medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (20. January) is the feast day of:
Fabian and Sebastian (d. 250 and c. 300) It's not clear why these
two are venerated together, except that Fabian's body ended up in the
basilica of St. Sebastian. Fabian was a bishop of Rome, elected in
236. He was a layman and not even considered as a possible
candidate---until a dove came and landed on his head during the
election assembly (according to Eusebius). Fabian was the first
victim of the Decian persecution. Sebastian is a more enigmatic
figure. He was connected with Milan in some way and was martyred in
Rome during Diocletian's persecution. Sebastian's legend was
invented in the fifth century, telling that S. was a soldier whose
execution was ordered by means of shooting him to death. He was left
for dead, but recovered thanks to the miraculously-inspired
assistance of St. Irene. S. then went to berate the emperor for his
anti-Christian policies, so his resurrection didn't last long---S.
was taken out and clubbed to death.
Euthymius the Great (d. 473) Euthymius was a native of Melitene,
born to a merchant family. E. became a priest and was put in charge
of the local monasteries. He soon became a hermit himself, credited
with healing miracles and converting a lot of Arabs.
Fechin (d. 665) Fechin was a monastic saint of Connacht. He founded
a monastery, probably at Fobhar in Westmeath, and died of plague in
665.
Benedict of Coltiboni (d. c. 1107) (blessed) Benedict Ricasoli was a
Tuscan who became a Vallombrosan monk, going on to be a hermit. A
local cult developed after his death, it continued through the
centuries, and was confirmed in 1907.
Eustochia Calafato (d. 1468) Eustochia was a Sicilian from the area
of Messina; she too was the offspring of a wealthy merchant couple.
Oddly, E. was born in a stable because a mysterious stranger had told
her mom that that was the only place she would be able to give birth.
E. (baptized Smeralda) grew up beautiful and virtuous. Her father
and brothers wanted to marry her off, but she succeeded in becoming a
Poor Clare. She lived a life of extreme renunciation, got involved
with the Observant reform, and became abbess of a new convent at
Montevergine. E. died at the age of 35. Her body is still
incorrupt, encouraging a cult. The cult was confirmed in 1782 and E.
was canonized in 1988.
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