medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Today (19. March) is the feast day of: Joseph of Nazareth (1st century) The foster-father of Jesus. Almost everything known about Joseph comes from the gospels of Luke and Matthew. His cult developed late; he is mentioned in a martyrologium of Reichenau from 850, some churches began to celebrate his feast in the 11th century, but the cult really "took off" only in the late Middle Ages. Legend makes Joseph an old man at the time of his marriage to the Virgin Mary, chosen miraculously in a contest for her---his staff burst into flower. Pancharius (d. c. 303) Pancharius was a Roman senator and Emperor Diocletian's treasurer. When persecution of Christians began, Pancharius lied about his Christian belief to save himself. But one day Pancharius received a latter from his mother and sister, urging him to live up to his beliefs. Deeply moved, Pancharius professed his belief to Diocletian. He was beheaded. Alchmund (d. c. 800) According to legend, Alchmund was a son of King Alchred of Northumbria. He was murdered in c. 800 at a young age, perhaps by King Eardwulf, a successor of Alchmund's father. Many miracles were worked at Alchmund's grave in Lilleshall, and a popular cult developed. Isnard of Chiampo (of Vicenza) (blessed) (d. 1244) Isnard was from Chiampo in the diocese of Vicenza (Italy). In 1219 he entered the Order of Preachers, received by Dominic himself. Isnard founded and led the Dominican convent in Pavia. He was also one of the greatest preachers of his time, and much sought as a spiritual advisor. He was beatified in 1912. Sibyllina Biscossi (blessed) (d. 1367) Sibyllina was born in Pavia in 1287. Orphaned at a young age, she had to work as a servant, but she went blind at the age of twelve and entered the Dominican convent of Pavia. From 1302 until her death 65 years later she lived as a recluse next to the Dominican church. Noted for her unusual charisma and visions, she became a noted spiritual guide. Sibyllina was beatified in 1854. Marcuo of Montegallo (d. 1497) (blessed) Marco was born in Montegallo (near Ascoli, Italy) in 1425. He became a physician, but in 1452 he and his wife decided together to enter the Franciscan order. Marco became a priest and became a successful preacher throughout Italy. He was beatified in 1839. Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice [log in to unmask] ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html