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.

Friday, December 17, 2010

December 18 -- St. Auxentius of Mopsuetia

I always like the variations on a theme. Auxentius was an officer in the guard of Emperor Augustus Licinus. A Christian, Auxentius refused to sacrifice to the god Bacchus.

Aside: If there were a pagan god to whom I would sacrifice, it would be Bacchus. Not that I am inclined to do so, mind you, but if I were, the god of wine and revelry would have to be the one.

Back to our regularly scheduled saint: Auxentius was dismissed for his failure to sacrifice. He wasn't beheaded or flayed or crucified or fed to the beasts. Just exiled. And since he was in exile, he was free to build a community all those exiled by Constantine the Great, presumably before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, where Constantine's Christian conversion began.

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