medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (8. March) is the feast day of:
Senan (d. c. 544) Senan of Inis Cathaig was an Irish abbot and monastic
founder. According to tradition he was a soldier as a youth, but upon
conversion broke his spear and made a cross of it. He then went to study
with Cassidan, under whom he became a monk. Senan went on to found several
monasteries, all of which were located at the mouths of rivers. These
include Inniscarra, Inis Mor, and especially Inis Cathaig (Scattery
Island). Senan's connection to Inis Cathaig, in the Shannon estuary, leads
to some doubt about the historicity of this saint, since his name is so
similar to the Irish name for the Shannon River itself (Sinann). One of
the late Lives of Senán, however, hints that he took this name because he
was converted to Christianity while driving his father's cattle across the
Shannon.
Felix of Dunwich (d. 646/647) Felix was a native of Burgundy, who came as
a missionary to East Anglia. He became a bishop and established his see at
Dunwich. He was successful in converting a large number of English people,
and opened numerous Christian schools.
Cataldus (d. c. 670) Cataldus may be a completely legendary figure. He is
supposed to have been an Irishman, who on his return journey from a
pilgrimage to Jerusalem was elected bishop of Taranto (Apulia). There is
evidence of a strong cult in Taranto and also in Burgundy.
Julian of Toledo (d. 690) Julian, a native of Toledo, was elected
archbishop of his home city in 680. He was very active in protecting the
rights of his church, especially winning recognition of Toledo's primacy
over all Spanish bishoprics.
Hunfried (d. 870) Hunfried was bishop of Therouanne (France) from 856
until his death. During his time in office, his diocese was devastated by
Vikings. His relics were raised in 1108.
Stephen of Obazine (blessed) (d. 1156) Stephen lived as a hermit in a
forest near Obazine (near Tulle, France). He attracted more and more
disciples, and finally founded the monastery of Obazine, becoming its first
abbot. After founding several other monasteries, Stephen brought all of
his houses into the Cistercian order in 1147.
Gerard of Clairvaux (d. 1177) (blessed) (not to be mistaken with the
blessed Gerard of Clairvaux, brother of Bernard) The Italian Gerard was
the sixth abbot of Clairvaux. He was killed by one of his monks, and is
recognized as the first martyr of the Cistercian order. He was beatified
in 1702.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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