Saint Benedict of Nursia
புனித பெனடிக்ட்
துறவி
பிறப்பு
480
நார்சியா(Norcia), உம்பிரியா(Umbria)
இறப்பு
21 மார்ச் 547
இவர் ஓர் உயர்குலத்தில் பிறந்தவர். இவர் உரோம் நகரில் கல்வி பயின்றார். அங்கு படித்தபோது இளைஞரிடையே நிலவிய தீமைகள் இவரை அதிரவைத்தது. இதனால் உடனே உரோமையை விட்டு ஓடினார். அப்போதுதான் தன்னை இறைவனுக்கு அர்ப்பணிக்கத் திட்டமிட்டார். ஒரு மலை உச்சிக்கு தனியாக சென்றார். அங்கே எம்மானூஸ் என்ற தவ முனிவரை சந்தித்தார். இம்முனிவர் காட்டிய வழியில் 3 ஆண்டுகள் இவருக்கு சற்று அப்பால் சென்று தாமும் முனிவராக வாழ்ந்து வந்தார். இவர் தவ வாழ்க்கை மேற்கொண்டதை அறிந்த பலரும் அங்கு இவரை சூழ்ந்து கொண்டனர். இதன் விளைவாக தோன்றியதுதான் "புனித பெனடிக்ட் துறவற சபை".
இவர் தன் சபைத் துறவிகளுக்கு கிறிஸ்துவிடம், மாறாத எவராலும் பிரிக்க முடியாத உறவு கொண்டிருக்கக் கற்றுத் தந்தார். அத்தோடு அனைத்திலும் ஞானத்துடன் நடந்துகொள்ள வேண்டுமென்றும் கட்டளையிட்டார். கூட்டு வாழ்வு வழியாக, ஒற்றுமையை உணரவைத்தார். ஜெபமும், உழைப்பும் என்பதை இச்சபையின் குறிக்கோளாகக்கொண்டனர். பெனடிக்ட் தனிமையை நாடினாலும், அடிக்கடி மக்களை சந்தித்து வந்தார். நோயாளிகளை குணமாக்கினார். வறுமையில் வாடியோர்க்கு பொருளுதவி அளித்தார். ஏழைகளுக்கு தவறாமல் உணவு வழங்கினார். பலமுறை, இறந்தோரை உயிர்த்தெழச் செய்தார். தனது இறப்பை 6 நாட்களுக்கு முன்னறிவித்தார். தனக்கென்று கல்லறை குழி ஒன்றைத் தோண்டினார். ஒருநாள் திருப்பலியில் திருவுணவு உண்டபின், சிற்றாலயத்தில் நின்று செபித்துக் கொண்டிருக்கும்போது, தனது கைகளை, இவர் மேலே உயர்த்தி செபிக்கும்போது உயிர் பிரிந்தது.
புனித பெனடிக்ட்தான் திருவழிபாட்டு முறைக்கு அடித்தளமிட்டார். தினந்தோறும் ஆராதனை என்ற முறையையும் இவர்தான் அறிமுகப்படுத்தினார். 12 ஆம் பத்திநாதர் இவருக்கு "ஐரோப்பாவின் தந்தை" என்று பட்டம் சூட்டினார்.
Also known as
• Benedict of Narsia
• Benedict of Norsia
• Benedetto da Norcia
• Founder of Western Monasticism
Additional Memorials
• 21 March (Benedictines; Norway)
• 14 March (Byzantine Rite)
• 4 December (France)
Profile
Born to the Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, Italy, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadasical attitude of his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, Italy, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported to have been fed by a raven. Friend of Saint Romanus of Subiaco who lived as a nearby hermit; spiritual teacher of Saint Placid. Benedict's virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried by poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. Had the ability to read consciences, the gift of prophesy, and could forestall attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule: "Pray and work."
Born
c.480, Narsia, Umbria, Italy
Died
• 21 March 547 of a fever while in prayer at Monte Cassino, Italy
• buried beneath the high altar there in the same tomb as Saint Scholastica
Canonized
1220 by Pope Honorius III
Saint Berthevin of Lisieux
Also known as
• Berthevin of Laval
• Berthevin of Parigny
• Berthevin of Vicoin
• Berthevin of Val-Guidon
• Bertevin, Bertewin, Bertewinus, Berthvin, Berthwinus, Bertininus, Bertivinus, Bertunius, Bertunus, Bertuwinus, Bertuwius, Bertwin, Brévin
Additional Memorial
11 June (translation of relics)
Profile
Priest in the diocese of Bayeaux, France. During the Norman invasions, Berthevin fled to Laval, France where he became tutor to the children of the Count of Laval, and a courtier and advisor to the count. A pious and virtuous man, Berthevin spent his free time studying and in prayer, sometimes at a nearby pond, sometimes in the church of Saint Nicolas near Mayenne, France. His religious zeal interfered with the worldly ways of some of the members of the count‘s court – so they murdered him. Martyr. The towns of Saint-Berthevin and Saint-Berthevin-la-Tannière in France are named in his honour.
Born
10th century in the area of modern Lisieux, France
Died
• stabbed with a sword c.1000 in the area of Laval, France
• body thrown into a pond he had frequented to pray in solitude
• fearing discovery, his killers retrieved the body and hid it in the Vicoin river
• body later hidden in a crevice in a cliff overlooking the Vicoin
• led to the hiding place by heavenly voices, his godmother found it and had him buried in Parigny, France
• relics later enshrined in the cathedral of Lisieux, France
• relics destroyed in the French Revolution
Saint Olga of Kiev
புனித ஆல்கா (879-963)
இவர் இரஷ்ய நாட்டைச் சார்ந்தவர்.
இவர்மீது காதல்கொண்ட உக்ரைன் நாட்டை ஆட்சிசெய்து வந்த முதலாம் இகோர் என்ன மன்னர் இவரைத் திருமணம் செய்தார்.
இதன்பிறகு இவர்களுக்கு ஓர் ஆண் குழந்தை பிறந்தது. இதனால் இவர்களுடைய இல்லற வாழ்க்கை மிகவும் மகிழ்ச்சியாகச் சென்று கொண்டிருந்தது.
இந்நிலையில் ஆல்காவின் கணவர் எதிரி நாட்டின்மீது படையெடுத்துச் செல்லும்போது, எதிர்பாராதவிதமாக கொல்லப்பட்டதால், இவர் உக்ரைன் நாட்டை ஆட்சி செய்யத் தொடங்கினார்.
957 ஆம் ஆண்டு இவர் கான்ஸ்டாண்டிநோப்பிள் என்ற இடத்திற்கு சென்றபோது, கிறிஸ்துவை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டு திருமுழுக்குப் பெற்றார். இதன் பிறகு இவர் தன்னுடைய நாட்டு மக்களிடத்தில் கிறிஸ்துவின் விழுமியங்களை எந்தளவுக்குக் கொண்டு செல்ல முடியுமோ, அந்த அளவுக்குக் கொண்டு சென்றார்.
ஆண்டுகள் மெல்ல உருண்டோடிய போது, இவர் நாட்டை ஆளுகின்ற பொறுப்பைத் தன்னுடைய மகனித்தில் ஒப்படைத்துவிட்டுத் தன்னுடைய ஆவியை ஆண்டவரிடம் ஒப்படைத்தார்.
Also known as
• Olga Prekrasa
• Olga the Beauty
• Helena, Helga, Olha
Profile
First Christian queen of Ukraine. Married to Igor I, duke of Kiev c.903. She ruled Kievan Rus after Igor's assassination in 945. Following her conversion and baptism in 957 in Constantinople, when she took the name Helena, she tried to introduce Christianity to the Ukraine on a wide scale, but failed. When her son Sviatoslav reached adulthood, she handed the throne to him, c.963. Grandmother of Saint Vladimir, great-grandmother of Saint Boris and Saint Gleb.
Born
879 at Pskov, Russia
Died
• 11 July 969 in Kiev, Ukraine of natural causes
• relics found to be incorrupt, and translated to the Church of the Tithes in Kiev, the first time relics were displayed in Rus-Ukraine
• relics lost forever in the early 18th century
Saint Drostan of Dier
Also known as
• Drostan of Deer
• Drostán mac Coscreig, Drust, Drustan, Dustan, Throstan, Trust
Profile
Born to the Scottish royalty, the son of Cosgrach. Educated by Saint Columba. Benedictine monk. Travelled to Aberdeen, Scotland with Saint Columba. First abbot of the monastery at Dier in Pictland. Abbot of Dercongal Abbey (Holywood). He evangelized the Picts, and brought Christianity to northeast Scotland. Eventually retired to live as a prayerful hermit at Glenesk. His reputation for sanctity attracted many poor and sick people, and there were many healing miracles attributed to him.
Born
6th century Scotland
Died
• 7th century of natural causes
• relics preserved at Aberdeen, Scotland
Blessed Bertrand of Grand-Selve
Additional Memorial
20 November at the Grandselve monastery until it was demolished
Profile
Monk known for daily Gospel study and meditation; he was known to have heavenly visions during Mass. Noted preacher who travelled to southern France to work against the Albigensian heretics; the Albigensians forced him to flee to Italy for two years for his own safety. Reforming abbot of the monastery of Grandselve, Toulouse, France, he revitalized the house and joined it to the Cistercians on 31 May 1145.
Died
11 July 1149 in the monastery of Grandselve, Toulouse, France
Blessed Thomas Hunt
Also known as
Thomas Benstead
Additional Memorial
22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales
Profile
Studied at the Royal College of Saint Alban in Valladolid, Spain, and the English College of Saint Gregory in Seville, Spain. Ordained at Seville in 1599. He returned to England to minister to covert Catholics. He was almost immediately arrested at the Saracen's Head, Lincoln with Blessed Thomas Sprott. He escaped, was caught again, and condemned for the crime of being a priest. Martyred for the crime of being a priest during the persecutions of Queen Elizabeth I.
Born
c.1573 in Norfolk, England
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered on 11 July 1600 at Lincoln, England
Beatified
22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Valeriu Traian Frentiu
Profile
Ordained a priest in the Romanian Greek-Catholic Rite on 28 September 1898. Chosen eparch (bishop) of Lugoj, Romania on 14 December 1912. Chosen eparch (bishop) of Oradea Mare, Gran Varadino, Romania on 25 February 1922. Apostolic Administrator of Fagaras si Alba Iulia, Romania from 1941 to 1947. Martyred in the Communist persecutions.
Born
25 April 1875 in Resita, Caras-Severin, Romania
Died
11 July 1952 in Sighetu Marmatiei, Maramures, Romania of natural causes
Beatified
2 June 2019 by Pope Francis
Pope Saint Pius I
Profile
May have been born a slave. May have been the brother of Hermas, author of The Shepherd. Tenth Pope. Reportedly established the date for Easter as the first Sunday after the March full moon. Established rules for the conversion of Jews. Opposed Marcion the agnostic. May have been martyred.
The fact that Saint Justin Martyr did his Christian teaching in Rome, Italy, and that the three heretics Valentinus, Cerdon, and Marcion visited there, help prove that at even this early in the Church‘s history, Rome was already the primary see and the center of its authority.
Born
at Aquileia, Italy
Papal Ascension
c.142
Died
c.155
Saint Marciana of Caesarea
Profile
Making personal vows, she retired to the city of Caesarea, Mauritania (in modern Algeria) to live is a penitent hermitess. Imprisoned, tortured, threatened with rape, and eventually executed for refusing to worship of statue of the pagan goddess Diana during the persecutions of Diocletian. Martyr.
Born
Russucur, Mauritania (modern Dellys, Algeria)
Died
gored by a bull and killed by leopard attack in the amphitheatre at Caesarea, Mauritania (in modern Algeria)
Blessed Kjeld of Viborg
Also known as
Ketil, Ketille, Kield
Profile
Born to a peasant farming family. Evangelizing priest, Augustinian canon regular, dean of the cathedral, teacher and zealous preacher in Viborg, Denmark. Miracle worker.
Died
• c.1151 in Viborg, Denmark of natural causes
• relics enshrined in the cathedral of Viborg
• relics destroyed in the fires that destroyed the cathedral on 27 June 1726
Beatified
1189 by Bishop Absalon and Pope Clement III (cultus confirmation)
Blessed Thomas Sprott
Also known as
Thomas Parker
Additional Memorial
• 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai
• 22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales
Profile
Priest in the apostolic vicariate of England. Martyred for the crime of being a priest during the persecutions of Queen Elizabeth I.
Born
c.1571 in Skelsmergh, Cumbria, England
Died
early July 1600 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England
Beatified
22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Placid of Dissentis
Also known as
Placido
Profile
Wealthy seventh century Swiss land owner. Friend of Saint Sigisbert of Dissentis. Donated the land on which Dissentis Abbey was founded in Switzerland. He then joined it as a monk and later was martyred defending it.
Died
murdered for defending the ecclesiastical rights of the abbey
Canonized
1905 (cultus confirmed)
Saint Hidulf of Moyenmoutier
Also known as
Hidulphus, Hildulph, Hydulphe, Idulfo, Idolfo, Idyll
Profile
Benedictine monk at the monastery of Maximinus in Trier, Germany. Bishop. Founded the monastery of Moyenmourier in eastern France where retired in 676 to live as a monk. He eventually served as abbot of the house, and then of the monastery of Bonmoutier.
Born
Regensburg, Germany
Died
707
Saint Leontius the Younger
Also known as
• Leontius II
• Leoncio, Leonzio
Profile
Soldier who fought against Visigoths. Retiring from military life, he married and moved to Bordeaux, France. Bishop of Bordeaux. Built a number of churches in the region, and was known for his charity to the poor.
Born
c.510
Died
565
Saint Marcian of Lycaonia
Also known as
• Marcian of Iconium
• Marciano
Profile
Young Christian man who publicly proclaimed his faith during persections led by governor Perennio; it led to his arrest, torture, having his tongue cut out to stop him praying, and execution. Martyr.
Died
243 in Iconium, Lycaonia, Asia Minor
Saint Abundius of Ananelos
Also known as
• Abundius of Cordoba
• Abbondio...
Profile
Priest at Ananelos, Spain during the Moorish occupation. For preaching against Islam, he was dragged before the caliph at Cordoba who ordered him to abandon Christianity; he refused. Martyr.
Died
beheaded in 854 at Cordoba, Spain
Saint Cyriacus the Executioner
Profile
By order of governor Hadrian, he executed Saint Antiochus of Sebaste. When he saw the resolve of the Christians and then the miracle of milk flowing from the body of Saint Antiochus instead of blood, he converted to Christianity. Martyr.
Died
beheaded
Saint Sigisbert of Dissentis
Also known as
Sigebert
Profile
Founded Dissentis Abbey in Switzerland. Friend of Saint Placid of Dissentis.
Canonized
1905 (cultus confirmed)
Saint John of Bergamo
Profile
Bishop of Bergamo, Italy c.657; he served for 24 years. Eliminated the last of the Arian heresy in his diocese. Participated in the Council of Rome in 680.
Died
681
Saint Cindeus
Also known as
Cindée
Profile
Priest in Pamphylia, Asia Minor. Tortured and martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
Died
• burned at the stake c.300
• died praying
Saint Thurketyl
Also known as
Turketil
Profile
Restored Croyland Abbey, a house that had been destroyed by pagan Danes. Abbot of the monastery at Bedford, England.
Born
887
Died
975
Blessed Antonio Muller
Profile
Mercedarian friar. Scripture scholar. Professor of Eastern languages.
Saint Sabinus of Poitiers
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Spiritual student of Saint Germanus of Auxerre. Martyr.
Died
5th century near Poitiers, France
Saint Amabilis of Rouen
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Born to the English nobility. Nun at Saint-Amand in Rouen, France.
Died
c.634 of natural causes
Saint Januarius
Profile
Martyred in the persecutions of Licinius.
Died
beheaded in 320 at Nicopolis, Lesser Armenia
Saint Pelagia
Profile
Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Licinius.
Died
beheaded in 320 at Nicopolis, Lesser Armenia
Saint Cowair
Also known as
Cywair
Profile
No information has survived.
Patronage
Llangower, Wales
Saint Sabinus of Brescia
Also known as
Savinus, Savino
Profile
Martyr.
Saint Sidronius
Profile
Martyred in the persecutions of Aurelian.
Died
c.270 in Rome, Italy
Saint Cyprian of Brescia
Profile
Born: unknown in Italy, Europe. Worked in Italy. Died: 582 in Italy. Feast Day is celebrated on April 21.
Saint Maria An Guoshi
Also known as
Mali
Additional Memorial
28 September as one of the Martyrs of China
Profile
Married lay woman in the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China. Martyred in the Boxer Rebellion.
Born
c.1836 in Anping, Hebei, China
Died
beheaded on 11 July 1900 in Liugongying, Shenzhou, Hebei, China
Canonized
1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Maria An Linghua
Also known as
Mali
Additional Memorial
28 September as one of the Martyrs of China
Profile
Lay woman in the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China. Martyred in the Boxer Rebellion.
Born
c.1871 in Anping, Hebei, China
Died
beheaded on 11 July 1900 in Liugongying, Shenzhou, Hebei, China
Canonized
1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Nectaire of Sainte-Anne
Profile
Though raised a Christian, when Nectaire went into the service of a Turk, he converted to Islam. When he discovered that his mother, whom he thought he dead, was still alive, he travelled to see her, and back home he renounced Islam and returned to Christianity. He spent some time in exile, but eventually returned to Ephesus, publicly proclaimed his faith, and was murdered for it. Martyr.
Born
Ephesus
Died
beheaded in 1820 in Ephesus
Saint Anna An Jiaoshi
Addtional Memorial
28 September as one of the Martyrs of China
Profile
Married lay woman in the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China. Martyred in the Boxer Rebellion.
Born
c.1874 in Anping, Hebei, China
Died
beheaded on 11 July 1900 in Liugongying, Shenzhou, Hebei, China
Canonized
1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Anna An Xingshi
Addtional Memorial
28 September as one of the Martyrs of China
Profile
Married lay woman in the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China. Martyred in the Boxer Rebellion.
Born
c.1828 in Anping, Hebei, China
Died
beheaded on 11 July 1900 in Liugongying, Shenzhou, Hebei, China
Canonized
1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Marie-Elisabeth Pélissier
Also known as
• Maria Elisabetta di S. Teoctisto Pélissier
• Sister Théotiste of the Blessed Sacrament
Additional Memorial
9 July as one of the Martyrs of Orange
Profile
Joined the Sacramentine nuns at Bollène, Provence, France, making her profession on 25 June 1759. Musician, singer and poet. Martyred in the French Revolution.
Born
15 April 1741 in Bollène, Vaucluse, France
Died
guillotined on 11 July 1794 in Orange, Vaucluse, France
Beatified
10 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI
Blessed Marie-Marguerite de Barbégie d'Albrède
Also known as
• Maria Margherita di S. Sofia de Barbegie d'Albarède
• Sister Saint Sophia
Additional Memorial
9 July as one of the Martyrs of Orange
Profile
Ursuline nun. Martyred in the French Revolution.
Born
18 October 1740 in Saint Laurent de Carnols, Gard, France
Died
guillotined on 11 July 1794 in Orange, Vaucluse, France
Beatified
10 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI
Blessed Rosalie-Clotilde Bes
Also known as
• Rosalia Clotilde di S. Pelagia Bès
• Sister Saint Pelagia of Saint John the Baptist
Additional Memorial
9 July as one of the Martyrs of Orange
Profile
Sacramentine nun. Martyred in the French Revolution.
Born
30 June 1753 in Beaume-de-Transit, Drôme, France
Died
guillotined on 11 July 1794 in Orange, Vaucluse, France
Beatified
10 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI
Blessed Marie-Clotilde Blanc
Also known as
• Maria Chiara di S. Martino Blanc
• Sister Saint Martin
Additional Memorial
9 July as one of the Martyrs of Orange
Profile
Sacramentine nun. Martyred in the French Revolution.
Born
17 January 1742 in Bollène, Vaucluse, France
Died
guillotined on 11 July 1794 in Orange, Vaucluse, France
Beatified
10 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI
Saint Basinus of Poitiers
Also known as
Basino
Profile
Monk. Abbot of the Saint Hilary of Poitiers monastery.
Chetillo
Life and Work: Born in Jutland, Denmark, around the beginning of the 12th century, Chetillo was known for his studious nature and virtuous life. He was ordained a priest by Eskillo, the Bishop of Viborg, and became a canon (priest member) in the Viborg Cathedral chapter, following the rules of Saint Augustine. He even served as the chapter's provost (leader) and a teacher for trainee priests. Chetillo was also known for his efforts in bringing peace to warring factions and for missionary work among the Wends, a Slavic people.
Sainthood: While details are unclear, some sources suggest Chetillo may have died a violent death, though not necessarily for his faith. Regardless, his reputation for piety and good works led to his veneration as a saint. Pope Clement III formally approved his sainthood in 1188.
Feast Day: Saint Chetillo's feast day is celebrated on July 11th. This date coincides with the anniversary of his relics being elevated (officially recognized and displayed) in 1189.
Cydroine
Cydroine (also spelled Citroine) refers to Saint Sidronius, a Christian martyr venerated in France. Here's what we know about him:
Life and Martyrdom: Historical accounts place Saint Sidronius in the 3rd century AD. He is said to have been the son of a Roman knight from the city of Sens, France. During a period of Christian persecution under Emperor Aurelian (reigned 270-275 AD), Sidronius refused to renounce his faith. He was arrested and brought to Troyes for trial, but managed to escape and flee to a nearby forest. Eventually captured, Sidronius was martyred near the village of Calosemagus (present-day Laroche-Saint-Cydroine).
Legends and Veneration: Legends surround Saint Sidronius' martyrdom. One story claims he carried his severed head uphill after his execution, where a miraculous spring emerged at the site. This spring became a pilgrimage destination, particularly for embroiderers who believed dipping needles in the water would bring them good luck in finding a husband. A church dedicated to Saint Sidronius was built in the 8th century, further solidifying his local veneration.
Feast Day: While there isn't a universally recognized feast day for Saint Sidronius, the Church of Saint-Cydroine in Laroche-Saint-Cydroine celebrates him on July 11th.
Euphemia of Chalcedon
Euphemia of Chalcedon, also known as Euphemia the All-Praised in the Eastern Orthodox Church, was a virgin martyr who died for her Christian faith. Here's what we know about her:
Life and Martyrdom:
Lived in Chalcedon, a city across the Bosphorus from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey) during the 4th century AD (possibly around 303 AD).
Tradition states she refused to participate in pagan rituals and offer sacrifices to the god Ares.
Arrested and subjected to various tortures for her faith.
Accounts of her death vary, but some suggest she was mauled by a bear in an arena.
Veneration:
Venerated as a saint by both Eastern and Western Christianity.
Her primary feast day is celebrated on September 16th, commemorating her martyrdom.
Eastern Orthodox Christians also celebrate a miracle associated with her on July 11th. This miracle is tied to the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon in 451 AD. According to tradition, her relics were brought to the council and a message was received through them, helping to guide the theological discussions.
Failbe of Disert Mic Conlocha
Failbe of Disert Mic Conlocha (also spelled Fáilbhe, Falbi, Failbeus, Falbeus) was an Irish saint commemorated on July 11th. Here's what we know about him:
Life: Historical details about his life are scarce. Sources suggest he lived sometime in the early Middle Ages, possibly around the 8th or 9th century.
Lineage: According to Duald MacFirbis, a 17th-century historian, Failbe belonged to a branch of the Cenél Conaill, a powerful lineage in Gaelic Ireland.
Location: Sources point to his church being located in Cuircne or Machaire Cuircne, which corresponds roughly to the barony of Kilkenny West in County Westmeath, Ireland. A modern-day location called Dysart, with remnants of an old church and cemetery, is believed to be where his church once stood.
Description: The martyrology compiled by Saint Aengus the Culdee (d. 824) describes Failbe as the "pious son of Conlug" (or Culocha according to other sources). The Bollandist Acta Sanctorum, a vast collection of lives of saints, briefly mentions him as "a burning and shining light."
Veneration: Failbe is included in various Irish martyrologies, including the Feilire Óengusso, the Martyrology of Tallaght, the Calendar of Cashel, the martyrologies of Marianus O'Gorman and Cathal Maguire. His commemoration on July 11th reflects his local veneration in Ireland.
Nicodemus of Albania
Nicodemus of Albania, also known as Saint Nicodemus of Berat (Albanian: Shën Nikodhimi i Beratit), was a new martyr venerated in the Orthodox Church. Here's a summary of his life and significance:
Life and Martyrdom:
Born Nikola Dede in Vithkuq, Albania (present-day Korça County).
Originally Christian, he converted to Islam, possibly due to societal pressure.
Later, he experienced a spiritual awakening and traveled to Mount Athos in Greece, a center of Orthodox monasticism. There, he re-embraced Christianity and became a monk.
After three years at Mount Athos, Nicodemus felt a calling to return home and openly declare his faith. He openly confessed his Christianity in his hometown, defying the Ottoman authorities who ruled Albania at the time.
Arrested and refused to renounce his newfound faith. He was sentenced to death and beheaded on July 11, 1722.
Veneration:
Considered a martyr for his unwavering faith and willingness to die for his beliefs.
Venerated as Saint Nicodemus of Berat. His relics were initially enshrined in the Church of the Theotokos at Mangalem in Berat, but were destroyed during the communist regime of Albania in 1967.
Pilgrimages continue to be made in his honor, particularly on his feast day, July 11th. Pilgrims visit Berat, the site of his martyrdom, and Vithkuq, his birthplace.
