Feast of the Divine Maternity – Second Sunday in October or 11 October: The object of this Feast is to commemorate the dignity of the Mary as Mother of God. Mary is truly the Mother of Christ, who in One Person unites the Human and Divine Nature. This title was solemnly ratified by the Council of Ephesus on 22 June 431. It was first granted to Portugal, Brazil and Algeria in 1751; it is now of almost universal observance. Under this title Poland celebrates the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland. At present the Feast is not found in the Universal Calendar of the Church but nearly all Diocesan calendars have adopted it. Patronage – Trinitarian. HERE: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/11/feast-of-the-divine-maternity-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-october/
St Agilbert of Paris
St Alexander Sauli CRSP (1534-1592) Bishop “The Apostle of Corsica,” Clerk Regular of the Congregation of Saint Paul (The Barnabites) – St Alexander is referred to as “The Second Founder,” Missionary, Writer, Teacher of philosophy and theology at the University of Pavia, Reformer, Evangeliser, Confessor, Superior-General of the Barnabites in 1565. In addition, St Alexander Sauli was both friend, advisor and spiritual comfort to St Charles Borromeo, who held him in very high esteem. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/11/saint-of-the-day-11-october-saint-alexander-sauli-crsp-1534-1592/
St Anastasius V St Anastasius the Apocrisarius St Andronicus of Ephesus St Andronicus the Soldier St Ansilio St Canice St Digna of Sicily St Dionisio de Santarem St Emilian of Rennes St Ethelburga of Barking (Died c782) Virgin, Abbess St Eufridus St Firminus of Uzes St Germanus of Besancon St Gratus of Oloron St Guiadenzio of Gniezno
St Juliana of Pavilly St Nectarius of Constantinople St Philip the Deacon St Philonilla St Placidia St Probus of Side St Santino of Verdun St Sarmata St Taracus of Cladiopolis St Zenaides
Martyrs of Vilcassin – 4 Saints: Four Christians who were Martyred together. We know little more than the names – Nicasius, Pienza, Quirinus and Scubicolus. Their martyrdom occurred in Vexin Lugdunense territory of Gaul (modern Vilcassin, France), date unknown.
Martyrs of Sicily: A group of eight Christians who were Martyred together. We know little more than the names – • Ampodus, • Anastasius, • Faustus, • Januarius, • Jovinian, • Marcellus, • Martialis and • Placidus. They died in Sicily, Italy,
Martyrs of Vilcassin: Four Christians who were Martyred together. We know little more than the names – Nicasius, Pienza, Quirinus and Scubicolus. They died in the Vexin Lugdunense territory of Gaul (modern Vilcassin, France).
Saint of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572) Confessor, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Advisor, Missionary, Evangelist, Administrator par excelleance. Francisco de Borja y Aragon was the 4th Duke of Gandía, was a Grandee of Spain, a Spanish Jesuit and third Superior General of the Society of Jesus
A continuation of the life of St Francis Borgia – an entire year has slipped by, for which I should apologise, however, each day brings its own duties to the Saints being venerated on that particular day. Time runs away … Let us continue with a little more from Fr Alban Butler (1711-1773) who wrote his portrayal of our Saint from:
“The life, compiled by Fr Ribadeneira, who was for nine years, his Confessor, is the master-piece of that pious author, who, by his acquaintance with the holy man and his own experience in an interior life, was excellently qualified to animate, in his expression, the narrative of the actions of the Saint with that spirit with which they were performed.”
We continue – ST FRANCIS at COURT and his MARRIAGE until the DEATH of the EMPRESS – his “DAMASCUS MOMENT”:
Francis, although he delighted chiefly in the company of the most virtuous, was courteous and obliging to all, never spoke ill of anyone, nor ever suffered others to do it in his presence.
He was a stranger to envy, ambition, gallantry, luxury and gaming – vices which are often too fashionable in Courts and against which he armed himself with the utmost precaution. He not only never played but would never see others playing, saying that a man commonly loses by it four things – his money, his time, the devotion of his heart to God and his conscience.
One of his servants discovered, that on the days on which he was obliged to visit company in which ladies made a part, he wore a hair-shirt. In him it appeared, that there is no readier way to gain the esteem of men, though without seeking it, than by the heroic practice of Christian virtue. Nothing is so contemptible even amongst men of the world, as insolence, pride, injustice, or anger; nothing so hateful as one who loves nobody but himself, refers everything to himself and makes himself the centre of all his desires and actions.
Nor is there anything more amiable than a man who seeks not himself but refers himself to God and seeks and does all things for God, and the service of others; in which Christian piety consists. The wicked themselves, find no more solid comfort or protection in affliction, than the friendship of such a person; even those who persecute him,because his virtue is a censure of their irregularities, nevertheless admire in their breasts that sincere piety which condemns them. This is more conspicuous when such a virtue shines forth in an exalted station. It is not, therefore, to be wondered that Francis was honoured and beloved by all the Court, particularly by the Emperor, who called him the miracle of Princes!
… The Empress had so great an esteem for him and so high an idea of his merit, that she fixed her eye on him to marry Eleanor de Castro, a Portuguese lady of the first rank, a person of great piety and accomplishments, her principal favourite, who had been educated with her and whom, she had brought with her out of Portugal. The marriage was solemnised in the most Christian manner, to which state the Saint brought the best preparation – innocence of life with unsullied purity and an ardent spirit of religion and devotion. The Emperor on that occasion created him Marquis of Lombay and Master of the Horse to the Empress and having had experience of his wisdom, secrecy and fidelity, not only admitted him into his Privy-Council but took great delight in conferring, often privately, with him upon his most difficult undertakings and communicated to him his most important designs. …
Cristobal de Villalpando, Portrait of St. Francis Borgia , c1690
In 1537, being at the Court, which was then at Segovia, he fell ill of a dangerous quinsy, in which he never ceased praying in his heart, though he was not able to pronounce the words. These accidents were Divine graces which weaned Francis, daily more and more, from the world; although, whilst it smiled upon him, he saw the treachery, the shortness and the dangers of its flattering enjoyments, through that gaudy flash, in which it danced before his eyes.
… God blessed his marriage with a numerous and happy offspring – five boys and three girls: Charles, the eldest, who was Duke of Gandia, when Ribadeneira wrote the life of ourSaint; Isabel, John, Alvarez, Johanna, Fernandez, Dorothy and Alphonsus. Dorothy died young as a Poor Clare at Gandia; the rest all married, enjoyed different titles and posts of honour,and left families behind them.
St Francis was much affected, in 1537, by the death of his intimate friend, the famous poet, Garcilas de Vega, who was killed at the siege of a castle in Provence. The death of the pious Empress Isabel, happened two years after, on the 1st of May, 1539, whilst the Emperor was holding the states of Castile at Toledo, with the utmost pomp and magnificence. His majesty was much afflicted by the loss of so virtuous a consort. The Marquis and Marchioness of Lombay, were commissioned, by him, to attend her corpse to Granada, where she was to be buried. When the funeral convoy arrived at Granada and the Marquis delivered the corpse into the hands of the Magistrates of that City, they were on both sides, to make oath that it was the body of the late Empress. The coffin of lead was, therefore, opened and her face was uncovered but appeared so hideous and so much disfigured that no-one knew it and the stench was so noisome that everyone made, what haste he could away. Francis not knowing the face, would only swear it was the body of the Empress because, from the care he had taken, he was sure no-one could have changed it upon the road.
Being exceedingly struck at this spectacle, he repeated to himself:
“What is now become of those eyes, once so sparkling? Where is now the beauty and graceful air of that countenance which we so lately beheld? Are you her sacred majesty, Donna Isabel? Are you my Empress and my lady, my mistress?”
The impression which this spectacle made on his soul remained strong and lively during the thirty-three years by which he survived it, to his last breath!
Returning that evening from the Royal Chapel to his lodgings, Francis locked himself in his chamber and passed the whole night without a wink of sleep. Prostrate on the floor, shedding a torrent of tears, he said to himself,
“What is it, my soul, that I seek in the world? How long shall I pursue and grasp at shadows? What is she already become, who was lately so beautiful, so great, so much revered? This death which has thus treated the imperial diadem, has already levelled his bow to strike me. Is it not prudent, to prevent its stroke, by dying now to the world that at my death. I may live to God?”
St Aldericus St Cassius St Cerbonius of Populonia St Cerbonius of Verona St Clarus of Nantes Bl Demestrius of Albania Bl Edward Detkens St Eulampia St Eulampius St Florentius the Martyr St Fulk of Fontenelle St Gereon St Gundisalvus Bl Hugh of Macon
Bl Pedro de Alcantara de Forton de Cascajares St Pinytus of Crete Bl Pontius de Barellis St Tanca St Teodechilde St Victor of Xanten
Martyrs of Ceuta – 7 Beati: A group of seven Franciscan Friars Minor missionaries to Muslims in the Ceuta area of modern Morocco. Initially treated as madmen, within three weeks they were ordered to convert to Islam and when they would not they were first abused in the streets, then arrested, tortured and executed. Angelo, Daniele di Calabria, Donnolo, Hugolinus, Leone, Nicola, Samuele. They were beheaded in 1227 in Mauritania Tingitana (Ceuta, Morocco). Local Christians secreted the bodies away and gave them proper burial in Ceuta. They were Beatified in 1516 by Pope Leo X.
Saint of the Day – 9 October – Saint Gislenus (Died c680) Priest, Basilian Monk, Abbot of the Monastery of Hainault, which he founded, Hermit, Missionary and friend of bears! Born either in Germany or in Greece (records differ but the name Gislenus is of Germanic origin) in the early 600s and died in c680, of natural causes, in the Town named after him, Saint-Ghislain, in modern day Belgium. Also known as – The Apostle of Hainault, Ghislain, Gislain, Gisleno, Gisileno, Guislain. Patronages – Saint-Ghislain, against epilepsy, also known as “St Gislenus’ disease” children’s illnesses and during difficult births.
St Gislenus with his bear
The Roman Martyrology states: “In the Hainault region of Austrasia, in today’s Belgium, Saint Gislenus, who led a monastic life in a cell he built himself [and later extended into a Monastery of which he was the first Abbot.]”
Gislenus completed his studies and then abandoned the world to follow the Rule of St Basil. He was later Ordained a Priest. He travelled to Rome, where the Pope sent him, together with his disciples, Lambert and Berler (both of these too are Saints), to Belgium. as Missionaries.
He made a clearing in the vicinity of Mons, in Hainault, later moving his abode at a place called Ursidongus,- meaning “Bear’s den” and named for our Saint and his friend, the Bear, who had chosen the site – where he built a Chapel and Monastery dedicated to the Princes of the Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul.
Many Bishops had deep esteem and veneration for him – StAubert, the Bishop of Cambrai (Died c720) protected him in a particular way. St Waltrude (c612-686) Widow, gave him a gift of lands and Gislenus influenced her to supply the funds to build a Monastery.
Gislenus exerted a strong influence on the women of the nobility and stimulated them to enter monastic life. These included StAldegonda, St Aldetrude, St Madelberta and of course, the most renowned, St Waltrude.
He died at an advanced age on 9 October between 680 and 685 at his Monastery which later took his name. The cult was already witnessed in the 9th Century. The Saint is particularly invoked against epilepsy, also known as “St Gislenus’ disease” children’s illnesses and during difficult births. The two disciples of the Saint, Lambert and Berler are generally commemorated with him.
St Gislenus right with St Andrew Apostle
The Relics of the Saint were first disinterred in c929. They were translated to Grandlieu, near Quaregnon, about the end of the tenth century or the beginning of the eleventh and, in 1025, Gerard of Florennes, Bishop of Cambrai, removed them to Le Cateau-Cambrésis. They were visited several times in the course of the Middle Ages by the Bishops of Cambrai.
In 1647 they were removed to St-Ghislain, of which place he is Patron.
In iconography he is frequently represented with a bear or bear’s cub beside him. This relates to the wonderful prodigy of the a bear, who being pursued in the chase by King Dagobert I, sought refuge with Gislenus and later showed him the place where he should establish a Monastery. Moreover, the site of the Saint’s cell was called Ursidongus, “Bear’s den,” He is also frequently represented holding a Church.
There is a Rue Saint-Ghislain/Sint-Gissleinsstraat in Brussels.
The Life of St Gislenus Altarpiece at St Waltrude’s Church in Mons
St Aron of Kracow St Abraham the Patriarch St Alfanus of Salerno St Andronicus of Antioch St Athanasia of Antioch Bl Bernard of Rodez St Demetrius of Alexandria St Deusdedit of Montecassino St Domninus St Dorotheus of Alexandria
Martyrs of Laodicea – Three Christians Martyred together in Laodicea but no other information about them has survived but their names – Didymus, Diodorus and Diomedes. They Died in Laodicea, Syria.
Saint of the Day – 8 October – Saint Ragenfrida Virgin, Abbess (Died 9th Century). Daughter of Adalbert, Count of Ostrevant and Regina, who is also remembered as a Saint. Patronage – of Denain, Northern France, where her Monastery was. Also known as – Ragenfréde, Ragenfreda, Rainfroy, Refroy, Reginfreda, Renfrida, Renfroie.
The Roman Martyrology: “In Denain in Hainault, in today’s France, Saint Ragenfrida, Abbess, who built a Monastery in this place with her assets, of which she was a worthy guide.”
Ragenfrida was the Founder and Abbess of the Monastery of Denain, in the Diocese of Cambrai, as expressly recalled in a record from Charles the Bald (Charles II (823-877), King) dated 13 August 877. Even the Author of the Gesta Episcoporum Cameracemium, in 1041-1042, says that the blessed Ragenfrida had founded a Monastery in her region, located on the banks of the Escaut, in Denain and had become the Abbess of it. A little later, contrary to ancient documents, the Life of Saint Regina (our Saint’s mother), written on behalf of Abbess Fredessenda, declares that the Founders had been Adalbert, Count of Ostrevant and his wife, Regina.
Their marriage had been blessed with the birth of ten daughters (including Ragenfrida) and, in agreement with them, the two spouses had founded a Monastery in Denain, whose Church was dedicated to Our Lady. The ten virgins, however, to satisfy a greater desire for perfection, set out on a pilgrimage – five went to Jerusalem and died there, the other five reached Rome where they too were to find eternal rest, except for Ragenfrida who returned to Denain. During the absence of the pilgrims, Regina, their mother, had retreated to the Monastery because Adalbert had died (or, as a later version would say, with his consent) and she governed it until her death. She was succeeded by Ragenfrida.
The Monastery of Denain was founded, towards the end of the 8th Century but this date appears too late because the cult of Ragenfrida was already attested in the 9th Century. It seems that, at the beginning its inhabitants were Nuns who followed the Benedictine rule, although it has been wondered whether Denain was not instead a Monastery of Canonesses, as established in 816 by the Council of Aachen. However, later the community was made up of Canonesses and not Nuns. Canonesses, uUnlike Nuns, took no permanent vows and were not committed to a life of poverty, or to a common life for eating and sleeping. These ladies were usually Aritocrats of noble birth.
The elevation of the body of the holy Abbess took place already in 845, at the time of the blessed Ava, who, blind, had recovered her sight by praying on Ragenfrida’s tomb; after which, she gave all her goods to St Ragemfroda’s Monastery and consecrated herself to the Lor. Ava, having become Abbess, promoted the cult of our Saint. At the time of the destruction of the Monastery by the Normans, Ragenfrida’s Relics, sold by clerics greedy for money, were then recovered,, thanks to the cunning of a Nun and remained in Denain until 1793.
From the 9th Century St Ragenfrida had a celebration in calendars and sacramentaries and her name is found in the litanies of the same period on 8 October, in the Diocese of Cambrai and Tournai, as well as in the Abbey of St-Amand. She is venerated on the same date in Honnepel, a Town near Xanten, where the Monastery of Denain had properties and the same was true for Xanten. After the 13th Century, in Cologne, she had her Feast day, on 20 November. In Denain, of which the Saint was the main Patron, she was celebrated on 2 September and with a relatio corporis on 11 June. Ragenfrida’s memory is found in the Benedictine Martyrologies on 8 October.
St Felix of Como (Died 390) the first Bishop of Como. Felix was a friend of Saint Ambrose, who praised him for his missionary activity and Ordained him a Priest in 379 and Consecrated him as Bishop in 386. St Ambrose sent him to evangelise the City of Como, as a testimony to the great missionary drive of the Church of Milan. St Felix is honoured as a zealous shepherd of souls. More about St Felix: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/08/saint-of-the-day-8-october-saint-felix-of-como-died-390/
Saint of the Day – 7 October – Saint Gerold of Cologne (c1201-1241) Layman Pilgrim. Born in Cologne, Germany and died in Cremona, Italy by being murdered by robbers. He is venerated by both Cologne and Cremona as their own special Saint and is regarded as a Martyr, although it is doubtful that he was killed for the Faith. Also known as – St Gerold of Cremona.The image is the only one available but has no explanation accompanying it.
Gerold was born in Cologne. a City also a destination for pilgrimages, for the devotion of Saint Ursula and her fabulous eleven thousand companions and for the Relics of the Three Kings, preserved in the famous Cathedral which is, itself, a destination of pilgrims.
Gerold was, so to speak, a professional pilgrim, who progressively extended the scope of his journeys which became increasingly longer and more difficult, in pursuit of sanctity and perfection.
He was in Rome, travelling along the road to pray in the Basilicas and venerate the linen of Veronica. He arrived at St James of Compostella, staff in hand and shell on his chest, to pay homage to the “baron” of Galicia, St James. Finally, he set sail, holding the palm, for the distant Holy Land, the land of the Lord.
Those who went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem made a will before leaving home because the chances of returning were rather slim. Our saint, however, was among those who returned from the East to Italy. But for him, the most dangerous road was much nearer home. In 1241, while crossing the Alps into what is now Italy, he was attacked by robbers, who left him to die. The remains were collected by some passers-by and taken to Cremona, where the cult for the devout pilgrim was ignited by the veneration paid the holy man and the miracles granted by his intercession.
St Adalgis of Novara (Died c 850) Bishop St Apuleius of Capua
St Augustus of Bourges (Died c 560) Priest and Abbot. The Roman Martyrolog states of him today: “Near Bourges in Aquitaine, France, Saint Augustus, Priest and Abbot, who had his hands and feet so contracted that he could not support himself except with his knees and elbows. He was healed through the intercession of St Martin of Tours. He gathered around himself some Monks and waited intently on prayer.” His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/07/saint-of-the-day-7-october-saint-augustus-of-bourges-died-c-560/
St Canog ap Brychan St Dubtach of Armagh St Gerold of Cologne (c1201-1241) Layman Pilgrim St Helanus
St Justina of Padua (Died c 304) Virgin and Martyr. The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Padua, Saint Justina, Virgin and Martyr, who was Baptised by blessed Prosdocimus, disciple of St Peter. As she remained firm in the faith of Christ, she was put to the sword by order of the Governor Maximus and thus went to God.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/07/saint-of-the-day-7-october-saint-justina-of-padua-died-c-304-virgin-and-martyr/
St Marcellus of Capua (Died Third or Fourth Century) Martyr St Martin Cid St Osith St Palladius of Saintes St Quarto of Capua St Rigaldo
St Sergius and Companions – Martyrs
Mercedarian Nuns of Seville: Five Mercedarian Nuns at the Monastery of the Assumption in Seville, Spain noted for their piety – Sisters Agnese, Bianca, Caterina, Maddalena and Marianna.
Saint of the Day – 6 October – Saint Magnus Frigeria of Orderzo (c580–c670) Bishop of Oderzo and Eraclea in greater Venice, Founder and builder of 8 Churches in the region. Born in Altino near the City of Venice and died in c670 in Heraclea, today Cittanova, district of Eraclea near Venice in Italy. Patronage – Venice.
Detail taken from The Incredulity of St Thomas with Bishop Magno by Cima da Conegliano – Altarpiece.
Magnus was the son of the noble Frigeria family, which was important in the Venetian Republic. In around 633, he became the Bishop of Opitergium – today’s Oderzo – near Venice as the successor to Bishop Titian .
In 641, after the Lombard King Rothari conquered and devastated this City which was dominated by the Byzantines – today’s Ístanbul – the inhabitants fled with their Bishop. They founded a new City on the site of today’s hamlet of Cittanova – a district of Eraclea near Venice – which they called Heraclea in honour of the Eastern Roman Emperor, Heraclius. They also fled to preserve their faith because the Lombards were followers of Arianism.
Mural of St Magnus in the Church of Altino
Pope Severinus confirmed this transfer of the Episcopal See. Magnus immediately had the then Cathedral, dedicated to St Peter, built in Heraclea. He is also considered the Founder of eight early Churches in what is now the City of Venice, namely the Churches of Santi Apostoli on Cannaregio, San Pietro di Castello and Santa Maria Formosa, the then Church of Santa Giustina – today the High School GB Benedetti, only the facade remains – as well as the Churches of San Giovanni in Bragora, San Zaccaria, San Salvador / Santissima Salvatore and San Raffaele Arcangelo.
Church of San Giovanni in Bragora
All eight Churches built by our Saint Magnus, still exist and all are active Churches except for Santa Guistina which is deconsecrated and now a high school, although as mentioned above, the facade of the Church is still there. All of them have been restored numerous times but that is understandable and necessary, I am sure you will agree, over 1400+ years! St Magnust pray for the Universal Church!
Church of the new Eraclea
Church of San Giovanni in Bragora in Venice
Church of Santa Maria Formosa in Venice
The historical Heraclea lost its importance in the 8th Century, at the latest around 811, after the Doges moved their headquarters to Venice. After the place was abandoned due to increasing floods, On 6 October 1206, Magnus’ remains were transferred to the Church of San Geremia – today Santi Geremia e Lucia – in Venice, where his Relics are greatly overshadowed by the body of a more famous Saint, Santa Lucia. It’s interesting that he was not buried in one of the Churches he founded but evidently, this was his Parish.
. In 1563 an arm Relic was brought to the Cathedral of San Marco. In 1956 the remains returned to the Church of the new Eraclea .
The Incredulity of St Thomas Altarpiece with Bishop Magno by Cima da Conegliano
Given the quite huge profile of our Saint in Venice, it seems surprising that there was never a church built FOR him and dedicated TO him, since so many other Saints are honoured in the hundreds of Churches in Venice. But, in 1454, the Venetian Senate named San Magno as Patron Saint of the Republic, honouring him alongside the existing Patrons – Marco and Teodoro.
St Pardulf St Renato of Sorrento St Romanus of Auxerre St Sagar of Laodicea
Martyrs of Capua – 4 Saints: A group of Martyrs who were either killed in Capua, Italy, or that’s where their relics were first enshrined. We now know nothing but their names – Aemilius, Castus, Marcellus and Saturninus.
Martyrs of Trier: Commemorates the large number of Martyrs who died in Trier, Germany in the persecutions of Diocletian.
St Placidus and Companions OSB (Martyrs of Messina) – 30 Saints: A group of about 30 Benedictine Monks and Nuns, some blood relatives, who were sent in the early days of the Order to establish Monasteries in the vicinity of Messina, Sicily, Italy and who were Martyred. We know the names, and a few details, about seven of them – Donatus, Eutychius, Faustu, Firmatus, Flavia, Placidus, Victorinus. 6th Century Messina, Sicily, Italy.
St Alexander of Trier St Anna Schaeffer St Apollinaris of Valence St Attilanus of Zamora St Aymard of Cluny St Boniface of Trier St Charitina of Amasa St Eliano of Cagliari
Blessed Felicia Meda OSC (1378-1444) Virgin
St Firmatus of Auxerre St Flaviana of Auxerre Bl Flora of Beaulieu St Gallo of Aosta St Jerome of Nevers Bl John Hewett St Magdalveus of Verdun St Mamlacha St Marcellinus of Ravenna
Blessed Pietro of Imola (c1250-1320) Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Grand Prior , Lawyer, Jurist, Mediator, Peace-maker. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Florence, blessed Pietro da Imola, who, a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, took care of the sick with pious charity.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-pietro-of-imola-c1250-1320/
Blessed Raymond of Capua OP (c 1330-1399) Priest, “The Second Founder” of the Dominican Order of Preachers, Reformer, Spiritual Director, he worked with St Agnes of Montepulciano and St Catherine of Siena, Hagiographer, Teacher. The important Mystic, Reformer, Doctor of the Church, St Catherine of Siena, accepted him as her spiritual director because of his burning passion for the Church and for the revival of religious life, most especially in their own Order. In 1899 Pope Leo XIII Beatified him, on the 500th anniversary of his death. About Blessed Raymond: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-raymond-of-capua-op-c-1330-1399/
Bl Robert Sutton Bl Sante of Cori St Thraseas of Eumenia Bl William Hartley
Saint of the Day – 4 October – Saint Aurea of Paris (Died 666) Virgin, Abbess of Saint Martial Convent in Paris during the reigns of King Dagobert I and King Clovis II which Aurea ruled for 33 years, known as a Miracle-worker both before and after her death. Also known as – Aure. On some calendars, particularly in the Proper of Paris, St Aurea is venerated on 5 October owing to the conflict with St Francis’ Feast today.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Paris, still in France, Saint Aurea, Abbess, whom Saint Eligius placed at the head of a Monastery which he himself founded in this City under the rule of Saint Columba, in which he had gathered three hundred virgins.”
St Aurea in a 17th Century mural carrying a miniature Crucifix. At the Church in Tohogne, Belgium.
Daughter of Maurino and Quiria. St Aurea appears in works by two writers, St Wudoin and St Jonas of Bobbio (the renowned Abbot and disciple of St Columba and later Author of the Life of St Columba), in their Hagiographies of St Eligius and St Eustace. Both writers state that she was an immigrant to Paris from Syria.
In 633, Aurea was placed, by Saint Eligius (c588-660), at the head of a female Monastery, which he founded in Paris donating his own property for the founding of the first female Monastery in the region.
Aurea was in office from 633 to 666, the year in which she died on 3 (or 4) October, victim of a furious plague which caused the death of one hundred and sixty of her Nuns.
Her remains, were initially placed in the Church of St Paul, where the Nuns were then buried and were then taken to the Oratory of St Marziale. They were again transferred to St Paul’s and finally, in 1421, brought back to St Marziale but in 1792, during the Revolution, they were removed and distroyed, except for a portion of her Relics which were transferred to safety in Normandy. These might be those that are still safely held and venerated at the Church of St Eligius in Paris. In the same Church, there is also a mural of her receiving the veil from the hands of St Eloigius.
Many miracles were recorded through St Aurea’s prayers and intercession. She brought a woman back to life, in order to release a key from her dead hands. Aurea swept red-hot ashes out of an empty oven, causing perfectly baked loaves to appear and, long after her death, St Aurea cured and restored the sight of a blind woman with the touch of her cut-off (and freshly bleeding) arm.
St Aurea of Paris (Died 666) Virgin, Abbess St Berenice St Caius of Corinth St Callisthene of Ephesus St Crispus of Corinth St Damaris of Athens St Diogenes of Milan St Domnina St Hierotheus Bl Julian Majali St Lucius of Alexandria St Peter of Damascus
Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians, men and women, young and old, murdered together for their faith.The only names that have come down to us are the brothers Mark and Marcian.
Saint of the Day – 3 October – Saint Adalgott of Chur O.Cist. (Died 1160) Bishop, Monk in Citeaux, then disciple of Saint Bernard at Clairvaux,, Abbot at Disentis in Switzerland and then Bishop of Chur, Reformer of monastic life and of the Clergy, Apostle of the sick and founder of a Hospital in his Diocese. Date and place of birth unknown – died on 3 October 1160 at Chur of natural causes. Also known as – Adalgott of Discentis, Adalgotto, Algott, Adelgorio.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Chur in Switzerland, blessed Adalgotto, Bishop, who, disciple of Saint Bernard in Clairvaux, was a great lover of monastic discipline.”
St Adalgott in his Cistercian Habit
In 1150, Adalgott was requested to become the Bishop of Chur by the faithful and Clergy of the Diocese. Some believe that this request was engendered because he was probably originally from that area. He was consecrated there in 1151 by the Archbishop of Mainz.
Adalgott gave his private life and his Episcopate an imprint of austerity – he reformed the Clergy, returned the Monasteries under his jurisdiction to a more rigid observance of the Rule, monitored the good morals of the population.
He was in political relations with Pope Stephen III and Emperor Frederick I but never compromised on anything concerning the rights of the Church. He restored Churches and Monasteries, including Cazis, Schännis, Munster, Müstail. Adalgott particularly supported the Premonstratensian Monastery of St Lucius in Chur which was founded in 1140/42 by the Cistercian Pope Eugene III.
Marienberg Monastery near Mals in South Tyrol
Adalgott was known throughout his life for his concern for and ministry to the sick and his use of position and title to assist them however possible. When Adalgott was named Bishop of Chur, he conducted an apostolate for the suffering of the region and, in the same year, he founded a Hospital at Chur specifically to attend to needs of the poor.
On 11 June 1160 Adalgott Consecrated the Marianberg Crypt, as evidenced by an inscription and it was probably he who promoted the construction of the beautiful Cathedral of Chur which is now dedicated to him.
He died at an advanced age on 3 October 1160. His Relics which soon became an object of veneration and the prayers at his tomb resulted in many miracles. In 1492, Adalgott’s name was included in the Catalogue of Cistercian Saints and Blesseds, compiled by the Abbot of Citeaux, John of Cirey, where some variants of his name are also recorded: Algott, Adelgorio.
On 4 May 1881 the Congregation of Rites approved Adalgott’s cult ab immemorial. The Cistercian Congregations of Mehrerau and San Bernardo in Italy remember him on 3 October.
Statue of St Adalgott in the Monastery Church of Eschenbach in Lucerne
St Adalgott of Chur O.Cist. (Died 1160) Bishop Bl Agostina of the Assumption St Candidus the Martyr St Cyprian of Toulon Bl Damian de Portu St Dionysius the Aeropagite Bl Dominic Spadafora Bl Edmund of Scotland St Ewald the Black St Ewald the Fair St Froilan
Martyrs of Alexandria – 9 Saints: A number of Christian Martyrs remembered together. We know the names Caius, Cheremone, Dionysius, Eusebio, Fausto, Lucio, Maximus, Paul, Peter and that there were at least two more whose names have not come down to us, and that’s about all we know.
Saint of the Day – 2 October – Saint Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Hermit, Restorer of the Monastery of Disentis and Architect and builder of 3 Churches in the Diocese. Unknown date and place of birth but died on 2 October in 769 in Disentis, Switzerland of natural causes. Also known as – Ursicinus di Coira, Ursicinus of Chur, Ursicino… Additional Memorial – 3 October in the Diocese of Chur together with the Blessed Bishop Algarotto II. The Image of the Statue of a Bishop is NOT our Saint but an unknown Bishop.
The Roman Martyrology states: “In the territory of today’s Switzerland, Saint Ursicinus, Bishop of Chur and first Abbot of the Monastery of Disentis which he founded.”
Unknown Bishop
We do not know when and where he was born, although his name has Latin/Italian roots and means “bear” but there is little certain data about him.
We do know that Ursicinus was educated in the Monastery of Saint Lucius of Chur, in Switzerland and, after that period, in 721 he entered the Benedictines of the Monastery of Disentis, whose first monastic nucleus was, according to tradition, erected around the year 700, by St Sigisbert.
The Disentis Monastery
Ursicinus was elected Abbot of the Abbey of Disentis in 730. Nine years later, around 739, thanks to the help of the Bishops, Victor II and Vigilius, he managed to rebuild the Monastery and became the Architect and builder of the erection of the Churches of St Maria, St Martin and St Peter.
In 754, against his will, Ursicinus was elected Bishop of Chur which he ruled for only four years. He does not appear in the chrontaxes of the Bishops of the Diocese, whose list in that period, shows many gaps
The Cathedral of Chur
In 758, Ursicinus, now elderly, renounced his role and retired as a simple Monk to the Monastery of Disentis, where. according to some, he died on 2 October 760.
Furthermore, we do not know if and in what period he became a Monk of the important Abbey of Reichenau on Lake Constance, given that his name appears in their “Liber confraternitatum” at the head of all the Monks with the words “Ursicinus Episcopus.”
Reichenau Abbey on Lake Constance
Throughout the region, Ursicinus II enjoyed a great reputation for sanctity. In the Diocese of Chur, he is remembered by being celebrated together with Blessed Adalgotto II on 3 October. Saint Ursicino II Bishop, is remembered and celebrated in the Reichenau Obituary, in the Disentis Proper of 1690 and, in the Roman Martyrology on 2 October.
St Leudomer St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria
St Thomas de Cantilupe of Hereford (c1218-1282) Bishop of Hereford, Confessor, learned Scholar, known for his care of the poor and his protection of them against feudal landlords, Miracle-worker, Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas de Cantilupe was the last Englishman Canonised before the Reformation. An amazing Life and in death, a wondrous Miracle-worker: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-thomas-de-cantilupe-of-hereford-c-1218-1282/
St Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop
Martyred in Nagasaki, Japan: A husband, wife and two sons, who were all martyred together in the persecutions in Japan. They were beheaded on 2 October 1622 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified by Pope Pius IX on 7 May 1867. Blessed Andreas Yakichi Blessed Franciscus Yakichi Blessed Lucia Yakichi Blessed Ludovicus Yakichi
Saints of the Day – 1 October – The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon (Died c303) St Verissimus, St Maxima, St Julia. (Portuguese: Santos Mártires de Lisboa) were three siblings, the brother Verissimus and his two sisters , Maxima and Julia, who were Martyred n the Roman Province of Lusitania (modern-day Lisbon, Portugal) during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Lisbon, in Portugal, the holy Martyrs Verissimus and his tow sisters, Maxima and Julia, who suffered in the persecution of Diocletian.”
The first known historical references to the three Saints is found in the 8th Century Martyrology of Usuard. Thefaithful of Lisbon’s ancient devotion to the Martyrs is also attested in De expugnatione Lyxbonensi, an account of the Siege of Lisbon at the start of the Second Crusade in 1145.
Most accounts of the lives of the Holy Martyrs of Lisbon, maintain that the three siblings were in Rome when an Angel appeared unto them and told them to go to Olisipo, where they “would achieve the Crown of Martyrdom which they so eagerly sought.” They journeyed by boat to the City and soon enough were arrested for being Christians and taken into the presence of Tarquinius, the Roman Governor under Diocletian. Having voiced their will to uphold the Christian Faith even it be necessary to suffer Martyrdom therefore, Tarquinius subjected them to a series of torments after which they were stoned and their throats slit.
The Martyrdom of Verissimus, Maxima and Julia, is the subject of a series of paintings by Garcia Fernandes, painted in c1530, see above.
St Crescens of Tomi St Dodo Bl Dominic of Villanova Bl Edward James St Evagrius of Tomi St Fidharleus Bl Gaspar Fisogiro Bl John Robinson St Julia + The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon St Maxima + The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon St Piaton of Tournai St Priscus of Tomi Bl Ralph Crockett Bl Robert Widmerpool Bl Robert Wilcox
St Romanos the Melodist (c490-c 556) Deacon, Hymnographer, Poet, Writer. He is said to have composed more than 1,000 hymns celebrating various festivals of the ecclesiastical year, the lives of the saints and other sacred subjects, some 60 to 80 of which survive. Wonderful Saint Romanos! https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/01/saint-of-the-day-1-october-st-romanos-the-melodios-c-490-c-556/
St Sazan of Abyssinia St Verissimus + The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon St Virila St Wasnulf
Saint of the Day – 30 September – Saint Antoninus of Piacenza (Died c303) Soldier of the Theban Legion, Martyr. A vial of his blood preserved as a Relic, is known to miraculously liquify. Patronage – of Piacenza, Bedpnia, San Antonino, Travo, Triuggio.Italy. Also known as – Antoninus the Martyr, Antonino… Additional Memorial – 4 July in Piacenza.
Image in the Basilica of Sant’Antonino in Piacenza
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Piacenza, the holy Martyr, Antoninus, soldier of the Theban Legion.”
Robert de Longe: Antoninus’ Martyrdom, around 1694, in the Basilica of Sant’Antonino in Piacenza
Antoninus is venerated as a Martyr in the Basilica of St Antoninus – the former Cathedral – in Piacenza, dedicated to him, after Bishop Sabinus of Piacenza found his remains in 386 . Later tradition links his legend to the Thebean Legion of Maurice and Companions.
Basilica of Sant’Antonino in Piacenza
Around 396, St Victricius of Rouen knew of Antoninus as a highly venerated Saint with miraculous powers. The Martyrology of Jerome also names the Feast of our Saint as 30 September.
The Martyrdom of St Antininus – Unknown Artist
Around 570 a route to holy places was written and attributed to Antoninus – in fact, the author was an anonymous who began his journey at Antoninus’ tomb in Sant’Antoninus in Piacenza. The version of the legend about the Thebean Legion only comes from the 9th/10th Century.
St Ismidone of Die Bl Jean-Nicolas Cordier Blessed Conrad of Urach St Laurus St Leopardus the Slave St Midan of Anglesey St Simon of Crépy St Ursus the Theban St Victor the Theban
Martyrs of Valsery Abbey: An unknown number of Premonstratensian Monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Valsery, Picardie, France who were Martyred by Calvinists. They were martyred in 1567 at Valsery, Pircardy, France.
Saint of the Day – 29 September – St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo (Died c1137) Priest and Confessor, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Grimoaldo, Grimoald.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Pontecorvo near Aquino, St Grimoaldus, Priest and Confessor.”
There is little certain information about this Saint. Grimoaldus was an English Priest who, after having travelled to Rome as a pilgrim, went first to Aquino and then to Pontecorvo, where, he performed miracles. He died on there on 29 September in around 1137.
According to a long-standing tradition, a certain Giovanni Mele, tempted by the devil and on the verge of losing his life, had an apparition of St John the Baptist, who told him to go to Fr Grimoaldus, who, by then had been appointed as the Archpriest of Pontecorvo and to urge him to continue his life of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. This Mele also had to exhort the people to help Grimoaldus to build a Shrine in St John’s honour. Giovanni Mele, fearing to be taken for a visionary, did not carry out the order; the Saint then sent him another messenger to exhort and urge him to fulfill the task. The people flocked to the site of the apparition and, in 1137 our Saint began to build the Oratory, the foundations of which were blessed by the Bishop of Aquino, Guarino, whom the anonymous writer calls his predecessor.
Translation of St Grimoaldus’ Relics were carried out in 1760, 1862 and 1952 – probably when new Churches were constructed.
THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493. The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’ About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492: https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/
St Dadas of Persia St Diethardus of Eichstätt St Fraternus of Auxerre St Gabdelas of Persia St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo (Died c1137) Priest and Confessor St Gudelia Bl Jan of Dukla
Saint of the Day – 25 September – Blessed Marco Criado OSsT (1522-1569) Trinitarian Priest and Martyr, renowned Preacher, Missionary. Born as Marcus Criado Guelamo on 25 April 1522 in Andujar, Spain and died by being stoned to death on 25 September 1569 (aged 47) near La Peza, Spain. Also known as – Marco Criado Guelamo, Marco Guelamo, Mark.
Marcos Criado Guelamo, better known as Blessed Marco Criado, was born on 25 April 1522 in Andújar (Jaén) and his earthly existence came to a violent end because of his faith in the “Sweet Name of Jesus” in La Peza (Granada) on 24 September 1569. He professed as a Trinitarian (OSsT), distinguished himself for his humility and ability to preach and was Martyred for the Gospel in Las Alpujarras during a Moorish revolt.
Marco Criado was born into a large family with deep Christian roots. He was the youngest of his siblings, the son of Juan Criado Notario, a native of Lahiguera (then La Higuera de Andújar) and María or Marina Guelamo Pasillas, a pious woman from Andujar. From a very young age Marco attended the conventual Church of the Trinitarians in his hometown.
After his mother’s death, he made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady de la Cabeza in the Sierra Morena, to pray and commend his soul to God. Following tradition, he slept at the Shrine, asking the Virgin to tell him if it was the divine will that he should enter the Trinitarian Order. Marco Criado, embraced the designs of the Eternal Father and with generosity and humility, followed his vocation. In 1535. he made his Novitiate in the Convent of Andújar. His father also decided to enter religious life and join the Franciscan Order, in the Convent of Arruzafa in Córdoba.
After being Ordained as a Priest, he was later assigned, by his superiors, to the Convents of Andújar, Jaén and Úbeda, where he was given the post of preacher. In Úbeda he combined this mission with the office of Sacristan, a task to which he devoted himself body and soul, to satisfy his yearning for service to the community, with humility and simplicity. Several times he resigned from the highest offices in the Order because of his esteem and desire for a life of evangelical simplicity.
It happened that Archbishop Pedro Guerrero of Granada, concerned about the serious insurrections taking place in the area of the Alpujarras of Granada, met with the Bishops of Almería, Guadix and Málaga, who agreed, first of all, to “send Priests, learned in preaching and exemplary in their Christian life, to the areas most affected by the Moorish uprisings, so that they might devote themselves, with zeal, to reasemble the evangelical seed.”
At the request of the Bishop of Almería, the Trinitarian Provincial Minister of Castile and Andalusia, who was visiting Úbeda, considering the value of Friar Marco to the mission of Alpujarra, agreed that Father Marcos Criado should accompany Father Pedro de San Martín to the Almería Convent to take charge of itinerant preaching, in territories of significant Moorish population, in southeastern Spain. His companion soon died and Marco Criado was left alone, dedicated to his mission among the Moors.
Marco Criado’s apostolic outreach was directed to several localities in the Dioceses of Almería, Granada and Guadix. His preaching focused mainly on the region of the Alpujarras, where there was a large presence of Muslims, a dangerous place for any Christian preacher and also for the Christian inhabitants of the area.
The Town of La Peza became the centre of his missionary activities and was of great support to the local Parish Priest. His zeal in spreading devotion to the Sweet Name of Jesus and his popular sermons, achieved great success.
During one of his missionary journeys, while crossing the Sierra de los Filabres, Marco Criado was captured by a group of Moors, who tied him to a tree for two days. After miraculously surviving, he managed to talk to Abén Cota, leader of the rebellious Moors, to negotiate a peace agreement but this failed. He was tortured, tied to a horse’s tail and dragged for a long time. He was abandoned to his fate, thinking he would die. However, he recovered from his wounds and went on a mission to the regions of Almanzora and Tahá de Marchena, with great success in the Towns of Vera and Cadiar. There, a group of Moors had fled and they had been told to kill him during a sermon.
On Christmas night in 1568 there was a large gathering of Moors in the Alpujarras. On St John’s Eve in 1569, Muslim troops commanded by Aben Homeya decided to return to La Peza. Brother Marco and the Parish Priest were confined to the Parish Church, their movements and words constantly watched. Some exalted ones killed the Parish Priest at the door of the same Church, the same ones who, a few days later, stormed the holy place while Friar Marco was preaching to a small number of Christians who remained in Town. It was 22 September 1569 when Friar Mark was dragged from the Pulpit to the Square where he was stoned to death, after being covered with physical abuse and spit. He was pushed along the road to the Belchite Fountain on the other side of the stream, where he was tied to an oak tree. There he remained, singing hymns and loudly praising the Name of Jesus, until 25 September, when he was killed, tearing out his heart, on which, according to witnesses, the anagram of Jesus had appeared written: “IHS.”
He became known as “the Martyr of the Alpujarras” and his cult was immediately widespread. The people of La Peza call him Saint Macok. To this day, the site of his burial remains a mystery. The iconography depicts him with his heart in his hand and engraved in it, the anagram of Jesus, in memory of the prodigy that, as mentioned, occurred at the time of his Martyrdom. Having collected testimonies of his cult from Father Antonino dell’Assunta, Postulator General of the Discalced Trinitarians, Pope Leo XIII Beatified Marco on 24 July 1899. His liturgical memory is celebrated on 25 September.
“Model of holiness and perennial example, for future generations, of human and spiritual values, rooted in his deep faith in God the Trinity.” Blessed Marco, Pray for us!
Blessed Herman of Reichenau/the Cripple (1013–1054) Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Scholar, Scientist, Writer, Hymnist, Poet, Musical Composer, Teacher. In his own day, the heroic cripple who achieved learning and holiness was called ‘The Wonder of His Age.’. Composer of the “Salve Regina” Hail Holy Queen, “Veni Sancte Spiritus” Come Holy Spirit and “Alma Redemptoris Mater” amongst many others. His Amazing Life and Works: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/25/saint-of-the-day-blessed-herman-of-reichenau-the-cripple-osb-1013-1054-the-wonder-of-his-age/
St Fymbert Blessed Marco Criado Guelamo OSsT (1522-1569) Trinitarian Priest Martyr St Mewrog St Neomisia of Mecerata St Paphnutius of Alexandria St Principius of Soissons St Solemnis of Chartres
Martyrs of Damascus: A Christian family of six who were tortured to death in a persecution by Roman authorities. They were: Eugenia, Maximus, Paul, Rufus, Sabinian and Tatta. They were tortured to death in Damascus, Syria, date unknown.
The Holy Bishops of Milan: Imagine being part of a Diocese in which 36 of your past Bishops are Saints and some are also Doctors of the Church and Popes (and others being considered for Sainthood)! Today, the Church in Milan commemorates these holy Bishops. They are:
Saint of the Day – 24 September – St Geremarus (c608-658) French Priest, Abbot, Founder of Monasteries. Born in c608 in Vardes, Neuf-Marché, France and died in 658 near Beauvais, France of natural causes. Also known as – Germer de Fly, Geremar, Geremaro. He appears in the Roman Martyrology: “In the Diocese of Beauvais, St Geremarus, Abbot.”
Statue of St Geremarus in the Chapel of Saint-Germer-de-Fly Abbey
Geremarus’ parents, Rigobert and Aga, were of the prime nobility in the territory of Beauvais. He was born at their Castle in the Village Warandra and was educated at the Cathedral school in Beauvais.
Geremarus married a pious lady named Domana and held high positions in the Courts of the Merovingian Kings, Dagobert and Clovis. the couple were blessed with two daughters and a son.
Geremarus met St Audoin (c605-684) Bishop of Rouen, at Dagobert’s Court and on his advice founded the Isle-sur-Epte Monastery in honour of Saint Peter. St Audoin also Ordained Geremarus to the Priesthood. This Monastery was afterwards destroyed by the Normans and is now an estate belonging to Saint Geremarus Abbey.
Again by the advice of Saint Audoin’s, Geremarus made his monastic profession in the Monastery of Pental, in the territory of Rouen. He was soon after chosen Abbot but finding the Monks averse to regularity he left the Abbacy and led an Hermit’s life in a cave near the river Seine. This lastest for 5 1/2 years.
When his only son, Amalbert, died and was buried in Saint Peter’s Monastery, the family estate reverted to Geremarus from his son and with the proceeds he founded the Monastery of Fly or Flaviacum, near Beauvais, now dedicated to our Saint. There he assembled a community of fervent Monks.
St Geremarus Abbey in Fly
Having governed this house for 3 1/2 years, he happily died on the 24th of September 658. His body was interred in the Church of his Abbey which soon after took his name. His Relics, for fear of the Norman plunderers, were conveyed secretly to Beauvais, where they are still kept in the Cathedral, except the bones of one arm, which have been given back to Saint Geremarus’ Monastery. In August of 1643 Bishop Potier of Beauvais, placed Monks of the congregation of Saint Maur in this Abbey,and erected there, a great school.
Saint of the Day – 23 September – Blessed Elena Duglioli (1472-1520) Widow Born in 1472 at Bologna, Italy and died on 23 September 1520 of natural cause, aged 48. Also known as – Elena Duglioli Dall’Olio, Hélène, Helen of Bologna. Elena was Beatified on 26 March 1828 by Pope Leo XII. Her body is incorrupt.
Unfortunately we have scant information on Elena’s life. Elena Duglioli was born in Bologna in 1472 to the aristocrats Notary Silverio Duglioli and Pentisilea Boccaferri.
During her childhood and adolescence, she desired to become a professed religious and decided to enter the Poor Clare Convent of Corpus Domini, Bologna. Her parents, however, wished her to marry and to obey and please them, she agreed to marry the much older Senator Benedetto dall’Olio.
The marriage took place in 1487 when she was 15 years old to the 40 year old Senator. Elena who greatly desired to Consecrate her virginity to God was able to bring Benedetto to agree to maintain total chastity in their marriage (this information is unconfirmed, hence her title remains ‘Widow’). The marriage proved happy and successful with both husband and wife living in admirable union and in complete harmony. Benedetto died after they had been together for 30 years.
Bl Elena with her husband Benedetto
Having become a widow, she devoted herself to pious works with even greater zeal.
Elena bore a particular devotion to Saint Cecilia and the Papal Legate to Bologna – Cardinal Francesco Alidosi – gave her a knucklebone Relic of St Cecilia. Her devotion to the Saint led her to commission the construction of a Church where the Artist, Raphael, would paint an image of the Saint Cecilia.
Elena died on 23 September 1520. Her incorrupt remains are housed in the Church of San Giovanni in Monte.
The Beatification received official confirmation on 26 March 1828 once Pope Leo XII approved her local cultus. Prospero Lorenzo Lambertini – the future Pope Benedict XIV – spoke in favour of Elena’s Beatification.
St Pope Linus (c 10 – c 76) Successor to St Peter. Papacy lasted from c 67 to his death as a Martyr. Among those to have held the position of Pope, Peter, Linus and Clement are specifically mentioned in the New Testament. Linus is mentioned in the closing greeting of the Second Epistle to Timothy as being with Paul in Rome near the end of Paul’s life. About St Pope Linus: https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-st-pope-linus-c-10-c-76-successor-to-st-peter/
St Cissa of Northumbria St Constantius of Ancona Blessed Elena Duglioli (1472-1520) WidowHer body is incorrupt.
Bl Guy of Durnes St Peter Acontanto St Polyxena
St Sosius (275-305) Confessor, Deacon and Martyr. His holiness and wisdom drew many Prelates to his feet, seeking spiritual assistance. St Sosius was a Deacon of Misenum, an important naval base of the Roman Empire in the Bay of Naples. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Capo Miseno in Campania, St Sosius, Deacon and Martyr, who, as Pope St Symmachus reports, wishing to save his Bishop from death, instead found death together with him, obtaining equal glory at the same price.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-saint-sosius-275-305-confessor-deacon-and-martyr/
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