medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (31. December) is the feast day of:
Columba of Sens (d. c. 273) Veneration of this female saint is known since
the sixth century, but there are only legends regarding her life. She is
supposed to have been a Christian who lived in Sens. When she refused to
marry the son of Emperor Aurelian she was imprisoned in a brothel---but a
female bear protected her chastity. She was then killed. Columba was one
of the most honored saints of medieval France; King Clothar III founded the
monastery of Ste-Colombe-les-Sens over her tomb.
Sabinian and Potentian of Sens (d. c. 300) Sabinian is supposed to have
been the first bishop of Sens (France), while Potentian was his companion
and possibly his successor in office. Both were martyred in c. 300.
Silvester (d. 335) The Roman Silvester became bishop of Rome in January of
314. There is little clear evidence of his pontificate, but a great deal
of legend. Emperor Constantine supported Silvester strongly, among other
ways having St. Peter's built. Legend that developed in the fifth century
reports that Silvester healed Constantine of leprosy, converted him, and
baptized him, and that in return Constantine gave Silvester Rome---and
Italy---and the entire western empire. The cult of Silvester spread
quickly in Europe.
Zoticus (d. c. 340) Zoticus was a priest of Constantinople. He especially
devoted himself to the care of orphans, founding the first orphanage of the
city and leading it until his death.
Melania the Younger (d. 439) Melania lived in Rome in the early fifth
century. After her two children died at an early age, she and her husband
lived chastely and gave all their goods for good works. From 417 on
Melania lived as a nun in Jerusalem, where she had founded a convent on the
Mount of Olives.
Marius of Avenches (d. 594) Marius became bishop of Avenches (France) in
574; since his see was destroyed, he transferred his center to Lausanne.
Some of his writings are still extant. His cult was formally approved in
1605, a rare case of going through such a formality with an early saint.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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