 |
 |
Today, 2 April, is the feast of ... * Apphianus and Theodosia, martyrs (306) - After withstanding numerous tortures, Apphianus was thrown into the sea whereupon the sea was shaken by an earthquake, and though the saint's feet were weighted down by heavy stones, his body was cast up on the shore. * Mary of Egypt, penitent, and Zosimus, monk (fifth century?) - platonic friends - Zosimus found Mary in the desert dead with the following words traced in the sand next to her body: "Father Zosimus bury the body of the lowly Mary. Render earth to earth and pray for me. I died the night of the Lord's Passion, after receiving the divine and mystic Banquet." The monk had no spade but a lion from the desert came to his assistance and with its claws helped him dig Mary's grave. * Nicetius or Nizier, bishop of Lyon (537) - Great-uncle to Gregory of Tours. A determined opponent of loose and uncharitable speech, which he denounced on every possible occasion. He became famous for exorcising unclean spirits; revived and improved ecclesiastical chant in his diocese. * Francis of Paola, founder, order of Minims (1507) - In addition to the three usual monastic vows, he imposed upon the Minims a fourth vow - perpetual fasting with abstinence not only from meat but from eggs and anything made with milk. (Any other vegan like Orders? I know that the Cathars were vegans with the exception of the consumption of fish which they believed was the product of water and not coition.) To avoid 'minim confusion', let me explain the name of the Order. At first they were called the Hermits of St Francis of Assisi, and it was not until 1492 that their name was changed to that of 'Minims' at the desire of the founder, who wished his followers to be reckoned as the least (minimi) in the household of God. ******************** Dr Carolyn Muessig Department of Theology and Religious Studies University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TB UK phone: +44(0)117-928-8168 fax: +44(0)117-929-7850 e-mail: [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%