 |
 |
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Today (1. May) is the feast day of: "Joseph the Worker" (1st cent.) The principal feast of Joseph, foster-father of Jesus, is March 19. Today's feast is a creation that dates back only to 1956, as Pius XI sought to christianize Labor Day. Amator of Auxerre (d. 418) Amator was a zealous missionary in the Auxerre region, who continued his work as bishop. He was credited with healing miracles. Brioc (6th cent.) Brioc was born to an aristocratic Welsh family. He converted to Christianity, founded a monastery, and apparently made his way to both Britanny and Cornwall during his life. His later legends reflect his mobility, such as the tale that he set out with 168 monks in a ship, which was attacked by the devil posing as an enormous sea monster. Sigismund of Burgundy (d. 524) Sigismund was a Burgundian king who converted to catholic Christianity. He lived the typical life of an aristocratic layperson until his second wife convinced S. that his son (by marriage #1) was plotting against him and needed to be strangled. Then S. was sorry and engaged in serious penitence until he was defeated by the Franks, killed, and had his body thrown down a well. S's main claim to holiness appears to be his foundation of the monastery of Agaune. Mafalda of Portugal (d. 1257) The Portuguese princes Mafalda, after her diplomatic marriage was annulled (when she was about nine), went off and became a nun at Arouca. She used her private fortune to rebuild Oporto cathedral, build a bridge, and found a hostel and hospital. M's cult was confirmed in 1793. Peregrine Laziosi (d. 1345) Pellegrino was a native of Forli who grew up to be a strong supporter of the (anti-papal and therefore ineligible for canonization) Ghibelline party. But he got over it, struck with remorse when he assaulted St. Philip Benizi and Philip had the fortitude to turn the other cheek. P. joined Philip's Servite order, working as a zealous friar for the rest of his life. P's cult was approved in 1609 and he was canonized in 1726. -- Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice Associate Professor & Chair History Department University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Dr. #5047 Hattiesburg, MS 39406 (601) 266-5844 ********************************************************************** 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