Today, 9 April, is the feast of ...
Mary of Cleophas, matron (First Century): One of the more colourful
legends associated with the name of Mary of Cleophas is the one that
connects her with the coming of Lazarus, Mary Magdalen, and Martha to
Provence. Mary of Cleophas' body was believed to repose at
Saintes-Maries near the mouth of the Rhone.
Waldertudis, or Waudru, Widow (688): Waudru, patron of Mons, belonged to
a family of remarkable holiness (and first names!): her parents were SS
Walbert and Bertilia, her sister St Aldegundis of Mauberge, Waudru's
husband St Madlegar, and their four children SS Landericus, Dentelinus,
Aldetrudis, and Madelberta.
Hugh, Bishop of Rouen (730) - The son of Drogo, Duke of Burgundy, he was
the grandson on the paternal side of Pepin de Herstal and nephew of
Charles Martel. His saintly fame seems to have been tied more to his
impressive lineage than to any acts of piety.
Gaucherius, Abbot (1140): After spending a night in prayer at the tomb
of St Leonard of Limoges, Gaucherius went into the wild forest region
and constructed a hermitage. Gradually, knowledge of the hermit's holy
life spread and men and women sought him out. Eventually, for his
followers he founded a double monastery.
Ubald of Florence (1315): Converted to religious life after hearing the
preaching of Philip Benizi.
Thomas of Tolentino, Martyr (1321): Missionary pioneer, was beheaded on
Salsette Island near Bombay.
Antony Pavoni, Martyr (1374): Dominican who became inquisitor general
over Piedmont and Liguria - as inquisitor general he made many enemies.
On Low Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter) as he left church in which
he had just offered Mass and preached, he was set upon by seven armed
men, who killed him.
**************
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]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|