Interim Saints - April 16th
MARTYRS OF SARAGOSSA (A.D. 304)
Prudentius, the Christian poet of Saragossa . . . has left us a long
hymn describing the passion of these glorious martyrs, still fresh in
the memory of the citizens of his native town.
TURIBIUS, bishop of Astorga (about A.D. 460)
S. Turibius opposed the Priscillianist heretics; he had the misfortune
to succeed in the see of Astorga a prelate, Dictinius, who had fallen
into that heresy. S. Leo addressed to him a long letter on the errors
of the Priscillianists.
[The nature of the Priscillian heresy is somewhat obscure, but they
seem to have been a rigorist, ascetical sect. Priscillian was accused
of Manichaeism, but denied the charge vehemently. No doubt there is a
member out there who has done a specialised study of the sect . . .]
VASIUS, martyr (about A.D. 500)
S. Vasius . . . spent his large income in relieving the necessities of
the poor. His nearest kinsman, Proculus, viewed this with an evil eye,
as Vasius was unmarried, and he hoped that his son Nauman would inherit
the land and wealth of Vasius. the continued liberality of the young
man . . . so enraged Proculus and his son that they fell on Vasius and
killed him.
FRUCTUOSUS, bishop of Braga (about A.D. 665)
S. Fructuosus descended from the visigothic kings. All his goods he
gave to churches and the poor except what he required for the
foundation of the monastery of Compulta.
MAGNUS, martyr (A.D. 1110)
. . . On reaching the island, Hako surrounded the church with armed
men, and Magnus coming forth, found himself in the midst of foes. "I
see," said he, "Cousin Hako, that you have come here to destroy me.
And now I will offer you three things for my life. I will go to
Jerusalem on pilgrimage for your sins and mine own." This Hako
refused. "Or I will go with two companions into Scotland, there to be
kept under watch and ward." This Hako also refused; "Or you may
blind me and mutilate me, and lock me up in a dark dungeon." This Hako
would have granted, had not some of his advisers interfered . . .
[Magnus] signed himself with the cross, and at one blow his spirit was
liberated.
DROGO, hermit (A.D. 1186)
[Drogo was] . . . afflicted with a horrible rupture, of so distressing
a nature that he inclosed himself in a cell where he could remain
unseen. His patience and piety under this loathesome and hideous
infliction were conspicuous.
Oriens.
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