Today, 6 October, is the feast of...
Bruno, founder of the Carthusian order (1101): Born c. 1030; taught
grammar and theology at the cathedral school of Rheims, before being
named as chancellor of the diocese - abandoned active involvement and
lived in a hermitage, under Robert of Molesmes (who was to become
founder of Citeaux). Calling upon Hugh of Grenoble, he and his
companions were granted land high in the mountains nearby, named
Chartreuse. After some time there, his former pupil, Urban II, called
him to Rome as an assistant. He went on to establish a religious house
in Calabria, at La Torre, where he died. Perhaps the last great saint
not to be canonized formally. (His first foundation gave its name to a
fine liqueur and the most beautiful of cats.)
Faith or Foy, virgin and martyr (third century): Well named (but not as
well as Quodvultdeus). Very widespread cult in Middle Ages; BHL lists 38
different Latin texts, and there are many vernacular ones, especially in
French.
Nicetas of Constantine, monk (838): A courtier of Empress Irene and then
prefect of Sicily, he entered the monastery of Khrysonike in
Constantinople after the murder of Emperor Nicephorus in 811. He had a
precious icon taken from him by Emperor Leo V, and remained in refuge
for several years. Refusing to recognize the communion of Iconoclast
patriarch Antony, he wandered for some time until settling on a farm at
Katisia in his native Paphlagonia.
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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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