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Today, 10 October, is the feast of ... Gereon and companions, martyrs (?): According to the Roman martyrology, a whole heap o' martyring took place on this day in the area of Cologne; yet, the first passio we have for any of them was composed in the early thirteenth century by Helinand of Froidmont. Eulampius and Eulampia, martyrs (310): Brother and sister martyrs; died after various tortures (including a bath in boiling oil) culminated with their heads being severed from their necks. Maharsapor, martyr (421): A noble Persian, after years of imprisonment he was placed in a pit for several days; when the guards finally checked on him, his lifeless body was on its knees and bathed in light. Cerbonius, bishop of Populonia (575): Patron of Massa Marittima (Tuscany); since he lived the common life with his clergy, his feast is kept by the Canons Regular of the Lateran. Paulinus, bishop of York (644): One of the second group of missionaries sent to England by Gregory the Great, he became guardian of Ethelburga until she became queen, at which time he converted her husband Edwin, King of Northumbria. Widespread cult in northern England Daniel and companions, martyrs (1227): Seven Franciscans who tried to convert Muslims in Morocco, but were very soon put to death. ********************************* Dr Carolyn Muessig Department of Theology and Religious Studies University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TB UK phone: +44(0)117-928-8168 fax: +44(0)117-929-7850 e-mail: [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%