medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (29. October) is the feast day of:
Narcissus of Jerusalem (d. c. 222) According to a contemporary account,
Narcissus was at least 80 years old when he became bishop of Jerusalem. He
was a strong disclipinarian, which may have convinced three men to accuse
N. of an unnamed crime---calling divine punishments on their heads if they
lied. Two died almost immediately, and the third rapidly begged his
bishop's pardon, but N. used the accusation as an excuse to make a long
retreat in complete isolation. He was away for so long that when he
reappeared in Jerusalem his flock thought he had been resurrected.
Narcissus and Felix of Gerona (d. c. 307) According to a colorful legend,
this Narcissus and his deacon Felix were from Gerona (Spain), but fled over
the Alps to escape persecution. On the way, they had a dramatic
confrontation with the devil, who was compelled to kill a dragon that had
been killing travelers. N and F went on to Augsburg, where they converted
St. Afra (among others). Then they returned to Gerona, where they were
martyred.
Zenobius of Antioch (d. 310) Zenobius was a priest and physician who lived
in Sidon. He was martyred by being ripped apart with iron hooks.
Colman of Kilmacduagh (d. c. 632) This Irish Colman (one of many) became a
monk at Aranmore and later lived at Burren (Co. Clare). He was consecrated
bishop against his will, and lived with only one disciple on a diet of
vegetables and water. Later Colman founded the monastery of Kilmacduagh
and was venerated as its first bishop. For Colman, the well-known saintly
Irish affinity for animals took on a very practical cast: a cock regularly
woke him before the night-office, a mouse kept him from going to sleep
after it, and a fly kept his place in his book.
Anna (d. 820) A native of Constantinople, Anna was married off against her
will. When her husband died, she disguised herself as a man, gave herself
the new name Euphemianus, and became a monk in a community on Mt. Olympus.
She became so noted for her holy life that the patriarch wanted to make her
abbot of a monastery, but Anna refused, and lived in obscurity for the rest
of her life.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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