ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL
Saints celebrated on the 8th of April
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| A page of one of Fortunatus Hueber's Saints' books, "Stammenbuch..." (1693) |
Unfortunately, the vita (biography) of this blessed Martin (Martinus) is not devoid of fiction and later additions.
He is said to have been from Rimini and to have distinguished himself early on as a brave warrior. In a fit of violent anger, he once committed a murder.
He took refuge in the area of Genoa, where he atoned for his misdeeds in the greatest severity in a cave between the towns of Peghi and Voltri and used all his spare time for tailoring for the poor.
The prior of the monastery of Saint Benignus in Genoa took pity on him and upon his death buried him not far from the bell tower. It is believed the Martin died around 1342. In 1449 his body was transferred to the church and an appropriate epitaph was composed. His festival was celebrated every year on the Thursday after Easter.
Peculiar indeed is the punishment which, according to the legend of the Blessed, which, as already mentioned, is not very credible, is said to have been meted out on the priest who was accused of having broken the seal of confession by betraying the murder just related: namely, a red-hot glowing cap was placed upon his head. The strange biography does not reveal whether the cleric survived this torment or not. (I. 805–808).
(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 4, Augsburg, 1875, p. 288)
Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of the blessed Martin 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.
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