Saint of the Day – 10 June – Saint Maurinus of Cologne (9th Century) Abbot, Martyr. Died in the 9th Century in Cologne. Also known as – Maurino.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Cologne, St Maurinus, Abbot and Martyr.”
St Maurinus Shrine in Cologne
On 13 October 966, during the reconstruction of the Church of St Pantaleone in Cologne, at the time of Archbishop Folcmarus, successor of St Brunone, the Relics of our Saint were found with an epitaph indicating the his identity.
This epitaph recalled that he was an Abbot and that he was killed in the atrium of the same Church of St Pantaleone. The epitaph does not indicate a date but only the month of June.
For this reason, it is not possible to specify the era in which he lived, especially since there is no mention of him in any document prior to the discovery in 966. Even the title of Abbot is not sufficient to indicate a Monastery but he could have been Abbot of a Collegiate Chapter founded in the same Church. as they existed at that time. Nor is there any further explanation as to his Martyrdom, why and how.
His Relics are kept in a Romanesque casket, a true masterpiece of goldsmith’s craft, dated around 1180. In 1922, it was brought back to the Church of St Pantaleone, from the Chapel of St Maria alla Schnurgasse. Since the 12th Century the Feast of St Maurinud is celebrated throughout the Diocese of Cologne on 10 June and in the Universal Church.
St Margaret of Scotland (1045-1093) Queen consort of Scotland, Wife and Mother, Apostle of the poor, Reformer. Saint Margaret’s name signifies “pearl” “a fitting name,” says Bishop Turgot, her Confessor and her first Biographer, “for one such as she.” Her soul was like a precious pearl. A life spent amidst the luxury of a Royal Court never dimmed its lustre, or stole it away from Him who had bought it with His Blood. Pope Innocent IV Canonised St Margaret in 1250 in recognition of her personal holiness, fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church, work for Ecclesiastical reform and charity. In 1693 Pope Innocent XII moved her feast day to 10 June but it was changed after Vatican II to 16 November. Illustrious St Margaret: https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/16/saint-of-the-day-16-november-st-margaret-of-scotland-1045-1093-queen/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/10/saint-of-the-day-10-june-st-margaret-of-scotland-1045-1093/
Bl Amata of San Sisto St Amantius of Tivoli St Asterius of Petra St Bardo of Mainz
St Caerealis of Tivoli St Censurius of Auxerre (Died 486) Bishop St Crispulus of Rome
Blessed Diana d’Andalo OP (1201-1236) Virgin, Nun of the Order of Preachers Beatified on 8 August 1888 by Pope Leo XII. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Bologna, blessed Diana d’Andalò, Virgin, who, having overcome all the impediments posed by her family, took a vow of cloistered life in the hands of Saint Dominic himself, entering the Monastery of Saint Agnes, which she founded.” Her Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/10/saint-of-the-day-10june-blessed-diana-dandalo-op-1201-1236-virgin/
Bl Elisabeth Hernden Bl Elizabeth Guillen St Evermund of Fontenay St Faustina of Cyzicus Bl Gerlac of Obermarchtal St Getulius of Tivoli
St Landericus of Novalese St Landericus of Paris St Maurinus of Cologne (9th Century) Abbot, Martyr St Primitivus of Tivoli St Restitutus of Rome Bl Thomas Green St Timothy of Prusa Bl Walter Pierson St Zachary of Nicomedia
Martyrs of North Africa – 17 Saints: A group of seventeen Christians Martyred together in North Africa; the only surviving details are two of their names – Aresius and Rogatius. Both the precise location in North Africa and the date are unknown.
Martyrs of the Aurelian Way – 23 Saints: A group of 23 Martyrs who died together in the persecutions of Aurelian. The only details that survive are three of their names – Basilides, Mandal and Tripos. c.270-275 on the Aurelian Way, Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 9 June – Saint Maximian of Syracuse (Died 594) Bishop, Monk at St Gregory the Great’s Monastery in Rome and a close friend and collaborator with St Gregory in many instances and on many projects. Born in Sicily and died in 594 of natural causes at Syracuse, Sicily. Also known as – Massimiano.
The Roman Martyrology states: “In Syracuse, Saint Maximian, Bishop, of whom Saint Pope Gregory the Great often makes mention.”
Master of Portillo The Mass of Saint Gregory the Great (possibly the Bishop is our St Maximian)
Originally from Sicily (John the Deacon calls him Siculus), he became a Monk in Rome and after the death of Valenzione he was the second Abbot of the Monastery of St Andrew, Coelian Hill,, built before 583, by the noble Gregory (I believe it was built from St Gregory’s own ancestral home).
When St Gregory was sent by Pope Pelagius II as Papal Delegate to Constantinople to the Emperor Tiberius, Maximian joined him with some of his Monks. St Maximian seems to have prolonged St Gregory’s stay so much that the Pontiff wrote to Gregory to urge his return to Rome, as he was necessary to his Monastery and to the Apostolic See for an important matter. Upon returning, the following year, 585, after eight days of adventurous navigation in the Adriatic, the ship was shipwrecked in Crotone and Maximian, who had shown trust in God, was saved with all his companions.
When Gregory ascended to the Pontificate on 3 September 590, he chose some of his Monks, among them Maximian, to lead a monastic life in his palace which, according to John the Deacon, became “an ascetery of perfect virtue, a school of Ecclesiastical discipline, a Council of very wise government, so venerated in Rome and throughout the Church that anyone who did not have their papers in order, did not even dare appear, deeming it more appropriate to remain absent.”
In December 591, Maximian was already the Bishop of Syracuse. The Pope granted him the use of the Pallium and renewed the privileges of the ancient Bishopric; he also entrusted his representation over the entire Sicilian Church.
Vicar of the Pope and responding to his hopes, Maximian exercised a general supervision over Ecclesiastical discipline and affairs; he resolved the causes of lesser importance, referring the most difficult ones or those which he did not believe he could judge for himself, to the Pope.
Saint Gregory who, in entrusting him with these very broad powers, had minutely established the directives of Ecclesiastical politics in Sicily, addressed several letters to him and, in the end, showed himself pleased with what Maximian had done in just under three years in the vast territory of the Sicilian Island.
Even if the titles of “venerable, bishop of venerable memory” and “most holy” which often occur in the Epistolary of Saint Gregory, can obviously only be attributed a meaning of honour and respect, nevertheless the esteem which the Pope had for Maximian is evident from the expressions written in November 594 upon his death.
To the Deacon Cyprian, his rector in Sicily, the Pontiff wrote, expressing his great sorrow: “It is not Maximian who must mourn, having already flown to that eternal prize he so desired but these unhappy people of Syracuse ”. He let the Syracusans know that they “should keep in mind that another Maximian was not easy to find.”
An interesting aspect of Maximian’s activity was his collaboration with the St Gregory on the Memoirs relating to the Saints of Italy. Saint Gregory mentions it repeatedly; indeed, in 594, he would have liked to see him again, to know more distinctly, some edifying facts learned from St Maximian in the past, in order to insert them into the Dialogues. Our Saint Maximian, who was no longer able to travel to Rome, briefly and in writing, reported to Saint Gregory what he knew about Saint Nonnosus (c500-560) and some other Saints. Sadly for St Gregory, St Maximian was about to leave this earth and travel home.
St Felicianus and St Primus * (Died c304) Brothers, Confessors, Lay Martyrs. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, on Mount Caelius, the birthday of the holy Martyrs, Primus and Felician, under the Emperor Diocletian and Maximian. These glorious Martyrs lived long in the service of the Lord and endured sometimes together, sometimes separately, various cruel torments. They were finally beheaded by Promotus, Governor of Nomentum and thus happily ended their combat.” Their Lives and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/09/saints-of-the-day-9-june-saints-primus-and-felicianus-died-c304-martyrs-confessors/
St Alexander of Prusa St Arnulf of Velseca
St Baithen of Iona (c 536-c 599) Abbot, the first successor of St Columba of Iona. An Irish Monk, especially selected by St Columba, as one of the band of Missionaries who set sail for Scotland in 563. St Baithen of Iona is generally known as Baithen Mor, to distinguish him from eight other Saints of the same name — the affix mor meaning “the Great.” This holy man was closely related to the great St Columba. His Illustrious Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/09/saint-of-the-day-9-june-st-baithen-of-iona-c-536-c-599/
St Comus of Scotland St Cumian of Bobbio St Cyrus Bl Diana d’Andalo OP St Diomedes of Tarsus St Julian of Mesopotamia St Luciano Verdejo Acuña St Maximian of Syracuse (Died 594) Bishop St Pelagia of Antioch St Primus * St Richard of Andria Bl Robert Salt Bl Sylvester Ventura St Valerius of Milan St Vincent of Agen
Martyrs of Arbil – 5 Saints: Five Nuns who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Tamsabur for refusing to renounce Christianity for sun-worship – Amai, Mariamne, Martha, Mary and Tecla. They were beheaded on 31 May 347 at Arbil, Assyria (in modern Kurdistan, Iraq).
Saint of the Day – 8 June – Blessed John Davy O.Cart. (c1490-1535) Deacon of the Carthusian Order, Martyr, Born in York in c1490 and died by being chained to a wall in the Tower prison, London and starved, until his death on 8 June 1535. Also known as – John Davies. Additional Memorial – 4 May as one of the Carthusian Martyrs of London. Blessed John was Beatified on 20 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
Vicente Carducho c 1626 – The Martyrdom of the Carthusians Friars
The figure of Blessed John Davy is located in the stormy landscape of 16th Century England. A Carthusian Deacon, John faced the persecutions of Henry VIII with stoic firmness, remaining faithful to the Church and the Roman Pontiff until his last breath. His story, steeped in heroism and sacrifice, makes him a shining example for all those who find themselves facing similar trials. You might think we are not facing such trials today but think again, they are mounting and growing in intensity, all over the world, by dedicated persecution.
Information on John Davy’s birth and youth is fragmentary. He is presumed to have been born in York, England, around 1490. Attracted to the contemplative life and strict discipline of the Charterhouse, he joined the Carthusian community of London in 1514. There, he distinguished himself by his piety, his zeal and his profound knowledge of tSacred Scripture and heology.
The reign of Henry VIII marked a period of profound and diabolical upheaval for the Catholic Church in England. The Sovereign, animated by political and personal aims, separated from the Holy See and proclaimed the Church of England as the sole state religion. Catholics, who did not bend to his will were persecuted ferociously. John Davy, as a Carthusian Deacon and fervent supporter of the Catholic Church, could not remain indifferent to this dramatic scenario. Together with his Brothers, he firmly opposed royal supremacy and the new doctrine imposed by the Sovereign. Their intransigence exposed them to harsh reprisals.
In 1534, Davy was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London. Subjected to cruel torture and a regime of extreme deprivation, he was firm to the end, never breaking under extreme torments. His will and his Faith remained fixed on Christ and His Church, Blessed John never renounced his Faith. His unwavering resistance and unswerving loyalty to the Church, further irritated his captors. On 8 June 1535, after months of torment, John Davy died in prison, exhausted by hunger and mistreatment. His death was a silent but eloquent Martyrdom, a tangible testimony of his unshakable Faith and his unshakable attachment to the his Lord and His Catholic Church.
Vicente Carducho c 1626 – The Martyrdom of the Carthusians Friars
John Davy’s reputation for sanctity quickly spread among English Catholics, who venerated him as a Martyr of the Faith. In 1888, Pope Leo XIII Beatified him, confirming his status as a heroic example for the faithful.
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Queen of Heaven and Earth, Holy Queen: Pope Pius XII established this Feast in 1954 with a Feast Day of 31 May. However, this year, 31 May fell within the Corpus Christi Octave and, therefore, the Feast has been transferred until today, a week later. In his 1954 Encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam – To the Queen of Heaven, Pope Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection and because, of her intercessory power HERE: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/31/the-queenship-of-mary-and-memorials-of-the-saints-31-may/
Blessed Armand of Zierikzee OFM (Died c1524) Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor, renowned Scriptural Scholar. St Bron of Cassel Bishop, Spiritual student of Saint Patrick. St Calliope St Clodulf of Metz Bl Engelbert of Schäftlarn St Eustadiola of Moyen-Moutier St Fortunatus of Fano Bishop
St Gildard of Rouen (c 456-c 545 Bishop of Rouen, Confessor * Twin Brother of St Medard below. The Roman Martyrology states of St Medard and his twin brother, St Gildard, today: “At Soissons, in France, the birthday of St Gildard, Bishop of Rouen, whose life and precios death are illustrated by glorios miracles – at Rouen, St Gildard, Bishop, twin brother of St Medard,who was born with his brother on the same day, Consecrated Bishops at the same time and being taken away from this life, also on the same day, they entered Heaven together!” About St Gildard: https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-st-gildard-of-rouen-c-456-c-545/
Bl Giorgio Porta Bl Giselbert of Cappenberg St Heraclius of Sens Blessed John Davy O.Cart. (c1490-1535) Deacon of the Carthusian Order, Martyr Bl essedJohn Rainuzzi Bl Maddallena of the Conception
St Medard (c 456-545) Bishop and Confessor * Twin Brother of St Gildard above. About this iluustrious Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-saint-medard-c-456-545-bishop/ The Roman Martyrology states of St Medard and his twin brother, St Gildard, today: “At Soissons, in France, the birthday of St Medard, Bishop of Novon, whose life and precios death are illustrated by glorious miracles – at Rouen, St Gildard, Bishop, twin brother of St Medard,who was born with his brother on the same day, Consecrated Bishops at the same time and being taken away from this life, also on the same day, they entered Heaven together!”
St Melania the Elder St Muirchu St Pacificus of Cerano Bl Peter de Amer Bl Robert of Frassinoro St Sallustian St Syra of Troyes St Victorinus of Camerino
Saint of the Day – 7 June – Saint Gottschalk and his Companions (Died 1066) Lay Missionary Martyr, Prince of the Wends (Wends is a historical name for Slavs who inhabited present-day northeast Germany). Died by being murdered at the Altar with 29 fellow missionaries on 7 June 1066 in Lenzen, Pomerania, by pagan assassins. Patronages – of linguists, lost vocations, princes, translators. Also known as – Godescalcus, Godeschalc, Gotteschalk, Gotteschalc.
Son of Duke Udo, who still governed the Obodrites and the Vagris, in the early years of Emperor Conrad II, Gottschalk was educated in the Christian religion from birth, first in his family, then in the Monastery of St Michael in Liineburg. Upon the death of his father, murdered at the hands of a Saxon, who wanted to take revenge on the tyranny and cruelty of Udo, described by the chronicler Adam of Bremen, Godescalco, sacrificing his Faith to revenge, renounced Christianity and, at the head of his people, he joined other pagan Princes to go against the Saxons.
He fought against them for a long time, bringing destruction and death to their land, until, succumbing to remorse for so much pain and ruin he had caused, he surrendered to the Duke of Saxony, Bernard II, who, after holding him prisoner for some time, sent him to Denmark.
Having placed himself there in the service of King Cnut II the Great, he went with him to fight in England (c1030), where he behaved bravely, also being admired for his excellent qualities, so as to win all the esteem and consideration of the King , whose great-grand-daughter, Syritha, Gottschalk later married.
After the death of Cnut in 1035 and his son, Harold Hanfoot in 1040, Gottschalk returned to his native land and, raising an army with his people, undertook the conquest of the other Slavic populations who soon subjected them all to his dominion. At the same time, Gottschalk made himself recognised as their Lord also by a large section of the Saxon community.
By 1043, with this conquests, Gottschalk managed to form a vast and well-organised Kingdom . There was then, no ruler among the Slavs more powerful than himself, as the aforementioned Adam of Bremen wrote.
Returning again to his lapsed Faith, since the time of his first residence in Denmark, Gottschalk greatly favoured the evangelisation of the people, having many Churches built in his dominions and Ordaining Priests, always working tirelessly for the conversion of his still idolatrous subjects. To then preserve the fervour of the Christian Faith among them, he founded the Bishoprics of Oldenburg, Mecklenburg and Ratzenburg, established numerous Monasteries in various other Cities and sent armies of Missionaries to the most distant regions of his vast state., among whom John the Scot stood out for his apostolic zeal, who alone baptised thousands of pagans!
Gottschalk himself often travelled with these Missionaries, sometimes even acting as an interpreter during their preaching. Such ardent zeal in favour of the spread of the Christian Faith could not obtain a better reward than the crown of Martyrdom, hich Gottschalk, the pious King, in fact wore on 7 June 1066, when he fell victim to a violent pagan reaction and was killed out of hatred for the Catholic Faith in Lenzen on the Elbe, while he was attending Mass. With him the Priest Ebbo (or Eppone) suffered the same glorious fate, who was even murdered on the Altar, and many other Ecclesiastics and lay faithful.
Immediately venerated as a Saint, Gottschalk had a strong public cult in many Churches in northern Europe. His Feast is celebrated on 7 June, the commemorative day of his Martyrdom.
St Gottschalk and Companions (Died 1066) Lay Missionary Martyr St Justus of Condat St Landulf of Yariglia St Lycarion of Egypt
Venerable Matt Talbot (1856 – 1925) (born Matthew Talbot) – Layman, Ascetic, Mystic – known as the “Saint in Overalls” and “the Workers’ Saint” disciple of Eucharistic Adoration and the Blessed Virgin – Patron of Struggling and Recovering Addicts and Alcoholics and many addiction treatment programs, retreats and centres throughout the world bear his name. On 6 November 1931, Edward Joseph Byrne, Archbishop of Dublin, opened a sworn inquiry into the alleged claims of holiness of the former dock worker. He was declared Venerable in 1975. The Matt Talbot Story: https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-venerable-matt-talbot-ofs/
St Meriadoc I of Vannes St Meriadoc II of Vannes St Odo of Massay St Potamiaena of Alexandria the Younger St Quirinus of Cluny Martyr. No other information has survived.
St Robert of Newminster O.Cist. (c 1100–1159) English Priest, Abbot, Apostle of the poor, Miracle-worker. He was one of the Monks who founded Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire, England, another at Newminster, Northumbria and 3 other Monasteries Robert ruled and directed the Monks at Newminster for 21 years. St Robert’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-saint-robert-newminster-o-cist-c-1100-1159/
St Sergius of Cluny St Vulflagius of Abbeville
Martyrs of Africa – 7 Saints: A group of seven Christians who were Martyred together. No details about them have survived except the names – Donata, Evasius, Guirillus, Januaria, Privata, Spisinna, Victurus. The precise location in Africa and date are unknown.
Martyred in Córdoba, Spain: Habentius of Córdoba Jeremiah of Córdoba Peter of Córdoba Sabinian of Córdoba Wallabonsus of Córdoba Wistremundus of Córdoba
Saint of the Day – 6 June – Saint Gilbert of Neufontaines O.Praem. (c1076-1152) Abbot, a French Knight and Military Leader, Crusader in the 2nd Crusade , Founder of Neufontaines Monastery and Hospital for the poor ( which he populated with Canons from the Premonstratensian Abbey of Notre-Dame de Dilo), Apostle of the sick especially of ill children, Miracle-worker. Born in c1076 and died on 6 June 1152 at Neufontaines of natural causes. Patronages – of Neuffons and of Auvergne. Also known as – Gilbert of Auvergne, Gilbert of Neuffers. Additional Memorial – 26 October (in Neufontaines and Aubeterre, France).
The Knight Gilbert belonged to the high nobility of Auvergne. Following the advice of Ornifius, the Norbertine Abbot of Dilo, he participated in the Second Crusade (1147-1149) which was preached by St Bernard at Vezelay and led by the French King, Louis VII. This Crusade ended in military disaster.
Having survived this dangerous endeavour, Gilbert decided, together with his wife, Petronilla and his daughter, Ponzia, to dedicate himself to God and enter the monastic life. He distributed a portion of his considerable wealth to the poor and also founded a Convent which his wife and daughter entered. At first, Gilbert himself lived as a Hermit. After completing his novitiate in the Norbertine Abbey of Dilo, in around 1150, he founded the Abbey of Neuffontaines and became its first Abbot. Following the example of St Norbert, he also built a hospital attached to the Abbey which soon became famous because of the many miracles which occurred there.
Penitent and filled with compassion, he cared for a great number of sick and sinful people, whom he wished to cure both spiritually and physically. Children with severe illnesses were brought to him from all over , his compassion so overwhelmed him that he was able to heal with his tears. He laid his hands upon them and gave them back to their parents cured This gave rise to the later custom of parents bringing their sick children to Neuffontaines, clothed in white, seeking the intercession of St Gilbert for cures and miracles..
Gilbert died on 6 June 1152, consumed by penance and hard toil. He had expressed his desire to be buried in the cemetery of the poor who died at the Abbey. But because of the many miracles which God worked through his intercession, his earthly remains were eventually transferred to the Abbey Church of Neuffontaines and, after being lost for a time, were later rediscovered in the Abbey in October 1645. In 1791, the Relics were transferred, for greater safety, to St Didier and, nevertheless, were lost during the tumult and desecration of the French Revolution. St. Gilbert’s Feast Day (26 October) falls on the anniversary of his translation of the 17th Century. Pope Benedict XIII confirmed the veneration of St Gilbert on 22 January and 8 March 1728.
O God, who called Thy Abbot St Gilbert away from the riches of the world that he might enter into the way of poverty, grant, we beseech Thee, that entering into the way of humility, we may strive to serve our brothers. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God forever and ever. Amen.
St Norbert O. Praem. (c 1080-1134) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of the Premonstratensian or the Norbertine Canons and Sisters, “Defender of the Eucharist” and “Apostle of the Eucharist,” Exorcist, Reformer, Preacher His amazing life: https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/06/saint-of-the-day-6-june-st-norbert/
St Agobard of Lyon St Alexander of Fiesole St Alexander of Noyon St Amantius of Noyon St Anoub of Skete St Artemius of Rome St Bazalota of Abyssinia
St Candida of Rome St Ceratius of Grenoble St Claudius of Besançon St Cocca St Colmán of Orkney Bl Daniel of Bergamo St Euphemia of Abyssinia St Eustorgius II of Milan Bl Falco of La Cava St Gilbert of Neufontaines O.Praem. (c1076-1152) Abbot St Grazia of Germagno St Gudwall (6th Century) Bishop Bl Gundisalvus of Azebeyro St Hilarion the Younger
Marytrs of Tarsus: A group of 20 Martyrs who were Martyred together during the persecutions of Diocletian. They were martyred in Tarsus (in modern Turkey).
Mercedarian Fathers of Avignon: Several Mercedarians from the Santa Maria Convent of Avignon, France who worked with plague victims in that city and died of the disease themselves. They died in Avignon, France of plague and are remembered together today for their great charity and commitment to their people.
Quote/s of the Day – 5 June – St Boniface (672-754) Bishop, Martyr “The Apostle of Germany,” Confessor, Bishop
“Let us continue the fight on the Day of the Lord. The days of anguish and of tribulation have overtaken us; if God so wills, let us die for the holy laws of our fathers, so that we may deserve to obtain an eternal inheritance with them.”
“Let us be neither dogs which do not bark, nor silent onlookers, nor paid servants who run away before the wolf!”
Eternal God, Our Refuge By St Boniface (672-754) Martyr
Eternal God, the refuge and help of all Thy children, we praise Thee for all Thou hast given us, for all Thou hast done for us, for all that Thou art to us. In our weakness, Thou art strength, in our darkness, Thou art light, in our sorrow, Thou art comfort and peace. We cannot number Thy blessings, we cannot declare Thy love – for all Thy graces, we bless Thee. May we live as in Thy presence, and love the things that Thou loves and serve Thee in our daily lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day – 5 June – St Eoban of Utrecht (Died 754) Bishop Martyr, Missionary as a Disciple of St Boniface, who also shared in the Martyrdom of his master. Born in England or Ireland and died on 5 June 754 at Dokkum, Freisland (modern Netherlands). Also known as – Eobáno, Eobánus. Additional Memorial – 7 July in Fulda, Germany and 19 December, the date of St Eoban’s arrival in Germany.
St Boniface and Companions attacked
We know almost nothing about Eoban’s early life except that he was a Monk and Priest in either Ireland or England and was selected by St Boniface to accompany him on his mission to Gerrmany.
Eoban was also chosen by St Boniface to be his assistant Bishop for Frisia and installed in 753 in Utrecht, according to the Life of Saint Boniface, written in 765 by Willibaldus.
According to the Vita Bonifatii auctore Willibaldo, on the morning of 5 June 754, Boniface and 50 others, presumably including Eoban (none of the companions are mentioned by name in the Vita), were killed at Dokkum (The Netherlands) by pagan Frisians.
The Martyrdom of St Boniface. After the fresco by Carl Hesse.
After his Martyrdom, St Eoban was buried in Utrecht, whilst the many other companions were buring in Dokkum and various places. After 756, the Relics of the Bishops of Utrecht, Eoban and Adalar, were transferred to Fulda and buried next to St Boniface.
St Boniface and his disciples cutting down the pagan tree
Their Feast was initially celebrated in Mainz, Erfurt and Fulda on 26 July then, since 1915, on 7 July with the title Sts Eoban and Companion Martyrs. Eoban seems to have always had a special cult in Fulda, where an ancient calendar commemorates his arrival on 19 December. Adalar, however, is particularly honoured in Erfurt, where his own festival has been celebrated on 20 April since 1250.
The memory of Eobao’s other companions is remembered by all Martyrologists together with that of Saint Boniface on 5 June. A large Statue of St Eoban dominates the crypt of Saint Boniface’s Church in Fulda. The Sarcophagus containing some Relics of the Saints Eoban and Adalat in the Erfurt Cathedral is dated about 1350.
St Adalar of Erfurt Bl Adalbert Radiouski Bl Adam Arakawa St Austrebertus of Vienne St Claudius of Egypt and Companions St Ðaminh Huyen St Ðaminh Toai St Dorotheus of Tyre St Elleher St Eoban of Utrecht (Died 754) Bishop Martyr, Disciple of St Boniface St Eutichius of Como St Evasius of Africa St Felix of Fritzlar
Blessed Ferdinand of Portugal (1402-1443) “The Holy Prince” Blessed Ferdinand spent as much time as he could in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament especially during the Easter Triduum when his habit was to be constantly in adoration, from Holy Thursday to Easter. He was the youngest of the “Illustrious Generation” of 15th-century Portuguese Princes of the House of Aviz and lay Master of the Knightly Order of Aviz.The Holy Prince’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/05/saint-of-the-day-5-june-blessed-ferdinand-of-portugal-1402-1443-the-holy-prince/
St Gregory of Lilybaeum St Gundekar St Hadulph St Luke Loan Bl Meinwerk of Paderborn St Privatus of Africa St Sanctius of Córdoba St Tudno of Caernarvon St Waccar
Martyrs of Caesarea: A group of Christians who converted together, were imprisoned together, tortured together, and Martyred together. We know nothing more about them but their names – Cyria, Marcia, Valeria and Zenaides. Died Caesarea, Palestine, date unknown.
Martyrs of Egypt: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Galerius Maximian. The only other information was have is three of their names – Apollonius, Marcian and Nicanor. Died in Egypt, date unknown.
Martyrs of Perugia: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius. We know little more than their names – Cyriacus, Faustinus, Florentius, Julian and Marcellinus. Died beheaded in 250 in Perugia, Italy
Martyrs of Rome: 26 Christians Martyred together. We have no details about them but their names – Candida, Castula, Fappa, Felician, Felicitas (2 of), Felicula, Fortunatus, Gagus, Gregor, Hilarius, Ingenuus, Juliana, Martialis, Maurus, Mustilus, Nicander, Prima, Rogata, Rutianus, Sacrinus, Saturnin, Secundian, Secundus, Urbicus, Victurus. Died • Rome, Italy, date unknown. Relics transferred to Antwerp, Belgium, date unknown.
Quote of the Day – 4 June – Saint Optatus of Milevis (4th Century) Bishop, Father of the Church
“You cannot deny that you know that in the City of Rome, upon Peter first, the Chair of the Bishop was conferred, in which sat the Head of all the Apostles, Peter, whence also, he was called Cephas, in which One Chair unity should be preserved by all, lest the other Apostles should each stand up for his own chair, so that now, he should be a schismatic and a sinner who should, against this One Chair, set up another!”
St Optatus (4th Century) Bishop of Milevis Father of the Church
Saint of the Day – 4 June – Saint Optatus of Milevis (4th Century) Bishop of Milevis, Numidia, in Africa, Father of the Church, the first fierce opponent of Donatism, Writer against heresy, Scholar. Also known as – Optate, Ottato.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milevis, in Numidia, in Africa, Saint Optatus, Bishop of that place, celebrated for learning and holiness.”
Optatus was a convert, as we learn from St Augustine. He is perhaps the least known of all the Fathers of the Church. He was learned with a solid cultural preparation which ranged from Scriptural exegesis to Theology, without disdaining the profane disciplines, such as rhetoric and jurisprudence. All this must have supported Optatus as he ventured into his literary and pastoral activity.
He is best known for his opposition to the heresy of Donatism and his six treatises composed against them. One of these, “Against Parmenian”, is still extant and was mentioned by St Jerome in his “De Viris Illustrius” as having been composed in six books.
The treatise stresses the need for unity and is conciliatory in tone but it criticises Donatist teachings on Baptism and stresses that the Church cannot be limited to Africa but is ‘Catholic.’
Optatus was much praised by such contemporaries as St Augustine and St Fulgentius of Ruspe.
“His treatise against the Donatists was translated into French in 1564. It is extremely improbable that, but for this exception, it has, until now, ever appeared in any language save Latin. It is quite certain that it has never yet been clothed in an English dress.
Indeed it is not too much to say that the very name of Optatus is barely known, even to many students of Theology and Ecclesiastical history. Yet his is no mean name and he cannot be ignored with safety, for he has bequeathed to the Church, material of no small value.”
The above excerpt was written by Fr O R Vassali-Phililips CSSR in his Introduction to his translation of our Saints works. His translation was published in 1917. Here is a link to the Treatise: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/optatus_00_intro.htm
St Francis Caracciolo CRM (1563-1608) Confessor, Priest, Co-Founder of the Congregation of the Clerics Regular Minor with Venerable John Augustine (1551-1587) the “Adorno Fathers,” Apostle of the Eucharistic Adoration. His body was given enough preparation for a long journey to Naples. Truly, God has left His own sign on him. When the body was lanced, the blood spouted a red and scented fluid and his vital organs were incorrupt. Around his heart were printed the words of the Psalm: “The zeal of Thy House consumes me” (Ps 69:10). Wow!: https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-saint-francis-caracciolo-crm-1563-1608/
St Aldegrin of Baume St Alexander of Verona Bishop St Alonio St Aretius of Rome Bl Boniface of Villers St Breaca of Cornwall St Buriana of Cornwall
St Christa of Sicily Martyr. No further information has survived.
St Clateus of Brescia St Cornelius McConchailleach OSA (Died 1176) Archbishop of Armagh St Croidan St Cyrinus of Aquileia St Dacian of Rome St Degan St Edfrith of Lindisfarne Bishop St Elsiar of Lavedan St Ernin of Cluain Blessed Francis Ronci (1223-1294) Bl Margaret of Vau-le-Duc St Medan Bl Menda Isategui St Metrophanes of Constantinople Bishop and Confessot St Nennoc St Nicolo of Sardinia St Optatus of Milevis (4th Century) Bishop
St Quirinus of Croatia St Quirinus of Tivoli St Rutilus of Sabaria St Saturnina of Arras St Trano of Sardinia St Walter of Fontenelle St Walter of Serviliano
Martyrs of Cilicia – 13 Saints: A group of 13 Christians who were Martyred together. The only details about them that have survived are their names – Cama• Christa• Crescentia• Eiagonus• Expergentus• Fortunus• Italius • Jucundian• Julia• Momna• Philip• Rustulus• Saturnin They were Martyred in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey), date unknown
Martyrs of Nyon – 41 Saints: A group of 41 Christians Martyred together for refusing to sacrifice to imperial Roman idols. We know the names of some but no other details. Amatus• Attalus• Camasus• Cirinus• Dinocus• Ebustus• Euticus• Eutychius • Fortunius• Galdunus• Julia• Quirinus• Rusticus• Saturnina• Saturninus • Silvius• Uinnita• Zoticus Martyred by being beheaded in Noviodunum (modern Nyon, Switzerland).
Saint of the Day – 3 June – Saint Albert of Como (Died c1092) Bishop, the 15th Bishop of Como. Also known as – Aribert, Ariberto, Adalbert, Adelbert.
Various Saints on the facade of Como Cathedral
The scant historical information describes Albert as a zealous Bishop, dedicated to the care of his people, while legend exalts his heroic virtues and miraculous powers.
Legend has it that, accused by the Pope of incontinence, Albert managed to triumph over such slander with the evidence of his holy life, his apostolic zeal and his thaumaturgical powers. On this occasion, he actually went personally to Rome, where he performed various miracles in the presence of the Pope, announcing among other things, that his death would follow the recovery of full visual faculties of the same Pontiff, who had a monocle. The Pontiff, then, when he recovered, went to Como, where he assisted the holy Bishop on his deathbed and participated in his funeral.
The actual date of Albert’s death cannot be determined. He was buried in the Church of the Apostles which, from 818 was called St Abbondius. His Relics were later placed together with those of St Rubiano,his predeccessor, under an Altar dedicated to them. In 1580 there was a further transfer of the Relics of the two holy Bishops, placed partly in the Cathedral under the Altar of the Crucifix, partly in the Dominican Church of St John. St Albert’s Feast was celebrated on 7 July and on that date he was also remembered in the Breviary of 1519-1523. His Feast was later moved to 3 June.
St Albert of Como (Died c 1092) Bishop St Athanasius of Traiannos St Auditus of Braga Bl Beatrice Bicchieri St Caecilius of Carthage
St Clotilde of France (c475-545) Widow, Mother, Queen, Apostle of the poor and the sick. Patronages – against death of children, adopted children, brides, exiles, parenthood, parents of large families, people in exile, queens, widows. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Paris, St Clotilde, Queen, by whose prayers her husband, King Clovis, was converted to the Faith of Christ.” Her Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/03/saint-of-the-day-3-june-st-clotilde-of-france-c475-545-widow/
St Conus of Lucania St Cronan the Tanner St Davinus of Lucca Bl Diego Oddi St Gausmarus of Savigny St Genesius of Clermont St Glunshallaich St Hilary of Carcassone St Isaac of Córdoba
St Laurentinus of Arezzo St Liphardus of Orléans St Morand of Cluny St Moses of Arabia St Oliva of Anagni St Paula of Nicomedia St Pergentinus of Arezzo Bl Phaolô Vu Van Duong St Urbicius
Martyrs of Africa – 156 Saints: 156 Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown; the only other information to survive are some of their names – Abidianus• Demetria• Donatus• Gagus• Januaria• Juliana• Nepor• Papocinicus• Quirinus• Quirus.
Martyrs of Byzantium – 5 Saints: A group of Christians, possibly related by marriage, who were Martyred together. They were – Claudius, Dionysiu, Hypatius, Lucillian, Paul. They were Martyred in 273 in Byzantium.
Martyrs of Rome – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Amasius, Emerita, Erasmus, Lucianus, Orasus, Satuaucnus, Septiminus• Servulus. They were Martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.
Martyrs of Rome – 85+ Christians Martyred together in Rome, Italy, date unknown. The only details that have survived are some of their names – Apinus • Apronus • Aurelius • Avidus • Cassianus • Criscens • Cyprus • Domitius • Donata • Donatus • Emeritus • Extricatus • Exuperia • Faustina • Felicitas • Felix • Flavia • Florus • Fortunata • Fortunatus • Fructus • Gagia • Gagus • Gallicia • Gorgonia • Honorata • Januaria • Januarius • Justa • Justus • Libosus • Luca • Lucia • Matrona • Matura • Mesomus • Metuana • Nabor • Neptunalis • Obercus • Paula • Peter • Pompanus • Possemus • Prisca • Procula • Publius • Quintus • Rogatian • Romanus • Rufina • Saturnin • Saturnus • Secundus • Severa • Severus • Sextus • Silvana • Silvanus • Sinereus • Tertula • Titonia • Toga • Urban • Valeria • Veneria • Veranus • Victor • Victoria • Victorinus • Victuria • Victurina • Virianus • Weneria • Zetula. They were Martyred in Rome date unknown.
Saint of the Day – 2 June – Saint Photinus of Lyons (c87-177) & Companions the First Bishop of Lyons, Martyr . Name means: the sweet one / the lovely one (Greek). Patronages – of the Archdiocese of Lyons and of the City of Lyons. Also known as – Pothin, Pothinus, Potino, Potinus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Lyons, many holy Martyrs (Photinus, the Bishop, Sanctus, the Deacond, Vetius, Epagathus, Maturus, Pontictus, Biblis, Attalus, Alexander and Blandina, with many others, whose many valiant combats in the time of Marcus Aurelius are recorded in a letter from the Church at Lyons to the Churches of Asia and Phrygia. …”
According to St Irenaeus, Photinus was born around the year 87, probably at Smyrna. He was a disciple of St Polycarp, the Apostolic Father and Martyr Bishop of Smyrna and accompanied him to Rome in 158.
St Pope Anicletus sent him to evangelise the Gauls. Photinus established himself at Lyons and founded there a flourishing Church, over which he presided for almost twenty years. In asserting his own authority as bishop of Lyons, St Irenaeus says that Pothinus had been his predecessor in the position and the first Bishop of that City.
By 177, a large number of the Christians in the area of Vienne and Lyons were Greeks from Asia. A violent persecution began against them while Photinus was the Bishop of Lyons and St Irenæus, who had been sent there by St Polycarp, was a Priest of that City.
Photinus died at the age of ninety, in 177, Martyred along with Alexander, Attalus, Espagathus, Maturus and Sanctius, during the tenure of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Pothinus and several companions were seized by a mob and taken to the magistrate. Pothinus is believed to have died from the abuse he suffered in prison, while the others were killed by wild beasts in the local amphitheatre.
St Eusebius of Caesarea also reports on the number and nature of the battles for the Faith in Gaul. The Martyrology of St Jerome reports a total of 48 Martyrs.
St Ada of Ethiopia St Adalgis of Thiérarche St Armin of Egypt Venerated in Egypt but we have no information about him. St Barbarinus St Blandina the Slave St Bodfan of Wales St Daminh Ninh Bl Demetrios of Philadelphia St Dorotheus of Rome
St Erasmus (Died c 303) Bishop Martyr – also known as Saint Elmo – Bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy. St Erasmus or Elmo is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and the Saint from whom comes the famous miracle of “Saint Elmo’s fire.” His Holy Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-st-erasmus-died-c-303-martyr/
St Evasius – Martyr. No other information has survived
Bl Giovanni de Barthulono
St Guido of Acqui (c 1004-1070) Bishop of Acqu in north-west Italy from 1034 until his death, zealous Reformer both in the lives of his clergy and his people. He built the Cathedral of Acqui amongst other religious buildings, including a Convent for Nuns. He donated his personal inheritance to the upkeep of the Diocese, the poor and for his building projects. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-saint-guido-of-acqui-c-1004-1070-patron-saint-against-famine/
St Photinus of Lyons (c87-177) 7 Companions Bishop Martyr St Rogate Bl Sadoc of Sandomierz St Stephen of Sweden
Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne: A group of 48 Christians from the areas of Vienne and Lyon, France, who were attacked by a pagan mob, arrested and tried for their faith, and murdered in the persecutions of Marcus Aurelius. A letter describing their fate, possibly written by Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, was sent to the churches in the Middle East. Only a few names and details of their lives have survived; some of them have separate entries on this date –
Alexander of Vienne Attalus of Pergamos Biblis of Lyons Blandina the Slave Cominus of Lugdunum Epagathus of Lugdunum Maturus the Novice Photinus of Lyons Ponticus of Lugdunum Sanctius of Vienne Vettius of Lugdunum They were Martyred in assorted ways at various times during the year 177.
Martyrs of Sandomierz: A group of 49 Dominicans, some of whom received the habit from Saint Dominic de Guzman himself. They worked separately and together to bring the faith and establish the Dominican Order in Poland, basing their operations in and around Sandomierz. In 1260 they were all Martyred by the Tartars as they were singing the Salve Regina at Compline; the custom of singing the Salve Regina at the deathbed of Dominicans, stems from this incident. We know a few details about a few of the martyrs, but most survive only as names – Zadok• Andrea, chaplain• James, novice master• Malachi, convent preacherPaul, vicar• Peter, guardian of the garden• Simone, penitentiaryfriarsAbel, Barnabas, Bartholomew, Clemente, Elia, John, Luke, Matthew, Philip deacons• Giuseppe, Joachim, Stefanosub-deacons• Abraham, Basil, Moses, Taddeoclerics• Aaron, Benedict, David, Dominico, Mattia, Mauro, Michele, Onofrio, Timothyprofessed students• Christopher, Donato, Feliciano, Gervasio, Gordian, John, Mark, Medardo, Valentinonovices• Daniele, Isaiah, Macario, Raffaele, Tobialay brothers• Cyril, tailor• Jeremiah, shoemaker, Thomas, organist. They were Martyred in 1260 at Sandomierz, Poland and Beatified on 18 October 1807 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation).
Saint of the Day – 1 June – Saint Crescentinus (Died 303) Martyr, Soldier. Died by being beheaded on 1 June 303 at Saldo, Italy. His Relics translated to Urbino, Italy in 1068 by Blessed Mainard of Urbino. Patronages – against headache (In Urbino the Saint’s Relics are used to touch the sufferer’s head, accompanied by prayers for the cure of the pain), of Città-di-Castello, Italy, Urbino, Italy. Also known as – Crescentian, Crescentino, Crescenziano, Crescentianus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Città-di-Castello, in Umbria, Italy, St Crescentian, a Roman Soldier, crowned with Martyrdom under the Emperior Diocletian.”
The annual procession on 1 June in Urbino
There are no documents, nor tombstones, nor epigraphs, prior to the 7th Century which remember our Saint. According to a ‘passio’ considered by scholars to be fictitious and fabulous, dating to the 7th Century, Crescentinus, was a Roman Soldier who fled to the countryside, killed a dragon which had been terrorising the district.
After this feat of courage, Crescentinus was captured by the his pursuers and was then killed by them on 1 June during the persecution of Diocletian and buried in the place called ‘Gaddi’ or ‘Saddi’.
A Church was built on the spot in which the Bishop of the City lived, St Floridus and the Priest St Amanzius, who were also buried in the Church.
Crescentinus Relics were donated to Mainard, Bishop of Urbino or it is also thought that they were stolen. The body of the Martyr Crescentinus was found on 18 December 1360 and, as in other cases, he was considered as the Bishop of Città-di-Castello.
But the most favourable hypothesis indicates that the Relics of the Roman Soldier Martyr Crescentinus, were buried on the Via Ostiense and were sent to Città -di-Castello in an unspecified period and placed under the Altar of the Basilica.
Subsequently, as has often happened, St Crescentinud was considered a local Martyr. In 1500, he was included on 1 June in the Roman Martyrology, taking into account the ancient cult which the holy Martyr enjoyed in the area.
St Agapetus of Ruthenia Bl Alfonso Navarrete Benito Bl Arnald Arench Bl Arnold of Geertruidenberg St Atto of Oca St Candida of Whitchurch St Caprasius of Lérins (Died 430) Hermit St Clarus of Aquitaine St Claudius of Vienne Bl Conrad of Hesse St Conrad of Trier Bishop, Martyr St Crescentinus (Died 303) Martyr, Soldier St Cronan of Lismore St Damian of Scotland St Dionysius of Ruthenia St Donatus of Lucania St Felinus of Perugia Bl Ferdinand Ayala St Firmus St Fortunatus of Spoleto Bl Gaius Xeymon St Gaudentius of Ossero St Giuse Túc St Gratian of Perugia Bl Herculanus of Piegare St Iñigo of Oña St Ischryrion and Companions Bl James of Strepar Bl John Pelingotto Bl John Storey St Juventius Bl Leo Tanaka St Melosa St Pamphilus of Alexandria
St Porphyrius of Alexandria St Proculus of Bologna St Proculus the Soldier St Ronan St Secundus of Amelia St Seleucus of Alexandria St Simeon of Syracuse St Telga of Denbighshire St Thecla of Antioch
Blessed Teobaldo Roggeri (c1100-1150) Layman Shoemaker, Porter, Apostle of the poor and needy, Penitent, Pilgrim. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “In Alba in Piedmont, Blessed Teobaldo, who, driven by love for poverty, gave all his possessions to a widow and became a porter out of a spirit of humility, to carry the burdens of others on himself.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/01/saint-of-the-day-1-june-blessed-teobaldo-roggeri-c-1100-1150/
St Thespesius of Cappadocia St Wistan of Evesham St Zosimus of Antioch
Martyrs of Alexandria – 5 Saints: A group five of imperial Roman soldiers assigned to guard a group of Egyptian Christians who were imprisoned for their faith in the persecutions of Decius. During their trial, they encouraged the prisoners not to apostatize. This exposed them as Christians, were promptly arrested and executed. Martyrs. Their names are – Ammon, Ingen, Ptolomy, Theophilis and Zeno. They were beheaded in 249 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Caesarea – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Galerius. We know little more about them than the name – Paul, Valens and Valerius. They diedf in 309 at Caesarea, Palestine.
Martyrs of Lycopolis – 6 Saints: Five foot soldiers and their commander who were Martyred for their faith by order of the imperial Roman prefect Arriano during the persecutions of Decius. In Lycopolis, Egypt.
Martyrs of Rome – 6 Saints: A group of spiritual students of Saint Justin Martyr who died with him and about whom we know nothing else but their names – Carito, Caritone, Evelpisto, Ierace, Liberiano and Peone. In Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 31 May – Blessed Hermann of Marienstatt O.Cist. (1150-c1225) Cistercian Monk and Abbot of the Himmerod Abbey; founding Abbot of Heisterbach and Marienstatt Monasteries, Hermann was a zealous and powerful administrator, blessed with the gifts of prophecy, visions and miracles, Born in 1150 in the Rhineland (in modern Germany) and died in c1225 in Himmerod, Germany of natural causes.
Hermann is mentioned as Abbot for the last time in 1225. Soon after, he seems to have lived as a simple Monk in Himmerod, where he died around that time. In the Cistercian Order’s calendar, the commemoration (memoria) of “the Blessed Abbot Hermann, who laid the foundations of Marienstatt and who was famous for his gift of prophecy and also for many other miraculous signs” is recorded on 31 May.
Hermann von Marienstatt , depiction from the Baroque period, Marienstatt Abbey
Hermann von Marienstatt was born in 1150 into a noble Rhenish family (Rhenish meaning ‘of the Rhine’). He was initially a Canon at the St Cassius and Florentius Monastery in Bonn but , in around 1175, he joined the Cistercian Abbey of Himmerod.
When, in 1177, the Archbishop of Cologne, Philipp von Heinsberg, offered the Cistercians the property of a defunct Augustinian Canonry on the Stromberg – today’s Petersberg in the Siebengebirge – as a donation, Monks from Himmerod, led by Hermann as founding Abbot, more than 10 years later, in 1189, finally complied and took over the former Monastery.
Due to the unfavourable mountain location, the Convent soon moved to the nearby valley of the Heisterbach (1192-1199), from which the new Abbey took the name Heisterbach. From 1195, Abbot Hermann worked in Himmerod again. Endowments by Cologne Burgrave Eberhard von Aremberg and his wife Adelheid von Molsberg prompted Himmerod, together with its daughter Monastery, Heisterbach, to undertake one last founding action. In 1212, under the proven leadership of our Blessed Hermann, twelve Monks settled near Neunkhausen ‘at the place of St Maria’ – since then known as Marienstatt. Disputes over inheritance law within the founding family soon forced the abandonment of this site. Thanks to a new foundation by the Counts of Sayn the Cistercians were able to gain a foothold in the Westerwald again. In this context, Hermann is now also attested in Marienstatt documents.
A Cistercian Monk in front of the Heisterbach Monastery, depicted according to a reconstructed drawing around 1930, in the new Heisterbach Monastery Church
These events were later given legend on 27 December 1324.and recorded in writing, in the “Marienstatter Tafeln” the document for the Consecration of the Church. This iconographically valuable document is now in the Rheinisches Landes Museum in Bonn. Its border is decorated with fictitious portraits of the Abbots, beginning with Hermann.
The Cistercian Marienstatt Monastery in 2016
The text tells us that the Mother of God appeared to the worried Abbot in a dream and showed him an alternative building site, where a “hawthorn bush” blooms in the middle of winter. Its branch still adorns the Abbey’s Coat of Arms today, see below.
Hermann had to manage the founding of two Monasteries which were made difficult by geographical disadvantage, inheritance disputes and, in the case of Heisterbach, resistance from the population. When this happened, the Cistercian movement had already passed its peak in the area and was facing competition from new religious movements. Perhaps this is one of the reasons for Hermann’s resignation and retirement.
St Camilla Battista da Varano OSC (1458-1524) Virgin, Italian Princess, Poor Clare Nun and Abbess, Mystic, Spiritual Writer, Stigmatist. Both Saint Philip Neri and St Alphonsus Liguori recorded their admiration for her. On 8 April 1821 Pope Leo XIII approved the acts of the process for her Canonisation. She was Beatified by Pope Gregory XVI on 7 April 1843, following recognition of her long-standing public cult. On 4 February 1893 her writings were also approved. On 17 October 2010 Pope Benedict XVI Canonised her, along with five others. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/31/saint-of-the-day-31-may-saint-camilla-battista-da-varano-osc-1458-1524/
St Crescentian of Sassari St Donatian of Cirta St Felice of Nicosia St Galla of Auvergne Blessed Hermann of Marienstatt O.Cist. (1150-c1225) Abbot St Hermias of Comana
Blessed James Salomoni OP (1231-1314) Priest of the Order of Preachers, “Father of the Poor,” “Apostle of the Afflicted,” Miracle-worker graced with the ability to cure sickness. Patronages – cancer patients, of the sick. He died on 31 May 1314, in his eighty-third year. His relics now lie in the Basilica of Sts John and Paul in Venice. Devotion to Blessed James has been approved and encouraged by several Popes. In 1526 he was officiallt Beatified by Pope Clement VII Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/31/saint-of-the-day-31-may-blessed-james-salomoni-op-1231-1314-apostle-of-the-afflicted/
St Juan Moya Collado Bl Kasper Gerarz St Lupicinus of Verona St Mancus of Cornwall Bl Mariano of Roccacasale St Mechtildis of Edelstetten St Myrbad of Cornwall Bl Nicholaus of Vangadizza Bl Nicholaus of Vaucelles St Nowa Mawaggali St Paschasius of Rome
St Silvio of Toulouse Bl Vitalis of Assisi St Winnow of Cornwall
Martyrs of Aquileia – 3 Saints: Three young members of the imperial Roman nobility and who were raised in a palace and had Saint Protus of Aquileia as tutor and catechist. To escape the persecutions of Diocletian, the family sold their property and moved to Aquileia, Italy. However, the authorities there quickly ordered them to sacrifice to idols; they refused. Martyrs all – Cantianilla, Cantian and Cantius. They were beheaded in 304 at Aquae-Gradatae (modern San-Cantiano) just outside Aquileia, Italy.
Martyrs of Gerona – 29 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Gerona, Catalonia, Spain, date unknown. No details about them have survived but the names – Agapia• Amelia• Castula• Cicilia• Donatus• Firmus• Fortunata• Gaullenus• Germanus• Honorius• Istialus• Justus• Lautica• Lupus •Maxima• Paulica• Rogate• Rogatus• Silvanus• Tecla• Teleforus• Tertula• Tertus• Victoria• Victurinus• Victurus.
Martyrs of the Via Aurelia – 4 Saints: Four Christians Martyred together. No information about them has survived except their names – Justa, Lupus, Tertulla and Thecla. The martyrdom occurred in 69 on the Via Aurelia near Rome,
Saint of the Day – 30 May – Blessed Elisabeth Stagel OP (c1300-1360) Virgin, Prioress of the Order of Preachers, writer, friend and spiritual student of Blessed Henry Suso OP (1290-1365). Born in c1300 in Zurich, Switzerland and died in c1360 of natural causes at Töss Convent in Winterthur in Switzerland, where she was the Prioress. Also known as – Elisabeth Staglin, Elisabeth Steiglin, Elsbeth…
Bl Elisabeth Stagel depicted in a copy of Lives of the Nuns of Töss.
Elisabeth was born into a noble family of Zurich, the daughter of a City Councilor, Rudolf Stagel.
In 1336 she came into contact with the Blessed mystic Henry Suso and from that moment she was his pupil and soulmate. She developed a deep friendship with him and the two remained in active correspondence for the remainder of their lives. Bl Henry considered Elisabeth as his spiritual daughter.
de Zurbaran, Francisco; The Blessed Henry Suso
During their conversations, Elisabeth asked Bl Henry to help her understand the pathway to God by sharing with her his own experiences. However, Suso did not know that the well-educated nun was keeping the letters he sent her and recording all that Suso told her, concerning both theological matters and his extreme practices of personal penance. When he learned of her undertaking, he requested the texts and proceeded to burn them, saving only the second installment of manuscripts for the sake of educating other religious. Bl Henry thereafter forbade Elisabeth to imitate him by engaging in extreme asceticism, fearing for her health.
Elisabeth then authored the Lives of the Nuns of Töss, a work containing biographies of 39 nuns and providing a comprehensive picture of mysticism in the Töss Convent. Blessed Elisabeth of Hungary may have been one of the Nuns whose life Elisabeth described.
Elisabeth died in Töss in 1360 and was probsbly buried there.
Blessed Elisabeth’s book is integral to understanding mysticism and monastic life in medieval Germany.
The former Töss Monastery in a drawing by the Historian, Heinrich Murer (17th Century)
St Pope Felix I (Died 274) Martyr, the 26th Bishop of Rome from 5 January 269 to his death in 274. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome on the Aurelian road, the birthday of St Felix, Pope and Martyr, who was crowned with Martyrdom under the Emperor Aurelian.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/30/saint-of-the-day-30-may-saint-felix-i-died-274-pope-martyr/
St Ferdinand III of Castile (1199-1252) King of Castile and Toledo, Knight, a man of great virtue and goodness who sought sanctity in all things, a man of great justice who sought to elevate even those he conquered, a man who was a great father, bringing his children up in the fear and love of God alone, a diplomatic genius because of his great goodness, a unifier of all, he had a great devotion to Our Lady – born in 1198 near Salamanca, Spain and died on 30 May 1252 at Seville, Spain of natural causes. Patronages – authorities, governors, rulers, engineers, large families, magistrates, parenthood, paupers, poor people, prisoners, Spanish monarchy, tertiaries, Seville, Spain The Life of the Holy St Ferdinand: https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/30/saint-of-the-day-30-may-st-ferdinand-iii-of-castile-1199-1252/
St Joan of Arc (1412-1431) “The Maid of Orléans” Holy Virgin. The Church officially remembers Joan of Arc not as a Martyr but as a Virgin—the Maid of Orleans. Of course, Joan was a Martyr, but not in the technical sense. Yes, she died because she did what she thought God wanted her to do. But she was killed for her politics, not for her faith. Pagans did not execute her for refusing to worship their gods. Infidels did not slay her for defying them. Political enemies burned her at the stake for defeating them at war. St Joan! https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/30/saint-of-the-day-30-may-st-joan-of-arc-1412-1431/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2017/05/30/saint-of-the-day-30-may-st-joan-of-arc/
St Anastasius II of Pavia St Basil the Elder St Crispulus of Sardinia Blessed Elisabeth Stagel OP (c1300-1360) Virgin, Prioress of the Order of Preachers St Emmelia St Euplius St Exuperantius of Ravenna St Gamo of Brittany St Gavino of Sardinia St Isaac of Constantinople Bl Lawrence Richardson St Luke Kirby St Madelgisilus St Reinhildis of Riesenbeck St Restitutus of Cagliari Bl Richard Newport
St Venantius of Lérins St Walstan of Bawburgh Bl William Filby Bl Willilam Scott
Martyrs of Aquileia – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. We have no other details than their names – Cantianus, Euthymius and Eutychius. Aquileia, Italy.
Quote/s of the Day – 29 May – St Maria Magdalena de’ Pazzi O.Carm (1566-1607) Virgin
“Self-love is like the worm which gnaws at the root and destroys, not only the fruit but even, the very life of the plant. The traitor whom we have to fear most, is self-love, for self-love betrays us as Judas betrayed our Lord with a kiss. He who conquers self-love, conquers all!”
“I do not desire to die soon because, in Heaven, there is no suffering. I desire to live a long time because, I yearn to suffer much for the love of my Spouse.”
Saint of the Day – 29 May – Saint Gerard of Mâcon (Died 926) Bishop of Mâcon, France for 40 years, ruling from 886 until his death in 926. Uncertainty surrounds his place and date of birth, some indicate it in Belgium, others in Flanders but we do know that he died in a hermitage at Brou near Bourg-en-Bresse in France. Patronages – of Bourg-en-Bresse, Brou and several other French Towns. Also known as – Gerardo, Gérard, Gérald, Girard or Gérard, Gerard of Brou,
The Old Cathedral of Mâcon
Whilst biographical information on Saint Gerard is conflicting. The oldest sources, such as the Episcopal records and catalogues of Mâcon, place our Saint in the 9th Century, other scholars hypothesise an earlier era. However, less debated is his monastic training at the Abbey of Ainay, a renowned centre of culture and religious piety. The experience within the monastic community undoubtedly shaped his spirit and prepared him for his future Episcopal role.
Around the year 886, Gerard was Consecrated Bishop of Mâcon, a Diocese located in the turbulent region of Burgundy. His Episcopate, which lasted for forty years, coincided with a complex historical period, marked by feudal struggles and Norman incursions. In this stormy context, Gerard stood out as a tenacious and wise leader, capable of defending the rights of the Church and its people.
His participation in the Council of Chalon-sur-Saône in 886 testifies to his commitment to re-establishing ecclesiastical order and discipline, countering the interference of lay people in religious matters.
Despite his dedication to his flock, Gerard was not immune to hardship and disillusionment. Tired of the constant battles with the local lords and wanting a more contemplative life, he decided to retire to Brou, a Town near Bourg-en-Bresse. Here he founded a Monastery and a Church, dedicating himself to prayer and meditation. The hermit choice did not mean an abandonment of his pastoral commitment, for Gerard continued to receive visitors and dispense spiritual advice. His reputation for sanctity spread rapidly, attracting numerous pilgrims to Brou.
Saint Gerard died in 926. His remains were initially buried in the Church he had founded in Brou. Subsequently, after 958, they were transferred to the Church of Saint-Pierre in Mâcon, where they are still venerated today. His memory is still celebrated today on 29 May. Saint Gerard is considered the Patron Saint of Bourg-en-Bresse, Brou and several other French Towns.
St Maria Magdalena de’ Pazzi O.Carm (1566-1607) Carmelite Nun and Mystic, Ecstatic, she bi-located and was the intercessor of many miracles, Stigmatist. She was Beatified in 1626 by Pope Urban VIII. At her Canonisation in 1668, her body was declared miraculously incorrupt. Her Feast day is today 29 May but was moved in 1969 to 25 May. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/25/saint-of-the-day-25-may-saint-maria-magdalena-de-pazzi-o-carm-1566-1607/
St Conon the Elder St Conon the Younger St Daganus St Eleutherius of Rocca d’Arce St Felix of Atares St Gerard of Mâcon (Died 926) Bishop of Mâcon, France Bl Gerardesca of Pisa Bl Giles Dalmasia St Hesychius of Antioch St John de Atarés
St Maximus of Verona St Restitutus of Rome Bl Richard Thirkeld St Theodosia of Caesarea and Companions St Votus of Atares
Martyrs of Toulouse: A group of eleven Dominicans, Franciscans, Benedictines, clergy and lay brothers who worked with the Inquisition in southern France to oppose the Albigensian heresy. Basing their operations in a farmhouse outside Avignonet, France, he and his brother missioners worked against heresy. Murdered by Albigensian heretics while singing the Te Deum on the eve of Ascension. They were beaten to death on the night of 28 to 29 May 1242 in the church of Avignonet, Toulouse, France and Beatified on 1 September 1866 by Pope Pius IX (cultus confirmation). They are: Adhemar Bernard of Roquefort Bernard of Toulouse Fortanerio Garcia d’Aure Pietro d’Arnaud Raymond Carbonius Raymond di Cortisan Stephen Saint-Thibery William Arnaud The Prior of Avignonet whose name unfortunately has not come down to us. The Church in which they died was placed under interdict as punishment to the locals for the offence. Shortly after the interdict was finally lifted, a large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was found on the doorstep. Neither the sculptor nor the patron was ever discovered, nor who delivered it or how. The people took it as a sign that they were forgiven but that they should never forget and should renew their devotion to Our Lady. They referred to the image as “Our Lady of Miracles.” There is a ceremony in the Church on the night of the 28th May, the Anniversary of the Martyrdom. Called “The Ceremony of the Vow” Parishioners would gather in the Church, kneel with lit candles and process across the Church on their knees, all the while praying for the souls of the heretics who had murdered the Martyrs. Martyrs of Trentino: Three missionaries to the Tyrol region of Austria, sent by Saint Ambrose and welcomed by Saint Vigilius of Trent. All were Martyred – Alexander, Martyrius and Sisinius. They were born in Cappadocia and died in 397 in Austria.
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