05 works, Today, November 23rd, is Felicitas of Rome’s day, her story, illustrated #326

Neri di Bicci, (1419–1491)
Enthroned Saint Felicita and her seven children, c. 1464
Santa Felicita Church, Florence

Felicitas of Rome (c. 101–165), also anglicized as Felicity, is a saint numbered among the Christian martyrs.

Saint Felicitas is said to have been a rich and pious Christian widow who had seven sons. She devoted herself to charitable work and converted many to the Christian faith by her example. This aroused the wrath of pagan priests who lodged a complaint against her with Emperor Marcus Aurelius…

Please follow link for full post

09 works, Today, November 11th, is Martin of Tours’ day, his story illustrated #314

Winifred Margaret Knights (1899–1947)
Scenes from The Life of Saint Martin of Tours by Winifred Knights (c.1928-33)
Milner Memorial Chapel, Canterbury Cathedral

Martin was born around 330 of pagan parents. His father was a senior officer in the Roman army. A few years after Martin’s birth, his father was given veteran status and was allocated land on which to retire in northern Italy, where Martin grew up…

Please follow link for full post

04 works, Today, October 22nd, is the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus day, her story illustrated #293

Workshop of Jeanne and Richard de Montbaston
Holy Seven Youths of Ephesus
Fourteenth-century manuscript

During the persecutions by the Roman emperor Decius, around 250 AD, seven palace officers were accused of following Christianity…

Please follow link for full post