medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture

Today (9. September) is the feast day of:

Gorgonius of Nicomedia (d. c. 300)  Gorgonius was a member of Diocletian's
bodyguard and enjoyed the emperor's trust.  When Diocletian discovered that
Gorgonius was a Christian and would not give up his faith, the emperor had
him murdered.  Eusebius reports his martyrdom, along with that of his
companion Dorotheus, who is also commemorated on this day.

Gorgonius of Rome (d. c. 304)  This Gorgonius was probably martyred in Rome
during Diocletian's persecution; there is no reliable information about his
life.  His relics made it in the eighth century to the monastery of Gorze
in Lotharingia, which may have been named Monasterium s. Gorgonii.

Ciaran of Clonmacnois (d. 545)  Ciaran was, according to tradition, the son
of a carpenter, although this may be one of many efforts by the saint's
later hagiographers to identify their hero with Christ.  Ciarán is said to
have left his parents at a young age, in order to seek wisdom.  His search
led him in time to St. Finnian at Clonard.  He eventually settled at
Clonmacnoise, where he founded a monastery that became one of the most
important establishments of early Christian Ireland.   According to
tradition, Ciarán died at the young age of 33, perhaps of the plague that
swept Ireland.  According to the Irish Life of Ciarán, though, the cause of
Ciarán's death was jealousy.  The saints of Ireland envied Ciarán for his
goodness, and all of them but St. Columcille prayed and fasted against
their youthful rival, asking God to shorten Ciarán's life, lest he take
over the whole island.

Osmanna (Osanna) of Jouarre (7th cent.)  According to legend, Osmanna was
an Irish princess who fled to Brittany to avoid a marriage her parents had
arranged for her.  She became a recluse, walled into a cell at St-Brieuc.
Her cult was widespread in Brittany.  According to another tradition,
Osmanna was a nun at Jouarre, where she is also venerated.

Audomar (Otmar)  Audomar was from Coutances.  First he became a monk at
Luxeuil, and in 639 was made bishop of the restored diocese of Theroanne.
He founded the monastery of Sithui, the core of the later city St-Omer.

Wulfhilda of Barking (d. c. 1000)  According to a great, if perhaps
somewhat legendary account, King Edgar discovered Wulfhilda when she was a
novice at Wilton and wanted to marry her, but W. wanted to remain a nun.
She was tricked by her aunt into going where the king was waiting for her,
but escaped through the drains, pursued by Edgar until she reached
sanctuary.  Only then did Edgar renounce his desires and made Wulfhilda
abbess of Barking.  She was driven from her position for twenty years by
Edgar's second wife, only reinstated in c. 993.


Without diacriticals because I'm a Mac user, and funny things seem to come
out the other end if I include them in e-mail.

Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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