St Peter of Africa St Philip of Turin St Talmach Bl Thomas Vives
47 Martyrs of Rome – Forty-sevenpeople who were Baptised into the Faith in Rome, Italy by Saint Peter the Apostle and were later Martyred together during the persecutions of Nero. Martyred c67 in Rome, Italy
Martyrs of Valeria – Two Monks Martyred by Lombards in Valeria, Italy who were never identified. After the monks were dead, their killers could still hear them singing Psalms. They were hanged on a tree in Valeria, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 13 March – Saint Sabinus (Died c287) Martyr of Egypt. A noble Egyptian by birth, Sabinus died by torture and finally, being drowned. Also known as – Sabinus of Hermopolis, Sabino of…. Abibus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Hermopolis in Egypt, the Martyr St Sabinus, who after many sufferings, terminating his Martyrdom by being precipitated into a river.”
St Sabinus was born into a noble family in Minya, Egypt and converted to Christianity.
He was forced to leave his home and possessions to hide outside the City with other Christians, being persecuted by the Governor Arius.
When his hiding place was discovered, (some say the Christians were betrayed by those they had assisted) he was arrested, tortured and thrown into the river to drown.
NOVENA for the INTERCESSION of ST JOSEPH DAY FOUR:Clink Link here:DAY FOUR
St Leander of Seville (c534-c 600) BIshop, Confessor of the Faith, Teacher, Writer, Apostle of Spain and Evangelisation, Father of the Church – Patron of Episcopal attire and Liturgical garments. Saint Leander, as Bishop, instituted the practice of praying the Nicene Creed during Mass—a practice which continues today. St Leander’s Holy Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-st-leander-of-seville/
Bl Judith of Ringelheim St Kevoca of Kyle St Mochoemoc
St Nicephorus (c758-829) Bishop and Confessor, Defender of Sacred Images. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, the Bishop St Nicephorus. In defence of the traditions of his forefathers and of the Churrch, the worship of Sacred images, he opposed the Iconoclast Emperor, by whom he was sent into exile, where he underwent a long martyrdom of fourteen years and departed for the Kingdom of God.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-saint-nicephorus-c758-829-bishop-confessor/
Saint of the Day – 12 March – Saint Mura McFeredach (c550-645) the 1st Abbot of the Monastery at Fahan, County Donegal, Ireland, Author. Born in c550 in County Donegal, Ireland as a member of the O;Neill clan and died in 645 at his Monastery in Fahan, Ireland. Patronages – of Fahan, Ireland and of the O’Neill clan. Also known as – Murames McFeredach, Muranc Feredach, Murin of Fahan, Mura of Fahan.
Mura was a disciple of St Columban (543-615) and was appointed as the Abbot at Fahan Monastery. He was a friend of King Hugh of Ireland. Spiritual teacher of Saint Laserian of Leighlin.
St Mura is the Author of a number of works including a rhymed biography of Saint Columban. In the ruined Monastery at Fahan is a beautiful Irish Cross, nearly 2 metres tall and nearby Saint Mura’s miraculous Well. St Mura’s Crosier is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.[
Blessed Jerome of Recanati OSA (Died 1350) Priest, Friar of the Hermits of Saint Augustine, Peacemaker. He was Beatified in 1804 by Pope Pius VII. The Roman Martyrology reads : “In Recanati in the Marche, Blessed Girolamo Gherarducci, Priest of the Order of the Hermits of St Agustine, who worked for peace and harmony between peoples.” Blessed Jerome the Peacemaker: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/12/saint-of-the-day-12-march-blessed-jerome-of-recanati-osa-died-1350/
St Theophanes (c758-817) Abbot, Confessor, Founder of Monasteries, Defender of Sacred images, Writer and Historian. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Theophanes, who gave up great wealth to embrace poverty in the monastic state. By Leo the Armenian, he was kept in prison for two years for the worship of holy images, then, being exiled in Samothracia, where, overwhelmed with afflictions, he breathed his last and wrought many miracles.” Courageous and Brilliant St Theophanes: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/saint-of-the-day-12-march-saint-theophanes-c758-817-abbot-confessor-defender-of-icons/
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 8 Beati: Christians who were Martyred in succession in a single incident during the persecutions of Diocletian. First there were the eight imprisoned Christians, Domna, Esmaragdus, Eugene, Hilary, Mardonius, Maximus, Mígdonus and Peter, about whom we know little more than their names. Each day for eight days one of them would be strangled to death in view of the others so that they would spend the night in dread, not knowing if they were next. Peter was the Chamberlain or Butler in the Palace of Diocletian. When he was overheard complaining about this cruelty, he was exposed as a Christian, arrested, tortured and executed by having the flesh torn from his bones, salt and vinegar poured on the wounds and then being roasted to death over a slow fire. Gorgonio was an army officer and member of the staff in the house of emperor Diocletian, Doroteo was a staff clerk. They were each exposed as Christians when they were overhead objecting to the torture and murder of Peter. This led to their own arrest, torture and executions. Died in 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey) Additional Memorial – 28 December as part of the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia. Beatified on 14 January 1891 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmation).
Saint of the Day – 11 March – Saint Firmian (Died c1020) Abbot of San Sabino, Italy. Also known as – Fermanus, Firminus.
St Sabino at the Monastery in Fermo
Beside the fact that our Saint Firmian lived in the 9th to 10 Centuries, we have nothing further to record, bar the name of his Monastery founded by San Sabino in Piceno near Fermo in the Marches of Italy.
We presume that he was a man revered for his sanctity and skills as an Abbot, those of leading his Monks in their spiritual path.
St Benedict Crispus (Died 725) Archbishop of Milan from c 685 until his death. A poem written about ten years after his death, De laudibus Mediolani- In Praise of Milan, praises him and remembers his veneration by the entire land and informs us that he was buried in the Basilica of Saint Ambrose. A Life of Zeal and Virtue: https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-saint-benedict-crispus-of-milan-died-725/
St Candidus the Martyr St Constantine II St Constantine of Carthage
St Firmian (Died c1020) Abbot of San Sabino, Italy
St Firmin (Unknown) Abbot of Amiens For 11 March, the Roman Martyrology mentions a Firmin, a holy Abbot of the Amiens region, without providing further details. History does not know of any abbot of this name in this place; it is therefore possible that there has been confusion both with the two bishops of Amiens, named Firminus and with Fermanus, the Abbot of Fermo in the Marche
.St Firmus the Martyr St Gorgonius the Martmo St Heraclius of Carthage + Martyr
St Peter the Spaniard Hermit St Pionius St Piperion the Martyr St Rosina of Wenglingen
St Sophronius (c550-c638) Bishop of Jerusalem from 634 until his death, Father of the Church.Bishop of Jerusalem from 634 until his death, Father of the Church. Before rising to the primacy of the See of Jerusalem, he was a Monk, Theologian and Philosopher, who was the chief protagonist for orthodox teaching in the doctrinal controversy on the essential nature of Jesus. He was a well-travelled and honoured Teacher of Rhetoric, living for several years in Alexandria, Egypt near St John the Almoner. Ecclesiastical and Liturgical Writer, Poet and exercised an extensive correspondence, some of which has survived and some of which we still use within the Liturgy. He is also renowned in history for his peace negotiations with the invading Saracens, thus ensuring a level of protection to the City’s Christians Born in Damascus, Syria in the 6th Century and died in c638; sources disagree on cause and location. I use St Sophronius Commentaries whenever I are able on this Site. A Most Important Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-saint-sophronius-of-jerusalem-c550-c638-bishop-father-of-the-church/
Saint of the Day – 10 March – St Ferfugill (Died 789) Bishop of Clondalkin, Ireland… Irish born dying on 10 March 789 in his See which is now a part of the Archdiocese of Dublin. Also known as – Firfuigill… Fugillus…
A veil of mystery surrounds the figure of Saint Ferfugill the Bishop of Clondalkin who lived in the 8th Century.
Information about this Irish Prelate is fragmentary, leaving us with a hazy portrait of his life and works. The only historical certainty is his long Episcopate as head of the Church of Clondalkin, located in the County of Leinster, not far from Dublin.
His reputation for sanctity, however, still resonates today, echoing a life dedicated to the service of God and his people.
The Tallagh Martyrology, an ancient Irish hagiographical text, remembers him as ‘Fir Fuigill Episcopo’ setting his Liturgical Feast on 10 March, the day of his death in 789.
Some histoians believe that Saint Ferfugill was not only the Bishop but also the Abbot of the Monastery of Clondalkin, founded by Saint Mochua. A fascinatingbelief that, although lacking certainty, enriches the profile of this saintly man, envisioning him as a spiritual guide and point of reference for the monastic community.
The scarcity of information does not prevent us from grasping the essence of Saint Ferfugill – a zealous Bishop, a devoted shepherd, a man of faith who left an indelible mark on the history of the Irish Church.
Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, Armenia (Died 320) – Forty Christian soldiers of the Thunderstruck Legion of the Imperial Roman army who were tortured and murdered for their faith during the persecutions of Emperor Licinius. They were exposed naked on a frozen pond to freeze to death at Sebaste, Armenia in 320 and their bodies afterward were burned. THE FULL STORY HERE: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/10/saints-of-the-day-10-march-the-forty-martyrs-of-sebaste-armenia-died-320/
St Arialdo Deacon and Martyr – on the right might just be our Saint Andrew prior to becoming a Monk
St Attalas (Died c627) AbbotAbbot of Bobbio, Disciple of, Assistant and Successor to St Columban (543-615). A legendary leader of great wisdom and scholarly abilities, a loving father to his Monks and a generous and kindly Apostle to the poor and the ill, Miracle-worker. His Monks included Saint Valery, Saint Blitmund and St Bertulf, all Abbots at various times. Born in Burgundy, France and died in c627 of natural causes in Bobbio, Italy. Patronages – of Bobbio and of Luxeuil-les-Bains, France. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Monastery of Bobbio, the Abbot, St Attalas, renowned for miracles.” Blessed by Miracles, St Attalas: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-st-attalas-of-bobbio-died-c627-abbot/
St Blanchard of Nesle-la-Réposte St Caius of Apema St Cordratus of Nicomedië
St Emilian of Lagny St Failbhe the Little St Ferfugill (Died 789) Bishop of Clondalkin, Ireland St Gustav the Hermit
St Gustav the Hermit St Himelin Bl John of Vallombrosa St Kessog
St Macarius of Jerusalem (Died c335) Bishop of Jerusalem for over twenty years. Defender of the Faith against Arianism, founder of the True Cross with St Helena, organiser and manager of the building of the Sacred Basilicas, including the Church of the Holy Sepuchre in Jerusalem, paid for by St Constantine the Great, St Helena’s son. Also of great import is the fact that Bishop Macarius was one of the two main authors of the Nicene Creed, that is, of the Creed that we still pronounce in Mass today The Life os St Macarius: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-saint-macarius-died-c-335/
St Peter of Veroli St Rufinus of Nicomedië St Sannudius of Bagensena St Saturninus of Nicomedië St Sedna of Ossory St Silvester of Ireland
St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great. St Gregory was an erudite Theologian, Philosopher. Writer , Defender of orthodoxy against heresy but he possible lacked the administrative ability of his brother, Basil or the contemporary influence of Gregory of Nazianzen but, he was an erudite Theologian who made significant contributions to the Doctrines of the Church, in particular, of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. St Gregory, together with his elder brother, St Basil the Great (Doctor of the Church) and their great and lifelong friend, St Gregory of Nazianzen (also a Doctor of the Church) are collectively known as the “Cappadocian Fathers.” The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nyssa, the demise of St Gregory, Bishop, brother of the blessed Basil the Great, whose life and erudition have rendered him illustrious. He was expelled from his own City for having defended the Catholic Faith during the reign of the Arian Emperor, Valens.” Wonderful St Gregory: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-gregory-of-nyssa-c335-c395-bishop-father-of-the-church/
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Quote/s of the Day – 8 March – St John of God OH (1495-1550) Confessor, Founder of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God
“Lord, Thy Thorns are my Roses and Thy Suffering, my Paradise.”
“Labour without stopping, do all the good works you can, while you still have the time!”
Lord be Blessed! (A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Self-oblation) By St John of God (1495-1550)
Lord be blessed! for in Thy great kindness to me, who art such a great sinner, having performed so many wicked things, yet Thou seest fit to set me free, from such a tremendous temptation and deception into which I fell, through my own sinfulness. Thou hast brought me into a safe harbour, where I shall endeavour to serve Thee with all my strength. My Lord, I beg Thee, with all my might, give me the strength of Thine grace and always let me see Thine clemency. I wish to be Thy slave, so kindly show me what I should do. Give peace and quiet to my soul which greatly desires this. O most worthy Lord, may this creature of Thine, serve and praise Thee. May I give my whole heart and mind, to Thee. Amen
Saint of the Day – 8 March – Saint Probinus (Died 420) Bishop of Como, disciple of St Ambrose, Patronage – against deadly fevers, of Agno, Switzerland. Also known as – Probino, Probinus, Provino. Some writers and hagiographers write ‘Provino’ but there is no doubt that the exact form is Probinus, a name in use among the Latins and frequent in the 4th Century.
Probinus was a disciple of St Ambrose, who sent him to assist the 1st Bishop St Felix in Como. When St Felix died in 391, Probinus became his successor. He was thus the 2nd Bishop of the See of Como until his death in 420.
His Episcopate shone for wisdom and sanctity and after his death, he enjoyed an uninterrupted cult, The Relic of his head was preserved in a small Church outside the City, built by himself and dedicated to Saints Gervasius and Protasius, whose bodies had been discovered in Milan by St Ambrose a few years prior to his being appointed as the Bbishop, in 386.
The Relic remained there until 1118, when, to protect it from enemy raids, it was moved within the City walls of Como, to the Church of St Anthony which took the name of St Probinus.
There are records of subsequent examinations of the Relics, which took place in 1504, 1618, 1836 and 1933; the influx of the faithful to his Tomb was constant, especially those suffering from fevers, of which St Probinus is believed to be a healer.C In 1096, a portion of his skull was donated to the collegiate Church of Agno in the Canton of Ticino and placed in a silver bust. A very intense cult developed there,and every year, on 8 March his Liturgical Feast is celebrated with a large attendance of the faithful, even from other areas. A major fair, renowned throughout Ticino, is held for the occasion.
Martyrs of North Africa – 9 Saints: A Bishop and some of his flock who were Martyred together in North Africa. The only details that have survived are nine of the names – Beata, Cyril, Felicitas, Felix, Herenia, Mamillus, Rogatus, Silvanus, Urban.
Saint of the Day – 7 March – Saint Gaudiosus (Died c445) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia. He was the 12th Bishop of Brescia and lived in the 4th and 5th Centuries. A devout apostle of the needy and sick,
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Brescia, St Gladiosus, Bishop and Confessor.”
Little is known about his life but this slight le information allows us to sketch a profile of a holy and devout man. He was born in Brescia into a Christian family. From a young age, he distinguished himself for his piety and charity towards the needy.
He became a Priest and, after the death of Bishop Sisinnius, was elected his successor. Gaudiosus governed the See of Brescia for 13 years, during a period of great difficulty for the Church. The Western Roman Empire was in decline and barbarian invasions threatened Christianity. Gaudiosus, however, was a courageous and enlightened shepherd who protected and led his people with firmness and compassion.
The holy Bishop devoted himself to caring for the poor and the sick and zealously worked to preach the Gospel of Christ. He was also a great builder, constructing numerous Churches and charitable institutions.
Gaudiosus died in Brescia on 7 March, around 450/455. His body was buried in the Church of Sant’Alessandro, which he himself had built. His Liturgical Feast is celebrated today.
PRAYER O Saint Gaudiosus, Bishop of Brescia, who led your people with firmness and compassion, intercede for us with the Lord. Help us to be strong in faith, open in charity towards the needy and to do all for the glory of God. Obtain for us, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the grace we humbly seek of you… (Name the grace you wish to obtain) Amen.
St Ardo of Aniane Bl Daniel of Wichterich St Deifer of Bodfari St Drausinus of Soissons Bishop St Enodoch St Esterwine of Wearmouth Abbot St Eubulus of Caesarea St Gaudiosus (Died c445) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia
Bl German Gardiner Bl Henry of Austria Bl Jermyn Gardiner
Bl Volker of Segeberg OSA (Died c1135) Priest Martyr Bl William of Assisi
Martyrs of Carthage – 4 Saints: A catechist and three students Martyred together for teaching and learning the faith. We know little more than their names – Revocatus, Saturninus, Saturus and Secundulus. Mauled by wild beasts and beheaded 7 March 203 at Carthage, North Africa
Saint of the Day – 6 March – Saint Marcian (Died c122) Bishop and Martyr of Tortona,in north-western Italy. He occupied his Office for 45 years and had been consecrated by St Barnabas. Patronages – of both the City and Diocese if Tortona, of Genola, also in Italy. Also known as – Marcianus, Martianus, Marzano, Marziano.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tortona, St Marcian, Bishop and Martyr who received the Crown of immortality by being killed under Trajan, for the glory of Christ.”
Tradition states that he was born to a pagan family but was converted by St Barnabas and then confirmed in the Christian faith by St Sirus the 1st Bishop of Pavia.
St Secundus (Died c119) to become the Bishop of Asti is said to have met Marcian at Tortona, when the former was still a pagan and St Marcian converted him.
There is some disagreement about the year of St Marcian’s death. Some sources say it occurred in c17, under Trajan, while others say it was under Hadrian in c122 but all agree that he was Crucified.
St Balther of Lindisfarne St Basil (Died c335) Bishop of Bologna St Cadroë
St Chrodegang of Metz (c714-776) The First Bishop of Metz, Protector and Father of the poor and orphans, Reformer of the Clergy, a relative of King Pepin and of Prince Charles Martel, both of whom he was Court Chancellor, Royal Diplomat, Saint Opportuna of Montreuil was his brother. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Metz in Austrasia, in today’s France, St Crodegango, Bishop, who arranged for the Clergy to live as if within the walls of a cloister under an exemplary rule of life and greatly promoted liturgical chant.” An Ardemt Shepherd: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/06/saint-of-the-day-6-march-saint-chrodegang-of-metz/
St Colette PCC (1381-1447) Abbess and Foundress of the Colettine Poor Clares, a reform branch of the Order of Saint Clare. Patronages – against eye disorders, against fever, against headaches, against infertility, against the death of parents, of women seeking to conceive, expectant mothers and sick children, craftsmen, Poor Clares, servants, Corbie, France, Ghent, Belgium. St Colette was Canonised on 24 May 1807 by Pope Pius VII. Lovely St Colette: https://anastpaul.com/2017/03/06/saint-of-the-day-6-march-st-colette/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/06/saint-of-the-day-6-march-st-colette-2/
St Cyriacus of Trier St Cyril of Constantinople St Evagrius of Constantinople
Bl Guillermo Giraldi St Heliodorus the Martyr Bl Jordan of Pisa St Julian of Toledo St Kyneburga of Castor St Kyneswide of Castor St Marcian (Died c122) Bishop and Martyr of Tortona
St Ollegarius Bonestruga OSA (1060-1137) Bishop, Canon Regular of the Augustinians, Reformer, in both the religious sphere and the social one, Abbot, Diplomat, Peacemaker and Proptector of his people from possible violent incursions. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Barcelona in Spain, the blessed St Ollegarius, who was first a Canon and afterwards the Bishop of Barcelona and Archbishop of Tarragona.” A Very Busy Shepherd https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/06/saint-of-the-day-6-march-st-ollegarius-bonestruga-osa-1060-1137-bishop/
Martyrs of Amorium – 42 Saints – Also known as Martyrs of Syria and Martyrs of Samarra; A group of 42 Christian senior officials in the Byzantine Empire who were captured by forces of the Abbasid Caliphate when the Muslim forces overran the City of Amorium, Phrygia in 838 and massacred or enslaved its population. The men were imprisoned in Samarra, the seat of the Caliphate, for seven years. Initially thought to be held for ransom due to their high position in the empire, all attempts to buy their freedom were declined. The Caliph repeatedly ordered them to convert to Islam and sent Islamic scholars to the prison to convince them; they refused until the Muslims finally gave up and killed them. Martyrs. We know the names and a little about seven of them: Aetios Bassoes Constantine Constantine Baboutzikos Kallistos Theodore Krateros Theophilos but details about the rest have disappeared over time. However, a lack of information did not stop several legendary and increasingly over-blown “Acts” to be written for years afterward. One of the first biographers, a monk name Euodios, presented the entire affair as a judgement by God on the empire for its official policy of Iconoclasm. Deaths: beheaded on 6 March 845 in Samarra (in modern Iraq) on the banks of the Euphrates river by Ethiopian slaves the bodies were thrown into the river, but later recovered by local Christians and given proper burial.
Saint of the Day – 5 March – Saint Elouan (5th Century) Hermit and Irish Missionary to France. Also known as – Elouen, Elowan, Eluen, Elven, Llywan, Loan, Louan, Louen, Louenn, Luan, Youen, Youenn.
Statue St Elouan on the Fountain adjoining the Chapel of Sainte-Guen .
His history is obscure. Originally from Ireland, Elouan was a missionary to France, having been part of a company of Celtic Missionaries probably under the leadership of St Tugdual and later a Hermit in the forest which is now the Parishes of Mûr and Sainte-Guin . He lived there and died there. He is celebrated there both today and on the last Sunday of August.
His veneration is ensured particularly by a Chapel bearing his name which located at Saint-Guen, in the Côtes-d’Armor, near Mûr-de-Bretagne, in a very remote part of the See of Cornouaille.
In 1646 , Father Maunoir discovered the Saint’s Chapel in ruins and the Saint;s Tomb. This led to a revival of his cult, causing up to 80,000 pilgrims a year to this isolated place.
His sanctity has been recognizsd by the Church for centuries, as evidenced by the Statue and the Chapel erected in his honour and not forgetting the great number of pilgrims who come to pray at his Tomb.
St Adrian of Caesarea St Caron St Carthach the Elder Bl Christopher Macassoli of Vigevano St Clement (Died c800) Abbot of Santa Lucia Monastery in Syracuse, Sicily. St Colman of Armagh St Conon of Pamphylia Bl Conrad Scheuber
St Theophilus (Died c217) Bishopof Caesarea , Theologian, Writer , Apologist and Defender of the Faith. Born in Caesarea, Palestine and died c195 of natural causes. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Caesarea, in Palestine, in the time of the Emperor, Severus, St Theophilus, Bishop, who was conspicuous for his wisdom and the purity of his life.” Wise St Theophilus: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-saint-theophilus-of-caesarea-died-c217-bishop/
Martyrs of Africa – A group of 304 Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know nothing else about them but five of their names Eusebius, Evolus, Hadrian, Julian and Octavian. They Died in 254 in Africa, exact location and date unknown.
Saint of the Day – 4 March – St Leodevaldus (Died c614) Bishop and Confessor of Avranches in France, Penitent. Patronages – farmers and farm labourers. Also known as – Leonard, Léodowald, Keidevakdi, Leudeuald,
Unknown Bishop or Abbot
Leodovaldus was a Bishop of Avranches who lived between the 6th and 7th Centuries, remembered as a tireless Confessor.
In the list of Bishops, he is ranked 7th (or in some cases 8th) after Saint Synerius and before Ildoald.
Although some 12th Century manuscripts contain a very deficient and imprecise Episcopal catalogue of the Diocese of Avranches, regarding Bishops before the end of the 10th Century, Saint Leodevaldus is mentioned by St Gregory of Tours in the text ‘Virtutes Martini II’.
We know very little about his birth and Episcopate. Tradition holds that he led a reckless life during his youth, so much so that his excesses frightened good people. At a certain point in his life, he converted and repented, completely changing his ways, became a Priest, and was then appointed as a Bishop.
His devotion to Saint Martin is proverbial and his cult spread throughout Normandy, to which region he dedicated as many as 31 Churches.
Saint Leodevaldus, is mentioned after 576, in some cases gives the year of his death as 630, while others more likely date it to 614.
St Lucius I (Died 254) Pope and Martyr. The 22nd Bishop of Rome from 25 June 253 to his death on 5 March 254. He was banished soon after his consecration but gained permission to return. Patronage – Copenhagen, Denmark. Lucius I’s Tombstone is still extant in the Catacomb of Callixtus. His Relics were later brought to the Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, along with the Relics of St Cecilia and others. His head is preserved in a reliquary in St. Ansgar’s Cathedral in Copenhagen, Denmark. This Relic was brought to Roskilde around the year 1100, after Lucius had been declared Patron Saint of the Danish region Zeeland. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, on the Appian Way. during the persecution of Valerian, the birthday of St Lucius, Pope and Martyr, who was first exiled for the Faith of Christ but, being permitted by Divine Providence to return to his Church, he suffered Martyrdom by decapitation, after having combated the Novatians. His praises have been published by the blesseed Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage(200-258).” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/04/saint-of-the-day-4-march-st-lucius-i-died-254-pope-and-martyr/
St Adrian of May St Adrian of Nicomedia Bl Alexander Blake St Appian of Comacchio St Arcadius of Cyprus St Basinus of Trier Bl Christopher Bales
Blessed Humbert III Count of Savoy (1136–1189) Layman Prince. It is recorded of Humberto “who, forced to leave the cloister to deal with public affairs, practiced the monastic life with greater dedication, to which he later returned.” Born in 1136 in Avigliana, Italy and died on 4 March 1189 in Chambéry, France of natural causes. Beatified in 1838 by Pope Gregory XVI. Holy Humbert: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/04/saint-of-the-day-4-march-blessed-humbert-iii-count-of-savoy-1136-1189/
St Leodevaldus (Died c614)Bishop and Confessor of Avranches Bl Nicholas Horner St Nestor the Martyr St Owen Bl Paolo of Brescia
Martyrs on the Appian Way – 900 Saints: Group of 900 Martyrs buried in the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus on the Appian Way, Rome.
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 20 Saints: A group of 20 Christians murdered together for their faith. The only details about them to survive are three of their names – Archelaus, Cyrillos and Photius. Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey)
Martyrs of the Crimea – 7 Saints: A group of 4th century missionary Bishops who evangelised in the Crimea and southern Russia and were Martyred for their work. We know little else beyond the names – Aetherius, Agathodorus, Basil, Elpidius, Ephrem, Eugene and Gapito.
Saint of the Day – 3 March – St Frederick (c1121-1175) O.Praem of Hallum Priest and Regular Canon, the Founder and 1st Abbot of Mariengaarde Abbey in Friesland in the Netherlands. Born in Münster, Germany in 1121 and died in Hallum in Holland in 1175, Patronages – against Rheumatism and Paralysis. Also known as – Frederick Feikone, Frederick of Mariengaarde, Friederich, Federico.
Frederick was a Premonstratensian Priest and Abbot who, thanks to his piety, charity and attention to the poor and sick, was prominent as an example of Christian virtue.
He was the son of a nobleman and received a religious education and was Ordained a Priest. After serving for several years as Parish Priest in the Town of Hallum, he was elected as the Abbot of the Premonstratensian Monastery of Mariengaarde, where he fervently devoted himself to the spiritual care of the Monks and the evangelisation of the Faith.
His charity was boundless and he did his utmost to help the poor and needy, donating money and his time to alleviate their suffering. He was also a man of great piety and spent long hours in prayer and meditation.
In 1175, Frederick visited the Monastery of Bethlehem, where he was struck by a serious illness. He returned to Hallum, where he died on 3 March of the same year. He was buried in a Chapel he had built himself. So many miracles were reported at his Tomb that it became a site of pilgrimage and he was soon venerated as a Saint. In 1938 his Relics were transferred to Leffe, Dinant, Belgium.
He was Canonised on 8 March 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII. and St Frederick is invoked against rheumatics and paralytics.
Blessed Benedetto Sinigardi da Arezzo OFM (1190-1282) Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, who received the Habit directly from St Francis of Assisi. Although rarely mentioned, Blessed Benedetto is the Author of the Angelus! Furthermore, the beautiful custom of reciting the Marian Antiphon “The Angelus Domini” is attributed to Blessed Benedetto, meditating on the saving Mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God in Mary’s virginal womb. The Angelus Domini became a pious practice firstly to the entire Franciscan Order, then to the whole Church, as it still is today. Lovely Fr Benedetto!: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-blessed-benedetto-sinigardi-da-arezzo-ofm-c1190-1282-the-author-of-the-angelus/
St Anselm of Nonantola St Arthelais of Benevento St Calupan St Camilla St Cele-Christ
St Cunegundes (c975-1040) Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Nun, she took a vow of Virginity before her marriage, which, after a miracle was upheld by her husband, the King (also a Saint). Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Nun in one of her Convents, Apostle of Charity. Born in c 975 and died in 1040 of natural causes. Her Fervent Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-st-cunegundes-c-975-1040/
St Foila St Frederick (c1121-1175) O.Praemof Hallum Priest, Abbot St Gervinus
40 Martyrs in North Africa – A group of Christians Martyred together in North Africa, date unknown. No details have survived, but we know these names – Antonius, Artilaus, Asclipius, Astexius, Basil, Bosimus, Carissimus, Castus, Celedonius, Claudianus, Cyricus, Donata, Emeritus, Emeterius, Euticus, Felix, Fortunatus, Frunumius, Gajola, Georgius, Gorgonius, Hemeterus, Isicus, Janula, Julius, Luciola, Luciolus, Marcia, Marinus, Meterus, Nicephorus, Papias, Photius, Risinnius, Sabianus, Savinianus and Solus
Martyrs of Pontus – 3+ Saints – A large group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Emperor Maximian Galerius and governor Ascleopiodato. We have some details on three of them – Basiliscus, Cleonicus and Eutropius. 308 in Pontus (in modern Turkey) Martyrs of Caesarea; Asterius Marinus
Martyrs of Calahorra: Cheledonius Emeterius
Martyrs of Gondar, Ethiopia: Bl Antonio Francesco Marzorati Bl Johannes Laurentius Weiss Bl Michele Pío Fasol
Saint of the Day – 2 March – St Simplicius (c395-483) Pope and Confessor. His Papacy began on 25 February 468 and ended on 2 or 10 March 483. He combated the Eutychian heresy, ended the practice of Consecrating bBshops only in December and sought to offset the effects of Germanic invasions and contain the rebellion of Eastern Prelates who sought private power.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Simplicius, Pope and Confessor.”
Etching of Pope Simplicius, 1636
SIMPLICIUS was the ornament of the Roman Clergy under Sts Leo the Great (400-461) and Hilarius (Died 468) and succeeded the latter as Pontiff in 468.
He was raised by God to comfort and support His Church amidst the greatest storms. All the Provinces of the Western Empire, had fallen into the hands of barbarians. The Emperors for many years, were rather shadows of power than sovereigns and, in the 8h year of the Pontificate of Simplicius, Rome itself fell a prey to foreigners. Italy, by oppressions and the ravages of barbarians, was left almost a desert without inhabitants and the Imperial armies consisted chiefly of barbarians, hired under the name of auxiliaries. These soon saw that their masters were in their power.
The Heruli demanded one third of the Italian lands and upon refusal chose for their leader Odoacer, one of the lowest extraction but a resolute and intrepid man, who was proclaimed King of Rome in 476. He put to death Orestes, who was Regent of the Empire for his son Augustulus, whom the Senate had advanced to the Imperial throne. Odoacer spared the life of Augustulus, appointed him a salary of six thousand pounds of gold and permitted him to live at full liberty near Naples.
Pope Simplicius was wholly taken up in comforting and relieving the afflicted and in sowing the seeds of the Catholic Faith among the barbarians. The East gave his zeal no less employment and concern. Peter Cnapheus, a violent Eutychian heretic, was made Patriarch of Antioch by the heretics and Peter Mengus, one of the most profligate men, Patriarch of Alexandria.
Acacius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, supported Mengus against Pope Simplicius and the Catholic Church. Pope Simplicius, at length discovered his artifices and redoubled his zeal to maintain the Holy Faith, which he saw betrayed on every side, whilst the patriarchal Sees of Alexandria and Antioch were occupied by furious wolves and there was not one Catholic King in the whole world.
St Simplicius, having reigned in faithful strife for 15 years, 11 months and 6 days, went to receive the reward of his labours in 483. He was buried in St Peter’s Basilica.
Blessed Charles the Good (c1083-1127) Martyr, Duke, Apostle, protector and defender of the poor, selling his and his kingdom’s riches to help those in need, wherever he could, a fair and just Ruler who made laws to accommodate the poor rather than the rich (the eventual cause of his Martyrdom), Knight who assisted in Secomd Crusade. Blessed Charles cultus was officially confirmed by his Beatification in 1883 by Pope Leo XIII. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/02/saint-of-the-day-2-march-blessed-charles-the-good-c1083-1127-martyr/
St Cynibild of Laestingaeu St Felix of Treves St Fergna the White
Martyrs of Campania – Approximately 400 northern Italian Christians Martyred for their faith by pagan Lombards. Their story was recorded by Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who reports that they people spent their final days supporting each other with prayer. c 579 in Camnpania, Italy.
Martyrs of Porto Romano – 4 Saints – Group of Christians Martyred in the persecution of Diocletian. The only other information that survives are the names of four of them – Heraclius, Januaria, Paul and Secondilla. c305 at Porto Romano at the mouth of the River Tiber, Rome.
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Saint of the Day – 1 March – St Siviard (Died 687) Priest and the 5th Abbot of the Moinastery of Saint-Calais in Maine, France, Author, a man of great humility and leadership skills. Also known as – Siard, Siviardus, Siviardo.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Le Mans, St Siviard, Abbot.”
Siviard’s biographer, Jean-Barthélemy Hauréau, was one of his contemporaries, a 7th-century Monk.
According to the narrator, he had known the holy Abbot ,not only in the Monastery, where he had had him as his father but during his childhood and, therefore, in his native village.
Siviard’s father was Sigiram, a Frankish noble and his mother was Adda. Since Bertrand du Mans, the Bishop of Le Mans, had donated lands to his beloved nephew Sigiram in the Diablintic region. It is assumed that Sigiram was himself a Cleric and Abbot.
In Siviard’s life, he tells us only of his childhood passion for study, his vocation to religious life, where he wished to be buried among the most obscure Monks, the choice of his superiors who elevated him to the Priesthood, the virtues he practiced, worthy of all the praise that Scripture bestows on the holy ministers of the Lord and his eventual election to the Abbatial chair after his father’s death.
King Thierry III, who named Siviard, confirmed his possession of the Monastery’s property in 676. Siviard built the house of God magnificently, both in material structure and spiritual discipline. Siviard received the places of Villiers and Lantion from Bishop Aigilbert and built a villa and probably a small Monastery on the grounds of Saint-Georges-de-la-Coué.
St Siviard died without sadness, without regret, on the first day of March 687. One of the Monks was warned of this death, by a vision in which the Abbot was shown to him in celestial light accompanied by Saints Peter and Paul and recommended that he carry to his sister the Eulogies he had prepared.
A diploma of Charlemagne from 774 expressly states that Siviard’s body rests in the villa of Savonnières in Saint-Georges-db-la-Coué, the last foundation of the holy Abbot. It was here that his bones were removed and then transported to Sens during the Norman invasions. The Church of Laval has occupied a significant part of the site since 1883.
At the behest of several Bishops, Siviard wrote the life of Saint Calais, founder of the Abbey he had governed.
St David of Wales (c542-c601) Bishop, Prince, Monk, Confessor, Missionary, Founder of Monasteries. Uncle of King Arthur. David studied under Saint Paul Aurelian. Worked with Saint Columbanus, Saint Gildas the Wise and Saint Finnigan. He was officially Canonised in 1120 by Pope Callistus II. Beloved St David: https://anastpaul.com/2017/03/01/saint-of-the-day-1-march-st-david-of-wales/
St Abdalong of Marseilles St Adrian of Numidia St Agapios of Vatopedi St Agnes Cao Guiying
St Albinus of Vercelli St Amandus of Boixe St Antonina of Bithynia Bl Aurelia of Wirberg Bl Bonavita of Lugo St Bono of Cagliari Bl Christopher of Milan Bl Claudius Gabriel Faber St Domnina of Syria St Domnina of Syria St Donatus of Carthage St Eudocia of Heliopolis Bl George Biandrate Bl Giovanna Maria Bonomo Bl Gonzalo de Ubeda St Hermes of Numidia St Jared the Patriarch St Leo of Rouen
St Leolucas OBas (c815-c915) Abbot of the Basilian Order, Mystic, Ascetic, Miracle-worker. He lived as a Monk for more than 80 years. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the Monastery of Avena between the slopes of Mount Mercurio in Calabria, St Leone Luca, Abbot of Monte Mula, who shone in the hermitic life, as in the cenobitic life, following the rules of the oriental Monks.” His Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/01/saint-of-the-day-1-march-saint-leolucas-of-corleone-obas-c815-c915-abbot/
St Lupercus St Marnock St Monan Bl Pietro Ernandez Bl Roger Lefort St Rudesind St Simplicius of Bourges St Siviard (Died 687) Abbot
Martyrs of Africa – A group of 13 Christians executed together for their faith in Africa. The only details about them to survive are ten names – Abundantius, Adrastus, Agapius, Charisius, Donatilla, Donatus, Fortunus, Leo, Nicephorus and Polocronius. c290
Martyrs of Antwerp – A group of 14 Christians Martyred together, buried together and whose Relics were transferred and enshrined together. We know nothing else but their names – Benignus, Donatus, Felician, Fidelis, Filemon, Herculanus, Julius, Justus, Maximus, Pelagius, Pius, Primus, Procopius and Silvius. Died in the 2nd Century in Rome. They are buried in the St Callixtus Catacombs and their Relics were enshrined in the Jesuit Church in Antwerp on 28 February 1600.
Martyrs of the Salarian Way – A group of 260 Christians who, for their faith, were condemned to road work on the Salarian Way in Rome, Italy during the persecutions of Claudius II. When they were no longer needed for work, they were publicly murdered in the amphitheatre. Martyrs. c269 in Rome.
Martyrs Under Alexander – A large but unspecified number of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Alexander Severus and the praefect Ulpian who saw any non-state religion to be a dangerous treason. c 19.
Saint/s of the Day – 28 February – St Cyra AND St Marana (Circa Mid 5th Century) Virgins and Hermits of Beroea in Syria. Two female Syrian Hermits of noble lineage who led an austere life of fasting, prayer, and silence for 42o years. They also made pilgrimages to holy places in Jerusalem and Isauria.
St Theodoret (c393-c457) devotes a Chapter (the 29th) of his Religiosa Historia to Marana and Cyra, who were still alive when he wrote his work in around 440.
In his word: “Their country is Beroea (modern Aleppo), where they descended from an illustrious race and were educated according to their condition and birth. But despising all the advantages granted them by nature, they shut themselves up in a small site near the City, having the gate walled up.
Wishing to imitate them in this way of life, some of their female servants built them a small house, adjacent to the hermitage, in which they ordered them to live; observing their actions through a small window, they often made them do prayer exercises and inflamed them with the love of God…
Instead of the door, they had a small window through which they received what was necessary for their life and spoke with the women who came to visit them only during the time of the ‘cinquantin’ (= Easter time), spending the rest of the year in constant silence, I mean with regard to Marana, the only one who speaks to these women. As for Cyra, in fact, no one has ever heard her utter the slightest word.
Cyra, who is of a more delicate constitution than the other, is always bent to the ground, unable to stand up. They wear dresses so long that they cover their feet and in front they have a kind of veil that comes down to the waist and completely covers the face, hands and stomach.”
When Teodoreto wrote these lines, Marana and Cyra had already been leading this life of Hermits for 42 years, making it even more painful by wearing heavy chains and sometimes prolonging the fast up to forty days.
“Driven by the desire to see the holy places whichJesus Christ honoured with His sufferings, they went fasting to Jerusalem, eating only after worshiping God. On their return, they resumed fasting, even though it would have taken them no less than 20 days to make such a long journey.”
Another time, they similarly travelled to Isauria to visit the Church of Saint Thecla, the first Martyr of that region. As time passed, Marana and Cyra did not slow domn in this way of life; on the contrary, they continued with ever-renewed ardour toward the crown which Christ would place upon their heads after their victory.
We do not know the date of Marana and Cyra’s death, since Theodoret is our only source.
Martyrs of Alexandria – A number of clerics and layman who died as Martyrs of charity for ministering to the sick during a plague that ravaged Alexandria, Egypt in 261.
Martyrs of Antwerp – 14 Christians who were Martyred together. We know nothing about them but the names Alexander, Anicetus, Cyriacus, Eulalia, Faustus, Genesius, Hirena, Macarius, Mauritius, Modestus, Placidus, Rochus, Symforian and Victorinus. Died in Rome, Italy, date unknown. Their Relics were transferred and enshrined in Antwerp, Belgium.
Martyrs of Corinth – A group of Christians Martyred together in Corinth, Greece. The only information we have about them are the names Basilia, Betha, Caius, Claudius, Diodorus, Donatus, Enuclus, Felix, Hermes, Januaria, Januarius, Maccaris, Maninlia, Mansuetus, Nicophorus, Papias, Quinquianus, Rufunia, Serapion, Servilia, Silvana, Stercola, Tella, Veneria, Victor and Victorinus.
Saint/s of the Day – 27 February – St Basil (8th Century) Monk of Constantinople AND St Procopius (8th Century) Monk of Decapolis defenders of Sacred images. Both struggled against and were tortured and imprisoned in their fight against those who denied the veneration of Sared images. Some sources declare them as Martyrs but the Martyrology quoted below does not. Basil did probably die of his sufferings, having survived only a short time after their cessation but Procopius survived to carry on his work as a servant of Christ.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, in the time of the Emperor Leo, the holy Confessors Basil and Procoppius, who fought courageously for the worship of holy images.”
Saints Basil and Procopius were Monks, who lived in Constantinople in the 8th Century, during the reign of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian.
Basil was from a noble family, while Procopius was a Soldier who, after leaving the army, had retired to monastic life.
The two Monks were united by a deep devotion to Christ and the belief that the veneration of Sacred images was a fundamental tool and element in the growth of the Christian Faith.
In 726, Emperor Leo III issued an Edict prohibiting the veneration of Sacred images. This decision was strongly contested by the Church, which considered Sacred images a way to honour God and the Saints.
Basil and Procopius joined the fight against the Imperial Edict. They were arrested and subjected to harsh torture but never renounced their Faith. They were eventually imprisoned, where they spent several years.
Upon the death of Leo III in 741, Basil Procopius were freed. Basil died shortly thereafter, while Procopius continued to live and preach the Gospel of Christ.
In the 8th Century, the veneration of Sacred images was the subject of a controversy that divided the Church. Emperor Leo III and his supporters considered Sacred images a form of idolatry, while the Church maintained that they were a legitimate way to honour God and the Saints.
The controversy ended with the Second Council of Nicaea, which in 787 established that the veneration of Sacred images was devotional and in accordance with theteachings of Holy Church.
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