medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (3. November) is the feast day of:
Valentine of Viterbo (d. c. 304) According to very early tradition,
Valentine was a priest, martyred under Maximian.
Silvia of Rome (d. 572) Silvia was the mother of Gregory the Great. After
the death of her husband, she lived near St. Andrew's monastery (founded by
Gregory in the family palace). According to tradition, Silvia normally
brought her son fruits and vegetables from her own garden. Because she was
mistakenly identified in later tradition as a Sicilian, Silvia is
especially venerated on that island, most notably in Palermo where she is a
patron saint of the city.
Wenefrida (Winifred) (d. c. 660) The life of Winifred is largely hidden in
legend. She may have been born in Wales. She repelled a prince who wanted
to marry her, upon which she was decapitated at Holywell---a
miracle-working well sprang up at the site. However, Winifred came to life
again and entered the nunnery of Gwythierin, where she later became abbess.
Holywell became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the British
Isles.
Hubert (d. 727) Hubert was probably born in c. 655 in Aquitaine. He
became a missionary in Brabant and the Ardennes. Legend reports that
Hubert had been married and fathered a son. He was only converted to the
religious life when, while hunting one day, he saw a stag carrying a
glowing crucifix in its antlers. It is certain that Hubert became bishop
of Maastricht in 705, and because of the danger of raids moved his see to
Liege in 717. Hubert is accounted among the "four holy marshals" who are
particularly close to God and can be called on for help.
Pirmin (d. 753) Pirmin was one of the earliest and most successful
missionaries in Alsace and the southern Rhine region. He possibly came
from Aquitaine or Spain. Pirmin is resposible for organizing the church in
the region between the Black Forest and the Vogesen, where he founded
numerous monasteries, including Reichenau, Murbach, and Hornbach.
Malachy (Maol Maodoc Ua Morgair) (d. 1148) Malachy was the most notable
leader of the Irish Church's reform movement of the early twelfth century.
He was educated at Armagh, and was ordained there in 1119. After a term as
vicar of Armagh, Malachy returned to the monastic life at Lismore, only to
be elected bishop of Connor and Down in 1124, then in 1129 became abbot and
archbishop of Armagh, an office he resigned in 1137. Malachy played a
central role in bringing Irish church practices in tandem with Rome, and
also introduced the Cistercians and canons regular to Ireland.
Simon Ballachi (blessed) (d. 1319 or 1329) Simon was born in
Sant'Archangelo (Italy) in c. 1250, the son of the count of Ballachi. He
became a Dominican laybrother, spending the rest of his life in ascetic
practices and self-abnegation. His cult was approved in 1820.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
[log in to unmask]
**********************************************************************
To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME
to: [log in to unmask]
To send a message to the list, address it to:
[log in to unmask]
To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion
to: [log in to unmask]
In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to:
[log in to unmask]
For further information, visit our web site:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html
|