medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (8. June) is the feast day of:
Medard of Noyon (d. c. 560) Medard was born in c. 480 or c. 510 in Salency
(Picardy). In 545 he became bishop of Noyon. His diocese flourished and
Medard was highly venerated already in his lifetime. Medard remains made
it to the monastery St-Medard in Soissons, created by King Chlothar I for
the purpose. The cult of Medard spread quickly and thanks to the date of
his feast Medard became a weather-saint for the peasantry. He is a patron
saint for dry weather for hay-making, for field and vineyard harvests,
against rain, and of beer brewers.
Syra (d. c. 670) According to tradition, Syra was a sister of the Irish
hermit St. Fiacre, who lived in Meaux (France) in the mid-seventh century.
Syra is supposed to have followed her brother and become a recluse in
Troyes.
Ilga of Schwarzenberg (blessed) (d. 1115) Ilga was a hermitess in
Schwarzenberg in Austria. Legend reports that she was a daughter of the
count of Bregenz. She became a notable spiritual advisor. Ilga's well in
Schwarzenberg is still visited for cures of eye diseases.
William of York (d. 1154) William Fitzherbert was born in England in c.
1100 and in 1141 became archbishop of York. Despite royal support, a
minority of the cathedral canons (supported by the Cistercians) accused
William of simony and unchastity. A papal appeal allowed William to clear
himself of charges by oath, after which he was consecrated. Thanks to
Bernard of Clairvaux's intervention, though, Eugenius III soon suspended
and deposed William, who retired to Winchester and lived as a monk. He was
restored to his see in 1153 when Bernard, Eugenius, and his main local
opponent had all died. But in 1154 William died suddenly, perhaps
poisoned. After miracles at his tomb, he was regarded the victim of
injustice, and canonized in 1227.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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