medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (21. May) is the feast day of:
Constantine I (d. 337) Celebrated as a saint in the eastern Church, where
he is called "equal of the apostles." The first certain Christian emperor,
Constantine gave Christianity a legal status in the Roman Empire and
strongly encouraged the spread of Christianity by favoring Christian
clerics and churches. He was baptized on his deathbed (pace the Donation
of Constantine).
Secundus (d. 356/357) The priest Secundus and a large number of other
Egyptian Christians were martyred by the Arians on this day.
Adelphios (d. sometime after 371) Adelphios was bishop of Onuphius in the
Nile delta. He was a firm supporter of Athanasios in his fight against the
Arians, and as a result was banished to the Thebaid for a time.
Pilgrim of Passau (d. 991) Pilgrim became bishop of Passau in 971. He
encouraged missionary work (and didn't hesitate to use various forgeries to
enhance his authority, which has rather cast a shadow on his memory), and
also rebuilt Passau after the last Magyar raids. A cult developed quickly
after his death, after Pilgrim's grave proved to have miraculous powers.
Silaus (d. 1094) Silaus is the subject of numerous legends. Certain is
that he was an Irish bishop who made a pilgrimage to Rome and died in Lucca
(Italy) on the return journey. He was canonized in 1183.
Godric of Finchale (d. 1170) Godric was from Walpole (Norfolk, Eng.), born
in c. 1070. After several pilgrimages and sea journeys (as a pirate?),
Godric became a hermit at Finchale (near Durham). He was famous for his
asceticism and miracle-working, as well as his close affinity with animals.
Numerous poems and songs by Godric are still extant.
Hemming (d. 1366) (blessed) The veneration of Hemming was especially
promoted by the Brigittine order, since Hemming was a friend of their
foundress. Hemming was from Balinge in Sweden and became bishop of Abo in
1338. For the rest of his life he led his diocese in an exemplary fashion.
He was beatified in 1499.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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