medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (22. September) is the feast day of:
Mauritius of Agaunum (d. c. 280/300) Mauritius was the leader of the
Theban Legion, a troop of soldiers from the Thebaid in Egypt who were all
Christians. In the persecution of Maximianus the soldiers were commanded
to renounce their Christian beliefs, but all refused. As a result, over a
period of several days they were all killed in their camp near Agaunum
(modern St-Maurice in Switzerland). The remains of the martyrs were
discovered in c. 380, a church was erected on the site, and a pilgrimage
rapidly developed.
Innocent of Agaunum (d. c. 280/300) According to tradition, Innocent was
the standard-bearer of the Theban Legion.
Merita (d. 4th cent.) Merita was apparently martyred in Rome; her remains
were buried in the catacomb of Commodilla.
Phokas the Gardener (d. c. 300) Phokas was for centuries one of the
most-venerated saints of the Mediterranean world; already in the fourth
century churches dedicated to him existed in Rome, Sicily, and
Constantinople. The cult became even stronger as Phokas became the patron
saint of sailors. According to tradition, Phokas lived in Sinope,
providing for himself with his garden. He was martyred, according to
legend welcoming the men who had come to kill him into his house, digging
his own grave, and acknowledging himself a Christian before he was
beheaded.
Florentius of Aumur (d. 5th cent.) Legend reports that Florentius was
ordained as a priest by Martin of Tours and was sent by him to Poitiers to
spread Christianity. He later became a hermit on Mt. Glonne in the diocese
of Angers, where he died at a very old age.
Emmeram (d. 652) Emmeram was from Poitiers, born perhaps c.600. In about
the year 649 he went to Bavaria, after being consecrated as a mission
bishop in his homeland. He evangelized the area around Regensburg with
great success. He was martyred in 652 (or perhaps later) The great
monastery of St. Emmeram later rose above Emmeram's grave in Regensburg.
Gunthildis of Suffersheim (10th cent.) According to an uncertain vita,
Gunthildis was a serving woman who lived in Bavaria possibly in the tenth
century. She was known for her great humility, mildness, and love of
neighbor, already winning great veneration in her lifetime. Her cult
spread widely, and her shrine at Biberbach (Bavaria) still attracts
pilgrims.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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