medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (6. December) is the feast day of:
Nicholas of Myra (4th cent.) Santa Claus. Myra is in Lycia (SW Turkey).
Nicholas' cult has been established since at least the sixth century, so,
unlike Catherine of Alexandria and co., it seems clear that he really
existed. But we don't know what he did to win his reputation. Nicholas
certainly has a reputation as a miracle worker; according to legend he gave
bags of gold to three girls for their dowries; he resurrected three boys
who had been murdered and then pickled. Nicholas' cult spread in western
Europe in the tenth century, and became really popular after the
translation of his relics to Bari in 1087.
Asella (d. after 405) Asella was a native of Rome, who precociously
decided at the age of ten to lead a life devoted to the service of God. In
384 she met Jerome and joined his circle of pious ladies. Jerome reports
her dedication in prayer, psalmody, visiting the tombs of martyrs, fasting,
and respect for priests, lauding her as a model for widows and virgins.
Dionysia of Tunis (d. c. 484) Dionysia was martyred at Carthage, along
with her son Majoricus and other companions, at the order of the Vandal
(Arian) King Hunerich.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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