Saint of the Day – 22 October – Saint Valerius of Langres (Died c411) Archdeacon Martyr. Valerius worked under the saintly Bishop Desiderius of Langres (c307-c356). Died by being beheaded on 22 October c411 near Besancon, France. Also known as – Valière, Valier, Vallier, Valerio. Celebrated on 23 October in the Town named after him, Saint-Vallier
There are different opinions regarding the timescale of the Martyrdom of our Saint . Some believed that it was during the invasion uner Emperor Gallienus (253-68), when the Germanic King Crocus (c260-306) invaded Gaul. Crocus is described as the King of the Vandals. In 260 he led a revolt against the Roman Empire and advanced to Clermont, possibly as far as Ravenna.
The Church historian Louis de Tillemont (1637-1698) believes that St Desiderius was killed on 23 May 411 and his Deacon, St Valerius a few months later, at a time when the country was subject to violence and plundering by invading forces.
After the death of Bishop St Desiderius, Valerius hurriedly gathered the remnants of the Christian congregation and fled by night to the banks of the river Saône. After several months of wandering through the forests, he arrived at Port-Abucin or Port-sur-Saône. This trading Town had made a fortune because it was the last port when going up the Saône.
As soon as the barbarians crossed the Rhine, the Roman road from the Rhine to Langres via Belfort, Luxeuil and Purgerot enabled them to reach Langres and thence to the heart of Gaul in less than four days. The Vandals under Crocus occupied this place, after the conquest of Langres and there they seized Archdeacon Valerius. He was beaten with sticks, pierced with iron nails and finally beheaded on 22 October 411.
The Christians nearby buried his body in the place where he had suffered Martyrdom. His cult spread rapidly in the region. St Desiderius’ successor, as the Bishop of Langres, heard of all the miraculous events which occurred at Valerius’ intercession and immediately proceeded to build a Church on the site of his Martyrdom at Port-sur-Saône.
Saint-Vallier
The Church was remarkable for its size and beneath it lay a crypt which became famous throughout the Country because of all the miracles which happened there. This old Basilica from the 5th Century disappeared and was first replaced by a modest Chapel and in 1836 the current three-nave Basilica was built in the village now called Saint-Vallier. Every year his Feast is celebrated with a great festival on 23 October.
Many Parishes in the Diocese of Chaumont and Langres chose Valerius as their Patron Saint – in Franche-Comté there are three of them, in Doubs and eight in Haute-Saône, among them Barges, Semmadon and Saint-Vallier near Beaujeu.
St Abericus Marcellus St Alodia of Huesca St Apollo of Bawit St Benedict of Macerac St Bertharius of Monte Cassino St Cordula
St Donatus of Fiesole (Died 874) Bishop of Fiesole, Confessor, Irish Nobleman, Monk, Priest, Poet, Writer, Scholar, Professor, Adviser to Emperors Louis the Pious and Lothair I, Founder of San Martino a Mensola Abbey and leader of two military expeditions against the Saracens. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-st-donatus-of-fiesole-died-874/
Bl Esclaramunda of Majorca St Hermes of Adrianople St Ingbert St Leothade of Auch
St Moderan of Rennes St Nepotian of Clermont St Nunctus of Mérida St Nunilo of Huesca St Philip of Adrianople St Philip of Fermo St Rufus of Egypt St Symmachus of Capua St Valerius of Langres (Died c411) Archdeacon Martyr St Verecundus of Verona
Martyrs of Heraclea – 4 Saints: A group of four clerics in Heraclea (modern Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey) who were arrested in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were imprisoned, abused and ordered to turn over all the Scriptures they had hidden from authorities; they refused and were executed together. Martyrs. – Eusebius, Hermes, Philip and Severus. They were burned at the stake in 304 in Adrianople (modern Edirne, Turkey).
Martyrs of Adianople: Blessed Alexander Blessed Anna Blessed Elisabeth Blessed Glyceria Blessed Heraclius Blessed Theodota
Saint of the Day – 21 October – Saint Berthold of Parma OSB (c1072-c1106) Lay Brother or “Regular Oblate” Sacristan, Sexton, Guardian of the Relics. Berthold died in c1106 in his early thirties, of natural causes. Also known as – Bertold, Bertoldo. Our Saint’s name from an ancient Germanic source means “famous, illustrious, shining” – is not the only one with this name in the Calendars – lived in Parma.Italy and died in c1106.
Altarpiece of St Berthold, by Alessandro Tiarini in 1628, in the Church of Sant’Alessandro in Parma
Berthold, was descended from a foreign family – his father, Abbondius, was English, his mother, Berta, was a Briton. They had arrived in Italy, very poor artisans, fleeing the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and initially settled in Milan, where Abbondius practiced the shoemaker’s trade but with little or no success.
They then crossed the Po River, settling in Parma, where their only son, Berthold, was born around 1072. At seven years old, the boy was already working in his father’s shop, helping in the difficult trade. But, at twelve, Berthold abandoned his awl and his blade, to serve the Lord with equal zeal and unchanged humility.
He had to overcome the resistance of his parents, especially his father, who perhaps wished for that only son, the ambition of everything that had been denied to himself in his life. But Berthold’s vocation, despite its simplicity, was stronger than his father’s ambitions and the boy was thus able to change the shoemaker’s shop for the Parma Church of St Alexander, near which there was a Monastery of Benedictine Nuns. Bishop Bernard of Parma commissioned him to serve as a Sexton and Guard the Relics of St Alexander in the Church of the Benedictine Nuns.
A more comprehensive image of the Church of St Alexander in Parma, showing the Bell Tower and the Convent at the back and side
In the history of religious Orders, Berthold is thus considered a precursor of those Lay Brothers, called Regular Oblates, who later became a normal occurrence – and still are – in Benedictine Abbeys and Monasteries. His duties, in the Church of St Alexander, were those of a Sacristan – a Sacristan who was part of the community and lived its Rule with great zeal.
He lived at the base of the Bell Tower and was awake before dawn, to pray in front of the Altar, after having prepared everything for the first Masses. He wore sackcloth and every Friday he flagellated himself. Always obedient, humble and serene, the Nuns even pointed him out as a model, to the young Novices.
St Alexander’s Church in Parma
With the permission of the Superior, he undertook a pilgrimage to Rome and then to France, where he visited the tomb of St Anthony Abbot, where miracles were attributed to our Saint. And humble, touching miracles were also attributed to him after his return to Parma, where he died still young, while praying, greeted by an insistent flock of bells.
Dear beloved Berthold was buried at his Convent Church of St Alexander, where his Relics still now reside.
Saint Ursula and Companions: (Died c238) Virgin Martyrs This Amazing Story: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/21/saint-of-the-day-21-october-saint-ursula-and-companions-died-c-238-virgin-martyr/ There are other Saints closely associated with Ursula and her story – travelling companions who were Martyred with her. They are: Antonia of Cologne Cesarius of Cologne Cyriacus of Cologne Daria Fiolanus of Lucca Ignatius of Cologne James of Antioch Mauritius of Cologne Pontius of Cologne Sulpitius of Ravenna Vincent of Cologne Travelling companion, but escaped the massacre: Cunera Led by a dove to the lost tomb of St Ursula: Cunibert of Cologne.
St Agatho the Hermit St Asterius of Périgord St Asterius of Rome St Berthold of Parma OSB (c1072-c1106) Lay Brother or “Regular Oblate” St Celina of Meaux St Cilinia St Condedus St Domnolus of Pouilly St Finian Munnu St Gebizo St Hilarion of Moglena St Hugh of Ambronay St Letizia St Maurontus of Marseilles St Malchus of Syria
Thought for the Day – 20 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The First Part of the “Our Father”
“Our second aspiration is: “Thy kingdom come.” It is true, that God reigns over Heaven, earth and the infernal regions. Everything is subject to His Will – the sun, the stars, the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea and the tiniest insects carry out His commands. Even the demons of Hell, who He has condemned to eternal punishment, are obedient to His Will. But what about the human race?
Man possesses the precious but dangerous privilege of free will which he has power to abuse by rebelling against God. We should pray that the sovereignty of God may be triumphant in all hearts, beginning with our own and, that all men may willingly subject themselves to His commandments and to His grace. This is the only way in which they can find peace. “Take my yoke upon you and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29).
We should pray, moreover, for the Church, which is the Kingdom of God upon earth. We should pray for her peaceful victory over her enemies, who persecute her and impede her work for the salvation of souls. We should love the Church even as we love Jesus Christ, for the Church is His handiwork and the fruit of His Precious Blood.”
Saint of the Day – 20 October – Saint Maximus of Aquila (c228-c250) Deacon Martyr. Born in c228 in Aveia, Italy and died by being cast off a cliff in Aveia, Italy in c250. Also known as – Maximus of Aveia, Maximus of Naples, Massimo… Additional Memorial – 10 June on which date he is celebrated by a Festival in Aquila (translation of Relics). Maximus is the Main Patron of both the City and Archdiocese of Aquila, L’Aquila and of Penne – Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Aveia, near Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy, the birthday of blessed Maximus, Deacon and Martyr, who, through the desire of suffering, presented himself to the persecutors who sought him. After answering with great constancy, he was racked and tortured, then beaten with rods and finally, he died by being precipitated from an elevated place.”
Giulio Cesare Bedeschini, San Massimo, before 1613, from the Archbishopric of L’Aquila.
Maximus was born in the ancient City of Aveia (surrounding L’Aquila) in the first half of the 3rd Century (c228). It seems that he was born into a Christian family as demonstrated by his status as an aspirant to the Priesthood, the Relics of his father, also Maximus and his deposition before the Prefect of Aveia.
During the persecution of Decius which lasted from October 249 to November 251, he was Martyred. From a ‘Passio,’ we know that after various questions from the Governor of the City and the answers of loyalty to Jesus Christ, he was stretched out on the rack and tortured for a long time. The long torture was of no use, however. To dissuade him, the Governor even promised him his daughter, Cesaria, as a bride. The exasperated persecutor ordered Maximus to be thrown from the highest peak, which was called Temple Circle and Tower. Perhaps it was due to this Martyrdom that the City of Aveia (today Fossa) became a Bishopric.
Statue of St Maximus of the Cathedral in L’Aquila (1153)
Upon the destruction of Aveia, during an invasion, Maximus’ Relics were taken to a nearby City “City of St Maximus” and, it was here that on 10 June 956, Emperor Otto I the Great and Pope John XII came to venerate the Relics of our Saint. In 1256 the See and the Relics were moved to the newly built City of L’Aquila and were placed in the new Cathedral there which was also dedicated to him.
Note from the local Daily News of L’Auila on some of the Festival Celebrations: Saturday 10 June, at 11am, Holy Chapter Mass at the Church of the Anime Sante, presided over by Canon Sergio Maggioni , Archdeacon of the L’Aquila Chapter, while in the evening, at 9.45pm, the musical event “Galileo Queen Tribute band & DJ set Lorenzo Baglioni” in Piazza San Basilio, with a food and drink area from 7pm organised by Anbra brewery and Bivacco.
This is the St Maximus’ Processional Cross, in silver, enamel and copper. by Nicola Gallucci da Guardiagrele (1385-1462).
Blessed James Strepar OFM (c 1340-1409) Archbishop of Halicz, Poland from 1392 until his death Religious Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Missionary. St Pius X proclaimed Blessed James, along with St Anthony of Padua, the Patrons of the Conventual Franciscan Order of Krakow Province. He was given the title of “Protector of the Kingdom, Defender and Guardian of the Homeland,” for his exceptional merits, including civil ones. Such was he considered by all. He was Canonised by by Pope Pius VI on 11 September 1791. His body is incorrupt. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-blessed-james-strepar-ofm-c-1340-1409/
St Leopardo of Osimo St Lucas Alonso Gorda St Martha of Cologne + Virgin Martyr St Maximus of Aquila (c228-c250) Deacon Martyr St Orora St Saula of Cologne + Virgin Martyr St Sindulphus of Rheims St Usthazanes St Vitalis of Salzburg
Saint of the Day – 19 October – Saint Varus and Six Companions (Died c307) Martyrs, Soldier. Died in c307 by being tortured and then hanged from a tree on 19 October 307 in Kemet, Upper Egypt. Also known as – Uaros.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Egypt, St Varus, Solder under the Emperor Maximinus. He used to visit and comfort seven saintly Monks, detained in prison, when one of them happening to die, he wished to take his place and having suffered cruel afflictions, with them, he obtained the Palm of Martyrdom.”
At the time of Emperor Maximian Valerius (c250-c310), the soldier Varus took an interest in the fate of six Hermit Monkss in Egypt, who had been imprisoned due to the ongoing persecution of Christians.
It seems that initially, there were seven Hermits but one of them died upon arrest, or according to other sources, he died during harsh imprisonment. It is known, however, that Varus, who went to comfort them, declared himself a Christian and expressed the desire to replace the seventh deceased hermit. For this reason, he was immediately condemned to be flagellated and then torn to pieces with hooks, it was around 307.
The next day, it was the turn of the six Hermits, whose names are unknown. After having refused to make sacrifices to the gods, they were subjected to various torments, in particular, to a long and bloody flagellation which caused their death. Another source says that after the flagellation, they were led outside the City to be beheaded.
The cult of Saint Varus and the six Hermits remained unknown in the West and their names were absent in the various medieval Martyrologies. However, they were inserted on 19 October in the Roman Martyrology, compiled in the 16th Century.
The body of the Soldier Varus, was collected by a pious woman named Cleopatra, also a Saint, who buried him in a safe place at her home. Once the persecution passed, she left for her home country of Palestine, secretly taking the Relics of the Martyr with her, for which she had a Church built at Mount Thabor. In that same place, Cleopatra had her son, buried, who had died shortly after arriving in Palestine and arranged to be buried there herself.
St Altinus St Aquilinus of Evreux St Asterius of Ostia St Beronicus of Antioch St Desiderius of Longoret St Ednoth St Ethbin St Eusterius of Salerno St Frideswide St Laura of Cordoba St Lucius of Rome St Lupus of Soissons St Pelagia of Antioch
Saint of the Day – 18 October – Saint Gwen of Talgarth (463-c492) Widow, mother, founder of a Church in Talgarth. Born in 463 and died in c492 murdered by pagan Saxons at Talgarth, Wales. Also known as – Wenna (Cornish), Gwen of Tagarth, Gwen of Teirbron, Wite, Blanche, Candida, Genuissa, Wenna, Wenn. The name ‘Gwen’ means ‘white, pure, holy’ hence the derivatives of her name most meaning ‘white.’ (The name stands alone, i.e. it is not necessarily a short form of Gwendolyne and other versions of this name.) Her story, however. is greatly confused with another Saint of the same name.
Gwen is said to have been one of the many daughters of the famous, semi-legendary Saint King Brychan of Brycheiniog (Brecknock) (5th Century), King of the Christian Kingdom of Brecknock in south Wales. She was thus the sister of Saint Cledwyn (Clydwyn) and a number of other Saints. She is on both the older and later lists of Brychan’s children.
In the Life of St Brychan, she is unmarried but other sources list her as the wife of Llyr Merini and mother of Caradog Freichfras. She founded the Church at Talgarth in Brecknockshire. She is said to have been the Queen of Elmet, a Kingdom centered in Loidis, nortbern England (Leeds) and was a widow when, according to the various recprds, she was “killed by the heathen Saxons” around the year 492 in Talgarth. She was buried at Talgarth. Her memorial day is 18 October.
Another Saint of the same name who also lived at the same time is celebrated on the same day, namely Saint Gwen of Cornwall, who was the sister of Saint Non of Wales and thus the aunt of Saint David , the Patron Saint of Wales. She was married to Saint Selyf, King of Cornwall and it is claimed that she was the mother of Saint Cybi of Holyhead and, according to one version, also Saint Cadfan. Clodfaith, an alleged daughter of Brychan, is also said to have been a Saint in Talgarth as well as in Emlyn. Browne Willis and others have a Gwendeline in Talgarth but the real dedication is to our St Gwen.
The medieval St Gwendoline’s Church, Talgarth, is said to occupy the site where St Gwen was buried.
St Asclepiades of Antioch St Athenodorus (Died c269) Bishop Martyr the brother of St Gregory Thaumaturgus. St Brothen Bl Burchard I St Cadwaladr of Brittany Bl Domenico of Perpignano St Eutychius of Pozzuoli St Gwen St Gwen of Talgarth (463-c492) Widow St Gwendoline
Bl Margherita Tornielli St Monon of Nassogne St Proculus of Pozzuoli Bl Theobald of Narbonna St Tryphonia of Rome
Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martryed together in Africa. The only details that have survived are the names – Beresus, Dasius, Faustinus, Leucius, Lucius, Martialis, Victoricus, Victrix and Viktor. They were Martyred in c300 in Africa.
Saint of the Day – 17 October – Saint Florentinus of Orange (Died c526) Bishop of Orange in in Vaucluse, France now in the Diocese of Avignon, between c527-524, Miracle-worker. Born on an unknown date in Tours, France and died in c526 in Orange, Provence, France of natural causes. Also known as – Florent, Florentius, Fiorenzo, Florence, Florencio. Patronages – Fiorenzuola d’Arda, in Italy and Orange.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Orange, in France, St Florentinus, Bishop, who died leaving a reputation for many virtues.”
Florentinus was born in the 5th Century and received monastic training. He was undoubtedly Abbot of the Clastre Monastery in a suburb of Orange (on the site of the current Convent of the Nativity).
He was elected Bishop of this City after the year 500. He continued the restoration of the Diocese, damaged by incessant barbarian invasions and the reconstruction of its Churches.
In 509 the City was taken by the Ostrogoths and its inhabitants deported with their Bishop to Fidentia near Piacenza in Italy. But this captivity was short-lived, thanks to the intervention of BishopSt Caesarius of Arles (470-542) with King Theodoric.
In 517, Florentinus was present at the Council of Epaone (Albon) against Arianism and at the Councils of Lyon and Arles of 524. He died before 527.
The people of Orange have always preserved the memory of his holiness and his pastoral zeal, his goodness, his self-sacrifice and his charity, as have the people of Fiorenzuola d’Arda, in Italy, who chose him as their Patron in recognition of his benefits. This relates to the miracle worked there during his pilgrimage to Rome, when he stopped in Fiorenzuola d’Arda, where he performed the extraordinary miracle of bringing a deceased child back to life
Florentinus’ Relics are shared between the Cathedral of Avignon and that of Puy and between the Churches of Fiorenzuola, Laussonne (Haute-Loire) and Saint-Florent d’Orange, where he is venerated as one of the protectors of the City and the former Diocese.
St Ethelbert of Eastry St Ethelred of Eastry St Florentinus of Orange (Died c526) Bishop Bl Gilbert the Theologian St Heron of Antioch Bl Jacques Burin St John the Short/Dwarf St Louthiern St Mamelta of Persia St Nothelm of Canterbury St Richard Gwyn St Rudolph of Gubbio St Rufus of Rome St Serafino of Montegranaro St Solina of Chartres St Victor of Capua St Zosimus of Rome
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details about them that have survived are their names – Alexander, Marianus and Victor. 303 in Nicomedia (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Valenciennes -5 Beati: A group of Ursuline nuns Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution. Hyacinthe-Augustine-Gabrielle Bourla Jeanne-Reine Prin Louise-Joseph Vanot Marie-Geneviève-Joseph Ducrez Marie-Madeleine-Joseph Déjardins
Martyrs of Volitani: A group of Martyrs who were praised by Saint Augustine of Hippo. In Volitani, proconsular Africa (in modern Tunisia).
Saint of the Day – 16 October – Saint Bertrand of Comminges (c1050-1123) Bishop of Comminges, in the Archdiocese of Toulouse, France, Reformer – both religious and civil, Peace-maker, Miracle-worker. Born as Bertrand de l’Isle in c1050 in France and died on 16 October 1123 of natural causes. Patronage – of the Town named after him, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, France. He was Canonised in 1222 by Pope Alexander III.
St Bertrand of Comminges, as depicted on panel above his tomb, in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges Cathedral, Haute-Garonne
Bertrand was born around 1050 at the Castle of L’Isle-Jourdain. Belonging to the high nobility, the young man initially devoted himself to the ideal of chivalry but, as an adult, he was Ordained a Priest and requested admission into the “Chapter of Canons” of Saint Stephen Cathedral.
In 1083, the Clergy and people of Comminges were looking for a new Bishop for thir City. They chose this young Canon who brought together the rare qualities of a respected southern Lord, capable of bringing back prosperity, since he was involved in the Reform of his time. To his gifts were added a gentle and kindly temperament and a quality of deep faith, whose richness the future would prove.
His effort focused on the reform of the Clergy by imposing community life upon the Canons – a life of poverty, prayer and study. He thus made the Chapter a radiant and exemplary home of evangelical life. He brought civil order to his Diocese, he administered justice but above all, he restored the Church.
He becomes a builder – to restore and rebuild this City which lived in poverty and great violence. With resolution, he enforced the peace of Christ throughout Comminges, as well as in the Hautes-Pyrénées, to ensure peace and security reigned there.
Many miracles are attributed to Bertrand who put himself at the service of liberating people, removing the handcuffs worn by everyone, liberating hearts as much as bodies. As well as the miraculous deliverance by Saint Bertrand, who was already in Heaven, of Sancho Parra, a minor Lord and a bandit, imprisoned in Barcelona.
Bertrand was very close to his faithful especially to the smallest and poor, constantly visiting them with attention and charity, both on a temporal and spiritual level. He set up land called “sauvétés” (which, having become villages and towns, took the name of “suveterre” or “salvetat”) to shelter the populations of the poor, the marginalised, the outlaws, fugitives so that they caouldfind refuge and security there.
The Cathedral and Village of Saint-Bertrand de Comminges
From his death on 16 October 1123, Bertrand was considered a saint throughout the Pyrenees region and since his Canonisation in 1222, the village took the name and Partronage – “Saint-Bertrand de Comminges.”
Shrine to the Blessed Virgin and St Bertrand, in the Village of “Saint-Bertrand de Comminges.”
St Amandus of Limoges St Ambrose of Cahors St Balderic St Baldwin St Bertrand of Comminges (c1050-1123) Bishop St Bolonia St Conogon of Quimper St Dulcidius of Agen St Eliphius of Toul St Eremberta of Wierre St Florentinus of Trèves (Died 4th Century) (Bishop
St Gerald of Clairvaux O.Cist (Died 1177) Abbot regarded as the first Cistercian Martyr St Junian St Lull St Magnobodus of Angers St Martinian of Mauretania St Mummolinus St Saturian of Mauretania St Silvanus of Ahun St Victor of Cologne St Vitalis of Noirmoutier
Martyrs in Africa – 220 Saints: A group of 220 Christians Martyrs about whom we know nothing but that they died for their faith.
Martyrs of North Africa – 365 Saints: A group of 365 Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of the Vandal king Genseric. The only details that have survived are the names of two of the Martyrs – Nereus and Saturninus. 450 in North Africa.
Saint of the Day – 15 October – Saint Antiochus of Lyons (Died c410) Archbishop of Lyons. Also known as – Antioch or Andéol,
The Roman Martyrology states: “At Lyons, St Antiochus, Bishop, who entered the heavenly kingdom after having courageously fulfilled, the duites of high station, to which he had been called.”
Antiochus was a Priest in Lyons, when his Bishop, St Justus of Lyons (Died c390), resigned his See after an incident which led him to believe that he was unworthy of the position of Shepherd of the faithful of Lyons and he resolved to devote the remainder of his life to penance. He travelled to the Desert in Egypt to pursue a life of solitude, penance and prayer. See the full story here:https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/02/saint-of-the-day-2-september-st-justus-of-lyons-died-c390-bishop-confessor/
The City faithful being eager to regain their Bishop, sent a delegation led by Antiochus, to find him and bring him back to his Diocese. Antiochus found but could not convince the saintly Hermit Bishop to return. Antiochus returned to Gaul and was later himself, appointed Bishop of Lyons.
As Bishop, Antiochus arranged to bring the Relics of Bishop Justus back to Lyons and solemnly buried them in the Basilica of the Maccabees, renmaed in honour of St Justus , where he himself would later too be interred.
Martyrs of Cologne: A group of 360 Christian soldiers Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian. They were Martyred in 303 outside the City walls of Cologne, Germany.-
Saint of the Day – 14 October – Saint Bernard of Roccadarce (Died 8th Century) Pilgrim. Born in England (or France) in the 8th Century and died of natural causes in Roccadarce in Campagna in Italy. Also known as – Berhard of Arce, Bernardo. Additional Memorial – 26 June (recovery of the Relics), 13 September (translation of his Relics). Patronage – Roccadarce, Italy.
The details of the “Life of Saint Bernard” are deduced from the “Inventarium Originalis Ecclesiae Parochialis Sanctae Mariae Roccae Arcis” of 1698, by the hands of the Archpriest of the same Parish, Don Antonio Nardone of Arce (Roccadarce today).
Bernard, from the City of Silloth (sometimes known as Silloth-on-Solway, in Cumberland, Cumbria) in England, decided to walk the world, together with Saint Gerard, Saint Fulk and Saint Arduin, brothers in Christ and to visit the holy places of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, the Grotto of Saint Mary Magdalene in Marseilles, of St James in Galicia, of St Nicholas in Bari, of St Michael the Archangel in Puglia on Mount Gargano and the holy places of Rome, as in fact, they did.
These saintly pilgrims were moved too, by a very great need to escape from their land, from the Kingdom of England, unable to tolerate the tyranny and heresies spread there. Since those Saints were similar to four candlesticks of Holy Church, they could not shine in the darkness and the light of their good works did not shine in that place darkened by the thick darkness of sins.
The four Saints, therefore, walked through all the aforementioned places, until, coming from the Sanctuary of the Archangel in Puglia, they arrived in the City of Atina. Here, Saint Gerard, one of these four, fell ill and died on 11 August . Then, when St Bernard in Arpino, St Fulk in Santopadre and St Arduin in Ceprano, fell ill, they all died in a short space of time, one after the other, in the aforementioned places. To this day, their bodies rest in each of those Towns and where they are exposed to devotion, with great veneration, by all of the faithful.
Only Bernhard would not lie still. According to tradition, he appeared in a dream to a man and asked that he be moved from his tomb in Arpino to Rocca d’Arce (now Roccadarce). Then his remains were exhumed from the tomb in the Chapel of San Giovanni in Arpino and transferred to the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Roccadarce, where he still rests, surrounded by miracles.
These events are commemorated on14 October. In the current year 1698, on 26 June, the works for the construction of a new Chapel having begun, by order of Monsignor Giovanni Ferrari, Bishop of Aquino, the Holy Body was found there, which the aforementioned Bishop showed to the people, Consecrating and dedicating the Chapel and celebrating the Saint’s Mass there. Then he placed the body of the Saint again in a lead coffin, donated by the Duke, Antonio Boncompagni. ,The Archpriest of the aforementioned Church, Don Antonio Nardone of Arce, filled the lead coffin with a lining of cottonwool, on which the body would rest and placed the whole inside another wooden coffin . Meanwhile, the new Altar was completed and the coffin was placed in its centre, which was surrounded by iron on all sides and the construction of the entire Chapel was completed in the aforementioned year 1698, in the month of August, with an expense of 886 ducats.
In Roccadarce, they have several celebrations of their Patron Saint. On 13 September, the translation of Bernhard’s Relics is celebrated and this is the Town’s main festival. His Relics have been identified several times – in 1585 (assumed) and in 1698 and in 1901 (documented). The last time the Relics were identified was in 2001, when they were placed in a new casket with reinforced glass and laid to rest under the Altar in the Chapel of St Bernard.
On 14 October, Bernhard’s death is celebrated in Arpino on the border of Roccadarce and there is a religious festival combined with a market for goods and cattle. On 26 June, the recovery of the Relics in 1698, is celebrated with a new religious festival.
Saint Fortunatus of Todi (Died 537) Bishop, Confessor, miracle-worker. An entry in the Roman Martyrology under 14 October records: “At Todi in Umbria, St Fortunatus, Bishop, who, as is mentioned by blessed Gregory, was endowed with an extraordinary gift for casting out unclean spirits.” About St Fortunatus: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/14/saint-of-the-day-14-october-saint-fortunatus-of-todi-died-537/
St Gaudentius of Rimini St Gundisalvus of Lagos St Lupulo of Capua St Lupus of Caesarea St Manacca St Manehildis St Modesto of Capua St Rusticus of Trier St Saturninus of Caesarea St Venanzio of Luni
Martyrs of Caesarea – 4 Saints: Three brothers and a sister Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Carponius, Evaristus, Fortunata and Priscian. In 303 in Caesarea, Cappadocia (in modern Turkey) – their relics enshrined in Naples, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 13 October – Saint Theophilus of Antioch (Died c184) Confessor, Bishop of Antioch from 169 until 182, Scolar and Writer, Theologian, Apologist, Defender of the Faith against heresy. His writings (the only remaining extant being his apology to Autolycus) indicate that he was born a pagan, not far from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Mesopotamia (modern Middle East) and was led to embrace Christianity by studying the Sacred Scriptures. Also known as – Teofilo.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Antioch, the holy Bishop, Theophilus, who held the pontificate in that Church and City, the sixth after the blessed Apostle, Peter.”
Theophilus, Bishop of Antioch, was the Author of many works, one of which has survived, while we only know the titles of others. From the pages of this work, we can once again hear the words of the Saint, in defence of Christian doctrine and faith, even then the subject of accusations by unbelievers and the vicious.
“But, if you tell me” – wrote the ancient Bishop – “Show me your God,” I will say to you: “Show me your man and I will show you my God. Show me, therefore, that they see clearly, the eyes of your soul and that the ears of your heart hear well… God shows Himself to those who can see Him, when they have opened the eyes of the soul. Everyone has their good eyes but someone has veiled them, incapable of seeing the light of the sun. However, the fact that the blind do not see, does not show at all, how the light of the sun does not appear. The blind blame themselves and their eyes. In the same way, my son, if you have the eyes of your soul veiled by your faults and your bad habits, you will not be able to see the light. Like a clear mirror – this is how man must keep his soul pure. If the mirror is rusty, the face of man does not appear on its surface. In the same way, if man is a sinner, this man cannot contemplate God.”
The Author of these phrases, which St Augustine himself would later take up, was born in a region of the East, near the Tigris and the Euphrates. He was a pagan and received a Greek education. He converted by observing the customs of Christians, clearly superior to those of pagans and, by reading the Sacred Scriptures. He would then skilfully use his experiences as a convert and his knowledge of profane culture, in his polemics against unbelievers and philosophers.
He was elected Bishop of Antioch in 169 and still held the pastoral care of the great City, where Saint Peter himself had had his first Chair at the death of Marcus Aurelius, in 180. His apostolic care, in the midst of one of the most populous and most agitated communities of the early Christian world, did not distract him from his studies and intellectual activity.
Eusebius of Caesarea, the Historia (Died 339), speaks of the zeal which he and the other chief Shepherds displayed in driving away the heretics who were attacking Christ’s flock, with special mention of his work against Marcion.
He made contributions to Christian literature, writing polemical works against the heretics of the time, works of catechesis, commenting on the Scriptures, works of history, to clear away pagan myths. In short, he was a Bishop who left a strong imprint of his intelligence and culture in the history of his time, just as he left traces of his charity and mercy in the souls entrusted to him.
St Jerome and Eusebius mention numerous works of St Theophilus existing in their time. They are:
the existing Apologia addressed to Autolycus;
a work against the heresy of Hermogenes;
against that of Marcion;
some catechetical writings;
St Jerome also mentions having read some commentaries on the Gospels and on Proverbs, which bore Theophilus’ name but which he regarded as inconsistent with the elegance and style of his other works.
The one undoubted extant work of St Theophilus, the 7th Bishop of Antioch, is his Apology to Autolycus (Apologia ad Autolycum), a series of books defending Christianity written to a pagan acquaintance.
St Benedict of Cupra St Berthoald of Cambrai St Carpus of Troas St Chelidonia St Comgan the Monk St Florence of Thessalonica St Fyncana St Fyndoca Bl Gebrand of Klaarkamp
St Theophilus of Antioch (Died c184) Bishop St Venantius
Three Crowns of Cordoba – (3 Saints): Three Christian men Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian – Faustus, Januarius and Martial. They were burned to death in 304 in Cordoba, Spain.
Saint of the Day – 12 October – Saint Monas of Milan (Died c249) the 15th Bishop of Milan, who occupied the Seat for 59 years. Died on25 March in c249 of natural causes. Additional Memorial – 25 March on some calendars.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, St Monas, Bishop. He was chosen as head of that Church because a miraculous light from Heaven surrounded him whilst they were deliberating on the choice of a Bishop.”
As we know, a large group of Shepherds who have alternated on the Episcopal Seat of Milan, have deserved the halo of sanctity. Among these we find St Monas, Fifteenth Bishop of the Lombard Capital.
His Episcopate is placed between those of St Calimerius and St Mirocles. The latter appears to have participated in the Synods of Rome in 313 and of Arles, in 314. The narrative of the History of the Church of Milan which places the date of his death around 249, after fifty nine years of Episcopacy.
Bishop Monas, therefore, would have founded what are now considered the oldest Parishes scattered throughout the Milanese countryside.
As for the day of death, the ancient records of the Milanese Bishops indicate 25 March, an anniversary still reported today, while the Ambrosian liturgical calendar, to avoid the concomitance with the Lenten season, moved the Saint’s Feast day to 12 October, the Anniversary of recognition of the Relics, which apparently took place in the 11th Century by Archbishop Arnolfo. St Monas was initially buried in the Basilica Fausta, then known as the Church of St Vitales but, St Borromeo transferred his Relics to the Cathedral on 6 February 1576, where they remain today.
St Eustachius The Syrian Priest and Confessor St Evagrius the Martyr St Felix St Herlindis St Juan Osiense St Maximilian of Celeia St Meinards St Monas of Milan (Died c249) Bishop
St Serafino of Montegranaro OFM Cap (1540-1604) Confessor, Franciscan Capuchin Lay Friar, gifted with the Charism of prophecy, Mystic, Apostle of the poor, Spiritual Advisor, devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Rosary and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Ascoli, St Seraphinus, Confessor, of the Order of Minorite Capuchins, distinguished by holiness of life and humility. Hre was enrolled among the Saints by the Sovereign Pontiff Clement XIII.” Holy St Serafino: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/12/saint-of-the-day-12-october-st-serafino-of-montegranaro-ofm-cap-1540-1604/
Martyrs of Arian North Africa: Commemoration of the 4,996 Martyrs who died in the persecutions of the Vandals in Africa mandated by the Arian King Huneric. The persecuted Christians include Bishops, Priests, Deacons and thousands of the lay faithful. They died in 483 at various locations in North Africa. (Would we follow Christ and stand true to the Faith today?)
Saint of the Day – 11 October – Saint Ethelburga of Barking (Died c782) Virgin, First Abbess of the double Monastery (for men and women) at Barking, in Essex, England, founded by her brother, Miracle-worker. Sister of St Erconwald of London (Died c 693, Bishop of London and known as “The Light of London.” Ethelburga is one of a significant number of female religious leaders who played an important role in the first Century of the Anglo-Saxon Church. Also known as – Adilburga, Æthelburh, Edilburge, Etelburg, Ethelburgh. Ethelburge. Additional Memorial – 12 October in the Diocese of Brentwood of which Barking forms a part
Not much is known about the family origin of these two saintly siblings but their names suggest they might have been connected to the Kentish Royal family. The main source for Ethelburga’s life is St Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum which recounts the foundation of Barking Monastery, early miracles there and Ethelburga’s death. St Bede describes Ethelburga as “upright in life and constantly planning for the needs of her community.”
Some time before he became the Bishop of London in 675, Erconwald founded a double Monastery at Barking for his sister and a Monastery at Chertsey for himself. Barking appears to have already been established by the time of the plague in 664.
Around the same year, 675, Ethelburga founded the Church of All Hallows Berkyngechirche (now known as All Hallows Barking or All Hallows by the Tower) in the City of London on land given to her by her brother.
St Ethelburga at the All Hallows Church
St Bede writes:
“In this Convent many proofs of holiness were effected which many people have recorded, from the testimony of eyewitnesses, in order that the memory of them might edify future generations. I have, therefore, been careful to include some in this history of the Church …
When Ethelburga, the devout Mother of this God-fearing community, was herself about to be taken out of this world, one of the sisters, whose name was Tortgyth, saw a wonderful vision. This nun had lived for many years in the Convent, humbly and sincerely striving to serve God and had helped the Mother to maintain the regular observances, by instructing and correcting the younger sisters.
In order that Ethelburga’s strength might be ‘made perfect in weakness’ as the Apostle says, she was suddenly attacked by a serious disease. Under the good Providence of our Redeemer, this caused her great distress for nine years, in order that any traces of sin which remained among her virtues, through ignorance, or neglec,t might be burned away, in the fires of prolonged suffering. Leaving her cell one night at first light of dawn, this Sister saw distinctly, what appeared to be a human body wrapped in a shroud and shining more brightly than the sun. This was raised up and carried out of the house where the Sisters used to sleep. She observed closely to see how this appearance of a shining body was being raised and saw, what appeared to be cords, brighter than gold which drew it upwards until it entered the open heavens and she could see it no longer. When she thought about this vision, there remained no doubt in her mind that some member of the Community was shortly to die and that her soul would be drawn up to Heaven by her good deeds as though by golden cords. And so it proved not many days later, when God’s beloved Ethelburga, the Mother of the Community, was set free from her bodily prison. And none, who knew her holy life, can doubt that when she departed this life, the gates of our heavenly home opened at her coming.
In the same convent there was also a Nun of noble family in the world, who was yet more noble in her love for the world to come. For many years she had been so crippled that she could not move a single limb and hearing that the venerable Abbess’ body had been carried into the Church until its burial, she asked to be carried there, and to be bowed towards it, in an attitude of prayer. Then she spoke to Ethelburga as though she were still alive and begged her to pray to God on her behalf and ask Him of His mercy to release her from her continual pain. Her request received a swift reply; for twelve days later she was set free from the body and exchanged her earthly troubles for a heavenly reward.
Three years after the death of the Abbess, Christ’s servant Tortgyth, was so wasted away by disease … that her bones scarcely held together, until finally, as death drew near, she lost the use of her limbs and even of her tongue. After three days and nights in this condition, she was suddenly refreshed by a vision from Heaven, opened her eyes and spoke. Looking up to Heaven, she began to address the vision …: “I am so glad that you have come; you are most welcome.” She then remained silent for a while, as if awaiting an answer from the person whom she saw and spoke to; then, seeming a little displeased, she said, “This is not happy news.” After another interval of silence, she spoke a third time: “If it cannot be today, I beg that it may not be long delayed.” Then she kept silent a little while as before and ended: “If this decision is final and unalterable, I implore that it may not be delayed beyond the coming night.” When she had finished, those around her asked her to whom she had spoken. “To my dearest Mother Ethelburga,” she replied and, from this they understood that she had come to announce the hour of her passing was near. So after a day and a night her prayers were answered and she was delivered from the burden of the body and entered the joys of eternal salvation.”
Several more miracles are also recorded, relating to an outbreak of plague in the community. In Ethelburga’s time, Barking Abbey was a double Monastery as was common in the earlier Anglo-Saxon period but it’s the bonds of community and affection between Ethelburga and her Nuns which emerge most memorably from St Bede’s account – ‘golden cords’ of another kind than those Tortgyth saw in her vision.
Barking Abbey
Barking Abbey grew to be one of the most important Monasteries in the country and, at the time of the Dissolution, it was the third richest in England. It was closely associated with a number of powerful Royal and noble women, including the wives and sisters of Kings – and, even St Thomas à Becket’s sister. The Abbess of Barking was not only an important landowner but a baroness in her own right, required to supply the king with soldiers in wartime like any secular lord. Barking also had a strong literary and educational tradition which continued throughout the medieval period- learned authors such as St Aldhelm (in the 8th Century) and Goscelin (in the 11th) wrote Latin works for the Nuns of Barking and several Nuns composed their own poetry and prose. Perhaps the first female author from England whom we can name was Clemence of Barking Abbey, who wrote a Life of St Catherine in Anglo-Norman, in the twelfth Century; a Nun of Barking (either Clemence or someone else) also wrote a Life of St Edward the Confessor, around the same time. Barking Abbey has been described as “perhaps the longest-lived, albeit not continuously recorded, institutional centre of literary culture for women in British history.” And it all began with our Saint Ethelburga.
Barking Abbey – Curfew Tower with St Margaret’s Church in background
Ethelburga was buried at Barking Abbey. The Old English Martyrology records her Feast day as 11 October. There are many Churches across England dedicated to St Ethelburga and many regions, streets, estates, schools and institutions too.
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.
AnaStpaul 
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