medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (29. August) is the feast day of:
John the Baptist (1st cent.) This is the feastday commemorating John's
death, less popular than his birthday for Christian commemoration. John
was a cousin of Jesus, who became a preacher and prophet of repentance. He
got into trouble for denouncing King Herod Antipas' incestuous marriage
with his niece and brother's wife, Herodias, and was imprisoned. Herodias
then arranged John's execution by means of her daughter Salome, whose
dancing so pleased Herod that he promised her anything she wanted---so she
got the head of John on a platter.
Sabina of Rome (c. 120) According to legend, Sabina was a Roman widow who
was converted to Christianity by a woman named Seraphia who lived with her.
First Seraphia and then Sabina were martyred. It is possible that Sabina
was martyred elsewhere than Rome, and the relics were later transferred to
Rome. It is certain that a basilica erected on the Aventine in Rome in c.
425/430 was dedicated to Sabina no later than the sixth century. It is
also possible that the church is named after another Sabina, who paid for
construction.
Sebbi (Sebbus) (d. 694/695) Sebbi was king of Essex. He ruled peacefully
for thirty years, during which he encouraged the Christianization of his
kingdom. In 694 he abdicated his throne and became a monk in London, where
he died a few months later. He was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.
Edwold (d. late 9th cent.) Edwold was the brother of Edmund of East
Anglia. At a young age he left his home and lived until his death as a
hermit on a mountain near Cerne in Dorsetshire. He was credited with many
miracles, and a strong cult developed after his death.
Theodora of Thessalonike (d. 892) According to tradition, Theodora fled to
Thessalonike to escape the Arabs. She lived over half a century there as a
highly honored nun.
Verona (d. c. 900) Verona was a daughter of King Ludwig the German. After
her father died in 876, she entered a nunnery. She died in c. 900 in
Mainz.
Beatrix of Aa (of Nazareth) (Never formally canonized, but interesting)
Beatrix entered the Cistercian order in 1216 at the age of 16. From 1237
on she was prioress of the nunnery Nazareth near Lier (Belgium). Beatrix
experienced many visions and mystical encounters, some of which she
committed to writing.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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