Today, 29 September, is the feast of...
Michael the Archangel: Actually, this is the feast of the dedication of
a basilica to Michael, either on the Salarian Way 9 km from Rome or on
Mount Gargano. Christian tradition gives Michael four offices: (1) To
fight against Satan. (2) To rescue the souls of the faithful from the
power of the devil, especially at the hour of death. (3) To be the
champion of God's people. (4) To call away from earth and bring people's
souls to judgement.
Rhipsime, Gaiana and companions, virgins and martyrs (312): Apparently
the protomartyrs of the Armenian Church.
Theodota, martyr (318): While being martyred, kept asking to receive
more tortures inflicted upon herself.
Richard of Hampole, mystic (1349): Also known as Richard Rolle, author
of *Incendium amoris*. The Breviary of the Church of York had an office
prepared for his feast, to which this warning was attached: "The Office
of Saint Richard, hermit, after he shall be canonized by the Church, but
in the meantime it is not allowed to sing the canonical hours *de eo* in
public, nor to solemnize his feast. Nevertheless, having evidence of the
extreme sanctity of his life, we may venerate him in our private
devotions seek his intercession, and commend ourselves to his prayers."
(Richard was never officially canonized.)
Dr Carolyn Muessig
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University of Bristol
Bristol BS8 1TB
UK
phone: +44(0)117-928-8168
fax: +44(0)117-929-7850
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|