medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (29. July) is the feast day of:
Martha (1st cent.) The sister of Mary and Lazarus, Martha was the
practical member of the family. She's the one at the raising of Lazarus
recounted by John who says he must be stinking by then, and also the one
who complains because her sister sits around listening to Jesus instead of
helping with the housework. Legend reports that Martha went with the rest
of her family to Provence after the resurrection, and her purported relics
were discovered in Tarascon in 1187. She's credited with taming a dragon
there by sprinkling him with holy water.
Callinicus of Paphlagonia (3rd cent.) A native of Asia Minor, Callinicus
was martyred by burning. He's highly esteemed in the eastern churches, and
Metaphrastes provided full details of his martyrdom.
Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice (d. c. 304) These martrs died at Rome,
on the Roman road to Porto. Legend reports that S. and F. were brothers,
killed for refusing to sacrifice to the state gods. Their sister Beatrice
buried them, and was denounced by a neighbor, after which she was strangled
and prison and buried with her brothers.
Lupus of Troyes (d. 478) Lupus was born in Toul in the late fourth
century. He married a sister of St. Hilary, but they later separated.
Lupus then sold his estates and became a monk at Lerins. In c. 426 Lupus
went on to become bishop of Troyes. Among the noteworthy events in his
life, Lupus accompanied Germanus of Auxerre to Britain in 429, and later
managed to convince Attila the Hun to spare his province, becoming a
hostage himself in the process. After Attila's defeat, Lupus was accused
of helping him escape and had to retire to a hermitage for some years.
Although, since his vita dates from the eighth century, that last bit may
not be strictly accurate.
Sullian (Silin) (6th cent.) Sulian founded the monastery of Luxulyan in
Cornwall, and is probably the same person as Sulien, a Breton saint.
Olaf of Norway (d. 1030) Olaf was king of Norway 1016-29, and is the
country's patron saint. He became a Christian after a fine career as
warrior and fighting man, and fought for Aethelred II (the Unready) of
England against the Danes. Upon his return to Norway he seized power. He
worked actively to convert his countrymen, including force as well as other
means of persuasion. Exiled after a successful rebellion in 1029, Olaf
returned only to be defeated and killed at the battle of Stiklestad.
Springs of healing water started flowing from his grave, and miracles were
soon reported, his cult encouraged by the unpopularity of Swein Cnutsson as
ruler.
Urban II (d. 1099) (blessed) Odo of Lagery (alias Urban II) was born in
France in c. 1042. He studied at Rheims, where he became archdeacon. But
in c. 1070 he entered Cluny. After becoming prior, Abbot Hugh sent Odo to
Rome to serve Gregory VII, where he became a close advisor, legate, etc.
In 1088 he became pope himself, taking the name Urban II. Urban is
credited with much of the restoration of the pontificate after the chaos of
Gregory VII's rule, and especially with the enormous boost he gave to papal
prestige by preaching the first crusade.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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