March 11: Saint Eulogius of Cordova

Today, March 11, we celebrate the feast of Saint Eulogius of Cordova (died 859), a pious priest who offered encouragement to those facing martyrdom at the hands of the Moors, before being martyred himself. Saint Eulogius demonstrated courageous love for the Lord, accepting martyrdom even when his position within society would have allowed him to avoid such a fate. He recorded a detailed history of the martyrs of Cordoba, illuminating the widespread heroic faith which occurred in that region.

Saint Eulogius was born of a senatorial family of Cordova, Spain. At that time, Cordova was the capital city of the Moorish occupation of Spain, and the Christians in that region were ever at risk. Over time, many recanted their faith, turning to Islam, and adopting the customs of the Moors. Saint Eulogius was educated and ordained a priest, and became the leader of the local church in Cordova, teaching as principal at the ecclesiastical school there. Despite the pressure from the occupying forces, he continued to celebrate Mass and offer encouragement to those brave Christians who held true to the faith.

In 850, Saint Eulogius was imprisoned for his acts of faith. Not content to languish in captivity, he wrote his manuscript, “Exhortation to Martyrdom,” which he addressed to the virgin martyrs Flora and Mary, who were beheaded in 851. Throughout their imprisonment, he offered spiritual guidance and support, encouraging them to stay strong in their faith, and to look to martyrdom as glorious testimony to Jesus Christ. Following their deaths, he was released… but the martyrdom of members of his congregation continued. In 852, several more were killed for the faith, with Saint Eulogius by their side offering strength throughout.

Following Saint Eulogius’ concealment and assistance in escaping of the virgin Leocritia, he was summoned before the Muslim magistrate and scourged. Saint Eulogius bravely stated the simple truth of the Gospel, encouraging all in earshot to repent and convert. The magistrate, not sure what to do with this learned and respected man, sent him before the king. There, Eulogius again presented the truths of the Gospel, and was ordered to be decapitated so as not to influence others to follow Christ. While being led away to his execution, one of his captors struck him on the face for daring spoken against the prophet Mohammad. Saint Eulogius patiently (and literally) turned the other check, allowing the guard to strike him a second time.

Saint Eulogius bravely and cheerfully went to his martyrdom, decapitated on the 11th of March. His life reminds us that all we have is given to us by the Lord—that without Him, we are nothing. The message of Ash Wednesday resonates with the lives of these “voluntary” martyrs of Cordova who gave their lives for their faith, recognizing that those lives belonged to He who created them.

Saint Eulogius, pray for us, that we may be ever mindful that all our gifts come from God, that we not be prideful, but willing always to follow His lead. Amen

Year 2: Day 70 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Recognition that all we have is granted by the Lord; Turning from pridefulness.
Requested Intentions: For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); End to suffering for sick brother; reconciliation of estranged family (E); End to husband’s addiction; Improved relationship; strength (M); Successful God-centered marriage; Sacramental life (M); Healing, successful relationship (S); For successful marriage (A); For a husband’s freedom from addiction (C); Freedom from pain and illness for a friend (M); Financial freedom (J); Successful passing of occupational examination (S); Healing and conversion, sale of house (L); Occupational success for employee and colleagues (J); Employment for a son (C); Successful attainment of an important appointed position (J); Recovery from cancer for a friend (Z); For a family’s freedom from sin (M); For a daughter with Diabetes (A); Healing of a father following stroke (S).