervention and negotiations. He also mediated in the quarrels between William and his sons.
From 1080 until his death, Pope Gregory VII retained him in Rome as an Adviser. There Simon died, after receiving the Last Sacraments from Pope Gregory. He was buried at St Peter’s in Rome. The Abbey of Saint–Claude claimed some of his Relics later. His Feast is celebrated today, 30 September.
St Ismidone of Die Blessed Conrad of Urach St Laurus St Leopardus the Slave St Midan of Anglesey St Simon de Crépy (c1048-1082) Monk St Sophia Widow
St Ursus the Theban St Victor the Theban
Martyrs of Valsery Abbey: An unknown number of Premonstratensian Monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Valsery, Picardie, France who were Martyred by Calvinists. They were martyred in 1567 at Valsery, Pircardy, France.
Saint of the Day – 29 September – Saint Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop of Trier, Laon (?) and Rheims, Count of Trier or Treves. Liutwin was born around 660 probably at Mettlach near Trier, Germany and died on 29 September c717 (?) in Rheims. Also known as – Liutwin of Mettlach, Ludwino of… Liudvino of… Lutwin of… Ludwin of… Lutwinus of… Additional Memorial in Trier: 27 September. The name ‘Liutwin’ means “the friend of the people” in Old High German.
Liutwin came from high nobility, he was probably related to the Carolingians and was the nephew of Bishop Basin of Trier.. At first he worked as an official at the Frankish Court, then in 690 he founded the Monastery in Mettlach on his own property which was given a mixture of Benedictine and Columban Rules.
The Abbey in Mettlach was founded after Liutwin went hunting near Saar. He grew tired and fell asleep under the shade of a tree. As he slept the sun changed positions exposing him to its hot rays but an eagle swept down and sat on Liutwin, with its wings spread out, seemingly to protect him. When Liutwin awoke, his servant told him how the eagle had protected him from being burnt by the sun. Coincidentally, Liutwin happened to be napping near the site of the Chapel of St Denis of Paris. Liutwin saw this as a God-sent sign to establish a Monastery at that site and it soon developed into a Christian centre of learning and evangelisation. At the location of the original Dionysiun Chapel, now stands the Parish Church of St Gangolf in Mettlach. In 698, he co-founded the Echternack Abbey at Mettlach.
St Liutwin builds the Abbey of Mettlach
After the death of his wife, Liutwin joined the Monastery he had founded as a simple Monk. Later he became a Priest and was Consecrated Bishop by his uncle in 697/698 and after his uncle’s death in 705, he succeeded him as the Bishop of Trier. As a friend of Charles Martel, he was also given the Bishopric of Rheims and probably also that of Laon, although this latter is unsure.
Liutwin donated land to the Trier Abbeys of St Eucharius – later called St Matthias and St Paul. Liutwin’s successor as Bishop of Trier and Rheims was his son Milo.
Liutwin’s bones rest in the former Marienkirche in Mettlach, built around 990 by Abbot Lioffin as a burial Church. This ruin in the shape of an octagon – modeled on the Aachen Cathedral – is today the oldest surviving building in Saarland. The veneration of Liutwin is documented as early as the year 1000.
The Monastery in Mettlach was abandoned during the First Coalition War of Prussia, Austria and smaller German states against the violence excesses of revolutionary France; the Monks fled in 1793/1794; the Monastery was finally abandoned in 1802.
THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493. The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’ About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492: https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/
Bl John of Ghent St Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop St Quiriacus of Palestine St Rene Goupil St Rhipsime Bl Richard Rolle St Sapor of Persia St Theodota of Thrace
Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.
Quote/s of the Day – 28 September – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr.
Good King Wenceslaus
Good King Wenceslaus looked out, on the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even; Brightly shone the moon that night, t ho’ the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, gath’ring winter fuel.
“Hither, page and stand by me, if thou know’st it, telling, Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?” “Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain; Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither, Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.” Page and Monarch, forth they went, forth they went together; Through the rude wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.
“Sire, the night is darker now and the wind blow stronger; Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer.” “Mark my footsteps, my good page. Tread thou in them boldly Thou shalt find the winter’s rage, freeze thy blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod which the Saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.
Saint of the Day – 28 September – Saint Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor, Apostle of the destitute, the poor, the deprived and needy including aid to the poor in Egypt and Palestine. Born on an unknown date probably in France and died in c411 in Toulouse of natural causes. He was highly regarded by St Jerome who dedicated one of his works to him. Also known as – Exupère, Essuperio, Exsuperius, Soupire.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Toulouse, St Exuperius, Bishop and Confessor. St Jerome bears witness to this blessed man, a memorable testimony, relating how severed he was towards himself and how gentle and liberal towards others.”
Our Saint’s Mitre more than 1500 years old! It is kept at the Basilica which he had completed dedicated to St Sernin
His place and date of birth are unknown. Upon succeeding Sylvius as the Bishop of Toulouse, he ordered the completion of the Basilica of St Saturninus, a part of which was incorporated into the Basilica of St Sernin.
St Jerome praised Exuperius “for his munificence to the Monks of Palestine, Egypt and Libya and, for his charity to the people of his own Diocese, who were then suffering from the attacks of the Vandals.” On behalf of the poor in his Diocese, he sold the Basilica’s Altar Vessels and was, therefore, compelled to carry the Sacred Offering in an osier willow basket and the Precious Blood in a vessel of glass.
This Statue at St Exuperius Church in Montegut-Bourjac
In respect of his virtues and in gratitude for his gifts, St Jerome dedicated his Commentary on Zacharias to him.
Exuperius is best known in connection with the biblical Canon. He had written to Pope Innocent I for instructions concerning the Canon and several points of Ecclesiastical behaviour. In reply, the Pope honoured him with the letter ‘Consulenti Tibi’ dated 20 February 405 which contained a list of the Canonical scriptures.
From St Jerome’s letter to Furia in 394 and from the epistle of St Paulinus to St Amandus of Bordeaux in 397, it seems probable that Exuperius was a Priest at Rome and later at Bordeaux, before he was raised to the Episcopate.
St Exuperius Statue also in the Basilica of St Sernin
The precise date of his promotion to the Seat of Toulouse is unknown. Evidence suggests that he occupied the See of Toulouse in February 405 (as is evident from the letter of Innocent I mentioned above). It is sometimes said that St Jerome reproached him in a letter to Riparius, a Priest of Spain, for tolerating the heretic Vigilantius but, as Vigilantius did not belong to the Diocese of Toulouse, St Jerome was probably speaking of another Bishop.
13th Century Reliquary holding St Exuperius’ Relics. Musée Paul Dupuy, Toulouse.
Exuperius was venerated as a Saint from early times. In the time of St Gregory of Tours he was held in equal veneration with St Saturninus. His Feast occurs on 28 September. The first Martyrologist to assign it to this date was Usuard, who wrote towards the end of the 9th Century. There are many Churches, Schools and charitable Apostolates named after St Exuperius.
Bl Aaron of Auxerre St Alodius of Auxerre St Annemond of Lyons St Bardomianus
Blessed Bernardine of Feltre OFM (1439-1494) Franciscan Priest and Friar, Missionary Preacher, Poet, peace-maker, Civil protestor against the practice of usury, defender of the poor. He was a true ‘child prodigy’ – by the time he was 12 he was fluent in Latin and at the age of 15 he composed a poem and read it in the Town Square to celebrate a local peace treaty. He is remembered most especially, in connection with the “Monti di Pietà” “Mount of Piety” of which he was the reorganiser and, in a certain sense, the Founder, together with the Blessed Michele Carcano. On 13 April 1654, Pope Innocent X confirmed the cultus of Blessed Bernardine and he was formally Beatified in 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-bernardine-of-feltre-ofm-1439-1494/
St Chariton of Palestine Bl Christian Franco St Conval of Strathclyde St Eucarpus St Eustochium St Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor St Faustus of Riez
Blessed Francesco Piani of Caldarola OFM (1424-1507) Francisan Friar, renowned Preacher and Peacemaker, a collaborator in the fight against usury by the institution of the “Mount of Piety,” (a type of pawn shop), social activist and protector of the struggling rural communities. He was Beatified by Pope Urban VII in 1634 – his cult was reaffirmed on 1 September 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI. His Amazing Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-francesco-piani-of-caldarola-ofm-1424-1507/
St John of Dukla St Laurence of North Africa St Lioba of Bischofsheim St Machan St Martial of North Africa St Martin of Moyenmoutier St Paternus of Auch St Privatus of Rome St Salonius of Geneva St Silvinus of Brescia
St Solomon of Genoa St Stacteus St Tetta of Wimborne Bl Thiemo St Willigod of Moyenmoutier St Zama of Bologna
Augustinian Martyrs of Japan: The first Augustinian Missionaries arrived in Japan in 1602 and met with immediate success; many were brought to the faith; many of them became Augustinians and many of them were Martyred in the periodic persecutions of Christians. This memorial commemorates all of them, whether they have a sanctioned Cause for Canonisation or not. They include: • Blessed Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez • Blessed Ferdinand Ayala • Blessed Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez • Blessed Ioannes Mukuno Chozaburo • Blessed Laurentius Kaida Hachizo • Blessed Mancius Yukimoto Ichizaemon • Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta • Blessed Melchor Sánchez Pérez • Blessed Michaël Ichinose Sukezaemon • Blessed Pedro de Zúñiga • Blessed Petrus Sawaguchi Kuhyoe • Blessed Thomas Jihyoe of Saint Augustine • Blessed Thomas Terai Kahyoe • Blessed Vicente Simões de Carvalho • Saint Magdalena of Nagasaki
Martyrs of Antioch – 37 Saints: A group of 30 soldiers and 7 civilians who were murdered together for their faith. The names that have come down to us are – Alexander, Alphinus, Heliodorus, Mark, Neon, Nicon and Zosumus. c 303 at Antioch, Pisidia (in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 27 September – Saint Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin, Recluse, Nun, Founder of a female Convent. She died in c790 of natural causes in Avesnois, in the vicinity of Liessies, in the Diocese of Cambrai. Also known as – Iltrude. Additional Memorial – 26 September in the Diocese of Cambrai.
The life of St Hiltrude
Hiltrude was the daughter of Ada, a Frankish noblewoman and Wibert, Count of Poitiers, who owned lands between the Sambre and Meuse rivers in modern France. Hiltrude;s father, Wibert, founded a Monastery at Liessies of which Hilrude’s brother, Guntrad, was the first Abbot.
Hiltrude herself wished to retire there and live the life of a Nun, however, her parents wanted her to marry a Burgundian lord. But she managed to fulfil her desires with the assistance of her brother and took the veil, with the blessing of the Bishop of Cambrai. The noble suitor married her sister instead.
Bust of Saint Hiltrude, in Nord, France
Her brother welcomed her, and provided her with a cell attached to the Abbey Chapel. There, she lived as a Nun, participating in the liturgical life of the Abbey. Today there is a little Chapel dedicated to St Hiltrude on this site and on her Feast Day each year, the Proper of St Hiltrude is celebrated there.
Later, following her example, several daughters of lords decided to join her and in 752 a female addition was added to the Monastery at Liessies. Hiltrude died on 27 September around 790.
Hiltrude’s fame for sanctity grew over the centuries and on 17 September 1004 the Bishop of Cambrai, Erluino, exhumed the remains of the virgin and offered them for the veneration of the faithful. Louis de Blois OSB [the renowned ‘Blosius’ (1506-1566)], the then Abbot of Liessies contributed to the development of the cult. In 1587 her skull was placed in a new silver Reliquary. During the “Thirty Years’ War” the Relics were saved in Mons, where in 1641, they were placed on their own Altar in the Church dedicated to her in Avesnois, in the vicinity of Liessies.
St Epicharis St Fidentius of Todi St Florentinus the Hermit St Gaius of Milan St Hilary the Hermit St Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin St John of Cordoba
Martyrs of Aegea – (3 Saints): Three Christians Martyred with Saints Cosmas and Damian in the persecutions of Diocletian – Anthimus, Euprepius and Leontius. They were tortured and beheaded c.303 in Aegea, Cilicia (modern Ayas, Turkey).
Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions
“How I grieve, my God, that Thou are not known, that this savage country is not yet wholly converted to faith in Thee, that sin is not yet blotted out!”
St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649) Martyr
“Can we think, the life of man, better employed than in this good work? What do I say? Would not all the labours of a thousand men, be well rewarded, in the conversion of a single soul gained to Jesus Christ? I have always felt a great love for this kind of life and for a profession so excellent and so akin to that of the Apostles.”
Saints of the Day – 26 September – St Cyprian of Antioch Bishop Martyr AND St Justina Virgin Martyr (Died 2nd Century).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Cyprian and Justina, Virgin. Under the Emperor Diocletian and the Governor Eutholmius, Justina suffered much for the Faith of Christ and coverted Cyprian, who while a magician, endeavoured to bring her under the influence of his magical practices. She afterwards suffered Martyrdom with him. Their bodies being exposed to the beasts, were taken away in the night by some Christian sailors and carried to Rome. They were subsequently taken into the Constantian Basilica and deposited near the Baptistry.”
Cyprian and Justina lived in Antioch at the end of the 2nd Century. Their legend arose in the 4th Century and St Gregory Nazianzen told the story of the two in a sermon and they were also mentioned by Prudentius in his verse.
Cyprian had been introduced to the secrets of magic by his pagan parents and to have expanded his knowledge while traveling in Greece. Cyprian the Magician, as he was called, used his knowledge primarily to seduce beautiful women. A young man, Aglaides, who had fallen in love with the beautiful Justina, asked Cyprian for a love spell.
Justina was a Christian and refused all proposals. Cyprian’s art also failed on her and Cyprian now wanted to win Justina for himself. But Justina remained steadfast, so that Cyprian began to doubt the power of the evil spirits. He turned to a Priest named Eusebius and was eventually converted to Christianity by him. Aglaides also became a Christian.
According to St GregoryNazianzen Cyprian became a Priest and finally the Bishop of Antioch. During the Diocletianic persecution, In c304, Cyprian and Justina were arrested, severely tortured and finally beheaded.
Their bodies were secretly taken to Rome by Christians and buried yhere in the Lateran Basilica. Some reports also mention Theoctist, a soldier who converted to Christianity after witnessing the piety and death of the Martyrs and was also executed.
Saint of the Day – 25 September – Saint Anathalon of Milan 1st Century Bishop of Milan, Italy, Consecrated by Saint Barnabas. Also known as – Anatalone, Anatelon, Anatalo, Anatolo, Anatolio, Anatalofle, Anatelofl, Anatolofle, Anatolius. Additional Memorial – 24 September in the Diocese of Brescia.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “St Anathalon, Bishop, who was a disciple of the blessed Apostle Barnabas and succeeded him in the See of Milan.”
This window resides in the Church of Ablis, Yvelines, France.
Anathalon is regarded as the first Bishop of Milan. Having been the assistant and disciple of St Barnabas, the Apostle, he was designated and Consecrated by the latter to become the Bishop of Milan.
A later tradition makes our Saint the first Bishop of Brescia too, as that City certainly came under the jurisdiction of Milan. In Brescia his Feast day is celebrated on 24 September.
Nothing is known about the life and Episcopate of Anathalon, except that he had a Greek name, that he was bishop of Milan and that he died during a pastoral trip to Brescia which was under his jurisdiction.
The older place of veneration for this Saint was the Basilica ad Concilia Sanctorum in Milan, today no more extant, near the present Church of San Babila. In 1268 his Relics were discovered in Brescia and translated to the Church of Saint Florian. In 1472 his Relics were translated to the Old Cathedral of Brescia where they still reside today (see the Cathedral below).
Blessed Herman of Reichenau/the Cripple (1013–1054) Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Scholar, Scientist, Writer, Hymnist, Poet, Musical Composer, Teacher. In his own day, the heroic cripple who achieved learning and holiness was called ‘The Wonder of His Age.’ Composer of the “Salve Regina” Hail Holy Queen, “Veni Sancte Spiritus” Come Holy Spirit and “Alma Redemptoris Mater” amongst many others. His Amazing Life and Works: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/25/saint-of-the-day-blessed-herman-of-reichenau-the-cripple-osb-1013-1054-the-wonder-of-his-age/
St Mewrog St Neomisia of Mecerata St Paphnutius of Alexandria St Principius of Soissons St Solemnis of Chartres
Martyrs of Damascus: A Christian family of six who were tortured to death in a persecution by Roman authorities. They were: Eugenia, Maximus, Paul, Rufus, Sabinian and Tatta. They were tortured to death in Damascus, Syria, date unknown.
The Holy Bishops of Milan: Imagine being part of a Diocese in which 36 of your past Bishops are Saints and some are also Doctors of the Church and Popes (and others being considered for Sainthood)! Today, the Church in Milan commemorates these holy Bishops. They are: Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster Blessed Andrea Carlo Ferrari Pope Pius XI Saint Ambrose of Milan Saint Ampelius of Milan Saint Anathalon of Milan Saint Antoninus of Milan Saint Auxanus of Milan Saint Benedict Crispus of Milan Saint Benignus of Milan Saint Calimerius of Milan Saint Castritian of Milan Saint Charles Borromeo Saint Datius of Milan Saint Dionysius of Milan Saint Eugene of Milan Saint Eusebius of Milan Saint Eustorgius II of Milan Saint Eustorgius of Milan Saint Gaius of Milan Saint Galdinus of Milan Saint Geruntius of Milan Saint Glycerius of Milan Saint Honoratus of Milan Saint John Camillus the Good Saint Lazarus of Milan Saint Magnus of Milan Saint Mansuetus of Milan Saint Marolus of Milan Saint Martinian of Milan Saint Mirocles of Milan Saint Mona of Milan Saint Natalis of Milan Saint Protasius of Milan Saint Senator of Milan Saint Simplician of Milan Saint Venerius of Milan
Saint of the Day – 24 September – Saint Isarnus (Died 1043) Abbot of of Saint-Victor near Toulouse, Reformer, Apostle of the destitute and deprived. Born in Marseilles, Provence (in modern France) and died there on 24 September in 1043 of natural causes. Also known as – Isarnus of Marseilles, Isarn, Isarnus of Toulouse, Isarno of… Ysarn of…
Little is known of the life of Saint Isarnus, Abbot of Saint Victor Monastery in Marseilles. We do not know the date of his birth but the date of his death has been handed down to us.
Originally from Toulouse, he was educated by the Canons of Saint Anthony of Pamiers. He received the monastic Habit, during his stay in Agde, from the hands of Stephen II, the Bishop of the City.
His appointment as the Abbot of the Monastery of Saint-Victor is singular. Upon the death of Abbot Geoffrey, in 1021, the Monks were unable to reach an agreement on the appointment of a successor. During the Chapter meetings, Abbot du Montmajour, the acting President of the Assembly, asked the youngest of the Oblates to propose a name. The Oblate named Isarnus, who immediately received the Abbey blessing.
Abbey Saint-Victor
Isarnus’ reputation for virtue and particularly, his charity and supernatural gifts, attracted many vocations. He reformed the Abbey and carried this reformation to numerous Monasteries in the centre of France and in Catalonia.
Saint Isarnus was a man of prayer and during his government, he particularly distinguished himself for his generosity towards the poor. Saint Odilo of Cluny, his friend, used to enumerate the eight virtues practiced by Isarnus: chastity, humility, mercy, patience, the inclination to fasting, vigils, prayers and contempt for vainglory.
We know that Saint Isarnus went to Spain to ransom some Monks of the community of Lérins, who had been captured by the Arabs and, that he died shortly after his return to Marseilles.
This might be the Tomb of St Isarnus. Anyway it resides in the Chapel of St Isarnus at St-Victor’s Abbey
He was buried in the Monastery Church, his Tomb is located in the Crypt of the Abbatial Church.In the second half of the 14th Century, his Relics were translated in the presence of Pope Urban V, who then also Canonised him. A biography has been written about Saint Isarnus which presents itself as the work of an anonymous pilgrim who passed through Saint Victor of Marseilles. But it is very likely that it was written by a Monk of the Abbey. The work, which contains many edifying facts about Saint Isarnus, was written in a period very close to the events narrated, so it is believed that the historic details corresponds to the truth.
Interior of the Abbey Church of St-Victor
Although in memory of Saint Isarnus, is set on 25 September 25 in the Diocese of Pamiers and on the 26th in that of Marseilles, his Feast was set on the day of his death, 24 Septembe.
Saint of the Day – 23 September – Blessed Peter Acotanto (1108-1187) Hermit, Apostle of the poor, the most deprived and desparate peoples of Venice. Born in 1108 in Venice, Italy and died there in on 23 September1187 of natural causes. Patronage – of Venice, Italy. His Body is Incorrupt.
According to the Venetian tradition based on a manuscript preserved in the Church of St Basil Peter Acotanto was born in 1108 to the noble Acotanto family, a family which could boast very ancient origins. The same Church of the district where the Acotanto family lived, St Basil, had been built by their family in the 10th Century.
Peter practiced charity in an eminent way – in the poor he saw Christ and in almsgiving – a manifestation of faith, even if many times the poor people took advantage of it. They besieged his house before he went out, they guarded the door when he had to return, they interrupted his walk on the street with importunate requests but Peter patient and generously, welcomed everyone and did not let anyone leave disconsolate or in tears.
In the darkest night, to hide from the sight and applause of men and known only to God, Who assisted him, with his own hands, Peter loaded his little domestic boat with bread, wood, oil, clothes and other necessary items for the poor, the miserable and the deprived. Peter pushed his boat alone through the troubled and angry waters and in the midst of raging winds and with continuous danger to his health and his life, he went here and there, to various distant districts of the City, in search of the most derelict poor and made a generous distribution to them of the abundant load, saving them in this way from the imminent misfortune of having to die from cold or hunger.
Peter pushed his boat alone through the troubled and angry waters, assisting the poor wherever he found them
For the poor Peter became poor himself. He sold everything he had and did not even keep enough for himself to live on. Peter then retired to San Giorgio Monastery among the Benedictines who had been his life teachers. He wore very poor clothes and wished to do the humblest services for the Monks, such as cultivating the vegetable garden and carrying water to the Monastery kitchen after drawing it with difficulty from the well. He was content with very little food and often fasted completely. The example of virtue which he displayed to the Monks was such that, on the death of Abbot Pasquale, they wished to appoint him as their Superior but Peter instead obtains permission to live as a Hermit next to the Monastery. With his own hands he builds a small hut and between fasting and mortification he spent the last years of his life alone in his little hut.
He died on 23 September 1187, the date he had predicted for his death, surrounded by his brothers. He was buried in the Church of San Basilio (commonly known as San Basegio) in Venice where he enjoyed a reputation for sanctity for the miracles performed through his intercession and the incorruption of his body, found in 1250.
In 1305 the body was transferred to another tomb in the nearby cemetery and, in 1340, it was finally transferred inside theChurch, above the Altar of the Crucifix. Recognised as a miracle worker, Pope Clement XIII declared Peter Blessed in 1759.
In 1810, following the Napoleonic suppression of the Church of San Basiio , his relics were transferred to the nearby Church of San Sebastiano and then, in 1821, to the Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio where they are still venerated today.
In 1946, Prof. Peter Leonardi founded the Blessed Peter Acotanto Charity to assist the evicted from Giudecca and Terese. About 500 of the most needy families were assisted. He worked for human promotion, especially for young people, by opening recreation centers, schools and refectories, where children from the assisted neighbourhoods were welcomed and entertained with games, songs, readings, and food. He set up professional courses and carpentry workshops to teach a trade to abandoned children. The Peter Acotanto Charity ceased its activities in 1964.
Blessed Peter Acotanto on the Church of San Rocco in Venice
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