St Pope Linus (c 10 – c 76) Successor to St Peter. Papacy lasted from c 67 to his death as a Martyr. Among those to have held the position of Pope, Peter, Linus and Clement are specifically mentioned in the New Testament. Linus is mentioned in the closing greeting of the Second Epistle to Timothy as being with Paul in Rome near the end of Paul’s life. The Life and Death of St Linus: https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-st-pope-linus-c-10-c-76-successor-to-st-peter/
Blessed Guy of Durnes O.Cist. (Died c1157) Abbot Blessed Peter Acotanto (1108-1187) Hermit St Polyxena
St Sosius (275-305) Confessor, Deacon and Martyr. His holiness and wisdom drew many Prelates to his feet, seeking spiritual assistance. St Sosius was a Deacon of Misenum, an important naval base of the Roman Empire in the Bay of Naples. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Capo Miseno in Campania, St Sosius, Deacon and Martyr, who, as Pope St Symmachus reports, wishing to save his Bishop from death, instead found death together with him, obtaining equal glory at the same price.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-saint-sosius-275-305-confessor-deacon-and-martyr/
Saint of the Day – 22 September – St Emmeramus of Regensburg (also historically known as Ratisbon) (Died c690) Bishop Martyr, Missionary Born in Poitiers, France and died on 22 September c652 in Feldkirchen near Munich in Bavaria by being murdered. Patronages – of Poitiers in France and of the City and Diocese of Regensburg in Germany. Also known as – Emmeran, Emmeranus, Emmerano, Emeran, Heimrammi, Haimeran, Haimhramm,or Heimeran.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ratisbon, in Bavaria, St Emmeramus, Bishop and Martyr, who, to deliver others, endured patiently a most cruel death, for the sake of Our Lord.”
Painting in the Parish Church in Aschheim near Munich
Emmeramus was a Monk and Bishop of Poitiers, left the Kingdom of the Franks at the end of the 7th Century to evangelise in Regensburg, Bavaria, where he was received with benevolence by Duke Theodo. The latter wanted to keep him as the Bishop of his territory or, at least, as the Abbot of a Monastery there.
It is not known how long Emmeramus exercised his pastoral ministry at the Duke’s Court or whether he founded a Monastery near the church of St George.
When leaving for Rome, Emmeramus was unjustly accused of having kidnapped Uta, the Duke’s daughter. To avenge this dishonour, Lambert, the girl’s brother, pursued Emmeramus with an armed troop and caught up with him at Klein-helfendorf, near Aibling (Diocese of Freising). Wishing to protect the real culprit, Emmeramus did not defend himself and received numerous wounds. The Clerics who accompanied him carried him to Ascheim where death put an end to his cruel sufferings. His tortures had involved a ladder, different tortures being applied for each rung thereon. At his death, a heavenly ladder was seen being extended to the Martyr for his final climb to his his great Lord.
The body of the Saint was brought back to Regensburg and buried in the Church of St George. The famous Monastery which takes his name, was built on his tomb and his cult eclipsed that of Everard, the oldest Bishop of the City. Bishop Gaubald (739-761) attended to the solemn elevation of the Relics and built a new Church in his honour. In the same way, Bishop Erembert of Freising (739-747) had a Church built on the site of his torture, in Klein-helfendorf.
In 1898, in the Monastery of St Emmeramus a tomb was discovered containing a skeleton that immediately crumbled to dust and some believed that they were in the presence of the ancient Martyr; another tomb had in fact been erected in the upper Church around 1340.
The oldest evidence of veneration is found in the Waldendorff fragment of a Regensburg Sacramentary from the time of St Boniface. Emmeramus’ Feast is celebrated on 22 September the date on which he is mentioned in the oldest Martyrologies. A monastic Office of his own was composed by Arnold of Vohrburg.
Emmeramus’ life and suffering was written around 772 by Arbeo of Freising. According to recent research, Emmeramus fell victim to a massive court intrigue against Duke Theodo. The date of his Martyrdom is also given as either 685, 692 and around 715.
St Thomas of Villanueva/Villanova OSA (1488-1555) Archbishop, Confessor, Religious Priest of the Order of St Augustine,Writer, Preacher, Teacher, Apostle of Charity, Mystic, Miracle-Worker often called “the Almsgiver” and “the Father of the Poor“, Reformer. Canonised on 1 November 1658 by Pope Alexander VII. About St Thomas here: https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/22/saint-of-the-day-22-september-st-thomas-of-villanova-o-s-a/
St Maurice & Companions: Martyrs of the Theban Legion: + Martyrs (c 287) A Roman imperial legion of 6,600 soldiers, all of whom were Christians; they had been recruited from the area around Thebes in Upper Egypt, were led by Saint Maurice and served under Emperor Maximian Herculeus. Around the year 287, Maximian led the army across the Alps to Agaunum, an area in modern Switzerland, in order to suppress a revolt by the Bagandre in Gaul. In connection with battle, the army offered public sacrifices to the Roman gods; the Theban Legion refused to participate. For refusing orders, the Legion was decimated – one tenth of them were executed. When the remainder refused to sacrifice to the gods, they were decimated again. When the survivors still refused to sacrifice, Maximinian ordered them all killed. Martyrs. https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/22/saints-of-the-day-22-september-st-maurice-and-the-martyrs-of-the-theban-legion-martyrs-c-287/
Bl Alfonso da Cusco St Basilia St Digna of Rome St Emerita of Rome St Emmeramus of Regensburg (Died c690) Bishop Martyr St Florentius the Venerable
St Irais St Jonas St Lauto of Coutances St Lindru of Partois
Blessed Otto of Freising O.Cist. (c1111-1158) Bishop of Freising, Cistercian Priest and Abbot Historian, Reformer, Diplomatic Peace-maker, Defender of the Church, Crusader. Born between 1111 and 1114 in Klosterneuburg near Vienna, Austria and died at Morimond, Champagne, France, on 22 September, 1158 at the young age of 47 at the most. Holy Man of Many Talents St Otto: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/22/saint-of-the-day-22-september-blessed-otto-of-freising-o-cist-c1111-1158-bishop/
Saint of the Day – 21 September – St Maura (c827-850) Virgin, Apostle of prayer and of the poor and needy, devoted carer of the needs of the Church, acting in the role of a Sacristan, Miracle-worker. Born in c827 at Troyes, Champagne, France and died there in 850 of natural causes. Also known as – Maura of Troyes.
Maura was born to a noble family in Troyes, France, in around 827 and, from a young age devoted herself to prayer. As a young girl, her prayers converted her father, Mauranus who had previously lived a worldly life. After his death, Maura continued to live at home, praying, serving the poor, and caring for her mother, who was named either Seluca or Sedulia. Maura’s prayers and example were also credited with her brother, Eutropius’ strong faith and he later became the Bishop of Troyes.
When not praying or serving the poor, Maura greatly enjoyed meeting the material needs of local Priests and the Troyes Cathedral, later, the Seat of her brother. She would make Sacred Vestments, trim the candles, fill oil lamps and prepare wax for the Altar. In fact, Bishop Prudentius of Troyes, a personal friend, wore an Alb spun and woven by her. In other words, she acted as the Sacristan and as Religious Sisters do.
Maura spent every morning in Church, praying. She fasted on Wednesday and Friday, sustaining herself only on small amounts of bread and water. Sometimes, she would walk several miles to visit her Spiritual Director at his Monastery. She was known to produce copious amounts of tears while praying, considered a gift from God. She also performed miracles but asked the people she assisted by her intercession, not to make these gifts known.
She died on 21 September 850, at the age of 23. She was buried in the Cemetery of Château-Nore-de-Troyes.
At least three known posthumous miracles are attributed to Maura . After her death, her body was washed but the water was claimed to have changed into milk. A young man was believed to have been cured of “a burning fever” after drinking this milk. A young woman, whose husband disliked a large birthmark on her cheek, also drank the milk and the birthmark disappeared.
Maura was declared a Saint by all the community, who honoured her annually on the day of her death, her Feast Day.+
St Maura (c827-850) Virgin St Meletius of Cyprus – Bishop and Confessor in Cyprus. Martyr. No further information has survived.
Martyrs of Gaza – 3 Saints: Three brothers, Eusebius, Nestulus and Zeno, who were seized, dragged through the street, beaten and murdered by a pagan mob celebrating the renunciation of Christianity by Julian the Apostate. They were burned to death in 362 on a village garbage heap in Gaza, Palestine.
Saint of the Day – 20 September – Saint Clicerius of Milan (Died c438) Bishop and Confessor. Clicerius was the Archbishop of Milan from 436 to 438. Also known as – Glicerius, Glycerius, Clycerius, Clicerio, Glicerio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, St Clicerius, Bishop and Confessor.”
The Statue resides in the Church of Sts Nazarius and Celsus in Milan, near his Shrine
Almost nothing is known about the life and the Episcopate of Glycerius. He was a Deacon of Milan before being elected as the Archbishop of Milan in 436.
He probably had been a tutor of the Western Roman Emperor, Valentinian III, a position which he possibly maintained, evenduring his Episcopacy. He passed most of his reign in Antioch in Syria.
The Relics of our Saint
It is believed Clicerius died around mid September 438 and was buried in the Church of Saint Nazarius and Celsus in Milan. In that Church fragments of his funeral epigraph have been discovered. His Feast Day is 20 September.
Epigraph for Glycerius, reconstructed from the fragments of the original stone, in the left transept of Church of Saint Nazarius.
St Candida of Carthage St Clicerius of Milan (Died c438) Bishop and Confessor St Dionysius of Phrygia St Dorimedonte of Synnada St Eusebia of Marseilles St Evilasius of Cyzicum St Fausta of Cyzicum Bl John Eustace St Priscus
Martyrs of Constantinople – 3 Saints: A Priest and two Bishops who were imprisoned, tortured and Martyred for the defence of icons in the iconoclast persecutions of Emperor Leo the Isaurian. – Andrea, Asiano and Hypatius. They were Martyred in 735 in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) and their bodies were thrown to the dogs.
Martyrs of Pergen – 6 Saints: A group of lay people Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Elagabalus. The names that have come down to us are Dionysius, Dioscorus, Philippa, Privatus, Socrates and Theodore. They were crucified c 220 at Pergen, Pamphylia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 19 September – St Theodore of Canterbury (c602-690) the 7th Archbishop of Canterbury, England and the first archbishop to rule the whole English Church. Theodore was an important and memorable figure in the English Church. Born inc 602 in the City of St Paul’s birth, Tarsus in Cilici, Greece, now in modern Turkey and died on 19 September 690 in Canterbury, Kent, England of natural causes. Also known as – Theodore of Tarsus. His body is Incorrupt.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Canterbury, the holy Bishop, Theodore, who was sent to England by Pope Vitalian and was renowned for learning and holiness.”
After the death of St Deusdedit, the Archbishop of Canterbury, King Oswi of Northumberland and King Egbert of Kent, sent a virtuous and learned Priest – named Wighard – to Rome that he might be Consecrated as the new Bishop and duly confirmed to that important See by the Pope himself. However, sadly, Wighard and most of those who attended him, died in Italy of the Plague and Pope Vitalian chose instead, Adrian, Abbot of Niridian, near Naples, to be raised to that dignity. This Abbot was by birth an African. He understood Greek and Latin perfectly and was thoroughly versed in theology, as well as in monastic and Ecclesiastical discipline. But so great were his fears of the dignity to which he was called that the Pope was compelled, by his entreaties and tears, to yield to his excuses. He insisted, however, that Adrian should find a person equal to that charge and should, himself, attend upon and assist him in instructing the inhabitants of this remote island in the perfect discipline of the Church.
Adrian first named to the Pope a Monk called Andrew but he was judged incapable of the necessary physical strength on account of his bodily infirmities, although otherwise a person extremely well qualified. There was then at Rome, a Greek Monk named Theodore, aged sixty-six, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, a man of exemplary life and well skilled in divine and human learning and in the Greek and Latin languages. Adrian presented him to the Pope and procured that he should be made a Bishop, promising to bear him company into England.
Theodore was duly Consecrated in 668 and then set out from Rome with St Adrian and St Benedict Biscop, later the Bishop and Abbot of Wearmouth and Jarrow, Durham. In 669 they reached Canterbury, where Theodore appointed Adrian the Abbot of Sts Peter and Paul Monastery, afterward named St Augustine’s.
There they created a famous school influential in the lives of such brilliant scholars as the celebrated historian St Bede the Venerable and the skilled Church architect St Aldhelm.
Theodore organised the English Church, many Sees which were vacant on his arrival and others which needed to be divided. In 672 he called the first General Synod of the English Church at Hertford, to end certain Celtic practices and to divide Diocese. The division issue was postponed, but the Synod imposed the date of the Roman Easter, established obedience for Clerics and Monks, forbade Bishops to interfere in matters relating to and of other diocese and reaffirmed the Church teaching on Marriage and Divorce.
During this period Theodore came into sharp conflict with St Wilfrid, whom he had appointed as the Bishop of York but whom he soon deposed. In 677/678, St Wilfrid went to Rome to protest. Meanwhile, in 678, Theodore helped settle relations between King Aethelred of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia and King Ecgfrith of Northumbria, whom Aethelred had defeated in battle.
Theodore’s Synod at Hatfield in 679, his 2nd Genral Synod, cleared the English Church from associations with the heresy of the Monothelites. Few things have rendered the name of St Theodore more famous than his Penitential or Code of Canons, prescribing the term of public penance for penitents, according to the quality and enormity of their sins. In this Penitential it is stated that when a Monk died, Holy Mass was offered for him on the day of his burial, on the third day after and as often again, as the Abbot thought proper. Also, the Holy Sacrifice was offered for the laity and accompanied by fasting. This Penitential which had been colated and published by his disciples, became highly influential in England and on the Continent.
Theodore, being more than eighty years old and seized with frequent bouts of illness, was desirous of being reconnciled with St Wilfrid. He, therefore, requested the exiled holy Prelate to come to him at London, begged his pardon for having consented with the Kings to his deprivation, without any fault on his side, did all he could to make amends and restored him to his See of York. For this purpose he wrote strong letters to Alfrid, King of Northumberland – who had succeeded his brother Egfrid, to Ethelred, King of the Mercians and to others who were opposed to St Wilfrid or were interested in this affair. Theodore had the comfort of seeing his endeavours everywhere successful.
One of Theodore’s greatest achievement was to adapt the Roman ideal of a centralised Church to English conditions. His establishment of a centralised Church under the Archbishopric of Canterbury in close alliance with secular rulers, was maintained by his successors. No biography of Theodore has survived.
This Medallion resides on the west facade of Westminster Cathedral
St Theodore was the Archbishop of Canterbury for twenty two years and died in 690, at the age of eighty-eight years. His memory is honoured on 19 September the date of his death. He was buried in the Monastery of St.Peter, which afterwards took the name of St Augustine. In 1091 his body was found Incorrupt when it was re-interred in the Cathedral.
Notre-Dame de la Salette / Our Lady of La Salette), La Salette-Fallavaux, Isère, Rhône-Alpes, France (1846) 19 September: Our Lady appeared to two small children, Melanie Mathieu and Maximin Giraud, on the mountain of La Salette in the French Alps. She was crying and around her neck was a crucifix, with a hammer and pincers on either side – 19 September 1846. Approved by the Diocesan Bishop in 1851. Read the story here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/feast-of-our-lady-of-la-salette-19-september/
St Arnulph of Gap Bl Carolus Hyon Song-Mun St Constantia of Nocera St Desiderius of Pozzuoli St Eustochius of Tours St Felix of Nocera St Festus of Pozzuoli
St Goeric of Metz (c570-c643)Bishop – Goeric is listed as the 30th Bishop of Metz, having governed that See from 625 to 642 or 643. The Roman Martyrology rads: “In Metz in Austrasia, still in the territory of today’s France, Saint Goeríco or Abo, Bishop, who succeeded Saint Arnulf, whose body was transported with veneration to this City.” His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/19/saint-of-the-day-19-september-saint-goeric-of-metz-c570-c643-bishop/
St Maria de Cervellón OdeM (1230 – 1290) Virgin, Catalan Superior of Second Order of the Mercedarians in her region. Mystic, graced with the gift of bilocation, Apostle of the poor, the abandoned, the needy. She was the first woman to wear the Habit of the ‘ Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Ransom. She is considered the Founder of the Mercedary Nuns. Her entry in the Roman Martyrology states: “At Barcelona in Spain, blessed Maria de Cervellione, Virgin of the Order of Our Lady of Ransom. She is commonly called Maria of Help on account of the prompt assistance she renders to those who invoke her.“ Patronages – Mercadarian Nuns and Sisters, Navigators, against shipwreck, Spanish sailors, of the abandoned. On 13 February1692, Pope Innocent XII gave a favourable judgement and confirmed her immemorial cult;and she was introduced into the Roman Martyrology as a Saint on 8 November 1729. Her body is Incorrupt. Her Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/19/saint-of-the-day-19-september-st-maria-de-cervellon-odem-1230-1290/ Please watch this video if you are able to spare the time. It is absolutely beautiful.
St Pomposa St Sequanus St Sosius of Puzzuoli St Theodore of Canterbury (c602-690) the 7th Archbishop of Canterbury St Trophimus of Synnada
Martyrs of Antioch – 3 Saints: Christians imprisoned, tortured and executed in various ways in the persecutions of Emperor Probus; some names have come down to us – Dorymedon, Sabbatius and Trophimus. c 277 at Antioch (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Phunon – (4 aints): Four bishops in Egypt who were sentenced to forced labour in a rock quarry and martyred in the persecution of Diocletian. Noted for celebrating Mass in prison. – Elias, Nilus, Patermuzio and Peleus. They were burned to death in 310 at Phunon, near Petra in Palestine.
Saint of the Day – 18 September – Saint Didier of Rennes (7th Century) Bishop and Martyr. Born in Rennes, in Brittany, modern France and died by being murdered by robbers, near what is now called Saint-Dizier-l’Évêque.
Didier was born in Rennes in the 7th Century, where he studied and became the Bishop of that City in about 660. We have his signature on the Decrees of a Synod held in Rheims in 682.
He resigned and went on a Pilgrimage to Rome in a group of clerics which included his Deacon, Saint Reinfroid. On their return they passed through German lands and then south of the Vosges, near today’s Saint-Dizier-l’Évêque and was welcomed in the local Church.
Saint Didier and Saint Rainfroi with the group of Pilgrims
Having preached there, Dider proceeded on his journey but was soon attacked by robbers who killed him and his Acolytes, hoping to find holy vessels of the Church, near the village of Croix, Belfort. Didier was buried in the Church there and a cult arose around him as is attested in a 727 Charter in Murbach Abbey. Many miracles are ascribed to his intercession. His Feast Day is celebrated there today, 18 September.
A rock named “The Step of the Devil and the Feet of Saint Didier”, found near Saint-Dizier-l’Évêque, has indentations which are believed to be the remains of a struggle between the devil and the Saint, the devil being our Saint’s muderer!
Many Towns and Villages and presumably there would also be many Churches named for this Saint Didier including Saint-Didier, Ille-et-Vilaine (see the Church in the latter Village, dedicated to our Saint Didier below) but there are others which are named after other Saints of the same name.
St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv. (1603-1663) Confessor, Religious Priest of the First Order of St Francis and Friar, Mystic, Miracle-worker. If ever a tiny child began life with nothing in his favour it was Joseph of Cupertino; he had only one hopeful and saving quality—that he knew it. … – Read on and be ashamed, for this is a Saint before the Throne of God! All about the this holy Flying Saint here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-st-joseph-of-cupertino-o-f-m-conv-1603-1663/
St Ariadne
St Didier of Rennes (7th Century) Bishop St Eumenius Thaumaturgus
St Eustorgius of Milan (Died c349) The Ninth Bishop of Milan, Confessor, Defender of the Faith. Both St Athanasius and St Ambrose remember Eustorgius of Milan as one of the most steadfast and illustrious opponents of the Arian heresy. The Roman Martyrology says of him: “At Milan, St Eustorgius, Bishop of that City, highly recommended by blessed Ambrose.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-saint-eustorgius-of-milan-died-c-349/
St Ferreolus the Tribune St Ferreolus of Limoges St Hygbald St Irene of Egypt
St Methodius of Olympus (Died c311) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr, Ecclesiastical Scholar and Author, renowned Theologian. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The same da, [as St Joseph of Cupertino] the birthday of St Methodius, Bishop of Olympus in Lycia and afterwards of Tyre. Most renowned for his eloquence and learning. St Jerome says that he won the Crown of Martyrdom at Chalcis in Greece at the end of the last persecution there.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-saint-methodius-of-olympus-died-c311-bishop-martyr/
Saint of the Day – 17 September – The Feast of The Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi
The Stigmata of St Francis From the Liturgical Year, 1903 Feast Day – 17 September
St Francis Receives the Stigmata, by Giotto, 1295-1300; originally painted for the church of St Francis in Pisa, now in the Louvre. The predella panels show the vision of Pope Innocent III, who in a dream beheld St Francis holding up the collapsing Lateran Basilica, followed by the approval of the Franciscan Rule, and St Francis preaching to the birds.
The great Patriarch of Assisi will soon appear a second time in the holy Liturgy and we shall praise God for the marvels wrought in him by Divine Grace. The subject of today’s Feast, while a personal glory to St Francis, is of greater importance for its mystical signification.
The Man-God still lives in the Church by the continual reproduction of His Mysteries in this His Bride, making her a faithful copy of Himself. In the 13th Century, while the charity of the many had grown cold, the Divine Fire burned with redoubled ardour in the hearts of a chosen few. It was the hour of the Church’s passion; the beginning of that series of social defections, with their train of denials, treasons and derisions which ended in the proscription we now witness. The Cross had been exalted before the eyes of the world – the Bride was now to be nailed thereto with her Divine Spouse, after having stood with Him in the pretorium exposed to the insults and blows of the multitude.
Like an artist, selecting a precious marble, the Holy Ghost chose the flesh of the Assisian Seraph as the medium for the expression of His Divine Thought. He, thereby manifested to the world, the special direction He intended to give to the sanctity of souls; He offered to Heaven a first and complete model of the new work He was meditating, viz: the perfect union, upon the very Cross, of the Mystical Body with its Divine Head. Francis was the first to be chosen for this honour but others were to follow and, henceforward, here and there through the world, the Stigmata of Our Blessed Lord will ever be visible in the Church.
Let us read in this light the admirable history of the event composed by the Seraphic Doctor. St Bonaventure, in honour of his holy father St Francis.
Two years before the faithful servant and minister of Christ, Francis, gave up his spirit to God, he retired alone into a high place which is called Mount Alverna and began a forty-day fast in honour of the Archangel St Michael. The sweetness of heavenly contemplation was poured out on him more abundantly than usual, until, burning with the flame of celestial desires, he began to feel an increasing overflow of these Divine favours. While the seraphic ardour of his desires thus raised him up to God and the tenderness of his love and compassion, was transforming him into Christ, the Crucified Victim of excessive love.
One morning, about the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, as he was praying on the mountain side, he saw what appeared to be a Seraph, with six shining and fiery wings, coming down from Heaven. The vision flew swiftly through the air and approached the man of God, Who then perceived that it was not only winged but also Crucified; for the Hands and Feet were stretched out and fastened to a Cross; while the wings were arranged in a wondrous manner, two being raised above the head, two outstretched in flight and the remaining two crossed over and veiling the whole body. As he gazed, Francis was much astonished,and his soul was filled with mingled joy and sorrow. The gracious aspect of Him, Who appeared in so wonderful and loving a manner, gave Francis exceeding joy, while the sight of His cruel Crucifixion pierced his heart with a sword of sorrowing compassion.
He, who appeared outwardly to Francis, taught him inwardly that, although weakness and suffering are incompatible with the immortal life of a Seraph, yet this vision had been shown to him, to the end, that he, Christ’s lover, might learn how his whole being was to be transformed into a living Image of Christ Crucified, not by martyrdom of the flesh but by the burning ardour of his soul. After a mysterious and familiar colloquy, the Vision disappeared, leaving the Saint’s mind burning with Seraphic ardour and his flesh impressed with an exact image of the Crucified, as though, after the melting power of that fire, it had next been stamped with a seal. For immediately, the marks of nails began to appear in his hands and feet, their heads showing in the palms of his hands and the upper part of his feet and their points visible on the other side. There was also a red scar on his right side, as if it had been wounded by a lance and from which blood often flowed staining his tunic and underclothing.
Francis, now a new man, honoured by this new and amazing miracle and, by a hitherto unheard of privilege, adorned with the Sacred Stigmata, came down from the mountain bearing with him the Image of the Crucified, not carved in wood or stone by the hand of an artist but engraved upon his flesh by the Finger of the living God. The seraphic man well knew that it is good to hide the secret of the King; wherefore, having been thus admitted into His King’s confidence, he strove, as far as in him lay, to conceal the Sacred marks. But it belongs to God to reveal the great things which he himself has done and hence, after impressing those signs upon Francis in secret, He publicly worked miracles by means of them, revealing the hidden and wondrous power of the Stigmata. by the signs wrought through them.
Pope Benedict XI. willed that this wonderful event, which is so well attested and in Pontifical diplomas has been honoured with the greatest praises and favours, should be celebrated by a yearly solemnity. Afterwards, Pope Paul V., wishing the hearts of all the faithful to be enkindled with the love of Christ Crucified, extended the Feast to the whole Church.
St Agathoclia St Brogan of Ross Tuirc Blessed Cherubino Testa OSA (1451-1479) Priest, Friar St Columba of Cordova St Crescentio of Rome St Emmanuel Nguyen Van Trieu St Flocellus
St Francis Mary of Camporosso OFM Cap (1804-1866) Lay Friar of the Friars Minor Capuchin Branch, “Quaestor” or Alms collector, as well as humble services such as Infirmarian, Cook, Gardener, Sacristan, gentle carer of the Poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the needy of all kinds, both spiritual and material. Francesco was gifted with immense graces to touch the hearts of all, both small and great and to listen and advise, often blessed with the gifts of prophecy and mind-reading. Born Giovanni Evangelista Croese on 27 December 1804 at Camporosso, Liguria, Kingdom of Sardinia. Italy and died on 17 September 1866 (aged 61) at Genoa, Italy. P The Beloved Questor: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-francesco-maria-da-camporosso-ofm-cap-1804-1866-the-beloved-questor/
Saint of the Day – 16 September – Saint Eugenia of Hohenburg (Died c735) Abbess. Born in Alsace in France and died at Hohenburg Abbey on Odilienberg also in Alsace. Eugenia was the second abbess of the Hohenburg Abbey, in Alsace, France, from 721 to 735. Also known as – Eugenia of Odilienberg, Eugenia of Alsace Eugenia of Altitona, Eugenia of Altodunum, Eugénie. The name Egenia means “noble born” from the Greek. Additional Memorial 26 September on some calendars.
Mosaic, 12th Century, in the Chapel of Tears of the Monastery of Mont Sainte-Odile
Eugenia was the daughter of the Alsatian Duke Adalbert and his wife Gerlind and sister of St Attala of Strasbourg and Gundelindis. She succeeded her aunt Odilia as Abbess at the Hohenburg Monastery – today’s Mont Sainte-Odile Monastery – on Mount Odilienberg in Alsace.
Eugenia was buried in the Chapel of the Monastery on Mount Odilienberg. Her Relics were lost in the Thirty Years’ War.
St Abundantius of Rome St Abundius of Rome St Cunibert of Maroilles St Curcodomus St Dulcissima of Sutri
St Edith of Wilton (961-984) Virgin, Nun, Princess, Founder of a Church and a Hospital for the poor. Born in 961 at Kensing, Kent, England and died on 15 September 984 aged just 23 years, a date foretold by Saint Dunstan of Canterbury, of natural causes. Edith is one of the most venerated female Saints of England. Her extensive legacy continues to this day – there is a Pilgrimage route, “St Edith’s Way” and annual devotions take place on her Feast day. An Astounding Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/16/saint-of-the-day-16-september-saint-edith-of-wilton-961-984-virgin-nun-princess/
Blessed Luigi Ludovico Allemandi (c 1390-1450) Bishop and Cardinal, called “The Cardinal of Arles.” Blessed Luigi was a Priest driven by immense love for the Holy Mother of God and for the Church. His involvement in various Councils and Papal dissentions, were the result of his great desire to maintain the purity of the Chair of Peter. He was Beatified in 1527 by Pope Clement VII. His Life; https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/16/saint-of-the-day-blessed-luigi-ludovico-allemandi-c-1390-1450/
St Lucia and St Geminianus of Rome + St Ludmila St Marcian the Senator Bl Martin of Huerta Bl Michael Himonaya
Bl Paul Fimonaya St Priscus of Nocera St Rogellus of Cordoba St Sebastiana St Servus Dei St Stephen of Perugia
Martyrs of the Via Nomentana: Four Saints: Christian men Martyred together, date unknown – Alexander, Felix, Papias and Victor. They were Martyred on the Via Nomentana outside Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 15 September – Blessed Rolando de Medici (c1330-1386) Hermit, Penitent. Born in c1330 in Milan, Italy and died on 15 September 1386 in Bargone, near Genoa in Italy. Also known as Roland, Orlando.
Born into the renoiwned and sometimes infamouse, Medici family of Milan, in 1360, Rolando, at about thirty years of age, driven by the desire for a holy life, retired to the life of a Hermit.
Rolando settled in the woods near Bargone in Genoa. He lived for twenty-six years in continuous silence, feeding on what the woods offered him and, in wintertime, he begged. But his efforts met only sad indifference or, far worse – fear and anger, because he was regarded as mad or dangerous. He was often beaten until he bled. He dressed in the habit with which he began his hermit life, then patched with leaves and finally with a goatskin.
Rolando’s life was a continuous prayer and contemplation – he contemplated his Creator in creation all around him. Exhausted by penance, he was found almost dead near the Castle of Bargone. He was taken to the Castle’s Church, where he broke his silence, during the visit of the Carmelite, Domenico de Dominicis of Cremona: here he justified his inability to receive the Sacraments during his life as a Hermit which he was then able finally to receive.
A period of rest lengthened his life for a while and he finally died on 15 September 1386. He was buried in Busseto in the Church of the Holy Trinity near to the Parish Church of St Bartholomew.
His cult grew immediately from his death, even if the Church recognised the cult of the Blessed Rolando de’ Medici only on 25 September 1853 by Pope Pius IX, after a long process of Canonisation begun in 1563. The Martyrology remembers him on 15 September.
The image below is now our Blessed Rolando but an unidentified Hermit, “The Anchorite” (1881) by Teodor Axentowicz.
St Aichardus St Albinus of Lyon St Aprus of Toul St Bond of Sens St Emilas of Cordoba St Eutropa of Auvergne Holy 5th Century widow in Auvergne, France. No other information has survived. St Hernan St Jeremias of Cordoba St Joseph Abibos St Mamillian of Palermo St Melitina St Mirin of Bangor St Nicetas the Goth
St Nicomedes (Died c71) Priest and Martyr. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Rome, on the Nomentan Way, the birthday of the blessed Nicomedes, Priest and Martyr. As he said to those who would compel him to sacrifice: “I sacrifice only to the Omnipotent God, who reigns in Heaven.” He was scourged, for a very long time with leaded whips and thus, went to our Lord.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/15/saint-of-the-day-15-september-st-nicomedes-died-c71-priest-and-martyr/
St Porphyrius the Martyr St Ribert St Ritbert of Varennes Blessed Rolando de Medici (c1330-1386) Hermit Bl Tommasuccio of Foligno St Valerian of Châlon-sur-Saône St Valerian of Noviodunum St Vitus of Bergamo
Martyrs of Adrianopolis – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred together in the persecutions of Maximian – Asclepiodotus, Maximus and Theodore. They were martyred in 310 at Adrianopolis (Adrianople), a location in modern Bulgaria.
Martyrs of Noviodunum – 4 Saints: Three Christian men martyred together, date unknown – Gordian, Macrinus, Stratone and Valerian. They were martyred in Noviodunum, Lower Moesia (near modern Isaccea, Romania).
Mercedarian Martyrs of Morocco – 6 Beati: A group of six Mercedarians who were captured by Moors near Valencia, Spain and taken to Morocco. Though enslaved, they refused to stop preaching Christianity. Martyrs. – Dionisio, Francis, Ildefonso, James, John and Sancho. They were crucified in 1437 in Morocco.
Saint of the Day – 14 September – Saint Odilard of Nantes (8th Century) Bishop of Nantes, France. Also known as – Odilardus, Odilardo.
Odilard was the Bishop of Nantes who in the chronology of the Bishops of the Diocese, was included after Deotmar, mentioned in 757 and before Alan. In some lists, he appears in twenty-fifth place, in others in twenty-ninth place, placed between the years 776-800.
We know nothing about his personal life. In modern historical writings, Saint Odilard is mentioned in a deed of donation of Charlemagne in the year 797, where he appears among the guarantors in a transaction concerning two “villae” which were located in the region of Angers.
Even if, in the second collection of documents of Saint Albinus, Bishop Odilard does not appear as a Saint, the Diocese of Nantes, in its Proper, celebrates him today, 14 September.
St Crescentian of Carthage St Crescentius of Rome St Generalis of Carthage St Giulia Crostarosa St Jean Gabriel Taurin du Fresse
St Maternus of Cologne (Died c 325)Bishop, the first Bishop of Cologne and Founder of the Diocese of Tongeren, Germany. In Cologne and in his hometown of Trier, the faithful began to venerate him as a Saint. A popular cult of which the splendid 13th century stained glass windows in the Cathedral Chapel dedicated to his name, also testify. He was buried in the Cathedral of Cologne but the Cathedral of St Peter in Trier boasts a large Reliquary, which became and remains, a pilgrimage site. Biography; https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-maternus-of-cologne-died-c-325/
St Odilard of Nantes (8th Century) Bishop
St Peter of Tarentaise O.Cist (1102-1174) Cistercian Monk, Archbishop of Tarentaise from 1141 until his death, Abbot, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker. There are two Saints named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived one Century apart. The Saint we honour today, is the younger Peter, born in France in the early part of the 12th Century. The other Saint Peter if Tarentaise, became Pope Innocent V. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-peter-of-tarentaise-o-cist-1102-1174/
St Rosula of Carthage St Sallustia St Victor of Carthage
Saint of the Day – 13 September – Saint Litorius of Tours (Died 371) the 2nd Bishop of Tour, reigning for 34 years from 337 until his death in 371. He built the first Churches and the Basilica of Tours. Born in Tours and died there on 13 September 371 of natural causes. Also known as Lidore
St Gregory of Tours in the Historia Francorum gives some information about Litorius (lat. Litorius, the 2nd Bishop of Tours. Born in this City, he was consecrated Bishop in the first year of the Empire of Constans (337-338), who succeeded, their father Constantine, together with his brothers Constantine II and Constantius II.
The Christian community of Tours must have been small in number, Litorius saw it grow considerably, so much so that he was able to build the first Church in the City. He later built a Basilica on the house of a senator, where Litorius was himself later buried.
He died on 13 September 371 and was succeeded by the famous Saint Martin, the second Gregory, who began to preach during the Episcopate of Litorius. However, it is not known whether the two Saints knew one another but it does seem unlikely that a man of the earth of that City and the Bishop there too, did not know his Clerics..
The Feast of Litorius was celebrated on 13 September, since the 6th Century in his Basilica. Tthe Martyrology of Hieronymia bears witness to this with the words: “In Tours deposition of Litorius, Bishop”
Some false manuscripts have distorted the name of Litorius into Ligorius and a forger has attributed to him a fabulous life, adorning him with the crown of martyrdom.
Saint of the Day – 12 September – Saint Juventius of Pavia (1st Century) Bishop, Confessor, Disciple of St Hermagoras the first Bishop of Achilles (died c70), himself a disciple of St Mark the Evangelist. Patronages – of the City and the Diocese of Pavia, Italy, co-patron with St Syrus. Also known as – Eventius, Iventius, or Inventius.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Pavia, St Juventius, the Bishop, mentioned on the 8th of February (the day of his birthday into Heaven, although today is his Feast Day). He was sent to that City, with St Cyrus by blessed Hermagoras, disciple of the Evangelist St Mark. They both preached the Gospel of Christ there and, being renowned for great virtues and miracles, illumined the neighbouring Cities by divine works. They close their glorious careers in peace, invested with the Episcipol dignity.”
This image from a Fresco in Pavia Cathedral is either St Juventius or St Syrus
In the company of St Syrus, Juventius fought against Arianism. He worked to challenge and convert those who followed Arianism in his Diocese.
Traditions regarding both St Juventius and Syrus vary, the latter being the first Bishop of Pavia and we presume our Saint was his Assistant or Auxiliary Bishop. We have nothing further on St Juventius personal details.
Feast of the Holy Name of Mary (1683 ) – 12 September: This Feast was first observed at Cuenca, Spain in 1513, then extended to the Universal Church and assigned to its present place and rank by Pope Innocent XI in 1683, in thanksgiving to God and the Blessed Virgin, for the liberation of Vienna, France and the signal victory over the Turks on 12 September 1683. It is the Titular Feast of the Society of Mary (Marianists) and of the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
St Juventius of Pavia (1st Century) Bishop, Confessor St Mancius of Saint Thomas St Paul of Saint Clare St Sacerdos of Lyon St Silvinus of Verona St Tomás de Zumárraga Lazcano
Martyrs of Alexandria – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Hieronides, Leontius, Sarapion, Seleusius, Straton and Valerian. They were drowned c 300 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Phrygia – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred for destroying pagan idols. We know little more than their names – Macedonius, Tatian and Theodolus. They were burned to death in 362 in Phrygia (modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 11 September – Saint Theodora the Penitent (Died 491) Abbot as Theodore, Penitent, Recluse. Born in Alexandria, Egypt and died in 491 of natural causes in Egypt. Also known as – Theodora of Alexandria.
Theodora had been a married woman in Alexandria, Egypt. But she had succumbed to the attentions of another man and had committed adultery. Filled with remorse, she became a penitent, dressed as a man to enter the Monastery, where she later became the Abbot.
She was accused of sinful relations by a woman who had just had a child. Rather than reveal her identity, she agreed to leave the Monastery, keeping the child with her, raising it patiently.
It was only after her death that it was discovered that the Abbot Theodore, unjustly accused, was Theodora, a holy woman.
St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother MartyrsBrother Martyrs during the persecution of Emperor Valerian (257–259), they served as household Officials to St Eugenia. The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Rome, in the Cemetery of Basilla, on the old Salarian Way, the birthday of the Holy Martyrs, Protus and Hyacinth, brothers and eunuchs in the service of the blessed Eugenia, who were arrested in the time of the Emperor Gallienus, on the charge of being Christians and urged to offer sacrifice to the gods. But as they refused, both were most severely scourged and finally, beheaded.” Their Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/11/saint-s-of-the-day-11-september-st-protus-and-st-hyacinth-died-c257-brother-martyrs/
St Adelphus of Remiremont St Almirus Bl Baldassarre Velasquez
St Emilian of Vercelli St Essuperanzio of Zurich St Felix of Zurich Bl Franciscus Takeya Bl François Mayaudon Bl Gaspar Koteda St Gusmeo of Gravedona sul Lario St Leudinus of Toul St Matthew of Gravedona sul Lario St Paphnutius of Thebes St Patiens of Lyon Bl Peter Taaffe Bl Petrus Kawano St Regula of Zurich St Sperandea St Theodora the Penitent (Died 491) Abbot (as Theodore), Penitent, Recluse
Saint of the Day – 10 September – Saint Nicholas of Tolentino OSA (1245-1305) Confessor, “The Patron of Holy Souls” Priest, Augustinian Friar Monk, Mystic, Preacher, Miralce-worker and Apostle of the poor, the sick, the needy. Patronages – animals, babies (reported to have raised more than 100 children from the dead), sailors, dying people, sick animals, the Holy Souls in Purgatory, 4 Cities, 3 Diocese. The Name Nicholas from the Greek means means: “the victor over the people.”
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tolentino, in the March of Ancona, the departure from this life of St Nicholas, Confessor of the Order of Augustinians.”
Nicholas was born in the angelic town of Sant’ Angelo in Pontano, Italy. An angel had advised his previously childless parents, to make a pilgrimage to the Tomb of St Nicholas of Myra and out of gratitude, they gave their son the name of the Saint.
Nicholas was admitted into the Augustinian Hermits’ Order in 1255 , was Ordained a Priest in 1270 and initially, worked as a Preacher and Confessor. In 1275 he was sent to Tolentino , where he experienced miraculous confirmations from Angels whom he saw standing around the Altar.
14th Century, painting now in the Basilica named after St Nicholas in Tolentino
Nicholas became a very popular Preacher and Shepherd of the sick and led a life of strict asceticism and active charity. He worked tirelessly as a pastor of the common people and cared for the poor and sick. It is said that miracles occurred through his intercession during his lifetime; his prayers had a healing effect, he overcame the devil who broke the lamp on the Altar and tried to harm others. Even when he was seriously ill, he refused to eat two roasted birds because of the mortification he had vowed but when he obediently obeyed the Prior’s command to take a bite, the partridges – alive – flew away.
Statue at the site of Nicholas’ birthplace in Sant’ Angelo in Pontano, erected by the Municipality and population, on the 650th Anniversary of his death – 10 September 1955.
Nicholas’ Grave is in the Basilica in Tolentino which was built above it and named after him. He was not buried in the coffin originally intended for him which is in the large Chapel built for his veneration but under the floor, after his arms were taken as Relics. Numerous miracles occurred there and more than 300 were officially confirmed in the twenty years after his death alone. In 1926, his bones were rediscovered during excavations and were placed in a glass shrine and brought to the newly equipped Crypt. His Grave remains an important place of pilgrimage to this day.
Gian Giacomo Barbelli: “Glorification of St Nicholas” 1653, in the Church of Sant’Andrea in Bergamo
From the 16th to the 18th Centuries, Nicholas was one of the most venerated Saints in Europe. In many Countries he is considered a helper in times of need. In Cordoba he became the Patron Saint of the City because his intercession ended a plague epidemic. In Venice the Church of San Nicola da Tolentino was dedicated to him for the same reason and there too, he became the Patron of the City. On his Feast Day, according to old custom, bread is blessed which is said to help against gout or is thrown into the flames of fires to contain them – the background is the story of how Nicholas was cured of a fever after asking an old woman for bread at the behest of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St Nicholas in a glass coffin in the Basilica di San Nicola in Tolentino
St Salvius of Albi St Sosthenes of Chalcedon St Theodard of Maastricht St Victor of Chalcedon
Martyrs of Bithynia – 3 Sister Saints: Three young Christian sisters Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Maximian and governor Fronto: Menodora, Metrodora, Nymphodora. They were Martyred in 306 in Bithynia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Japan – 205 Beati: A unified feast to memorialise 205 Missionaries and native Japanese known to have been murdered for their Faith between 1617 and 1637.
Martyrs of Sigum – 8 Saints: A group of Nicomedian Martyrs, condemned for their faith to be worked to death in the marble quarries of Sigum. There were Priests, Bishops and Laity in the group but only a few names have come down to us: Dativus, Felix, Jader, Litteus, Lucius, Nemesian, Polyanus, Victor. They were worked to death c 257 in Sigum.
Saint of the Day – 9 September – Saint Valentinian of Chur (c480-548) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, known as a man of bountiful generosity and care of the needy and of refugees. Born in around 480 and died earlyin January 548 in Chur in Switzerland of natural causes. Also known as – Valentianus. Name means: “the strong one” (Latin). He is also celebrated on 7 January (the date of his burial).
The Bishops Coat of Arms in Chur, Switzerland
Valentinian was the second in the line of Bishops of Chur as mentioned in Diocesan documents . He was praised for his charity towards refugees, the needy and prisoners.
He is said to have expanded the Oratory founded by St Lucius of Chur into a Monastery.
Paulinus, his nephew – and possible successor as Bishop of Chur – placed a marble inscription on his grave whichprovided some information about St Valentinian. But unfortunately, since the 17th Century (protestant excess) except for a fragment, it has been lost and is only recorded in literature.
7 January 548 was the date of Valentinian’s burial and is celebrated as his Feast Day in Chur.
St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) Confessor, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary, Confessor, Patron of the missions to African peoples and Human Rights Defender, Apostle of Charity. Also known as “The Apostle of Cartagena” and “The Slave of the Slaves.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/09/saint-of-the-day-9-september-st-peter-claver-s-j/
St Gorgonius of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Confessor, Soldier, Imperial Court Official and companions, St Dorotheus. After many horrific tortures these two were finally strangled to death in 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey). The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, the holy Martyrs, Gorgontius, Dorotheus and others. The greatest honours had been conferred on them by the Emperor Diocletian but, as they detested the cruelty which he exercised against the Christians, they were, by his orders, suspended in his presence and lacerated with whips; then their skin being torn from their bodies and vinegar and salt poured over them, they were burned on a gridiron and finally, strangled. After some time, the body of the blessed Gorgonius was brought to Rome and deposited on the Latin Way. Thence, it was transferred to the Basilica of St Peter and later some Relics went to France.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/09/saint-of-the-day-9-september-st-gorgonius-of-nicomedia-died-c303-confessor-martyr/
St Alexander of Sabine St Basura of Masil St Bettelin St Dorotheus of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Soldier St Gorgonio of Rome St Gorgonius of Nicomedia(Died c303) Martyr, Soldier St Isaac the Great St Joseph of Volokolamsk (c1439-1515) Abbot, Founder
Bl Maria Eutimia Uffing Bl Mary de la Cabeza St Omer St Osmanna St Rufinian St Peter of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Soldier St Severian St Straton St Tiburtius St Valentinian of Chur (c480-548) Bishop St Wulfhilda
Saint of the Day – 8 September – Blessed Seraphina Sforza OSC (c1424-1478) Abbess, Widow. Born in c1424 at Urbino, Italy as Sueva and died on 8 September 1478 at Pesaro, Italy of natural causes. Her Body is Incorrupt. Also known as – Sueva Sforza, Sveva da Montefeltro. Additional Memorial on some calendars due to the Feast Day of the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary – 9 September.
Anonymous 15th Century image
Seraphina, who belonged to the family of the Counts of Urbino, became an orphan at an early age. Her maternal Uncle, Prince Colonna, undertook to raise the child. During her stay in Rome, the girl’s noble disposition unfolded itself like a flower. God and virtue had the strongest attraction for her and the vanity of the world had no value in her sight.
Scarcely had she arrived at young womanhood when, at the wish of her relatives, she was betrothed to the widowed Prince Alexander Sforza, Governor of Pesaro. A difficult task awaited the young wife but she proved equal to it. The Prince had two children by his first marriage, a son and a daughter. Seraphina embraced them with as much affection as if they had been her own children and they, in turn, loved and esteemed their stepmother as their own mother. She also completely won the affection of her husband. After a few years, the Prince was obliged to take up arms to assist his brother, the Duke of Milan. He believed that he could entrust the Government to no-one better than to his young wife, for he marveLled at her wisdom and skill in the management of the household.
Detail from the Sforza Triptych showing Seraphina (possibly) and Alexander by the Workshop of Rogier van der Weyden from circa 1460
The Prince’s absence extended over a period of six years. Seraphina carried out her tasks, so perfectly that everyone admired her wise foresight and impartiality. She was loved and honoured by all for her brilliant virtues and extraordinary generosity. She sought and obtained God’s blessing on her undertakings by abundant almsgiving.
When her husband returned, it was to be expected that Blessed Seraphina Sforza would receive due credit for her success. But God sometimes permits His servants to be treated in a very different way. A woeful change had taken place in the Prince. He had abandoned himself to a dissolute life and he had become so reckless, as to bring a paramour into his home and reduce Seraphina to the condition of a servant. But she held her peace, suffered and prayed. The very presence of his lawful wife, however, was an unbearable reproach to the profligate; he aimed to take her life. When his attempts failed, he forcibly ejected her from the Palace, ordering her to hide herself in the Monastery of the Poor Clares and there Seraphina went.
Although happy to serve God in the midst of the spouses of Christ, Seraphina, nevertheless, continued to wear secular garb, so as to make it easier for the Prince to return to his duties. She prayed unceasingly for his conversion. The Prince tried to force her to take the religious Habit but, only when she was assured, it was God’s will, did she receive the Habit and take the vows. She was a perfect religious, faithful even in the most trifling ordinances.
Her perfect sacrifice brought about her husband’s conversion. At last, he realised what he had done. He came to the Convent and on his knees begged his holy wife for forgiveness. For nine years he lived on, striving to the best of his ability, to make amends for his sins and for the scandal he had given. Blessed Seraphina Sforza lived eighteen years longer in the Convent and promoted its temporal and spiritual welfare, especially during the last three years when she was appointed as the Abbess.
On the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, 8 September 1478, Blessed Seraphina Sforza went to receive her heavenly crown. Pope Benedict XIV approved the perpetual veneration paid to her. Her Incorrupt body rests in the Cathedral of Pesaro. (From: The Franciscan Book of Saints).
The Sfofza Triptycg by the Workshop of Rogier van der Weyden from circa 1460
You must be logged in to post a comment.