medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (9. February) is the feast day of:
Apollonia (d. c. 249) Apollonia lived in Alexandria. She was arrested as
a Christian and tortured---according to legend by having her teeth yanked
out and jaw broken (and perhaps her tongue ripped out, too). She was
condemned to be burned, and threw herself into the flames, praying loudly.
Nikephoros of Antioch (d. c. 250) The tale of Nikephoros, which may be
fully legendary, tells that Nikephoros was a friend of the priest
Sapricius, but quarreled with him. Nikephoros repeatedly attempted a
reconciliation, only to be rebuffed by his erstwhile friend. And when
Sapricius was condemned as a Christian Nikephoros followed him to the place
of execution, begging once again for reconciliation---and revealed himself
as a Christian to the authorities, offering his life in place of
Sapricius'. The executioner accepted the exchange: Sapricius was released
and Nikephoros was beheaded.
Sabinus of Canosa (d. c. 566) Sabinus was bishop of Canosa in Apulia (the
diocese was later united with Bari). Pope Agapetus I sent Sabinus in 536
on a mission to Constantinople to treat with Emperor Justinian. Sabinus
was also a close friend of Benedict of Nursia.
Teilo (6th cent.) Teilo was an important monk and bishop of Wales. Little
beyond this seems to be known of him. If I remember correctly, Geary tells
in Furta Sacra a tale of how three communities fought over Teilo's relics,
and Teilo miraculously triplicated his remains to end the dispute.
Alto (d. c. 760) Alto, possibly a native of England, was active in the
region of Dachau (Bavaria). Pepin the Younger granted him a forest near
Dachau, in which Alto built a hermitage. He won a reputation as a
spiritual advisor. After Alto's death a monastery was erected near his
cell, later called Altomunster.
Rainald of Nocera (d. 1222 or 1225) Rainald was the son of a German count,
born near Nocera (Umbria, Italy). In 1182 he entered the monastery of
Fonte Avellana, becoming general prior in 1217. In 1218 Rainald was named
bishop of Nocera, where he is now the patron of the city.
Julia of Certaldo (blessed) (d. 1367) Julia, from Certaldo in Tuscany, was
a housemaid who in 1337 entered the Florentine house of Augustinian
hermitesses. Afterward she lived as a recluse attached to the church of
Ss. Michele e Giacomo in Certaldo. She was beatified in 1818.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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