Today, 11 May, is the feast of ...
Mamertus, bishop of Vienne (475) - Best known in
ecclesiastical history for his institution of the
penitential procession of the Rogation Days, the three days
preceding the feast of the Ascension.
Comgall, abbot of Bangor (603) - One of the founders of
Irish monasticism. No less than three thousand monks are
said to have lived under the government of Comgall at
Bangor and in its daughter houses.
Asaph, bishop (seventh century) - The *Red Book of Asaph*
refers to 'the charm of Asaph's conversation, the symmetry,
vigour and grace of his body, the holiness and virtue of
his heart, and the witness of his miracles'.
Gengulf or Gengoul, burgundian knight (760) - Greatly
beloved by Pepin the Short. Left his unfaithful wife to
live a penitent life and to give alms.
Majolus or Mayeul, abbot of Cluny (994) - Originally
librarian and procurator of Cluny. As Berno, the first
abbot of Cluny, had chosen Odo to be his coadujator, and
Odo in his turn selected Aymard, so Aymard when he lost his
sight, raised Majolus to the dignity of joint abbot.
Ansfrid, bishop of Utrecht (1010) - In his younger days,
Ansfrid was a warrior, noted for his success in suppressing
brigands and pirates. He was count of Brabant and when the
see of Utrecht fell vacant the emperor suggested that he
should be appointed. He was consecrated bishop in 994.
Walter of L'Esterp, abbot (1070) - So great was his
reputation for converting sinners that Pope Victor II
granted him special faculties for dealing with penitents -
including the right to excommunicate and to restore to
communion.
Albert of Bergamo, peasant farmer and Dominican tertiary
(1279) - Often went on pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem
and is said to have visited Compostela 8 times.
Vivaldo, hermit (1300) - A disciple and fellow townsman of
Bartolo of San Gemignano whom he nursed for 20 through a
particularly distressing form of leprosy. Afterwards he
lived as a solitary inside a hollow chestnut tree at
Montajone, in Tuscany.
Benincasa, hermit (1426) - Entered the Servite order at a
very early age and when he was 25 he was permitted to lead
the life of a hermit on the mountain of Montagnata, near
Siena. There he gave himself up to prayer. Through a little
window he gave spiritual advice to men - he would not deal
with women - and often healed the sick with the sign of the
cross of holy water.
Aloysius Rabata, Carmelite (1490) - He lived on bread and
water and was remarkable for his humility. As prior of the
friary in Randazzo, he insisted upon performing such tasks
as road mending and begging for alms.
Ladislaus of Gielniow, Franciscan (1505) - One of the
principal patrons of Poland, Galicia and Lithuania. He
delivered sermons throughout Poland. He wrote both in Latin
and Polish; he also composed hymns which were sung by the
people at evening services. His favourite topic was the
Passion.
Carolyn Muessig
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