Today, 28 April, is the feast of ...
Vitalis and Valeria, martyrs (second century)
Pollio, martyr (304)
Theodora and Didymus, martyrs (304): Theodora was a beautiful maiden of
Alexandria who refused to sacrifice to the gods. She was sentenced to
spend her days in a house of ill-fame. She was rescued from the brothel by
Didymus, who changed clothes with her; but on reaching a place
of safety Theodora fell dead from shock. Didymus was soon found and was
put to death.
Cronan of Roscrea, abbot (626)
Pamphilus, bishop of Sulmona (700): During the last quarter of the seventh
century there was living in the Abruzzi a bishop called Pamphilus, who
ruled over the united dioceses of Sulmona and Corfinium. He was a very
holy man, a zealous teacher, austere in his life and generous to the poor,
but he aroused hostility by introducing 'certain innovations'. On Sunday
mornings he would rise shortly after midnight and, after the solemn
singing of the night offices, he would proceed at once to celebrate Mass.
Then he would distribute alms, and at daybreak would provide for the poor
a meal which he shared with his guests. Some of his clergy and people
objected strongly to this hour for offering Mass. They actually went so
far as to denounce him as Arian to the pope. The pope summoned him and so
completely did Pamphilus succeed in vindicating his orthodoxy that the
pontiff sent him home with a liberal donation for his poor.
Cyril, bishop of Turov (1182)
Luchesio (1260): First Franciscan tertiary.
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Carolyn Muessig
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University of Bristol
Bristol BS8 1TB
UK
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