Memorial of Saints (July 1)

• Shenute, abbot;
• Theodoric or Thierry, abbot;
• Carilefus or Calais, abbot;
• Gall of Clermont, bishop;
• Eparchius or Cybard;
• Simeon Salus;
• Serf or Servanus, bishop;
• Oliver Plunkett, bishop and martyr

Shenute (d. ca. 450 A.D.) became a monk at the double monastery at Dair-al-Abiad near Atripe in the Thebaid and succeeded his Uncle Bhol, who had founded the abbey as abbot. He was a leader in the development of monastic communal life and in time was regarded as archimandrite of all the surrounding monasteries. He wrote extensively and is believed to have died when he was 118.

Theodoric (died 533 A.D.) was born in Rheims, Gaul, married against his will, and persuaded his wife to agree to a separation. He became a priest, founded a religious community, became known for his conversions, and reportedly cured King Theodoric of ophthalmia.

Carilefus (d. ca. 540 A.D.) became a monk at Menat Monastery near Riom, France with his friend St. Avitus. They transferred to Micy abbey, were both ordained, and then Carilefus went to Maine to become a hermit. His holiness attracted followers. He organized them into a monastery where he became its abbot.

Oliver Plunket (1629-81 A.D.) was ordained in 1654 A.D. He was a professor of theology, was consultor of the Sacred Congregation of the Index, and was procurator for the Irish bishops. In 1669 A.D., he was named archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Because of the persecution of Catholics, he was imprisoned on charges of conspiring to bring about a rebellion against the British crown. Convicted of high treason, he was hanged, drawn and quartered on July 1, 1681 A.D.