Saint of the Day – 26 February – Blessed Ulrik of Obermarchtal O.Praem. (Died 1187) Priest, Prior. Born in the early 12th Century Germany and died on 26 February 1187 in Swabia, Germany of natural causes. Also known as – Ulric, Ulrich.
All the Saints and Blesseds of the Norbertines
Ulrik was born at the beginning of the 12th Century in Germany. He joined the Premonstratensians – the Norbertines. He became a Canon in their Monastery, Mönchsrot in Rot on the river Rot in Upper Swabia in Baden-Württemberg, modern Germany.
This Monastery was founded in 1126 by the Founder of the Order, St Norbert of Xanten, the later Bishop of Magdeburg, on land he had received from Hemma of Wildenburg. The Monastery’s first Prior or Provost was Saint Burchard (1126-1140). Burchard was succeeded by the Blessed Odino (1140-1182). At the same time, the Monastery was upgraded from a Priory to an Abbey and he became the Monastery’s first Abbot.
In 1171, our Blessed Ulrik was sent by Abbot Odino to the new foundation of Obermarchtal in Swabia (now in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany) where, in 1179, he succeeded the Blessed Eberhard (1171-1179) as pthe Prior. He was a good shepherd who was concerned with the spiritual life of his Monastery and who carefully followed the Rules of the Order. Under a picture where Ulrik is portrayed as blissful, it says:
“In virtute silentii ita emicuit, ut sese / supra se levarit; ita mortificatus vixit ut ne minimam offenseis ansam alicui / umquam videatur praebuisse; / Divino Angelorumque colloquio / intentus saepius.”
A very rough translation: “In the power of silence he flashed, so that he lifted himself above himself. He lived in such a mortified way that he should not have given the slightest offence as a snare to anyone … The divine conversation of the Angels was often his to attend to.”
Ulrik died on 26 February 1187 and was buried in the same grave as his predecessor Eberhard. He is honoured as Blessed by the Premonstratensians with a memorial day on the day of his death, 26 February.
St Alexander of Alexandria (Died c 326) Bishop of Alexandria, Confessor, Defender of the True Faith against heresies, in particular the Arians. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Alexandria, the Bishop St Alexander, an aged man held in great honour who was a successor of the blessed Peter as Bishop of the City. He expelled from the Church, Arius, one of his Priests, tainted with heretical impiety and convicted by Divine Truth and, subsequently, was one of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers, who condemned him at the Council of Nicea.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/26/saint-of-the-day-26-february-st-alexander-of-alexandria-died-c-326/
St Andrew of Florence St Dionysius of Augsburg St Faustinian of Bologna Bishop St Felix St Fortunatus St Irene Bl Ottokar of Tegernsee
Saint of the Day – 25 February – Saint Caesarius of Nazianzen (c329-369) Single Celibate Layman, a prominent Physician and Politician, Son of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen the Elder and Saint Nonna, Brother of Saint Gorgonia and Saint Gregory of Nazianzen. Born in c329 in Arianzus, near Nazianzen in modern day Turkey and died in c369 in Constantinople of natural causes. Patronages – of Physicians and bachelors.
It is maintained by historical writers that, while Caesarius and his brother Gregory were very close, they were very different characters. As Gregory pursued a devout religious life, his vivacious, outgoing brother was at home in the world of Byzantine politics. The two were complementary figures; Caesarius relied on his brother to guide him through troubles, while he encouraged Gregory’s literary and rhetorical talents.
The younger son of Gregory the Elder, the Bishop of Nazianzen and his wife, Nonna, Caesarius was born at the family villa of Arianzus, near Nazianzen. He probably studied at Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia in preparation for the elite school of Alexandria in Egypt. His favourite studies there were geometry, astronomy and especially medicine. In the last-named science, he surpassed all his fellow students.[
His fame as a Physician spread quickly and in 355 he travelled to the Imperial Capital of Constantinople. About 3 years later, in 358, Caesarius had already acquired a great reputation for his medical skill in Constantinople, when his brother Gregory, homeward bound from Athens, arrived ther. Caesarius sacrificed a remunerative and honourable post to return with Gregory to their home near Nazianzen.
The Capital, however, soon proved to be too great an attraction for him and he returned there to eventually become an eminent Physician at the Byzantine Court of Emperor Constantius II and then, much to the regret of his family, at that of Julian the Apostate. But Julian failed in his efforts to win him over to briefly restored Paganism. Caesarius, more appreciative of his Faith than of imperial favour, ultimately left the Court but returned to Constantinople after Julian’s death in 363.
Under the Emperor Valens, Caesarius became Quaestor of Bithynia, a position which included the treasury and tax collection responsibilities. After escaping from the earthquake which shook Nicaea (11 October, 368), his brother wrote to him, pleading with him to leave his political position and withdraw to a religious life. However, Caesarius was suddenly killed by the widespread Plague which followed the earthquake, shortly after having received Baptism which he, like many others at the period, had deferred until late in life.
After his death, his very considerable estate was rapidly pillaged by servants and creditors. His brother Gregory insisted that what remained of the estate be distributed to the poor and to surviving relatives. His remains were interred at Nazianzen, where his brother delivered the funeral Sermon in the presence of his parents. In the Sermon, “On His Brother: St Caesarius” St Gregory portrays Caesarius as a model Christian devotion and asceticism, providing the main source for the details of his life and setting the groundwork for his elevation to the honour of Sainthood.
St Caesarius of Nazianzen (c329-369) Celibate Layman, Son of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen the Elder and Saint Nonna, Brother of Saint Gorgonia and Saint Gregory of Nazianzen.
St Donatus the Martyr St Felix III, Pope St Gerland the Bishop St Gothard the Hermit St Herena the Martyr St Justus the Martyr
Martyrs of Egypt – A group oSeven f Christian men who were exiled to Egypt for their faith and were eventually Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of Numerian. We know little more than their names: Claudianus, Dioscurus, Nicephorus, Papias, Serapion, Victor, Victorinus.
Saint of the Day – 24 February – Saint Adela of Blois (c1067-1137) Widow, Mother, Countess of Blois, France, Princess. Born in c1067 in Normandy, France and died on 8 March 1137 in Marcigny-sur-Loire, France of natural causes. Also known as – Adela of Normandy.
Adela of Blois was the daughter of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders. She was probably born after her father became the King of England and is thought to have been the youngest daughter. She was well educated, with a knowledge of Latin.
Between 1080 and 1083, Adela married Stephen Henry, son and heir of the Count of Blois. She was fifteen and he was nearly twenty years older. She gave birth to eleven children and was also stepmother to those from Stephen’s previous marriage. Her husband inherited Blois, Meaux and Chartres on his father’s death, as well as lands and rights in parts of Berry and Burgundy. The dynasty had other possessions east of Paris and by the end of Adela’s life was becoming part of the county of Champagne. She played a large part in laying the foundations of the union of the two. She worked closely with her husband, making decisions with him. For example they defended the Bishop of Chartres against the King of France.
Stephen Henry joined the First Crusade in 1096, along with his brother-in-law. Stephen’s letters to Adela gave an insight into the experiences of the Crusaders and showed that he trusted Adela to rule as Regent in his absence.
During her Regency, she granted the Monks in her region, the right to build new Churches and exercise their religious mission. She travelled around to settle disputes, promote economic growth and even to command knights to go into battle with the King. The Count of Blois returned from the Crusade bringing with him several cartloads of maps, jewels and other treasures. According to Orderic Vitalis, a Benedictine Monk and Chronicler, Stephen Henry came back from the Crusade in ignominy, apparently due to an early withdrawal desiring to return to his home. Adela berated him for this. He was under an obligation to the Pope for an agreements made earlier. He returned to Antioch to participate in the Crusade of 1102 and was ultimately killed after the Battle of Ramala.
Adela continued to act as Regent after her husband’s death and in the early year of her son Thibaud’s reign. She had chosen him rather than his elder brother, William as heir, as she did not think William fit to rule. Even when Thibaud came of age, she continued to issue charters and to act as Co-Regent of many parts of their lands. She did not secure a marriage alliance for him and he did not get married until 1120, after she retired. She, therefore, kept her power and influence.
Adela was a devout sympathiser with the Benedictines and had her children educated by high-ranking Religious tutors. One child, Henry, was dedicated to God as an Oblate at Cluny Abbey; he went onto be appointed as the Abbot of Glastonbury and Bishop of Winchester. In that capacity he was responsible for a huge building programme of castles, forts, bridges and villages. He also built Churches and Chapels and was a major patron of the arts, sponsored many books, including the Winchester Scriptures. Another son, Stephen, was a favourite at the Court of Henry I and seized the English throne from the rightful heiress, the Empress Matilda which led to the long civil war.
Adela’s place of retirement was the Marcigny Convent in Eastern France, near the great Abbey of Cluny. She lived the life of a nun, devoting herself to prayer. However, she remained in contact with her family and the Ecclesiastical rulers of the lands she had once governed, maintaining her influence.
Adela was an accomplished and influential woman. She wrote many letters which are still extant. In one instance, Adela sent letters to both her son Thibaud and Geoffrey, the latter the Bishop of Chartres, reminding them of alms-gifting to Monasteries. Her personal chamber was adorned with scenes from the Sacred Scriptures, Her father’s conquest of England and images of the academic subjects of the time, displaying her love of learning. She contributed greatly to the religious, economic and cultural well-being of her lands and was generous in endowing Monasteries and Churches. She also supported and patronised the literary and artistic cultures.
Adela died on on 8 March 1137 in the holy and peaceful surrounds of the Convent.
Saint of the Day – 23 February – Saint Milo of Benevento (Died c1077) Bishop, Teacher, Spiritual Guide and most zealous Shepherd of his flock and a loving father to the poor, the sick and the nedy. Born in Auvergne, France and died in c1073 in Benevento, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – of Bishops, of the poor and needy, of Teachers. Also known as – Milo of Auvergne, Milon … Milone… Additional Memorial – 25 May on some calendars.
An Unknown Bishop Saint who maybe St Milo
Saint Milo was born in Auvergne, France, in the 11th Century. From a young age he was remarkable for his piety and intelligence,and, for this reason, he was initiated into the studies required for the Priesthood. He studied in Paris, where he was Ordained a Priest and became a Canon of the Cathedral.
Milo was a man of great charity and compassion. He dedicated himself passionately to his ministry and, did his utmost to help those in need. He was also a great Teacher and was responsible for the education of several young people, including Saint Stephen of Muret, who would become the Founder of the Order of Grandmont.
The Romanesque Cathedral of Benevento
The fame of Milo’s virtues and knowledge soon crossed the borders of France. In 1068, he was elected as the Bishop of Benevento in Italy. Milo accepted the Ecclesiatical honour with great humility and dedication. He committed himself to reforming the Diocese and promoting peace and justice.
Unfortunately he was able to govern the Diocese for only two years. He died in c1070 (some sources say 1076).
Saint Milo is venerated as a Patron of Bishops, Teachers and the poor and needy. His liturgical Feast is celebrated on 23 February 23 and 25 May.
The Feast of the Sacred Lance and Nails – Friday after the 1st Sunday in Lent: The Supreme Pontiff, Innocent VI, in his Decree establishing the Feast and Office of the Lance and Nails which pierced the Body of our Crucified Lord Jesus Christ, exhorts all the faithful to have a special veneration for and devotion to, all the Sacred Instruments of our Saviour’s Passion. The following are the Holy Father’s words: “We should honour the most holy Passion of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, in such manner that, meditating on all the mysteries and merits of the same Passion, we venerate also each Sacred Instrument thereof.” Then this holy and zealous Pontiff, coming more directly to the honour due to the Lance and Nails, says: “Although the Lance and Nails and the other Sacred Instruments of the Passion, should be enerated everywhere, by the faithful of Christ and although every year the Church celebrates the Solemn Offices of the same Passion, yet, we deem it proper and fitting, that a special Solemn Feast should be instituted and celebrated in honour of those particular Instruments of the Passion, more especially, in those places wherein these salutary Instruments are preserved. Hence, we wish to encourage this devotion by a special Office and privileges.” (Innocent VI in Decret. de Fest. Lane, et Clav. Domini).
The Lance, also known as “The Spear of Longinus” is kept in the Vatican Basilica, given to Innocent VIII in 1492. The Nails were kept with the Crown of Thorns, along with a small piece of the Lance of Longinus at Saint Chapelle, France and were subsequently lost during the French Revolution. The Crown of Thorns was the only Relic saved and is now kept at Notre Dame Cathedral.
In a Leap Year, the Vigil of St Matthias, Apostel, is not announced today because it is transferred to the 24th.
St Alexander Akimetes St Boswell St Dositheus of Egypt St Felix of Brescia St Florentius of Seville St Giovanni Theristi (1049–1129) Monk Bl John of Hungary
St Lazarus Zographos (c810-c 867) Priest, Monk known as “the Painter and the Iconographer.” Lazarus lived before and during the second period of Byzantine Iconoclasm. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “St Lazarus, a Monk, whom the Iconoclast Emperor Theophilus ordered to be put to torture for having painted holy images. His hand was burned with a hot iron but, being healed by the power of God, he painted anew the holy images which had been defaced and finally rested in peace.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/23/saint-of-the-day-23-february-st-lazarus-zographos-810-865/
St Milo of Benevento (Died c1077) Bishop St Ordonius St Polycarp of Rome St Romana
St Serenus the Gardener (Died 307) Martyr. Serenus was by birth a Grecian. He left his family estate, friends and country to serve God in celibacy, penance and prayer. With this design he bought a garden in Sirmium in Pannonia, which he cultivated with his own hands and lived on the fruits and herbs it produced. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/23/saint-of-the-day-23-february-st-serenus-the-gardener-died-307-martyr/
Martyrs of Syrmium – 73 Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know no details about them, and only six of their names – Antigonus, Libius, Rogatianus, Rutilus, Senerotas and Syncrotas.
Saint of the Day – 22 February – Saint Isabella of France (1225-1270) Virgin, Apostle of the poor, the sick and needy, Founder Nun of a Convent based on the Poor Clares Order, known as the Sisters Minor and forming part of the Franciscan family. Sister of Saint Louis IX, Aunt of Saint Louis of Toulouse, Princess. Born in March 1225 in Paris and died on 23 February 1270 (aged 45) at the Convent in Longchamp, Pays de France. Patronages – of the ill and infirm, of the Royal Abbey of Longchamp. Also known as – Isabel, Isabelle. Additional Memorial 8 June (Franciscans), 8 November – as one of the Saints of the Diocese of Evry, 23, 24 and 26 February – on some calendars.
St Isabella with St Louis IX – laying the cornerstone ofthe Longchamps Convent
In Pays de France, just outside the City of Paris, along the Seine, lived King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile, the Queen of France. The Royal couple were a holy example of Christian love and they had alreadybeen blessed with several children when their daughter, Isabella, came into the world in March 1225.
When Isabella was less than two years old, King Louis VIII died, leaving her older brother to reign as King. King St Louis IX was installed in 1226 and he reigned until 1270. His mother supervised the education of the young children, ensuring that Isabella not only learned the feminine arts butm also learned Latinm in order to study the Fathers of the Church.
Isabella demonstrated great piety from a very early age and, it must be noted, she received much support in practising her faith from her mother, her brother the King and other members of the Royal Court. Isabella dedicated her sewing skills to providing clothing for the poor and preparing Vestments for liturgical celebrations. On one occasion, as she was embroidering a new hat, King Louis IX asked her to give the hat to him. She refused, explaining, “No, this is the first of its kind and I must make it for my Saviour Jesus Christ.” When she finished it, she gave it to a poor and sick person. Then, she made another cap of similar design for her Royal brother.
Arranged marriages, common at the time, were a part of Isabella’s life from the age of two. The Treaty of Vendome, created in March 1227 and signed in June 1230, betrothed Isabella to Hugh, the eldest son and heir of Hugh X of Lusignan which was an area on the western coast of France. However, Isabella refused to celebrate this marriage. Some years later, she also refused to marry another Royal personage, Conrad, the son of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. Her mother and brother both urged her to marry Conrad. Even Pope Innocent IV tried to persuade her to marry the son of the Emperor but, again she refused. When she learned of the Pope’s hope that she would marry Conrad, Isabella wrote to him explaining that she had consecrated her virginity to Christ and would never marry. The Pope, witnessing her steadfast faithfulness to Christ, admired her for her perseverance and agreed with her position. Her brother finally acquiesced and no longer tried to persuade her to marry Conrad or anyone else. Not long after this episode, their mother died.
In 1255, Isabella requested her brother’s permission to leave the Court and to establish a home for a group of devout women. . Thus, King St Louis IX undertook the purchase of some land in the Forest of Rouvray, just west of Paris, for this purpose. The cornerstone was placed on 10 June 1256 and four years later, the building was completed. On 2 February 1259, Pope Alexander IV gave his approval to the new Rule prepared by Princess Isabella. This Rule had been compiled by Fr Mansuetus, a Franciscan, who based it on the Rule of the Order of St Clare, also referred to as the Poor Clares. The Rule was approved by St Bonaventure, who was then the Minister General of the Franciscan Order. The new Monastery was called the Monastery of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin. The Nuns of this Monastery were called Sisters Minor.
The Rules were unique and specific to this group of women, being somewhat simpler than the Rules of the Poor Clares, in that the fasting was not as rigid and the community was allowed to hold property. But like the Poor Clares, these women also helped Tthe poor and needy of the neighbourhood. . The first Nuns to join this new Monastery were from the Convent of the Poor Clares at Rheims, nearly 100 miles east of Paris. Although Isabella never resided at the Monastery herself, she observed the Rules in the privacy of her home.
After a few years, Isabella adjusted the Rule and King St Louis submitted and obtained confirmation of the revised Rule. Pope Urban IV approved the new Rule on 27 July 1263, giving the Nuns of Longchamp, the official title of Sisters Minor. This title emphasised the close relationship with the Order of Friars Minor.
Isabella had refused to become the Abbess but continued to observe the Rule, as well as additional mortifications. She practiSed nearly total silence, fasted three days a week and lived a life of heroic virtue.
In 1270 Isabella died at the new house in Longchamp. The Nuns declared that when she died, the singing of Angels could be heard. She was buried in the Convent Church. After only nine days, her body was exhumed and it was still supple, suffering no decay. Not surprisingly, many miracles occurred at her gravesite. In 1521 Pope Leo X Beatified Isabella, permitting the Abbey of Longchamp to celebrate her Feast with a special office. On 4 June 1637 Isabella’s body was exhumed again and it was still incorrupt. 50 years later, on 25 January 1688, the Nuns received permission to celebrate Isabella’s Feast with an Octave observance. In 1696, on her Canonisation, Pope Innocent XII extended the permission to the entire Franciscan Order.
St John the Saxon St Limnaes Bl Mohammed Abdalla St Papias of Heirapolis St Paschasius of Vienne St Raynerius of Beaulieu St Thalassius
Martyrs of Arabia – A memorial for all the unnamed Christians Martyred in the desert and mountainous areas south of the Dead Sea during the persecutions of Emperor Valerius Maximianus Galerius.
Saint of the Day – 21 February – Saint Maximian of Ravenna (c499-556) Bishop and Confessor, Defender of the orthodox Faith against heresy, a renowned Scholar and prolific Historical and Spiritual Writer. St Maximian was the 28th Bishop of Ravenna, indeed, he bears the honour of being the 1st Bishop in the West, to bear the title of Archbishop as holder of a City Diocese governing a number of surrounding Bishops. Born in c499 in Pola, Istria (modern Pula, Croatia) and died in 556 of natural causes in Ravenna, Italy. Also known as – Maximià, Massimiano, Maximianus.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Ravenna, St Maximian, Bishop, who faithfully carried out his pastoral office and defended the unity of the Church against heresy.”
Maximian had received Episcopal Consecration from Pope Vigilius in 546 and held the Seat for ten years. Thanks to his solid financial condition and exploiting, with his great intuition, the eminent position of Vicar of Pope Vigilius and the Emperor Justinian, he became one of the most important figures in 6th Century Italy.
Quite precise information has been handed down about him thanks to the Biography written by the Priest Historian, Andreas Agnellus, who, despite having lived two Centuries later, was a profound expert on the writings of the holy shepherd.
Maxiamian was born in c499 in Pola, Istria, today in Croatian territory and became a Deacon of the local Church. The fortunate discovery of a ‘treasure’ at the hands of himself or his father, allowed him to arrive at the Imperial Court of Constantinople, where he was able to earn the esteem of the Emperor Justinian.
In 545, upon the death of the Bishop of Ravenna, the faithful of the City asked the Emperor to award the Pallium to a candidate they had proposed but the latter instead, advised Pope Vigilius to appoint Maximian to the vacant See. So it was and the new Bishop was Consecrated on 14 October 546 but this inevitably caused strong friction with the population of Ravenna, who considered his appointment nothing more than an undue interference in City life. Maximian had no choice but to camp outside the walls, as a guest of the Arian bishop of the Goths but, with tact and diplomacy, he gradually managed to win the sympathy of his faithful and obtain permission to take possession of the Episcopal Seat.
His Episcopate represented the golden age of the Church of Ravenna, in fact, the Basilicas of St Michael and St Vitale were completed and Consecrated. Many others were embellished,and St John, St Stephen and many other Churches in the Diocese, were built or embeliished and all entirely due to him, including the splendid mosaics.
St Maximian on the left of Emperor Justinian
The quantity of books he authored was large – chronicles, descriptions of Ravenna, catalogues of the City’s Bishops and twelve volumes of his sermons! He also prepared an accurate edition of the Sacred Scriptures, accompanied by notes and commentary. He also wrote a Sacramentary on which the Leonine one was presumably later based. His activities extended to the whole of Italy, of which he was to all intents and purposes, Primate during the long absence from Rome of Pope Vigilius and his efforts were particularly focused on restoring harmony and unity within of the Churches, divided by the schism known as the “Three Chapters.” His Biographer, Andreas Agnellus also described him as a shepherd who “welcomed strangers, called back those who fell into error, gave the poor what they needed and consoled the suffering.”
Maximian died in Ravenna on 22 February 556 and his remains were buried in the Basilica of St Andrew, where they remained until 1809 when they were transferred to the Cathedral, following the deconsecration of the Church by the Napoleonic administration of the City. In the Basilica of St Vitale, inaugurated with great pomp in the presence of the Emperors Justinian and Theodora, Saint Maximian is depicted next to the Emperor in the grandiose mosaic on the north side of the Sanctuary, holding a gem-studded Cross in his hand.
Basilica of St Vitale
Triumphal Arch mosaics of Jesus Christ and the Apostles
St Avitus II of Clermont Bl Claudio di Portaceli St Daniel of Persia Bl Eleanora St Ercongotha St Felix of Metz St George of Amastris St Germanus of Granfield St Gundebert of Sens
St Maximian of Ravenna (c499-556) Archbishop of Ravenna and Confessor. completor of the immensely renowned Basilica of St Vitalis and many more Churches. He was a man of creative talents who ordered the creation of many famous and very beautiful artworks of various types, for his See, as well as, a great lover of Books and literature, (being a prolific Writer himself) ensuring the acquisition of many illuminated manuscripts. Maximian may have been the first Latin Bishop to use the title ‘Archbishop.’ Biography – his Feast Day was changed after 1969 to 22 February. Being rather confused, I have revisted him today again: https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/22/saint-of-the-day-22-february-saint-maximian-of-ravenna-499-556-bishop/
Blessed Noel Pinot (1747-1794) Priest and Martyr. During the French Revolution, he refused to take the oath of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy unlike his superio! He wore his Mass Vestments to execution and died reciting the opening words of the Mass. He was Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 31 October 1926. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/21/saint-of-the-day-21-february-blessed-noel-pinot-1747-1794-priest-and-martyr/
St Valerius of San Pedro de Montes St Verda of Persia
Martyrs of Sicily – 79 Saints: Sevent nine Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were Martyred in c 303 on Sicily.
Martyrs of Hadrumetum – A group of 26 Christians Martyred together by Vandals. We know little more than eight of their names – Alexander, Felix, Fortunatus, Saturninus, Secundinus, Servulus, Siricius and Verulus. c 434 at Hadrumetum (modern Sousse, Tunisia).
Saint of the Day – 20 February – St Leo of Catania (c720-789) Bishop, Defender of Sacred Images for which opposition he was forced to flee into exile for some years, Hermit. Born in c720 in Ravenna, Italy and died on 20 February 789 in Etna, Sicily, Italy, natural causes. St Leo was the 15th Bishop of Catania, Sicily, famed for his love and care for the poor, his brave opposition to the iconoclastic Government of the time and for his Miracles. Sadly I have found no accounts of his miracles but by the artworks below, it seems they were renowned in their day. Patronages – of these Cities and Towns in Sicily, Italy : Longi, Ronetta, Saracena, Sinagra. Also known as – “Il Maraviglioso” (the Wonderworker) or “He who performs Miracles” Leone.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Catania, Sicily, St Leo, the Bishop, illustrious vor virtue and miracles.”
Leo was born in Ravenna in around 720. Since his childhood, he felt the call of God. It is said that his mother saw him on his knees absorbed in prayer at the age of two. While still very young, he entered the Order of Benedictine Monks and moved to Reggio Calabria. Here he remained until he was elected Bishop of Catania. It is reported that the people of Catania had received an angelic vision in a collective dream, wherein they were informed that Leo was the perfect choice to hold the office of their new Bishop. Initially, Leo, not considering himself worthy, did not want to accept but after the insistence of the Catanian faithful, he became thei 15th Bishop of Catania.
In those years, the ferocious destruction of sacred images “iconoclasm – considered a sign of idolatry” was taking place throughout the Byzantine Empire. Those who did not obey the edict which forbid the use of sacred images, were imprisoned and often ended in exile and even Martyrdom. The Bishop of Catania openly opposed the imperial laws. For this reason, the Byzantine Governor of Sicily, ordered Leo’s arrest who was forced to leave Catania and take refuge in the mountains. He wandered in the wooded peaks of the area, in the surroundings of Longi and Sinagra, protected by the faithful, who honoured him as the proud opponent of the unjust laws of the Empire and as a Miracle-worker.
He finally arrived in Rometta. Here, in the nearby Peloritan mountains, he lived as a Hermit in a cave he dug himself. After some years, he returned, uncontested, to Catania, where he resumed his Episcopal Seat and his fight, with ever more energy, against the iconoclastic laws. He died in the City of Etna on 20 February 789. The image below was taken during the annual Procession held in Sinagra.
Saint of the Day – 19 February – Saint Mansuetus of Milan (Died c685) Archbishop of Milan, Confessor, an active Defender of the Faith against heresy. Born in Rome and died in Milan in c685 of natural causes. A late tradition associates him with the Savelli family of Rome. Also known as – Mansuetus Savelli, Mansueto… Additional Memorila – 2 September in the Ambrosian Rite.
Among the scant information concerning Mansuetus’ life, it is known that in 679 he organised and held, a Synod with his suffragan Bishops in Milan, in order to condemn the Monothelite heretical doctrine.
According to the Historian, Paul the Deacon, this Synod issued a letter, written by a Damian later the Bishop of Pavia, directly to Emperor Constantine IV. A year later Mansuetus and his suffragan Bishops participated in Rome in a Synod opened by Pope Agatho on 27 March 680 and subscribed to the Decrees there issued. This latter Roman Synod was held in preparation for the Third Council of Constantinople which, a few months later, ondemned the heresy Monothelitism.
Mansuetus died on 19 February probably of 685. His remains were buried in the Basilica of St Ambrose but were later translated to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore and again ,in 1987, to the South transept of the Milan Cathedral.
Bust Reliquary of St Mansuetus at the Basilica of Saint Eustorgius in Milan
St Mansuetus of Milan (Died c685) Bishop St Odran St Proclus of Bisignano
St Quodvultdeus (Died c450) Bishop, Confessor, Father of the Church, Writer and Theologian, spiritual student, friend and correspondent of St Augustine, who dedicated some of his works to St Quodvultdeus. Name Meaning – “What God wants.” The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Naples, deposition of St Quodvultdeus, Bishop of Carthage, who was sent into exile together with his clergy by the Arian king Genseric and placed on disused ships without sails or oars. Against all hope he landed in Naples, where he died. Confessor of the faith.” His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-saint-quodvultdeus-died-c-450-f/
Saint of the Day – 18 February – St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) of Lourdes – Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes, Consecrated Religious. Born on 7 January 1844 at Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, France and died on 16 April 1879, Nevers, Nièvre, France of natural causes, aged 35. Her Body is incorrupt and is on display in Nevers, France. Patronages – Bodily illness, Lourdes, France, shepherds, against poverty, people ridiculed for their faith. She was Canonised on 8 December 1933 by Pope Pius XI.
The Hidden Life at Nevers
St Bernadette, herself, used this expression: “I came here to hide myself.”
In Lourdes, she was Bernadette, the Visionary. In Nevers, she became Sister Marie Bernard, who would be a Saint. One often hears about the severity of her Superiors towards her but it has to be understood that she was a unique case – she had to be shielded from curiosity, to be protected and, the community too, had to be protected.
Bernadette gave her account of the Apparitions before the assembled community on the day after she arrived, thereafter, it was not to be spoken of. She was kept in the Mother House where she loved to care for the sick. On the day of her Profession, no particular office or task had been prepared for her for the Bishop declared that her work would be “the work of prayer.” “Pray for sinners” the Lady had said. She remained faithful to this task. “My weapons,” she wrote to the Holy Father, “are prayer and sacrifice.”
Her own illness made her a regular patient in the Infirmary and then, there were endless parlour visits. “These poor Bishops, they’d do better to stay at home.” Lourdes was a long way off … she would never return to the Grotto. But every day she made her pilgrimage in spirit. She did not speak of Lourdes but she lived its message. “You will become the first to live the message,” said her Confessor Father Douce. And in fact, after having been Assistant Infirmarian, she entered bit by bit into sickness herself. She did “her work” in this, accepting all crosses for sinners, in an act of perfect love. “After all, they are our brothers.”
During long sleepless nights, uniting herself with the Masses celebrated throughout the world, she offered herself as a “living crucified” in the tremendous combat between light and darkness, bound, with the Blessed Virgin Mary, to the Mystery of the Redemption, eyes fixed on the Crucifix: “That is where I find my strength.”
Our Lady of Lourdes – the Miracle of the Spring and St Bernadette
She died at Nevers on 16 April 1879, aged 35. The Church proclaimed her a Saint on 8 December , 1933, not for having been chosen for the Apparitions but for the way in which she responded to that grace
St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)of Lourdes – Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes, Consecrated Religious. Born on 7 January 1844 at Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, France and died on 16 April 1879, Nevers, Nièvre, France of natural causes, aged 35. Her Body is incorrupt and is on display in Nevers, France. She was Canonised on 8 December 1933 by Pope Pius XI. St Bernadette! https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-bernadette-soubirous-1844-1879/
St Gertrude Caterina Comensoli St Helladius of Toledo Bl John Pibush – one of the Martyrs of Douai St Leo of Patera St Paregorius of Patara St Sadoth of Seleucia St Tarasius of Constantinople
St Theotonius OSC (1082-1162) Priest of the Canons Regular, Reformer of religious life in Portugal, Royal Counsellor,, Apostle of the poor, Founder of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross, now known as “The Crosiers.” He is the first Portuguese Saint. His Life Story: https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-saint-theotinius-1082-1162/
Bl William Harrington
Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: Group of Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. We know nothing else but seven of their names – Classicus, Fructulus, Lucius, Maximus, Rutulus, Secundinus and Silvanus. They were born and martyred in North Africa.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else but their names – Alexander, Claudius, Cutias, Maximus and Praepedigna. They were martyred in 295 in Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 17 February – Saint Finan of Iona or Lindisfarne (Died 661) the Second Bishop of Lindisfarne succeeding St Aidan on his death in 651. Monk and Missionary. Born in Ireland and died there on 9 February 661. The Name Finan being derived from Finn (Finn-án — little Finn). Also known as – Finan of Lindisfarne, Fian of… Additional Memorial – 9 February on some calendars.
The Breviary of Aberdeen, Scotland, describes him “a man of venerable life, a Bishop of great sanctity, an eloquent teacher of unbelieving races, remarkable for his training in virtue and his liberal education, surpassing all his equals in every manner of knowledge, as well as in circumspection and prudence but chiefly, devoting himself to good works and presenting, in his life, a most apt example of virtue.”
Finan was an Irish Monk who had been trained in Iona, Scotland and who was specially chosen by the St Columba (521-597) of Iona’s Monks to succeed the great St Aidan at Lindisfarne in Northumbria, England.
St Bede describes him as an able ruler and tells of his labours in the conversion of Northumbria. He built a Cathedral a Monastery on the site where King Oswin had been murdered “in the Irish fashion” employing “hewn oak, with an outer covering of reeds” which he dedicated to St Peter. His apostolic zeal resulted in the foundation of St Mary’s, a Monastery on the site where King Oswin had been murdered, at the mouth of the River Tyne — Gilling Abbey and the great Abbey of Streanaeshalch, or Whitby.
The Ruins of Whitby Abbey
Finan converted Peada, son of Penda, King of the Middle Angles, “with all his Nobles and Thanes” and gave him four Priests, including Diuma, whom he consecrated as the Bishop of Middle Angles and Mercia, under King Oswy.
In the mysterious ways of Divine Providence, the Abbey of Whitby, his chief foundation, was the scene of the famous Paschal controversy which resulted in the withdrawal of the Irish Monks from Lindisfarne. The inconvenience of the two systems — Irish and Roman — of keeping Easter, was specially felt when on one occasion King Oswy and his Court were celebrating Easter Sunday with St Finan, while on the same day, Queen Eanfled and her attendants were still fasting and celebrating Palm Sunday. Saint Finan was spared being present at the Synod of Whitby. He died in 661 and was buried at Lindisfarne, having held that See for ten years.
It was on the seventeenth of February, fifty five days after the Nativity of Jesus, when King Herod’s soldiers — sent to slaughter all little boys in Bethlehem and its neighbourhood who were two years old or under, in order to destroy a rival King, Jesus — were getting perilously near the cave at Bethlehem, where at first they little expected Our Lord to be. Saint Joseph received a message from God through an Angel, whereupon he took Our Lady and the Divine Infant and set off leaving the land of the Jews to travel to a land of the Gentiles. They took no-one with them, by way of servants or friends, as Saint Peter Chrysologus tells us.
The Town to which the Holy Family fled was called Fostat. It was three hundred miles from Bethlehem. A Church has been erected there, on the site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their exile. The little Town where the Holy Family lived in Egypt was not far from Heliopolis, a City in which — when Jesus, Mary and Joseph passed through it — statues of pagan gods crashed to the ground. Both Fostat and Heliopolis are not far from Cairo in Egypt.
St Lupiano St Mesrop the Teacher St Polychronius of Babylon St Romulus the Martyr St Secundian the Martyr St Silvinus of Auchy St Theodulus of Caesarea
Martyrs of Cilicia – 12 Saints: A group of Christians who ministered to other Christians who were condemned to work the mines of Cilicia in the persecutions of Maximus. They were arrested, tortured and martryed by order of the governor Firmilian. They were Daniel, Elias, Isaias, Jeremy, Samuel. The group also includes the three known have been sentenced to the mines – Pamphilus, Paul of Jamnia, Valens of Jerusalem and those who were exposed as Christians as a result of these murders – Julian of Cappadocia, Porphyrius of Caesarea, Seleucius of Caesarea, Theodule the Servant. They were Martyred in 309 in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 15 February – Saint Walfrid/Galfrido della Gherardesca (Died c765) Abbot. Born in 8th Century Pisa, Italy and died on 15 February 765 at Palazuollo, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Galfrido, Gualfredo, Gualfredus, Qualfredo, Qualfredo della Gherardesca, Valfred, Vilfrid, Walfridus, Wilfrido, Walfredo.
Galfrido della Gherardesca was born in the 8th Century in Pisa in the region of Tuscany in central Italy. He was the eldest of five siblings and became a prominent citizen of Pisa. He married Thesia and had five sons and at least one daughter.
Midway through life, Walfrid and his wife both yearned to seek a life dedicated to God alone in a monastic community. Walfrid joined two other married men, his friend Fortis from Corsica and the latter’s relative, Gunduald and together the three founded the Benedictine Monastery “Palazzuolo” in Monte Verde between Volterra and Piombino. They also founded a Nunnery nearby for their wives and Walfrid’s daughter, Rattruda. They dedicated their Monastery to Saint Peter .
Walfrid ruled the “Palazzuolo” from the beginning as Abbot. Many Novices came to join the Monks, including Walfrid’s favourite son Gimfrid (later the second Abbot) and Gunduald’s only son, Andreas, who would become the Monastery’s third Abbot and write Walfrid’s biography. Soon the community numbered 60 Monks. Gimfrid was Ordained a Priest but some time later he fled the Monastery and took several men and valuables with him. Walfrid sent a party out to look for his son but also asked that he be given a sign which would remind him, for the rest of his life, of his moment of weakness. Gimfrid was brought back on the third day with his middle finger on his right hand so damaged that he could never use it again. He repented and did penance and became the Monastery’s second Abbot after his father, who ruled wisely for ten years longer, after this incident.
Walfrid died on 15 February 765 in Palazzuolo. On the same day, his wife is also said to have died and they were buried together. He was Canonised on 12 September 1861 by Pope Pius IX (1846-1878).
St Berach of Kilbarry St Craton St Decorosus of Capua St Dochow St Druthmar of Corvey St Eusebius of Asehia St Farannan of Iona
St Faustinus AND St Jovinus (Died c 120) Martyrs, Priest and Deacon respectively. Brothers. Both Evangelists, Preachers. Born at Brescia, Lombardy, Italy and the two brothers died together. They was thrown to the lions but the animals refused to touch them. Then beheaded in 120 at Brescia, Italy.
St Faustus of Monte Cassino St Georgia St Joseph of Antioch St Onesimus the Slave St Quinidius of Vaison
Saint of the Day – 14 February – Saint Eleuchadius (2nd Century) Bishop of Ravenna and Confessor, Philosopher. Born in Greece and died in Ravenna, Italy of natural causes.
Unknown Ancient Bishop
According to the very authoritative Episcopal list of Ravenna, Eleucadius was the second successor of Saint Apollinaris and, therefore, his Episcopate probably took place towards the middle of the 2nd Century.
He did not die as a Martyr, however, a small Cemetery area developed around his tomb which took its name from him. These are the only certain facts about him.
In the 6th Century the Passio of Saint Apollenaris says that Eleucadius was a Philosopher and that he was Ordained a Deacon by the First Bishop himself, St Apollinaris. In the 9th Century it was added that he was of oriental origin, that he died on 14 February, that he wrote many works on the Old and New Testaments, on the Incarnation and Death of Our Lord. In the 11th Century, St Peter Damian laments the loss of these works.
Among these and other reports offered to us by medieval literary sources, we can, at most, piously accept what St Peter Damian tells us about a vast and enlightened pastoral activity carried out by the Saint. All these testimonies, however, are worth proving how lively his cult was among the Bishops of Ravenna, in addition to the cults of St Apollinaris and St Severus. St Peter Damian dedicates only one sermon to Eleucadius which is an outstanding testimony to the celebration of 14 February today’s feast, in which the venerable Confessor Eleuchadius is solemnly praised. His Relics are enshrined in Pavia having been translated there after being rediscovered during some construction work.
The Saint’s praise also appears in the Roman Martyrology on the traditional date of 14 February.
St Nostrianus of Naples St Theodosius of Vaison St Valentine of Terni
St Vitale of Spoleto
Martyrs of Terni: Three Christians who gave proper burial to Saint Valentine of Terni. Martyred in the persecutions of Aurelius. 273 in Terni, Italy – Apollonius, Ephebus, Proculus.
Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians murdered in various ways for their faith in Alexandria, Egypt. We know the names and a few details about 16 of them – Agatho, Agatone, Ammonio, Ammonius, Antonius, Bassiano, Bassianus, Cirione, Cyrio, Dionysius, Dionysius, Lucio, Moses, Moses, Proto and Tonione.
Saint of the Day – 13 February – Saint Stephen of Rieti (Died c590) Abbot Died in c590 of natural causes. Also known as – Stefano, Stfan, Stefanus.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rieti, the Abbot St Stephen, a man of wonderful patience, at whose death, as is related by the blessed Pope, St Gregory, the holy Angels were present and visible to all.”
The Monastery in Rieti
We know almost nothing about Stephen of Rieti. The only sources in which the Saint is mentioned, are the “Dialogues” and a sermon of Saint Gregory the Great.
In this last text Stephen is indicated as an example of perfect patience, a contemporary of St Egli (?) and originally from Rieti.
He was the Abbot in the Monastery of San Eleuterius of Rieti which was founded by St Equitius (5th-6th Century).
Tradition has it that St Stephen was a man of “rude (plain) manners” of a holy life and who loved to spend long periods in prayer. Furthermore, his patience was proverbial, so much so that, Saint Gregory mentions it in an episode when an evil man set fire to the wheat on the threshing floor of the Monastery.
Even for those who harassed him, he always had a good word, considering him a friend and collaborator.
The Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus: In the 19th Century Jesus expressed His wishes to Sister Mary of St Peter (1816-1848), a Carmelite Nun in Tours, France, that there be an actual Devotion to his Holy Face. Our Lord wanted this in reparation for blasphemies against Him and His Holy Name as well, as for the profanation of Sunday (when people engage unnecessarily in commerce and other such labours and chores on Sunday, a day meant for rest and reflection on God). In August of 1843 He dictated to her the well-known Golden Arrow Prayer. He also gave her Promises for those who would honour His Holy Face. The first Holy Medal of the Holy Face was given to Ven Pope Pius XII, who approved the Devotion and the Medal. In 1958 he formally declared the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus as Shrove Tuesday for all Catholics. https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/01/feast-of-the-holy-face/
Shrove Tuesday: Shrove is the past tense of the word Shrive, which means “to hear a confession, assign penance and absolve from sin.” In the Middle Ages, especially in Northern Europe and England, it became the custom to confess one’s sins on the day before Lent began in order to enter the penitential season in a repentant spirit.
St Catherine de Ricci OP (1522-1590) Virgin, Tertiary of the Order of Preachers, Mystic, Stigmatist, Ecstatic, Counsellor to many in both secular and spiritual matters, a highly admired Administrator and Advisor,blessed with many mystical charism including visions of Christ, both as a Baby and Adult, bilocation and miracles. Her body is incorrupt. A Mighty Handmaid: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-saint-catherine-de-ricci-op-1522-1590/
St Fusca of Ravenna St Gilbert of Meaux St Gosbert of Osnabruck St Guimérra of Carcassone St Huno
St Julian of Lyon St Lucinus of Angers St Marice St Martinian the Hermit St Maura of Ravenna St Modomnoc St Peter I of Vercelli St Stephen of Lyons St Stephen of Rieti (Died c590) Abbot
Saint of the Day – 12 February – St Anthony Kauleas of Constantinople (c829-901) Bishop, Confessor, Defender of orthodoxy. Anthony was a pious man exercising mortification and penances. He generously endowed monastic foundations and founded or re-founded the Kauleas Monastery with the support of the emperor, who preached at the Church’s dedication. Buried in the Church of his Monastery, Anthony was held responsible for many miracles. Born in c829 near Constantinople and died on 12 February 901 of natural causes. Also known as – Anthony Cauleas, Antony Cauleas, Antony Kauleas, Antony II of Constantinople, Antonius of Constantinople.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Constantinople, St Anthony, a Bishop in the time of the Emperor Leo VI.”
Anthony was born near Constantinople, in a place where his parents had retreated, for fear of iconoclastic persecution. Upon the death of his mother, Anthony, then just twelve years old, entered a Monastery in the Byzantine imperial Capital. There, in the course of time, he became the Abbot with the name of “Anthony II Kaukeas” (having been preceded by Antonio I Cassimatas, 821-837). Anthony’s father too entered Anthony’s Monastery and received the religious Habit directly from his son’s hands.
The Eastern Church was, at that time, in a state of great confusion, after the Emperor had expelled the legitimate Constantinopolitan Bishop, Saint Ignatius and, in 867, had imposed the ingamous Photius on the Episcopal throne. However, in 886, he too was forced to leave the Episcopal Seat probably pushed by the new Emperor Leo VI who wanted to install his younger brother Stephen. Photius did not resist and retired to a Monastery, while the followers of St Ignatius did not recognise the legitimacy of Stephen’s election, as he was Ordained Deacon by Photius himself. In this context, upon Stephen’s death in 893 Anthony was elected as the Bishop of Constantinople.
His work was immediately characterised by multiple efforts aimed at reconciling the two factions, finally managing to persuade the Archbishop, Stiliano Mapas, leader of the Ignatians, to put an end to the schism. It is not historically clear ,whether the intervention of the Bishop of Rome was necessary to resolve the dispute or whether he simply sanctioned the solution already reached by Anthony. The fact is that both Churches, both Rome and Constantinople, recognised “Ignatius, Photius, Stephen and Anthony” as an authentic and valid succession of Bishops of the Byzantine See. Peace was officially stipulated in 899 and Anthony died shortly afterwards, in 901.
Apart from his particular role in the universal history of the Church, as described so far, there is not much further information on Anthony’s life, other than what his contemporaries have passed down — his great spirit of mortification, prayer and penance. He founded a splendid Monastery in which he wanted to be buried which was later renamed in his honour “tou koulea, or tou kyr antoniou.”
The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Servites) Pope Leo XIII Canonised them all on 15 January 1888. After the Canonisation of the Seven Founders, their Feast was inserted in the General Roman Calendar for celebration on 11 February, the anniversary of the granting of canonical approval to the order in 1304. In 1909, 11 February became the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Feast of the seven founders was moved to 12 February. In 1969 the Feast was moved to 17 February. HERE: https://anastpaul.com/2018/02/17/saints-of-the-day-17-february-the-seven-holy-founders-of-the-servite-order-osm-formation-on-15-august-1233/
St Alexius of Kiev St Ammonius of Alexandria Bl Anthony of Saxony St Anthony Kauleas of Constantinople (c829-901) Bishop
St Modestus of Alexandria St Modestus of Carthage St Modestus the Deacon Bl Nicholas of Hungary St Sedulius Bl Thomas of Foligno
Martyrs of Albitina – 46 Saints: During the persecutions of Diocletian, troops were sent to the churches of Abitina, North Africa on a Sunday morning; they rounded up everyone who had arrived for Mass and took them all to Carthage for interrogation by pro-consul Anulinus. The 46 who proclaimed their Christianity were executed. We know some of their names and stories. They were tortured to death in 304 in prison at Albitina, North Africa.
Saint of the Day – 11 February – St Severinus of Agaunum (Died c507) Abbot, Miracle-worker, gifted with Prophecy and healing the sick. Born in Burgundy, France and died in c507 at Chateau-Landon in Gatinais, of natural causes whilst travelling towards his Monastery. Patronage – of Agaunum, Switzerland.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chateau-Landon, St Severin, Abbot of the Monastery of Aqaunum, by whose prayers the Christian King Clovis, was deliovered from a long sickness.”
Severinus, of a noble family in Burgundy, was educated in the Catholic faith at a time when the Arian heresy reigned supreme in that region. He forsook the world in his youth and dedicated himself to God in the Monastery of Saint-Maurice-en-Valais at Agaunum, which consisted only of scattered cells until, some time later, the Catholic King, Sigismund, built there the great Abbey of Saint-Maurice.
Severinus became the holy Abbot of Saint-Maurice, with its distinct Convents for men and women, all of whom, bore voluntarily, the yoke of penance and celibacy, without solemn vows. The Abbot had governed his community for many years in the exercise of penance and charity, when, in 504, Clovis, the first Christian King of France, who was lying ill of a fever, sent his Chamberlain to conduct the Saint to Court. After his Physicians had, for two years endeavoured, without success, to cure him, Clovis was told that the sick from all parts recovered their health by the prayers of our Saint Severinus. The Abbot, therefore, took leave of his Monks and Nuns and told them he would never see them again in this world.
The Monastery of Saint-Maurice-en-Valais at Agaunum
On his journey he healed Eulalius, Bishop of Nevers, who had been deaf and dumb for some time; he also healed a leper at the gates of Paris. And coming to the Palace, he immediately restored the King to perfect health, by covering him with his own cloak. He cured many other sick persons at the Court and in Paris. The King, in gratitude, distributed large alms to the poor and released all his prisoners.
Saint Severinus, returning toward Agaunum, stopped at Chateau-Landon in Gatinais, where two Priests served God in a solitary Chapel. Foreseeing his imminent death, he asked admittance among them and they received this stranger, whom they soon greatly admired for his sanctity. His death followed shortly after, in 507. This site became the Abbey of Saint Severinus, with a beautiful Church dedicated to him. His Relics were later scattered, when this Church was plundered during the French Revolution.
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