medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (23. June) is the feast day of:
Agrippina of Rome (d. c. 262) A virgin martyr probably from the time of
Valerian, Agrippina later became a popular saint among both the Greeks and
the Sicilians (who both claimed her relics).
John Cassian (d. c. 435) After a classical education, John Cassian went as
a pilgrim to Palestine and entered the monastery in Bethlehem. Some years
later, he and a friend went to the Egyptian desert, spending some years
there. In c. 401, however, J. went to Constantinople, where he became a
deacon under John Chrysostom, who in 405 sent J. to Rome. John spent the
rest of his life in Marseilles, where he founded monasteries for both men
and women. J. is most noted for his writings about the desert fathers, but
he also composed several other works, including an extended attack on
Nestorianism.
Nazarius (mid-sixth cent. ) Nazarius is a popular saint of Capodistria
(Italy). He was born near Capodistria sometime in the sixth century, and
is regarded as the first bishop of that city, consecrated in 524. Nazarius
is especially noted for the defense of his city against the Goths.
Etheldreda (d. 679) Etheldreda was an East Anglian princess who married,
but remained a virgin. When her husband died, she retired to the Isle of
Ely, her dower land. But in 660 Etheldreda had to marry again, for
political reasons. Husband #2, Egfrith of Northumbria, at first agreed to
a chaste marriage, but later claimed his marital rights. Etheldreda, with
the support of Bishop Wilfrid, refused. Etheldreda went and became a nun
and founded a double monastery at Ely in 673. E. died of plague (the story
is that she died of a tumor on her neck, a divine punishment for the vanity
of wearing necklaces in her youth). Seventeen years later, Etheldreda's
body was found to be incorrupt, and the tumor on her neck to be healed. E.
became the most popular woman saint of Anglo-Saxon England. Her shrine was
destroyed in 1541, but her hand was discovered in 1811 in a recusant hiding
place.
Lietbertus of Cambrai (d. 1076) Lietbertus was a Brabancon noble who
became bishop of Cambrai in 1051. He took a group to the Holy Land, but
they had to turn back before getting there. Nevertheless, on his return
Lietbertus founded the monastery of Holy Sepulcher. He also suffered
persecution after excommunicating the lord of Cambrai.
Lanfranc (blessed) (d. 1194) Lanfranc was bishop of Pavia. Like many
bishops of this era of communes, Lanfranc fell into conflict with the lay
authorities of his city. While conducting a spirited defense of episcopal
rights, he also lived a life of personal sanctity, including regular
retreats to the Vallombrosan monastery of Santo Sepolcro. Finally Lanfranc
was forced from Pavia, and only able to return after the pope intervened in
his favor.
Marie d'Oignies (d. 1213) Marie was born in Nivelles (Belgium) in c. 1177.
She married at the age of fourteen, but she and her husband agreed to live
chastely. They turned their house into a leper hospital. Eventually Marie
became a recluse and a noted mystic, perhaps even anticipating Francis of
Assisi in receiving the stigmata.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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