Five Saints You (Probably) Didn’t Know About
As we gear up for Lent, we can look to the saints for examples of holiness and devotion. Check out these five lesser known saints to model after.
1. St. Odran
Friend of the famous St. Patrick, St. Odran is traditionally remembered as Patrick’s chariot driver. Reportedly, he changed places with St. Patrick just before an ambush by pagans and was killed. He’s known as the first Christian martyr of Ireland and his feast day is today, February 19th.
2. St. Boniface of Lausanne
St. Boniface was a bishop of Lausanne, Switzerland for nine years. After scolding Emperor Frederick II and other clergy for their corruption, he was attacked by the emporer’s agents. He resigned his position of bishop to live at the Cistercian convent at La Cambra as chaplain. He attended the First Council of Lyon which Pope Innocent IV had convoked in 1245. He retired to La Cambre Abbey and died in 1265. His feast day is February 19.
3. Bl. Alvarez of Corova
Blessed Alvarez was born 1350 in either Portugal or Spain and became a Dominican in 1365. His preaching prowess became famous in Italy and Spain. He founded a monastery in Cordova. He died in 1430 and his following was confirmed in 1741.
4. St. Auxibius
Baptized by St. Mark and ordained by St. Paul, Auxibius was an early Christian bishop of Soil on Cyprus. Imagine living in a time when Christianity was still new and being persecuted for Christ? St. Auxibius lived it and remained faithful to the end, preaching and converting many people.
5. St. Beatus
Monk, author, and opposer of the Adoptionist heresy, St. Beatus was part of St. Martin’s Monastery, in Liebana, Spain. Opposing the Adoptionist theories of Archbishop Elipandus of Toledo, Beatus worked with Etherius, bishop of Osma, in converting Elipandus’ followers. Both wrote the Liber Adversus Elipandum, a defense against the archbishop’s censure. Afer Adoptionism was condemned by the Church, he went to live in the monastery of Valcavado, writing many commentaries and hymns.