This calendar of saints is drawn from several denominations, sects, and traditions. Although it will no longer be updated daily, the index on the right will guide visitors to a saint celebrated on any day they choose. Additional saints will be added as they present themselves to Major.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

September 25 -- Herman the Cripple

Herman was rated the best religious poet of the eleventh century, and that ain't too shabby. It is especially impressive since he was born with a cleft palate, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. His parents gave him to a Benedictine monastery for care because life on their farm was not nurturing enough for him. The next time you see monks portrayed as austerity-fetishists devoid of compassion, think about Herman the Cripple, who studied Arabic, Greek, Latin, astronomy, history, math, poetry, and theology. I'm thinking the Benedictines did themselves proud when it comes to Herman, no matter what Prof. Eco might imply about them.

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