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medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Today (23. February) is the feast day of: Romana (d. 324) According to legend, Roman fled from her parents in order to avoid marriage and lived in a cave near Todi (Italy). She is supposed to have been baptized by Pope Sylvester I, and to have died at the age of eighteen. Montanus of Toledo (d. c. 530) The Spanish Montanus was born in c. 45, and in 522 became archbishop of Toledo. He convened two of the famous councils of Toledo, and was an active opponent of heresy. Milburga (d. 715) Milburga was a princess of Mercia (England), with her sisters SS Mildred and Mildgytha and her father, Milburga helped founded the convent of Wenlock in c. 680. Milburga became abbess. There are accounts reporting that she had the gift of miracles and an inexplicable power over birds. Willigis (d. 1011) Willigis was the son of a peasant family. Despite this impediment, he became a member of Otto II of Germany's court chapel, and chancellor in 971. In 975 he was made archbishop of Mainz and archchancellor. Wiligis is an interesting combination of politician, patron of scholars, builder of churches, and pious man---a fine early example of the Reichskirchensystem and its workings. Willigis played a central role in preserving the underage Otto III's crown. Petrus Damiani (d. 1072) Thanks to his letters (4 large MGH volumes), sermons, etc. we probably know more about Petrus Damiani than any other figure of the eleventh century. Peter was born in 1007 in Ravenna, and was raised by a brother after being orphaned. In 1035 he became a monk at Fonte Avellana. In 1057 he was compelled by Pope Stephen IX to become cardinalbishop of Ostia. Peter was a leading advisor and diplomat for several popes, papal legate in Germany and France, a leading defender of church rights, and a leading penitential preacher. He has never been officially canonized, but in 1828 was named a doctor of the Church. Elisabeth (Isabella) of France (blessed) (d. 1269/70) Elisabeth, born in c. 1224, was the sister of St. Louis IX of France. She founded a Clarissan convent in Paris, leading the community herself from 1260 until her death. Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice [log in to unmask] ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html