medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (22. September) is the feast day of:
Digna & Emerita (d. c. 259) Two Roman women (young, beautiful virgins,
doubtless) who were martyred by being hanged by their hair and gradually
burned to death with torches. Or it may be one woman, referred to as
"digna" and "emerita" in the account.
Theban Legion (d. 287?) According to legend, this was a legion of 6,600
Christians (by the way, legions weren't nearly so large in the third
century, if they ever were, which is doubtful) recruited in Upper Egypt.
When taken to fight rebels in Gaul, according to legend A the legion
refused to join in the sacrifices for victory before battle; according to
legend B the legion refused to attack innocent people. So they were
decimated---twice---but still refused. Then they were massacred. Several
members of the legion have independent cults, most famously Maurice,
Vitalis, two Victors, and Gereon. A basilica was built at what is now the
town of St. Maurice in the late fourth century, suggesting that there is
some element of historicity to the story, even if exaggerated. Their cult
was nonetheless reduced to local calendar status in 1969.
Felix III (d. 530) Felix was from the area of Benevento. He became pope
in 526. He is remembered for his care of the poor of Rome.
Salaberga (d. c. 665) Salaberga was from near Langres (France). After she
was widowed, she married Blandinus (also a saint) and had five children
(including two more saints). When the couple separated to enter religious
life, Salaberga founded a great double monastery in Laon, dedicated to John
the Baptist, which she ruled as abbess.
Emmeram (d. c. 690) Legend tells that Emmeram was a native of Poitiers who
decided to become a missionary to the Avars, but ended up stopping in
Bavaria. He became bishop at Regensburg and an active missionary. But the
duke of Bavaria's son waylaid E., accusing him of seducing his sister---E.,
trying to shield the girl's lover, didn't deny the charge. So he was
blinded and had his hands and feet hacked off, from which he died. He is
venerated as a martyr.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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