St. Britwin
Feastday: May 15
Death: 733
Benedictine abbot of Beverley, England, and friend of St. John of Beverley, who became the bishop of York. Britwin did much to foster monasticism and culture in England.
Dymphna
Born 7th century
Ireland
Died 7th century
Geel, Belgium
Venerated in Catholic Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
Canonized 620
Feast 15 May (3 May in the 2004 Martyrologium Romanum)
Attributes lamp
Dymphna[1] is a Christian saint honoured in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.[2][3] According to tradition, she lived in the 7th century and was martyred by her father.
The story of Dymphna was first recorded in the 13th century by a canon of the Church of Aubert of Avranches at Cambrai, France. It was commissioned by Guiard of Laon, the Bishop of Cambrai (1238-1248).
The author expressly stated that his work was based upon a long-standing oral tradition as well as a persuasive history of miraculous healings of the mentally ill.[4]
Name
Dymphna's name (pronounced /ˈdɪmfnə/ DIMF-nə or /ˈdɪmpnə/ DIMP-nə) derives from the Irish damh ('poet') and suffix -ait ('little' or 'feminine'), therefore meaning 'poetess'. It is also spelled Dimpna, Dymphnart, Dympna or Damnat, this last closer to the Irish spelling Damhnait[5] (pronounced [ˈd̪ˠəun̪ˠətʲ]).
Story of her life and death
According to Catholic and Orthodox tradition, Dymphna was born in Ireland in the 7th century. Dymphna's father Damon was a petty king of Oriel. Her mother was a devout Christian.
When Dymphna was 14 years old, she consecrated herself to Christ and took a vow of chastity. Shortly thereafter, her mother died. Damon had loved his wife deeply, and in the aftermath of her death his mental health sharply deteriorated. Eventually the king's counsellors pressed him to remarry. Damon agreed, but only on the condition that his bride would be as beautiful as his deceased wife. After searching fruitlessly, Damon began to desire his daughter because of her strong resemblance to her mother.
When Dymphna learned of her father's intentions, she swore to uphold her vows and fled his court along with her confessor Father Gerebernus, two trusted servants, and the king's fool. Together they sailed towards the continent, eventually landing in what is present-day Belgium, where they took refuge in the town of Gheel.[4]
One tradition states that once settled in Geel, Dymphna built a hospice for the poor and sick of the region. However, it was through the use of her wealth that her father would eventually ascertain her whereabouts, as some of the coins used enabled her father to trace them to Belgium.[4] Damon sent his agents to pursue his daughter and her companions. When their hiding place was discovered, Damon travelled to Geel to recover his daughter. Damon ordered his soldiers to kill Gerebernus and tried to force Dymphna to return with him to Ireland, but she resisted. Furious, Damon drew his sword and struck off his daughter's head. She was said to have been 15 years old when she died.[6] After Dymphna and Gerebernus were killed, the residents of Geel buried them in a nearby cave. Years later, they decided to move the remains to a more suitable location.
In 1349 a church honouring Dymphna was built in Geel. By 1480, so many pilgrims were coming from all over Europe, seeking treatment for psychiatric disorders that the church housing for them was expanded. Soon the sanctuary for those considered “mad” was again full to overflowing, and the townspeople began taking them into their own homes. Thus began a tradition for the ongoing care of those with psychiatric conditions that has endured for over 500 years and is still studied and admired today. Patients were, and still are, taken into the homes of Geel's inhabitants. Never called patients, they are called boarders, and are treated as ordinary and useful members of the town.[7] They are treated as members of the host family. They work, most often in menial labour, and in return, they become part of the community.[8] Some stay a few months, some decades, some for their entire lives. At its peak in the 1930s, over 4,000 'boarders' were housed with the town's inhabitants.[9][10]
Veneration
The remains of Dymphna were later put into a silver reliquary and placed in a church in Geel named in her honour. The remains of Gerebernus were moved to Xanten, Germany.[11] During the late 15th century the original St. Dymphna Church in Geel burned down. A second "Church of St. Dymphna" was then built and consecrated in 1532. The church still stands on the site where her body is believed to have first been buried.[12]
According to nineteenth-century Irish Catholic priest John Canon O'Hanlon, the commemoration of Dymphna's and of Gerebern's arrival at Antwerp was celebrated on April 11,[13] according to a Carthusian Martyrology, however their chief feast day was on May 15,[11][14] the day of their final martyrdom. According to tradition, miracles occurred immediately after Dymphna's tomb was discovered.
Dymphna is known as the Lily of Éire, due to her spotless virtue. She is traditionally portrayed wearing a crown, dressed in ermine and royal robes, and holding a sword. In modern versions she holds the sword awkwardly, as it symbolises her martyrdom, but in the older versions seen on numerous statues and stained glass images, her sword is pricking the neck of a demon; symbolising her title of Demon Slayer. She is also often portrayed holding a lamp, with the chained devil at her feet.
Some modern holy cards portray Dymphna in green and white, holding a book and white lilies.
During the 2022 season, the St Dymphna's Church, Geel, Belgium, is hosting an exposition showing the restored altarpiece venerating Dymphna by Goossen Van der Weyden. [15][16]
The US National Shrine of St. Dymphna is located inside St. Mary's Catholic Church in Massillon, Ohio.[1] The shrine was destroyed by a fire in 2015, but reopened in December 2016 and is still open to pilgrims and visitors. St. Dymphna's Special School is located in Ballina, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland and operates under the patronage of Western Care Association
St. Torquatus
Died 1st century
Guadix, Spain
Venerated in Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church
Major shrine Guadix Cathedral
Feast May 15, May 1 (with Seven Apostolic Men); June 14 (Guadix)
Patronage Guadix
Christian missionary in Spain, with Ctesiphon, Secundus, Indaletius, Caccilius, Hesychius, and Euphrasius. According to tradition, they were each disciples of the Apostles Peter and Paul and were sent to Spain to spread the faith. The majority of them suffered martyrdom in various parts of the Iberian peninsula, and each is honored on the same feast day; the Mozarabic rite also gives a common feast for them in its liturgy. Torquatus worked in the area around Granada.
Saint Torquatus (Spanish: Santo Torcuato) is venerated as the patron saint of Guadix, Spain. Tradition makes him a Christian missionary of the 1st century, during the Apostolic Age. He evangelized the town of Acci, identified as Guadix, and became its first bishop.
He is one of the group of Seven Apostolic Men (siete varones apostólicos), seven Christian clerics ordained in Rome by Saints Peter and Paul and sent to evangelize Hispania. Besides Torquatus, this group includes Sts. Hesychius, Caecilius, Ctesiphon, Euphrasius, Indaletius, and Secundius (Isicio/Hesiquio, Cecilio, Tesifonte, Eufrasio, Indalecio y Segundo).
It is not certain whether Torquatus was a martyr or confessor of the faith.
Veneration
The Gate of Saint Torquatus (Puerta de San Torcuato) in Guadix.
Torquatus' relics were rediscovered in the 8th century during the Moorish invasion of Spain, in a church built in his honor, near the Limia River.
Torquatus' relics and those of Euphrasius were translated to Galicia.[2] Torquatus’ relics remained for a long time in the Visigothic church of Santa Comba de Bande (Ourense) (Santa Comba de Baños).
In the 10th century, Torquatus' relics were translated to San Salvador de Celanova (in Celanova, Ourense).
In 1592, the sepulcher at Celanova was opened and part of Torquatus’ relics was distributed to Guadix, Compostela, and Ourense, and also to El Escorial, and to the Jesuit college at Guadix, and in 1627, to Granada.[1] The relics that remained in San Salvador de Celanova were placed in the main chapel of the church of the monastery, together with those of Saint Rudesind, the monastery's founder.[1]
The cathedral of Guadix conserves three relics associated with Saint Torquatus: his arm, his jawbone, and his calcaneus (this last relic is not on display).[2]
It has been theorized[3] that Torquatus, may be a Christian version of the Celtic god Bandua
St. Jeanne de Lestonnac
Born December 27, 1556
Bordeaux, Kingdom of France
Died February 2, 1640 (aged 83)
Venerated in Roman Catholic Church
(Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady)
Beatified 1900 by Pope Leo XIII
Canonized May 15, 1949 by Pope Pius XII
Feast May 15
Patronage abuse victims, people rejected by religious orders, widows
Image of St. Jeanne de LestonnacIn France, in the XVI century and in Bordeaux, the port at the mouth of the Garonne which became an important centre for Humanism, we approach Jeanne de Lestonnac's life.
Entering her home, we meet Richard de Lestonnac, her father - a counsellor in the Parliament of Bordeaux - and Jeanne Eyquem de Montaigne, her mother. Perhaps Montaigne's name is familiar. You will have heard, maybe, about Michael de Montaigne, the philosopher who wrote the "Essays" and created a new literary genre. He was Jeanne's uncle; they were great friends and his influence can be seen in her work.
Jeanne, the eldest of the Lestonnac - Eyquem de Montaigne family, was born in 1556. During this century a sharp political and religious conflict was raging. The advance of the Protestant Reformation, led by Calvin's followers, clashed with Catholic tradition, and the effects were felt everywhere. While still a child, Jeanne experienced the consequences of the religious differences between her parents. Her father - a fervent Catholic -wished to share his faith with her and had her baptized. Her mother "was convinced that the greatest benefit she could bestow on her daughter was to educate her in the religion of Calvin."
The girl's faith was put to the test and eventually gained from the struggle. Jeanne opted for her father's faith. Her first spiritual experience was as if an interior voice confirmed her choice and left an impression on her for the rest of her life.
"Be careful, daughter. Don't let the fire that I have enkindled in your heart, to serve me so fervently, ever die out."
Her desire to serve the Lord made her search for models of great women, such as St. Scholastica, St. Clare, St. Catherine of Siena, St.Teresa of Avila... but, considering the situation of religious life in France, it was difficult for her to pursue her ideal. When her father proposed that she marry, she took it as a clear sign of God's will.
Jeanne de Lestonnac, O.D.N., (December 27, 1556 – February 2, 1640), alternately known as Joan of Lestonnac, was a Roman Catholic saint and foundress of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, in 1607. The new institute, approved by Paul V in 1607, was the first religious order of women-teachers approved by the Church. Her feast day is May 15.
Biography
Early years
De Lestonnac was born in Bordeaux in 1556 to Richard de Lestonnac, a member of the Parlement of Bordeaux, and Jeanne Eyquem, the sister of the noted philosopher, Michel Eyquem de Montaigne. She grew up in a time where the conflict between the Protestant reformists and the defenders of the Catholic faith was at its height. This was evident in her own family. While her mother became an enthusiastic Calvinist and tried to persuade her to convert, her father and her uncle Montaigne adhered to the Catholic faith and were her support in remaining a Catholic.[1]
At the age of 17 De Lestonnac married Gaston de Montferrant, with whom she had seven children, three of whom died in infancy. She was married for 24 years when her husband died. This marked the beginning of a very painful period in her life, with the further loss, within seven months, of her father, uncle and eldest son.[1]
Religious life
Following her husband's death, St. Jeanne De Lestonnac, at the age of 46, and with her children now grown, turned to a contemplative life and entered the Cistercian Monastery in Toulouse where she was given the religious name of Jeanne of Saint Bernard. She found great peace and satisfaction in the monastic life, but, after six months, she became very ill and had to leave the monastery. She then went to live on her estate La Mothe Lusié to recover her health, and where she adopted the lifestyle of a secular dévote, performing many acts of charity, including food and alms distribution, and regularly met with young women of her social class to pray and discuss religious questions. She sought for models of Catholic women to be her guides and cultivated an interest in the lives of Saints Scholastica, Clare of Assisi, Catherine of Siena and Teresa of Avila.[2]
A few years later, in 1605, a plague broke out in Bordeaux. At risk to her own life, De Lestonnac returned to her native city to help care for the sick and suffering in the slums of the city.
Foundress
Lestonnac's brother, a Jesuit attached to the college in Bordeaux, arranged a meeting between Lestonnac and two Jesuit fathers: Jean de Bordes and François de Raymond. The Jesuits asked de Lestonnac to serve as founder of a new teaching order for young women. They encouraged her to establish for girls in terms of formal education what they were doing for boys.[3] The three decided upon a cloistered community to follow the Benedictine rule, modified to allow sisters to teach. The group gained the approval of Pope Paul V in 1607. The community took the name of the Compagnie de Notre-Dame.[4]
The group purchased an old priory near the Château Trompette,[5] but moved in September 1610, to a larger old monastery on rue du Hâ. They were well-received and financially supported by the city's elite.[6] The first five members of the new order took their religious vows on December 10, 1610. The community established its first school for girls in Bordeaux. Foundations proceeded in Beziers, Périgueux, and Toulouse through Lestonnac's personal connections as well as her connections with the Jesuits and Bordelaise political elites.[6] By the time she died in 1640, at the age of 84, 30 houses existed in France.
Legacy
De Lestonnac was beatified in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII and was canonized on May 15, 1949 by Pope Pius XII. As of 2016 her religious order has over 1,450 sisters found in 27 countries throughout Europe, Africa, North America and South America
Blessed Elzbieta Róza Czacka
Additional Memorial
19 May on some calendars
Profile
The youngest of four children in an aristocratic family who moved from a small town in Ukraine to Warsaw, Poland in 1882. Rosa received a good secular and religious education even as her eyesight deteriorated; in 1898, at age 22, she was completely blind. She spent a lot of time in prayer and in discerning a vocation, and began devoting herself to helping and teaching the blind. In 1909, she and several like-minded friends and co-workers founded a group to start a shelter and school for blind girls to help them live fuller lives on their own.
In 1915 she returned to the Ukraine for the First Communion of a family member – and was stuck there for three years as the escalation of World War I kept her from returning to Warsaw. There she learned of Franciscan spirituality, and in 1916 became a Franciscan tertiary, taking the name Elzbieta.
Returning to Warsaw in 1918, she resumed her work with the neglected blind, and formalized the group of co-workers into the Franciscan Sisters Servants of the Cross, which would receive formal approval in 1922. A supported gave her land in Laski, Poland where she built an institute and school for the blind, and the motherhouse of the Sisters. She received support from Pope Pius XI in 1937, during World War II the Institute was converted to a hospital and the Sisters served as nurses.
This did not last; the Institute was destroyed, and the Sisters returned to Warsaw where Mother Elzbieta was injured in a bombing of the city. The Sisters worked to support the Polish partisans against the Nazis, and Elzbieta worked with Blessed Stefan Wyszynski.
When the war ended, the Sisters returned to their primary mission, and Mother Elzbieta continued to lead them until 1947 when, at age 70, she retired from leadership. She suffered a stroke in 1948 and her health slowly declined, but she spent her remaining 13 years in prayer, contemplation and any service she could provide.
Born
22 October 1876 in Biala Cerkiew, Ukraine as Róza Czacka
Died
15 May 1961 in Laski, Poland after several years of complications from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1948
Beatified
• 12 September 2021 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in Warsaw, Poland presided by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro
• the beatification miracle involved the 13 September 2010 healing of a seven-year-old girl in Warsaw who was in a coma with severe cranial and brain damage from an accident; from the moment of the accident, the Sisters and the family began asking Mother Elzbieta for her intercession
Saint Isidore the Farmer
புனிதர் இஸிடோர்
விவசாயிகளின் பாதுகாவல் புனிதர்:
பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 1070
மேட்ரிட், கேஸ்டைல் அரசு
இறப்பு: மே 15, 1130 (வயது 59)
மேட்ரிட், கேஸ்டைல் அரசு
ஏற்கும் சமயம்:
ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை
அகில்பயன் திருச்சபை (ஃபிலிப்பைன் நாட்டின் தனி திருச்சபை)
முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: மே 2, 1619
திருத்தந்தை ஐந்தாம் பவுல்
புனிதர் பட்டம்: மார்ச் 12, 1622
திருத்தந்தை பதினைந்தாம் கிரகோரி
நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 15
பாதுகாவல்:
மேட்ரிட், விவசாயம், விவசாயி, தினக்கூலி
புனிதர் இஸிடோர் ஒரு ஸ்பேனிஷ் பண்ணைத் தொழிலாளியும் ஏழைகள் மற்றும் கால்நடைகள் மீது கொண்ட அன்பின் காரணமாக நன்கு அறியப்பட்டவரும் ஆவார். இவர் "மேட்ரிட்" (Madrid) நகர் மற்றும் விவசாயிகளின் பாதுகாவல் புனிதர் ஆவார்.
ஸ்பெய்ன் நாட்டின் "மேட்ரிட்" (Madrid) நகரில் சுமார் கி.பி. 1070ம் ஆண்டு ஏழைப் பெற்றோருக்கு மகனாகப் பிறந்த இவர், கிறிஸ்தவ விசுவாசம் மிக்க குடும்பத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் ஆவார். இவர், "மேட்ரிட்" நகரின் புறநகர் பகுதியில் "ஜுவான் டி வர்காஸ்" (Juan de Vargas) எனும் பணக்கார நிலச்சுவான்தாரின் பண்ணையில் பண்ணைத் தொழிலாளியாக பணிபுரிந்தார்.
நடுத்தர வயதைக் கடந்த இஸிடோர், "மரியா டொர்ரிபியா" (Maria Torribia) எனும் இளம்பெண்ணை திருமணம் செய்தார். இவர்களுக்கு ஒரு ஆண் குழந்தை பிறந்தது. ஒருமுறை, இவர்களது குழந்தை மிகவும் ஆழமான ஒரு கிணற்றில் தவறி விழுந்துவிட்டது. இஸிடோர் மற்றும் மரியா இருவரும் செய்த செபத்தின் பலனாக கிணற்றின் நீர் மேலெழுந்து குழந்தை மேலே வந்ததாகவும் அது காப்பாற்றப்பட்டதாகவும் கூறப்படுகின்றது. தமது செபத்தினால் குழந்தை பிழைத்துக்கொண்டதற்கு நன்றி கூறும் விதமாக, அவர்களிருவரும் பாலியல் உறவைத் தவிர்ப்பதற்காக தனித்தனி வீடுகளில் வாழ்ந்தனர். அவர்களது மகன் பின்னர் இளம் வயதில் மரித்துப்போனான்.
இஸிடோர் ஏழைகளின் மீதும் கால்நடைகளின் மீதும் மிக்க அன்பு கொண்டவராக இருந்தார். தன்னிடம் உள்ள உணவு எதுவாகினும் அதனை ஏழைகளுக்கு கொடுத்தே தாமும் உண்பார்.
இஸிடோர் கி.பி. 1130ம் ஆண்டு, மே மாதம், 15ம் நாளன்று, மேட்ரிட் நகரினருகே மரித்தார்.
Also known as
• Isadore the Farmer
• Isidore Bonden
• Isidore of Madrid
• Isidore the Laborer
• Isidore the Worker
• Isidro Labrador
Profile
Pious farmer. Married to Saint Mary de la Cabeza. Their son died young; they became convinced it was the will of God that they not have children, and they lived together chastely the rest of their lives, doing good works. Accused by fellow workers of shirking his duties by attending Mass each day, taking time out for prayers, etc. Isidore claimed he had no choice but to follow the highest Master. One tale says that when his master came in the morning to chastise him for skipping work for church, he found angels plowing the fields in place of Isidore. Miracles and cures reported at his grave, in which his body remains incorrupt.
Born
c.1070 at Madrid, Castille (part of modern Spain)
Died
• 15 May 1130 at Madrid, Spain of natural causes
• buried at the Church of San Isidro in Madrid
Canonized
12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV
Blessed Andrew Abellon
Profile
In his youth he got to listen to the preaching of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Joined the Dominicans at Saint Maximin monastery. Priest. Prior of Saint Mary Magdalen monastery, Provence, France, a noted pilgrimage site; tradition says it is one of the places where Saint Mary Magdalen went after the Crucifixion, and the monastery laid claim to her relics. Supported missionaries and preached home missions. Noted artist in his day, especially known for his manuscript illuminations.
Born
1375 at Saint Maximin, Provence, France
Died
• 15 May 1450 at Aix-en-Provence, France of natural causes
• buried in the Church of the Magdalen
• his tomb became known as a site of miraculous cures
Beatified
1902 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed)
Saint Euphrasius of Andújar
Also known as
• Euphrasius of Illiturgi
• Euphrasius of Illiturgis
• Euphemia, Eufrasio
• Apostle of Spain
Profile
First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain, ordained by Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Martyr.
Legend says that he once travelled from Spain to Rome, Italy in 30 minutes in order to help the Pope; he managed the quick trip by bribing a captive goblin with leftover food. He is also reputed to have brought a portrait of the Virgin Mary which had been painted by Saint Luke and given to him by Saint Peter.
Died
• 1st century in Illiturgis, Spain
• church built over his sepulcher in the 7th century
• relics taken to the Mao River valley in the Lugo province of Galacia, Spain ahead of invading Moors
• re-interred in the church of Santa María do Mao, O Incio, Spain
• some relics taken to Ajaccio, Corsica
• some relics taken to the cathedral in Jaén, Spain
Saint Hallvard of Oslo
Also known as
• Hallvard Vebjørnsson
• Hallvard of Lier
• Alvard, Alvardo, Halward
Profile
Born to the Norwegian royalty. In 1043, as he was about to cross the Drammenfjord in a boat, a woman ran up to him, begging his help; she claimed she was falsely accused of theft, and feared for her life. Hallvard took her aboard, but the pursuers reached them before he could push off. They demanded he give her up, but he refused, saying the woman swore she was innocent. One of the pursuers shot and killed both Hallvard and the woman with a bow. The mob attached a stone to Hallvard's body and threw it into the sea; it floated, and was later enshrined at Christ Church, Oslo, Norway. Revered as a martyr because he died in defense of innocence, in the best spirit of chivalry.
Born
c.1020
Died
• shot with an arrow c.1043 at Drammen, Drammen kommune, Buskerud fylke, Norway
• buried in the Saint Hallvard Cathedral, Oslo, Oslo kommune, Oslo fylke, Norway
Saint Severinus of Septempeda
Also known as
Severino
Profile
Brother of Saint Victorinus of Camerino. The two brothers distributed their wealth to the poor in their area, then retired to live as hermits on Monte Nero, Italy. Ordered by Pope Vigilius to become Bishop of Septempeda, an area in the Marches of Ancona, Italy. Severinus was so successful at reviving the faith in his diocese that the town is now known as San Severino Marche in his honour.
Born
Septempeda (modern San Severino Marche, Italy)
Died
• 550 of natural causes
• interred in the cathedral in San Severino Marche, Italy
• relics hidden in the side altar of the cathedral during an incursion by the Goths
• relics taken to the site of his hermitage on Monte Nero, Italy on 3 November 590
• church built there and relics enshrined in 944
• relics hidden from invaders and lost in 1197
• relics re-discovered on 15 May 1576
Saint Caesarea of Otranto
Additional Memorial
11 September in Santa Cesarea Terme, Italy; tradition says it's the date she fled her father's house
Profile
Daughter of Louis and Lucrezia. Following the death of her mother, the teenage Caesarea left home to escape the incestuous interests of her father. She consecrated herself to God, and withdrew from the world to live as an anchoress in a cave near Otranto, Italy where she devoted herself to prayer.
Born
14th century
Died
14th century of natural causes
Canonized
• due to her reputation for holiness, a church was soon built at the cave of Caesareo
• cultus known to have been in place in the 17th century
Saint Achilles of Larissa
Also known as
• Achilles of Thessaly
• Achilles the Thaumaturgist
• Achillas, Achillius, Ailus, Achilius
Profile
Born to an imperial Roman patrician family, he received a good education, especially in philosophy. On the death of his parents, he sold all his property, gave the money to the poor, and went on pilgrimage to the Holy Lands and then to Rome, Italy. Bishop of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece. Reported to have attended the first Council of Nicaea. Fought Arianism. Miracle worker.
Born
3rd century in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey)
Died
• c.331 in Larissa, Thessaly of natural causes
• relics venerated at Presba, Bulgaria since 978
Saint Denysa of Troas
Also known as
Dionysia
Profile
A Christian girl ordered to sacrifice to pagan idols during the persecutions of Decius. She refused and was given over to a house of prostitution to be raped into submission. She fought against her "customers" until exhausted at which point her guardian angel appeared and frightened the men away from her. The next morning she fled the house to the site where a mob had dragged Saint Andrew and Saint Paul of Troas, and began proclaiming her faith. The proconsul had her dragged away and executed. Martyr.
Died
beheaded in Alexandria Troas (in modern Turkey) c.250
Saint Sophia of Rome
புனிதர் சோஃபியா
மறைசாட்சி:
பிறப்பு: இத்தாலி
இறப்பு: கி.பி. 137
ரோம்
ஏற்கும் சமயம்:
ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை
கிழக்கு மரபுவழி திருச்சபை
நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 15
புனிதர் சோஃபியா, ஓர் திருமணமான பெண் ஆவார். இவருக்கு 3 பெண் குழந்தைகள் பிறந்தனர். இவரின் முதல் குழந்தையின் பெயர் விசுவாசம் (Faith). இரண்டாவது குழந்தையின் பெயர் நம்பிக்கை (Hope). மூன்றாவது குழந்தையின் பெயர் "கருணை" (Charity).
1 கொரி 13-ல் குறிப்பிடும் இறைவார்த்தைகளை தன் குழந்தைகளுக்கு திருமுழுக்கு பெயராக வைத்தார் சோஃபியா. கிறிஸ்துவை இவர்கள் தங்களின் உயிருக்கும் மேலாக நேசித்தார்கள்.
கி.பி. 117ம் ஆண்டு முதல், கி.பி. 138ம் ஆண்டு வரையான காலகட்டத்தில் "ஹட்ரியான்" (Hadrian) எனும் கொடுங்கோல் அரசனில் ஆட்சி காலத்தில் கிறிஸ்தவ மக்கள் துன்புறுத்தப்பட்டனர்.
கிறிஸ்துவில் கொண்ட விசுவாசத்தினால் சோஃபியாவும் அவரது மூன்று மகள்களும் கொடிய வெறியர்களால் பலவித துன்பத்திற்கு ஆளானார்கள். குழந்தைகள் ஒவ்வொருவரையும் ஒருவர் பின் ஒருவராக கொன்றார்கள். அதன்பின் தாய் சோஃபியாவையும் கொன்றார்கள். சோஃபியாவை வைத்தே, அவரின் கைகளாலேயே தன் குழந்தைகளை கொன்று புதைத்தார்கள். பின்பு சோஃபியாவை குழந்தைகளின் கல்லறையிலேயே வைத்து அவரையும் கொலை செய்தார்கள்.
கி.பி. 778ம் ஆண்டுகளில் இவர்களது கல்லறைகளை ஆல்சேஸ்-ல் (Alsace) உள்ள "எஸ்ச்சாவ்" (Eschau) என்ற ஊரிலிருக்கும் ஒரு பெண்களின் துறவற மடத்திற்கு மாற்றப்பட்டுள்ளதாக வரலாறு கூறுகின்றது. அதன்பிறகு பல்கேரியா (Bulgaria) நாட்டின் தலைநகரை இப்புனிதரின் பெயர் கொண்டு சோஃபியா என்றழைக்கப்பட்டது. பின்னர் ஆறாம் நூற்றாண்டில் புனித சோஃபியாவிற்கென்று ஓர் ஆலயம் கட்டப்பட்டது. பின்னர் கி.பி. 1376-லிருந்து பல்கேரியா நாட்டின் சோஃபியா பேராலயம் மிகவும் புகழ் பெற்று பேசப்படுகின்றது. அதன் மறுபெயராக இவ்வாலயம் Holy Wisdom என்றழைக்கப்படுகின்றது. இவருக்கு பல்கேரியா நாட்டில் 20 மீட்டர் உயரமான ஒரு பெரிய சுரூபம் வைத்து இன்றுவரை வணங்கப்படுகின்றது.
Also known as
• Kalte Sophia
• Cold Sophia
• Wet Sophia
• Sophie. Sofia, Zofia
Profile
Young woman martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
Died
• c.304 in Rome, Italy
• buried in the cemetery of Gordianus and Epimachus outside Rome
• some relics enshrined at the convent at Eschau, France by Saint Remigius of Strasbourg in 778
• some relics enshrined at the high altar of the church of San Martino ai Monti in Rome by Pope Sergius II c.845
Saint Gerebernus
Also known as
Genebern, Genebrard, Gerebern, Gereborn, Gerebran, Gerebrand
Profile
Aged 7th century Irish priest who baptized Saint Dympna in her infancy, accompanied her when she fled to Belgium, and died at her side.
Born
Ireland
Died
• beheaded in Gheel, Belgium
• head preserved as a relic at Gheel, Belgium
• relics enshrined at Sonsbeck, Germany where they have been the target of His "holy robbers", thieves who specialized in stealing relics
Saint Simplicius of Sardinia
Also known as
• Simplicius of Fausania
• Simplicius of Olbia
• Simplicio...
Profile
First bishop of Gallura, Italy. Marytred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
Died
buried alive in 304 in Sardinia, Italy
Saint Adiutor of Campania
Also known as
Adjutor, Adiutore
Profile
Priest in North African. Tortured and exiled by being stick in a boat without a rudder and sent out to sea by the Arian Vandals. The boat landed in the Campania region of southern Italy, and he resumed his ministry with the people there.
Saint Bertha of Bingen
Also known as
Berta
Profile
Daughter of Pepin II. Married to a pagan. Mother of Saint Rupert of Bingen. Widow. Founded several hospices for the poor. Pilgrim to Rome, Italy. After the pilgrimage, she sold all her possessions, gave away her wealth, and spent the remainder of her life as a prayerful hermitess near Bingen, Germany.
Saint Hilary of Galeata
Also known as
Ellero, Ilaro
Profile
Hermit near the River Ronco, Italy. He and some others hermits joined to build the Galeata monastery; it was later renamed Sant-Ilaro in his honour, and given to the Camaldolese Order.
Died
558 of natural causes
Saint Isaias
Profile
Monk at the Monastery of the Caves under the direction of Saint Anthony and Saint Theodosius, founders of the house. Abbot at Saint Demtrius Abbey, Kiev in 1062. Bishop of Rostov in 1077. Evangelist to the unconverted of Rostov, teacher of the converted. Miracle worker.
Born
11th century Kiev, Ukraine
Died
• 1090 of natural causes
• relics enshrined in the Cathedral of Rostov, Russia in 1160
Saint Peter of Lampsacus
Profile
Martyred in the persecutions of Decius for refusing to sacrifice to a statue of Venus.
Died
beheaded c.250 in Lampsacus, Asia Minor
Blessed Joan Montpeó Masip
Profile
Seminarian of the archdiocese of Tarragona, Spain. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
Born
31 October 1918 in Borges del Camp, Tarragona, Spain
Died
15 May 1938 in Riudecols, Tarragona, Spain
Beatified
• 13 October 2013 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in Tarragona, Spain
Saint Andrew of Troas
Profile
Christian imprisoned for refusing to sacrifice to pagan idols during the persecutions of Decius. After one night in prison, a mob stirred up by the priests of Diana demanded that he and Saint Paul be turned over to them. The two were scourged, dragged out of town, and murdered. Martyr.
Died
stoned to death in Alexandria Troas (in modern Turkey) c.250
Saint Paul of Troas
Profile
Christian imprisoned for refusing to sacrifice to pagan idols during the persecutions of Decius. After one night in prison, a mob stirred up by the priests of Diana demanded that he and Saint Andrew be turned over to them. The two were scourged, dragged out of town, and murdered. Martyr.
Died
stoned to death in Alexandria Troas (in modern Turkey) c.250
Saint Rupert of Bingen
Profile
Son of Saint Bertha of Bingen. Ninth-century hillside hermit near Bingen, Germany. Died while returning from pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. His hill has since been name Rupertsberg in his honour.
Born
near Mainz, Rhineland Palatinate (in modern Germany)
Saint Alvardo
Profile
Wealthy merchant, and a cousin of King Olaf of Norway. Killed when he defended a woman falsely accused of theft. Martyr.
Born
Norway
Died
• 15 May 1043
• interred in the cathedral of Oslo, Norway
Saint Colman Mc O'Laoighse
Also known as
Columbanus Mc O'Laoighse
Profile
Sixth-century spiritual student of Saint Columba and Saint Fintan of Clonenagh. Founded a monastery in Oughaval, Ireland, and served as its first abbot. A church at Stradbally, Ireland is dedicated to him.
Blessed Clemente of Bressanone
Profile
Franciscan friar minor. Sent to the Pinerolo region to preach against Waldensianism, he brought many back to the faith.
Born
Bressanone, Italy
Died
murdered on 15 May 1655 near San Secondo di Pinerolo, Italy
Saint Rheticus of Autun
Also known as
Rheticius, Reticius, Rhétice
Profile
Bishop of Autun, France c.310. Both Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Jerome wrote about him and his knowledge of Scripture.
Born
Gallo-Roman
Died
334 of natural causes
Blessed Diego of Valdieri
Profile
Franciscan friar minor. Sent to the Pinerolo region to preach against Waldensianism, he brought many back to the faith.
Born
Valdieri, Italy
Died
murdered on 15 May 1655 near San Secondo di Pinerolo, Italy
Saint Bercthun of Beverley
Also known as
Bertin, Britwin, Brithwin, Brithun
Profile
Benedictine monk. Spiritual student of Saint John of Beverley. First abbot of Beverley in England.
Died
733
Saint Nicholas the Mystic
Profile
Patriarch of Constantinople. Deposed and exiled by emperor Leo VI when he opposed the emperor’s fourth marriage, which was prohibited by the laws of the Eastern Church.
Saint Hesychius of Gibraltar
Profile
First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain. Marytr.
Saint Victorinus of Clermont
Profile
Convert. Martyred by Teutonic barbarians led by Chrocas.
Died
c.264 in Clermont, France
Saint Caecilius of Granada
Profile
First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.
Saint Cassius of Clermont
Profile
Priest. Martyred by Teutonic barbarians led by Chrocas.
Died
c.264 in Clermont, France
Saint Ctesiphon of Verga
Profile
First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.
Saint Indaletius of Urci
Profile
First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.
Saint Maximus of Clermont
Profile
Martyred by Teutonic barbarians led by Chrocas.
Died
c.264 in Clermont, France
Saint Secundus of Avila
Profile
First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.
Saint Waldalenus of Bèze
Profile
Brother of Saint Adalsindis. Founded the monastery of Bèze, France.
Martyrs of Maleville
Profile
50 Mercedarian friars murdered for their faith by Huguenots.
Died
1563 in the Mercedarian convent of Maleville in Rodez, France
Martyrs of Pavia
Profile
Three Christians who were martyred together. We have no other information about them but the names Boninus, Paolinus and Saterius.
Died
• Pavia, Italy, date unknown
• relics enshrined in the church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio in Pavia
Marytrs of Persia
Profile
Three Christians who were tortured, mutilated, imprisoned, starved and finally executed together for refusing to worship the sun and fire during the persecutions of Shapur II. We know nothing else about them but their names - Bohtiso, Isaac and Simeon.
Died
beheaded or burned at the stake (records vary) in the late 3rd century somewhere in Persia
