medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (22. June) is the feast day of:
Alban (d. 304) Alban was probably the first martyr in Britain.
Legend tells that he was a citizen of Verulamium (St. Albans), a good
ol' fashioned polytheist, but a nice guy, so he hid a priest when
Diocletian's persecution broke out. A. was so impressed by the
priest that he converted to Christianity and changed clothes with
him, the better to protect him. A. was then mistakenly arrested as
the priest, refused to worship the state gods, was tortured,
miraculously evaded several execution attempts, and was finally
beheaded.
Paulinus of Nola (d. 431) Paulinus was a son of the Roman prefect of
Gaul. He got a good education and became a successful lawyer, in
time holding several important public offices. But he retired and
converted to Christianity. When their only child died soon after
birth, P. and his wife Therasia gave much of their property away and
started living an ascetic life. P. was drafted as a priest by the
bishop of Barcelona in c. 393. In c. 395 they moved to Nola in
Italy. P. was elected bishop of Nola in c. 409. He is regarded as
one of the greatest early Christian poets.
Nicetus of Remesiana (d. c. 414) Nicetas was a friend of Paulinus.
N. was bishop of Remesiana in Dacia, noted as a successful
missionary. He also wrote several treatises, including one on
liturgical singing. Some scholars think he was the author of the Te
Deum.
Eberhard (d. 1164) Eberhard was a noble of Nurnberg. He became a
canon at Hamburg, but resigned to become a monk. In time, E. became
abbot of Biburg (the monastery was founded by E's siblings). He was
very successful, and in 1146 was appointed archbishop of Salzburg.
John Fisher and Thomas More (d. 1535) The only two really prominent
figures to resist Henry VIII's break from Rome. Fisher was bishop of
Rochester and leading champion of Queen Catherine of Aragon; More was
one of England's leading humanists and had been royal counsellor and
chancellor of England before he fell foul of Henry's religious
reforms. They two were canonized together in 1935.
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