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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. Carolyn Muessig [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%