The actor Genesius, from idolater to martyr
A fourth-century play created to mock Christianity became the moment of the sudden conversion of its author and protagonist. Saint Genesius changed the play by confessing his new faith in front of the emperor Diocletian, who was watching. He paid for it with martyrdom.
- THE RECIPE: ESICIA (Lobster rissoles)
Lazarus, Martha and Mary, dinner table friends of Jesus
The three siblings of Bethany had a special relationship with Jesus, one of faith but also of conviviality. And Jesus often stopped to eat at their home. Described in the Gospel of John is the thanksgiving dinner for the resurrection of Lazarus.
The Virgin sleeps, before the glorious Assumption
An ancient theme linked to today’s solemnity is that of the Dormitio Virginis, with the Latin expression literally indicating the ‘Virgin’s Sleep’ before the Assumption. Among the most beautiful frescoes in this regard is the image of the Madonna del Transito of Canoscio (in the province of Perugia). In the solemn definition of the dogma of Mary assumed into Heaven in body and soul, Pius XII’s Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus does not use the term “death”, but the words “having completed the course of her earthly life”. And, in any case, the faithful have always believed that Mary’s sacred body was not subject to the “bonds of death”, such as the corruption of the tomb.
Tropez, a martyr who preferred Jesus to honours
According to tradition, Saint Tropez - also known as Torpetius, Torpè or Torpete - was the head of Nero's guard at the time of the martyrdom (in 67) of Saint Paul, who converted him. The same fate befell him just a year later. The place name Saint-Tropez originates from his cult. His head is kept and venerated in Pisa.
Islam and China are the threat, but Christianity the future
The Daily Compass interviewed political scientist, Dominique Reyniém who said: "Islam and Chinese totalitarianism are waging two wars against the separation of politics and religion and against democracy. It is inevitable that Christians will be persecuted." However, according to Reyniém. the future is Christian: "The West is trying to win the favour of Muslim countries for geopolitical reasons with pitiful results."
Agnes of Montepulciano, an extraordinary life
From an early age Agnese Segni felt the beauty of faith and prayer. She had great mystical and thaumaturgical gifts. At only 15 years of age she became abbess, with a special papal dispensation. She fasted and mortified herself. She united her serious illness with the sufferings of Jesus and, on her deathbed, invited her sisters to rejoice with her.
Anthropology turned upside down by Pixar-Disney
A 2015 cartoon, Inside Out, which was a worldwide success, is an example of the current educational model: a life totally driven by passions. Reason – which discerns right from wrong, useful from harmful, and which decides the direction to give to life – does not exist.
Anthony Abbot, patron saint of farmers
After the death of his parents, inspired by the words of Jesus in the Gospel, Anthony sold everything to give it to the poor. He retired to live in the desert and the devil tempted him in vain several times, even in the guise of a pig, from which he later emerged. Young men gathered around the saint and became his disciples, giving an impetus to monasticism. His monks became accustomed to rearing pigs.
