Today, 23 August, is the feast of ...
Claudius, Asterius, Neon, Domnina, and Theonilla, martyrs (303): According
to Greek tradition, the martyrs Claudius, Asterius, and Neon were brothers
who suffered death by crucifixion in Isauria. The Latin *acta* locate the
martyrdom in Cilicia. The *acta* relate that the three brothers were
charged as Christians during the reign of Diocletian, having been
denounced by their step-mother. At the same time two women named Domnina
and Theonilla, with a little child, were likewise on account of their
faith were thrown into prison.
Eugene or Eoghan, bishop (sixth century): While a child, Eoghan was
carried off with two other boys to Brittany where they were sold into
slavery to grind corn. One day they were found reading while the mill was
being worked by angels. As a result they were released and sent back to
Ireland. Eoghan settled with his disciples at Ardstraw in the valley of
Mourne in Tyrone and was made a bishop.
Philip Benizi, Servite friar, (1285): Chief propagator and organizer of
the Ordo Servorum Mariae. Philip was responsible for sending Servite
missionaries as far as India. (The order was not definitively approved
until Benedict IX issued the Bull, *Dum levamus*, 11 February 1304.).
James of Bevagna, Dominican friar: James was very strict in his observance
of poverty. When his mother gave him money to buy a new habit, which he
badly needed, he got permission from his superior to buy a crucifix for
his cell instead. When his mother saw him still wearing the worn-out habit
she became angry with him. But James answered with a smile: "St Paul tells
us to 'put on the Lord Jesus', and that is the habit I have brought. Thus,
I have done as you wished." Later in his life when he was despairing of
his salvation, the same crucifix spurt blood over James's face and he
heard a voice saying: "Behold the sign of your salvation."
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Carolyn Muessig
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