SAINT MAXIMUS, BISHOP OF MAINZ

SAINT MAXIMUS, BISHOP OF MAINZ - 18 NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 18th of November

SAINT MAXIMUS, BISHOP OF MAINZ

Of Saint Maximus, bishop of Mainz, we have little reliable information. According to some he lived towards the end of the fourth century, others maintain that he flourished at the beginning of the fifth age. In any case, it was not him, but St Maximin of Trier who presided over the Council of Cologne in 346, because at the time in question the See of Mainz was headed by Bishop Martin.

St Maximus had much to suffer in his time. The Roman Martyrology* confirms this fact. He possessed many talents and great learning, which were surpassed only by his zeal and piety.

As is generally assumed, he was born in Mainz. According to the Proprium of the Mainz Diocese, Maximus was ordained by St Adelhard and remained a faithful servant of the Church under both his leadership and that of his successor Lucius Annaeus. Maximus continued to preach the orthodox faith throughout the various persecutions.

As bishop he redoubled his zeal. He went barefoot through the villages of the diocese, not only carrying everywhere the lamp of the divine word, but also giving powerful encouragement by his example, and thus promoted the faith and good morals. He thereby incurred the hatred of the Arians to such a degree that they not only severely beat him on seven different occasions, but also drove him out entirely. But this holy bishop knew no fear, and time and time again he returned to his flock. When he was not permitted to preach publicly, he did so in the houses, and often in the surrounding forests and in nearby mountain clefts. Sidonius, Achatius and Clemens are mentioned as his most outstanding aides. After his death, Maximus' sacred remains were transferred to Halle.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 4, Augsburg, 1875)

*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 Maximus 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.

WELCOME

Please pick your saints: January - Saints by date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 February - Saints by date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 ...

BL. LUKE KIRBY, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 30 MAY

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY Saints celebrated on the 30th of May WELCOME! BLESSED LUKE KIRBY, PRIEST AND MARTYR 16th century houses, painted by Auguste Mayer He was born in the bishopric of Durham, according to Raissius ; others say at Richmond, in Yorkshire. He was master of arts in one of our universities; but going abroad to Douay, in Flanders, was received into the English college there, 1576, and made priest in 1577; and the year following sent upon the mission. Where he had not been long before he again went abroad, and travelled to Rome, partly for devotion, and partly for further improvement in learning. Here he remained in the English college till 1580, when he returned into England, and was not long after apprehended: for I find by a printed diary of things transacted in the Tower of London from 1580 till 1585, that on the 5th of December, 1580, Luke Kirby, Thomas Cottam , and other priests, were brought to the Tower from other prisons; and that these two, on the 10th...

BL. RICHARD NEWPORT, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 30 MAY

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY Saints celebrated on the 30th of May WELCOME! BLESSED RICHARD NEWPORT, PRIEST AND MARTYR Richard Newport, alias Smith , was born in Northamptonshire and performed his studies abroad, partly in the college of Rheims (if he be the Richard Smith whom I find in the Douay diary sent to Rome in 1586) and partly in that of Rome, where he was made priest. From thence he was sent upon the English mission, and behaved himself in such a manner as justly to acquire the character of a laborious missionary; being withal remarkably successful in bringing home many strayed sheep to the fold of Christ, to which his apostolical way of living did not a little contribute. He was several times apprehended and cast into prison, and twice banished. His name occurs amongst those who were transported in 1606; at which time, we are told, he took that opportunity of making a pilgrimage to Rome, there to pour forth his prayers at the tombs of the apostles, in behalf of thi...

SAINT FEAST DAY FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

Search This Blog