 |
 |
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Today (13. May) is the feast day of: Alexandria martyrs (d. 372) A large number of followers of Athanasius, killed when Athanasius was exiled for the *fifth* time, especially in a massacre in the Theonas church. The guy really seems to have been dangerous to know. Isaac the Great (d. c. 460) One of two saints of this name, the Isaac for today was a Syrian who became an abbot near Antioch. He is credited with an important set of ascetic works. John the Silent (d. 558) John was an Armenian who founded a monastery and entered it at the age of nineteen. He became bishop of Colonia at the age of 28. J. stuck out the job for about nine years, then ran away to the monastery of St. Sabas in the Judaean Desert, where he became a recluse. Fortis Gabrielli (d. 1040) Fortis was from Gubbio (Umbria). He became a hermit and later joined the new monastery of Fonte Avellana. His cult was approved in 1756. Gerard Mecatti of Villamagna (blessed) (d. 1245) A rare example of a crusading saint. Gerard was the son of a poor family from near Florence. He entered the service of a knight, they both went crusading, and G. was captured. He was ransomed and went back home to become a hermit, but apparently also spent some time as a member of the Hospitallers. G's cult was approved in 1833. Julian of Norwich (d. c. 1416) Not formally approved as a saint by the RC's (but I think she has been by the Anglicans), Julian is one of the most attractive mystics of the late Middle Ages. She had her series of visions when suffering a deathbed-type illness, recovered, became a recluse attached to the church of St. Julian in Norwich (her name was taken from the patron saint of the church, not vice versa), and spent the rest of her life as a spiritual advisor and trying to figure out the significance of her mystical experiences. ********************************************************************** 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