medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (26. January) is the feast day of:
Polycarp (d. c. 154/155) The account we have of Polycarp's martyrdom is
probably the oldest acts of a martyr. Written in 156, it is very valuable
testimony to the early development of thecult of martyrs. Polycarp, born
in c. 70, led the Christian community in Smyrna from c. 100 on. He was
sentenced to be burned at the stake; when the flames didn't harm him, he
was stabbed to death. According to his Acta, Polycarp was 86 years old at
the time of his death.
Paula of Rome (d. 404) Paula, born in 347 in Rome and raised a Christian,
at the age of 15 married a non-Christian. The couple had five children.
After her husband's death, Paula became a devotee of Jerome, and under his
advice adopted an ascetic life. She followed Jerome to the east, and in
386 founded a double monastery in Bethlehem (which she and Jerome led), as
well as a hospice for pilgrims.
Theorigitha (d. 681) Theorigitha (Tortgith), born c. 620 in England, was a
nun and later novice mistress at the convent of Barking. She was a friend
and companion of St. Ethelburga, and is most notable for her visions of
Ethelberga, which are recorded by Bede.
Notburga of Buehl (d. 840?) A purely legendary report tells that Notburga
was married to a Scottish duke or king. When he died, she settled in Buhl
(German/Swiss borderland), where in 820 she gave birth on a single occasion
to nine children. In her spare time, she built a school and a hospice.
She is still honored as a patronness of pregnant women and multiple births
(!)
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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