HeyWednesday November 20, 2024The Catholic Church celebrates its saints festivals of St. Edmund, San Dasio, San Doro, Saint Theonestus o St. Basil of Antiochamong the saints and other blessed ones.
As he remembers Roman Martyr on saint of the day: “In England, St. Edmundmartyr, who, as king of the East Anglians, was a prisoner in battle against the Norman invaders and, for professing the Christian faith, was crowned with martyrdom (870)”.
St. Edmundwhich was also respected by Orthodox and Anglican, the latter king of Estangliain East Anglia (present-day eastern England). Tradition says it was crowned in the year 855 at the age of 14 years and who soon proved to be a model king thanks to his equity and justice. He treated those in need with charity and always wanted peace in his people.
His reign was interrupted Invasion of the Hinguar leaders of Denmark (Ivar the Boneless) y Hubba (Ubbe Ragnarsson). Although King Edmund recruited a small army to defend his lands, in the end he chose to go into hiding prevent his subjects from losing their lives.
he was found and arrested. According to the saints of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Edmund refused the conditions of submission to the attack of the faith and the good of his family and began his martyr: He was beaten and shot with arrows before his head was cut off, thrown into the forest. When the common people came in search of the head to bury it next to the body and they did not find it until the voice of the earth itself informed them: “this.”
SANTORAL TODAY, NOVEMBER 20
The saints today, November 20celebrate the following onomatopoeic:
- St. Basil of Antioch
- San Crispin de Écija
- San Dasio
- Saints Octavius, Soltur and Actor of Turin
- Saint Theonestus
- San Doro
- San Silvestre de Châlon-sur-Saône
- Saint Hippolytus of Jura
- Saint Gregory the Decapolitan
- St. Edmund’s England
- San Bernardo
- Saint Cyprian of Calabria
- San Francisco Javier Can
- Blessed Maria Fortunata (Ana Felicia) Viti
- Ángela de San José (Francisca) Lloret Martí and fourteen companions
- Blessed Mary of the Virgin Ortells Gimeno
There are the saints outstanding men and women in the various religious traditions for their special relationships with the divinities or for a particular ethical elevation. Although blessed consideration is the third step on the way to canonization.
How do modern interpretations of martyrdom differ from those of the early Christian period?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Laura Mitchell, Historian and Expert on Early Christian Martyrdom
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone. Today, we dive into the significance of November 20, a day marked by the Catholic Church to celebrate various saints, including St. Edmund, and explore the historical context behind these celebrations. I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Laura Mitchell, a distinguished historian specializing in early Christian martyrdom. Dr. Mitchell, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Laura Mitchell: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a fascinating topic.
Editor: Let’s start with St. Edmund. He’s often described as a martyr and a king who faced significant challenges during his reign. Can you give us a brief overview of his life and why he’s venerated today?
Dr. Mitchell: Absolutely. St. Edmund was the king of the East Anglians in England during the late 9th century. He is remembered for his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith amidst the turmoil of Viking invasions, particularly by leaders like Ivar the Boneless and Hubba. At a young age, after being crowned around 855, he became known for his just and compassionate rule. Unfortunately, his reign was marred by the Danish incursions, which forced him to make the tough decision to go into hiding to spare his people from the impending violence.
Editor: Being crowned so young must have put a lot of pressure on him. What traits in his leadership do you think contributed to his recognition as a martyr?
Dr. Mitchell: That’s a great question. His youth, especially being crowned at just 14, allows a unique perspective on his virtues. St. Edmund was known for his empathy and a strong sense of justice. In many ways, his martyrdom symbolizes a selfless leadership style. He chose to sacrifice his freedom rather than endanger his subjects, which resonates deeply in Christian teachings about sacrifice and faith. his unwavering commitment to his beliefs—despite the consequences—led to his canonization as a saint.
Editor: It’s fascinating how his story has transcended time, especially considering that he’s venerated not just in the Catholic tradition but also by Orthodox and Anglican communities. Why do you think his legacy has such a broad appeal?
Dr. Mitchell: His story embodies universal themes of faith, sacrifice, and justice that resonate with many people across various Christian denominations. St. Edmund’s actions during a time of crisis highlight the struggles leaders face between personal safety and the welfare of their people. This message of standing firm in one’s faith, regardless of the pressures or dangers, is something that can inspire anyone, regardless of specific religious affiliation.
Editor: November 20th also marks the remembrance of other saints like San Dasio and Saint Theonestus. How do these figures fit into the larger picture of sainthood and martyrdom during this period?
Dr. Mitchell: Each saint carries a unique narrative that reflects different aspects of faith and resilience. For example, saints like San Dasio and Theonestus represent the diverse early Christian experiences under Roman rule, where many martyrs faced persecution for their beliefs. Their stories, much like St. Edmund’s, highlight individual choices to stand firm in faith against societal pressures, contributing to the tapestry of Christian martyrdom. Their remembrances together on this day serve to remind us of the collective strength of faith in adversity.
Editor: Before we wrap up, is there any particular message about St. Edmund’s legacy that you think is particularly relevant for today’s society?
Dr. Mitchell: Definitely. St. Edmund’s story speaks volumes about the importance of leadership that prioritizes the common good over personal ambitions. In our modern context, where leadership can often become self-serving, his example serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy, justice, and sacrifice in the service of others. His legacy encourages current and future leaders to lead with integrity, making choices that promote peace and understanding in times of conflict.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mitchell, for shedding light on St. Edmund and the broader context of saints commemorated on this day. It’s been a pleasure discussing these enduring legacies with you!
Dr. Mitchell: Thank you for having me! It’s been a delight to share insights on such significant historical figures.