Monday, July 29, 2024

Memorial of Saints (July 29)

Martha (died 1st c. A.D.): sister of Mary and Lazarus; model of hospitality and faithful disciple; confessed her faith in Jesus as the Son of God; patroness of housewives, waiters and waitresses.

also on July 29:

  • Felix II, pope;
  • Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice, martyrs;
  • Lupus or Loup, bishop;
  • Olaf, martyr;
  • William Pinchon, bishop

Olaf (995-1030 A.D.) spent his youth as a pirate. But he was baptized in Rouen, and in 1013 A.D. went to England to aid the King against the Danes. He went back to Norway, captured most of Norway from the Danes and the Swedes, and became king. He set about unifying his realm and Christianizing it. But because his rule was harsh, it precipitated a revolt that made him flee to Russia. He returned to Norway and attempted to recover his kingdom but he was slain in the battle. Though not popular during his lifetime, miracles were reported at his shrine. A chapel was built there which became a great pilgrimage center in Scandinavia. He was canonized in 1164 A.D. and is the patron saint of Norway.

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