medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (24. October) is the feast day of:
Aretas and the martyrs of Najran, and Elsebaan (d. 523) The
Ethiopians had taken over Yemen, but a member of the deposed ruling
family led a revolt. He laid siege to the town of Najran---a center
both of Ethiopian rule and of Christianity (the rebel was a Jew).
The rebel leader promised an amnesty in return for surrender, but
once he had the town in his hands he ordered the Christians to
convert or die. The town's commander, Aretas, was beheaded along
with members of his tribe, while the professional Christian religious
were burned alive. Legend tells that 4000 people died. The ruler of
Aksum (Ethiopia, sort-of) Elsebaan re-invaded Yemen, killed the top
rebel, and killed off a lot of Jews. Legend tells that late in life
E. abdicated and became a hermit. Both the killed and their avenger
are commemorated today.
Senoch (d. 576) Senoch was born in Poitou. He converted to
Christianity and became a hermit, settling in Touraine at the
location of the modern village of St-Senou.
Maglorius (6th cent.) Apparently an Irishman, Maglorius (Maelor) was
educated in Wales and joined St. Samson when he went to Brittany.
Tradition tells that M succeeded Samson as abbot and bishop of Dol
(modern scholarship tends to disagree). He built a monastery in the
Channel Islands, drove a dragon out of Jersey, and won quite a
reputation for holiness.
Giovannangel Porro (blessed) (d. 1506) The Milanese Giovannangelo
became a Servite. He won a great reputation for holiness and was put
in charge of the novices. His interest extended beyond the order; he
liked to gather groups of kids on the street to make sure they had at
least some religious education. His cult won official approval in
1737.
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