*ST. ABUNDIUS OF CARDOBA July 11

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July 1⃣1⃣

_Martyrdom_ 🌟🌹

*ST. ABUNDIUS OF CARDOBA*

In 711 AD, the Muslims conquered Spain & governed it in accordance with Islamic law. Blasphemy and apostasy from Islam were both capital offenses.

At the beginning, Catholics could worship freely, and retained their churches and property on condition of paying a tribute for every parish, cathedral, and monastery; frequently such tribute was increased at the will of the conqueror.

But around the year 850 A.D., in the reign of Abd-er Rahman II, a fierce persecution ensued, during which many Catholics were accused of blasphemy, of entering mosques, and of conspiracy against the Government

48 martyrdoms took place in the city of Cardoba, Spain between the years 851 and 859. Today we commemorate St. Abundius of cardoba, one of those 48 martyrs.

Abundius a parish priest in Córdoba was arrested for blasphemy against Mohammad. When brought before the Caliph, to be judged, St. Abundius preached about the Catholic faith and the Church. The Caliph was furious and condemned him to death. Abundius was beheaded on 11 July 854, and his body was thrown to the dogs.

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The sacrifices of these Spanish martyrs inspired future Catholic armies to fight until the last Muslim banner was taken down from al-Qal’at al-Hamra, the Red Fortress in Granada, and Islam was finally kicked out of Spain some six hundred years later.

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Today the Church also commemorates the Martyrdom of *POPE ST. PIUS I*

Pope Pius I was the ninth successor of Saint Peter, and guided the Church during the time of the pagan Roman emperor Antoninus. 

In his decrees he was severe towards blasphemers and with the clergy who showed negligence for the divine Mysteries of the altar.

During his pontificate he had to defend Catholicism from various heretics in Rome, such as the gnostics Valentinian, Cerdon, and Marcion, who tried to spread their errors. 

Pope Pius I obtained the crown of martyrdom by the sword, in the year 150 A.D.

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