 |
 |
On Thu, 5 Aug 1999 [log in to unmask] wrote: > Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 13:30:34 +0000 > From: [log in to unmask] > Reply-To: [log in to unmask] > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: FEAST 5 August > > However, I have not noticed > > any male saints referred to as "virgin" and surely some of them > > qualified. Does anyone have any insights other than the obvious one > > that females were defined in terms of their social usefulness as breeders? > > > > What about St Alexis, whose vita was included in the psalter made (or > adapted) for Christina of Markyate as an example to her (i.e. the St > Albans Psalter)? (I couldn't find him in Butler) > Cheers, > Jim Bugslag > We discussed this issue a few years ago. There have been male saints known for their virginity, but the calendars & "commons" of saints tend to emphasize certain things. Female saints are most commonly classed by reference to virginity, and many male saints are classified by roles played (e.g., apostle). More recently the recogniition of Theresa of Avila & Catherine of Siena (if memory serves) as doctors of the Church has undermined this distinction. Of course both sexes can be honored for their sufferings for the faith, being known as martyrs or confessors. Tom Izbicki %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%