ST SABINUS, BISHOP OF CANOSA

ST SABINUS, BISHOP OF CANOSA - 9 FEBRUARY

SAINT SABINUS, BISHOP OF CANOSA

There have probably been two bishop saints of that name. A Saint Sabinus attended the dedication of the Sanctuary of St Michael on Monte Gargano in A.D. 493. His body rests in Atripaldo. The later St Sabinus rests in Bari. He is sometimes referred to as archbishop, but it is unlikely that the archbishopric had already been in existence during his lifetime - it was established later, when Canosa and Bari were merged.

HE WAS CONSTANTLY OCCUPIED WITH THE THINGS OF HEAVEN

This St Sabinus was born at Canosa (Canusium) of rich and distinguished parents. But from his childhood he sought nothing but the good pleasure of God, and was therefore constantly occupied with the things of heaven, while he turned his mind more and more away from earthly things.

GENEROUS ALMS

His wealth gave him the opportunity to come to the aid of the poor, which he did with the greatest generosity. In this practical way he was able to help save many a soul that had resisted his word.

THE COUNCIL OF A.D. 536

As bishop he attended the Council under Mennas held in 536. On that occasion, he had to endure much grief from Empress Theodora.

THE ATTEMPTED MURDER

In his old age he lost his sight, but in return he received inner light and a prophetic spirit. His archdeacon Vindemius aspired to the episcopal dignity and therefore wished the imminent death of the holy Chief Shepherd.

He caused the boy who served the saint's meals to mix poison in his drink. When Sabinus took the cup, he exclaimed: "Drink it yourself - I know what's in it." The boy was startled and nearly set about drinking it, but the saint stopped him and instead stretched his hand out for it and emptied the cup himself, saying: "I will drink, but he who wished to commit the crime will not become bishop.'

The holy bishop had drunk the poison. But it did not harm the saint. Indeed, the archdeacon who had tried to murder him (who lived three miles away) died the same hour as St Sabinus drank the poison. The holy Sabinus died a natural death in A.D. 566, after 52 years in office.

THE ARM RELIC

In 1337 an arm relic of his previously set in gilded brass was covered with pure silver and set with precious stones, which is offered to the faithful on feast days to be kissed, especially on the festival of St Sabinus.

HIS VITA

The life of our St Sabinus was not written down. 300 years after his death, Archbishop Peter of Bari compiled his Vita on the orders of Pope Leo III. The main church of Canosa is dedicated to St Sabinus.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints)

*A hagiography source used by the authors

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Sabinus may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sources of these articles (in the original German): books.google.co.uk, de-academic.com, zeno.org, openlibrary.org

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