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ST MERCURIALIS, BISHOP OF FORLI - 23 MAY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY

Saints celebrated on the 23rd of May

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SAINT MERCURIALIS, BISHOP OF FORLI


Saint Mercurialis, Bishop and Confessor, commemorated April 30; alternatively May 23 or August 22, was likely the first Bishop of Forli (Forum Livii), as no other is named before him. According to tradition, he died as early as the year 156; however, the Bollandist Papebroche* holds the view that he did not live before the fourth century. Although nothing is known of him beyond his name and a general reputation for holiness (aside from a few miracles at his tomb), his veneration has never been interrupted. Several translations of his relics have taken place - for instance, on August 22, 1232, and another in 1576, the latter being commemorated on May 23. The General Martyrology* lists him twice. According to a note by Coletus, the accounts provided by hagiographers are derived from images that were misinterpreted. Records concerning him do not date back further than the eighth or ninth century. These accounts state that he was an Armenian by birth and enriched his episcopal city of Forli with relics from Jerusalem. He also attended the Council of Rimini in 359 and, as early as the beginning of the fourth century, interceded with the Gothic King Athanaric on behalf of prisoners from Forli. Various miracles are recounted alongside these events. Yet, however obscure and uncertain the history of his life may be, this much is clear: through his vigorous and fruitful ministry as bishop, he earned the lasting gratitude of all subsequent generations. 

(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 Mercurialis 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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