HAPPY MAY DAY!
Today, 1 May, is the feast of ...
Philip and James, apostles (first century)
Amator or Amate, bishop of Auxerre (418): Amator was the only son of
distinguished citizens of Auxerre, who affianced him to a young heiress
named Martha, although he expressed a strong disinclination for the
married state. On the wedding day the guests assembled, and the aged
Bishop Valerian, instead of reading the nuptial blessing, recited the
form which was used in the ordination of deacons - a mistake which was
noticed only by the bride and bridegroom. When the service was over the
young couple agreed to live a life of virginity, and Martha within a
short time retired into a convent. Amator, having laboured for some
years as a priest, was elected bishop of Auxerre.
Brieuc or Briocus, abbot (sixth century)
Sigismund of Burgundy (524): Sigismund was a barbarian subject at times
to uncontrollable fits of rage. On one occasion he ordered his son
Sigeric to be strangled. No sooner had the deed been perpetrated than
Sigismund came to his senses and was overpowered with horror and
remorse. Perhaps the greatest service Sigismund rendered to the Church
was the virtual refounding of the monastery of St Maurice at Agaunum in
Valois.
Marculf or Marcoul, abbot (558): It was through Marcoul that the
Frankish kings were believed to derive "the healing touch". Marcoul was
regarded as a patron who cured skin diseases and as late as 1680
sufferers made pilgrimages to his shrine at Nanteuil and bathed in the
springs connected with the church.
Peregrine Laziosi, Servite (1345): Born in 1260 in Forli, the only son
of well-to-do parents took an active part in the politics of his native
city, which belonged to the anti-papal party. On the occasion of a
popular rising, the Servite, Philip Benizi, who had been sent by the
pope to act as a mediator, was severely mishandled by the popular
leaders, and Peregrine himself struck him on the face with his fist. The
Servite's only reply was to offer the other cheek - an action which
brought his Peregrine to immediate repentance. From that time Peregrine
was a reformed character who eventually received the Servite habit.
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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]
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