medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (16. August) is the feast day of:
Beatrix of Silva Meneses (d. 1490 (or 1491 or 1492) Beatrix was born in
Ceuta, Morocco in c. 1425. She became a lady in waiting to Queen Isabella
of Castile. After personal difficulties she left the court and went to the
convent of female Dominicans in Toleda. She lived there 30 years, without
taking vows. In 1484 she founded the congregation of the Immaculate
Conception, which later spread in both Europe and America. She was
canonized in 1976.
Myron (d. c. 250) Myron was a priest in Kyzikos on the Hellespont. When
people came to destroy his church in Decius' persecution he tried to stop
them, and was murdered.
Armel (d. 552) (or Ermel, or Armagilus) A Welshman, Armel traveled to
Brittany, where he founded several monasteries with the assistance of King
Childebert. A strong cult developed in Brittany and Normandy.
Stephen I of Hungary (d. 1038) Stephen is the patron and national saint of
Hungary. Stephen (his birth name was Woyk) was born in c. 970, son of
Prince Geza. He was given Christian instruction by a missionary priest and
was baptized as a young boy, receiving the name Stephen. In 997 Stephen
became ruler of Hungary. With a series of victories over non-Christian
princes he enhanced his political authority and introduced Christianity
throughout the country. According to tradition, Pope Silvester II then
sent Stephen a royal crown, with which he was crowned as first king of
Hungary on Christmas, 1000. He is responsible for the construction of many
churches and monasteries and the foundation of several bishoprics and
archbishoprics. (The day of his burial, 20. August, was a national
holiday in Hungary until 1948.)
Laurentius Loricatus (blessed) (d. 1243) Laurentius was born in Apulia in
c. 1180. At first he was a soldier, but struck with compunction when he
killed a man. This led him to undertake a pilgrimage to Santiago; on his
return he became a Benedictine monk. From 1210 on he lived as a hermit in
a cave in Subiaco. He led a highly ascetic penitential life, including
wearing an iron breastplate (lorica) all the time.
Roch (d. 1327) Roch was never officially canonized, but is widely
venerated in many parts of Europe. According to tradition, Roch was born
in Montpellier in southern France in c. 1295. After his parents died, he
gave all his inheritance away and became a wandering pilgrim. He is
supposed to have had the miraculous gift of being able to cure those ill
with plague by making the sign of the cross. Finally he caught the plague
himself; but as he lay in a hut, near death, an angel came to him with
comfort, while a dog brought him bread every day until he was well. When
he returned home, nobody recognized him, and he was arrested as a spy.
After five years in prison he died---and was recognized on his deathbed
because of a birthmark.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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