medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (13. February) is the feast day of:
Agabus the Prophet (1st cent.) Agabus was a Jewish-Christian (as my source
says) prophet from Jerusalem. He foretold the great famine of the year 49
that devastated the whole Roman Empire, and foretold Paul's imprisonment in
Jerusalem (described in Acts). Legend reports that he was martyred in
Antioch.
Martinian the Hermit (d. c. 400) At about the age of 18, Martinian became
a hermit near his hometown of Caesarea (Palestine). He seems to have had
problems with temptation. A very determined prostitute tried to seduce him
to such effect that he built a fire and stuck his own feet in it to remind
himself of the pains of hell. The whore converted and ended up as a
recluse. When M's legs had healed, he went to live on a rock surrounded by
the Mediterranean, where he could see any temptation coming. But a
shipwrecked girl was washed up on his little island. He decided he
couldn't withstand temptation until the next time his boatman came with
supplies, so M. threw himself into the sea. He successfully swam to land,
and made his way to Athens, where he lived the rest of his life.
Modomnoc (6th cent.) According to legend, the Irish Modomnoc was of royal
blood. He went to study under St. David at Menevia. He is responsible for
bees coming to Ireland (says legend): at Menevia M. was a bee keeper; when
he took ship to return to Ireland, his faithful flock settled on the ship
and went along with him. After returning to Ireland, M. settled at
Tibberaghny (Co. Kilkenny) and perhaps became a bishop.
Licinius of Angers (d. c. 618) Licinius was a Frankish courtier; Chilperic
made him count of Anjou in c. 578. Despite being a very pious man, L was
persuaded to marry, but on his wedding day his new wife contracted leprosy
(!) Not surprisingly, L. decided to renounce the world. He was soon
appointed bishop of Angers, where he proved to be an excellent bishop,
moderate and patient in the care of his flock, with the added advantage of
being a notable miracle worker.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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