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Today, 23 August, is the feast of ... Claudius, Asterius, Neon, Domnina, and Theonilla, martyrs (303): According to Greek tradition, the martyrs Claudius, Asterius, and Neon were brothers who suffered death by crucifixion in Isauria. The Latin *acta* locate the martyrdom in Cilicia. The *acta* relate that the three brothers were charged as Christians during the reign of Diocletian, having been denounced by their step-mother. At the same time two women named Domnina and Theonilla, with a little child, were likewise on account of their faith were thrown into prison. Eugene or Eoghan, bishop (sixth century): While a child, Eoghan was carried off with two other boys to Brittany where they were sold into slavery to grind corn. One day they were found reading while the mill was being worked by angels. As a result they were released and sent back to Ireland. Eoghan settled with his disciples at Ardstraw in the valley of Mourne in Tyrone and was made a bishop. Philip Benizi, Servite friar, (1285): Chief propagator and organizer of the Ordo Servorum Mariae. Philip was responsible for sending Servite missionaries as far as India. (The order was not definitively approved until Benedict XI issued the Bull, *Dum levamus*, 11 February 1304.). James of Bevagna, (1301), Dominican friar: James was very strict in his observance of poverty. When his mother gave him money to buy a new habit, which he badly needed, he got permission from his superior to buy a crucifix for his cell instead. When his mother saw him still wearing the worn-out habit she became angry with him. But James answered with a smile: "St Paul tells us to 'put on the Lord Jesus', and that is the habit I have brought. Thus, I have done as you wished." Later in his life when he was despairing of his salvation, the same crucifix spurt blood over James's face and he heard a voice saying: "Behold the sign of your salvation." ************************* Carolyn Muessig [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%