ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN SEPTEMBER
Saints celebrated on the 22nd of September
SAINT MAURICE, MARTYR
Saint Maurice was a leader (primicerius) of the Theban Legion, massacred at Agaunum, about 287 (303), by order of Maximian Herculius. His feast is September 22.
A LEADER OF THE THEBAN LEGION
The legend relates that the legion, composed entirely of Christians, had been called from Africa to suppress a revolt of the Bagandae in Gaul. The soldiers were ordered to sacrifice to the gods in thanksgiving but refused. Every tenth was then killed.
AS A CHRISTIAN, HE REFUSED TO SACRIFICE TO THE PAGAN GODS
Another order to sacrifice and another refusal caused a second decimation and then a general massacre.
SAINT MAURICE IS REPRESENTED AS A KNIGHT IN FULL ARMOUR
St Maurice is represented as a knight in full armour; in Italian paintings with a red cross on his breast, which is the badge of the Sardinian Order of St Maurice.
MANY PLACES HAVE HIM AS A CELESTIAL PATRON
Many places in Switzerland, Piedmont, France, and Germany have chosen him as celestial patron, as have also the dyers, clothmakers, soldiers, swordsmiths, and others. He is invoked against gout and cramps.
(Information from Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913)
➡️ Saint Maurice's entry in the Roman Martyrology
➡️ More information about Saint Maurice and Companions
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