medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (16. April) is the feast day of:
Encratia (d. 304) Encratia was a Christian woman of Saragossa (Spain). In
Diocletian's persecution she was arrested and tortured, but according to
tradition she survived the experience. Despite this, she is honored as a
martyr.
Paternus of Avranches (d. c. 565) Paternus was born in c. 480 in Poitiers;
he became a monk and later a hermit, working for many years as a missionary
in the area around Coutances (Normandy). He founded several monasteries,
and in 550 King Childebert I named Paternus bishop of Avranches. Paternus'
cult (in French St-Pair) is still active in Coutances and Poitiers.
Fructuosus of Braga (d. 665) Fructuosus was born in c. 600 in Spain. He
first lived as a hermit in the mountains of Leon; he attracted so many
disciples that he built numerous monasteries. From 656 on he was
archbishop of Braga (Portugal).
Magnus of Scotland (d. 1105/1106 or 1116) Magnus is honored as a martyr in
Scotland, even though he was killed for political reasons. Magnus was born
in c. 1075 in the Orkney Islands. According to legend he became a robber,
but one day converted and dedicated the rest of his life to penitence.
According to another report, Magnus was overlord of the Orkneys and fled to
a penitential life to escape conspirators against him. All reports agree
that he was killed in the course of a political conflict with his cousin.
Joachim Piccolomini (blessed) (d. 1306) At the age of 14 the noble Sienese
Joachim entered the newly founded Servite order. He led a life of extreme
self-abnegation; according to legend he could cure people suffering from
epilepsy by taking the disease upon himself. He was beatified in 1609.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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