medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (7. December) is the feast day of:
Sabinus of Spoleto (d. 303) Sabinus was an Italian bishop---Ravenna,
Arezzo, Assisi, Spoleto, Faenza, and Chiusi all claim him. In the Middle
Ages he was one of the most venerated saints of central Italy; S. Sabino in
Spoleto was already dedicated to him in the sixth century. He was tortured
and martyred in the Great Persecution.
Ambrose (d. 397) This is the feast of Ambrose's consecration, rather than
his death. Ambrose was the son of the Roman prefect of Gaul. Ambrose
became a successful lawyer and in 370 governor of Aemilia and Liguria, with
headquarters at Milan. When the bishop of Milan died in 374, Governor
Ambrose tried to calm the violent assembly trying to elect a
successor---only to be elected himself. Ambrose's following week was
busy---he had to be baptized and then ordained and consecrated. During his
administration, Ambrose wrote and preached extensively, fought Arians,
forced Emperor Valentinian to public penance, and, to judge from
Augustine's Confessions, was an extremely impressive pastor. Ambrose is
acknowledged as one of the four Latin Doctors of the Church.
Anianus of Chartres (1st half fifth cent.) Anianus was apparently the
fifth bishop of Chartres; there is evidence of his cult from the tenth
century on. I included him because of the interesting note that the church
built over his tomb in Chartres burned down twice, without any harm to A's
relics---this seems to be a Chartres specialty!
Fara (Burgundofara) The Burgundian Fara met St. Columbanus when she was
still a child, who so impressed her that she decided to become a nun.
Finally overcoming her father's opposition, she built a convent at
Evoriacum near Meaux. Fara was abbess for nearly 40 years; many of the
nuns she instructed are also among the saints.
Gerald of Ostia (d. 1077) Gerald was a monk of Cluny. He became
cardinal-bishop of Ostia and is most notable for his efforts at mediation
in the Investiture Contest.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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