medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (23. April) is the feast day of:
George (d. c. 303) Although by the late Middle Ages George was the patron
saint of England, Venice, Genoa, Portugal, and Catalonia, as well as one of
the 14 Holy Helpers in Germany and with a large-scale popular cult in
Russia and Ethiopia, in 1969 his cult was demoted to local status in the
Roman calendar reform of 1969. Admittedly, not much is known about the
historic George (although some beautiful material has been invented).
George was martyred in Palestine at Lydda. He was probably a soldier. His
cult became popular long before the famous story of the dragon that appears
in the Golden Legend. This dragon had to be fed, and when the people ran
out of sheep they started choosing a human every day by lot to be dragon
dinner. On the day the lot fell on the king's daughter, George went and
defeated the dragon, first running a hole through it with his lance and
then leading it captive, using the princess' belt as a leash. He then
promised to kill the dragon---if all the people it had terrorized converted
to Christianity. A sighting of SS George and Demetrios at the siege of
Antioch during the First Crusade encouraged his cult in western Europe.
Ibar of Meath (5th cent.) Ibar was a missionary in Ireland, perhaps
independent of and before Patrick, although later legend reports that Pat.
consecrated Ibar as bishop.
Gerald of Toul (d. 994) Gerald was noble, educated at the cathedral school
of Cologne. He became very religious after his mother was killed by
lightning. At the age of 28 in 963, Gerald was made bishop of Toul, having
attracted the attention of Archbishop Bruno of Cologne. During his long
episcopate, he won fame for his piety, attention to both canonical and
monastic hours, his preaching, building of churches and monasteries, and
for making Toul into a center of learning through his encouragement of
wandering scholars.
Adalbert of Prague (d. 997) Adalbert was a noble Bohemian who became the
first native-born bishop of Prague in 982. it didn't work out well---his
standards were too high for his flock, and he soon abandoned his see, going
to Rome to become a monk. But A was soon recalled, with a promise of
support by the duke of Bohemia (and a promise by the pope that if the going
got too rough, A. could go off and become a missionary). A. did indeed
leave again in 995, after some of his relatives were massacred in reaction
to his strictness. He went to convert the Prussians, but was soon killed
as a suspected spy. His cult was immediate and enthusiastic---martyrs were
rare in those days---and vigorously endorsed by Emperor Otto III.
Giles of Assisi (blessed) (d. 1262) Giles was one of Francis' first
companions, joining the nascent Franciscan order in 1208. He accompanied
Francis on several journeys. G. also went on an extended pilgrimage and on
the return trip stopped to evangelize Tunis---but the Christians there were
so worried about a possible backlash that they forced him back onto his
ship as soon as he had landed. After that, G. remained in Italy, gradually
retreating to the eremitical life and noted for his visions. He is
considered a perfect example of the primitive Franciscans.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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