NOTE: In preparation for All Saints Sunday, here are some saints to learn about. You will also find links for further study. At the end of this post, you are invited to share the stories of saints (famous or not) who demonstrate generosity. Who inspires you? Share that here.
Brigit, or Bride, is one of the most important saints of Ireland . Born to a Druid chieftain and his highlight her generosity, both with her own belongings and those of her family. For example, once she gave away her mother’s entire supply of butter, which was then miraculously restored when Brigid prayed. Other stories tell of her giving away cows, bedding, even her shoes to help the poor. Choosing to commit to religious life, Brigid was consecrated as a nun by the local bishop (according to some stories it was St. Patrick himself). Not only did the bishop accept her vows, when he consecrated her as abbess, he accidentally used the form for consecrating a bishop! At any rate, Brigit did exercise authority. She founded two religious houses at Kildare, one for men and one for women. This double house was governed by the abbess (Brigit) and an abbot-bishop (whom Brigit selected). This tradition continued for centuries. As abbess, Brigit continued in generosity, sharing with the poor whatever the abbey had. Presents given to her were given to the poor, no matter what the original giver intended. She sold furniture and other moveable property—even the holy vessels and vestments–to provide for the poor. Her generosity inspired others. Her abbey at Kildare was built with using the resources of the local king, inspired by Brigit’s holiness. According to legends, what she gave was restored, and those who supported her generosity were blessed with prosperity, but those who begrudged her giving found themselves cursed with hard times. Brigit died in 525 at the abbey she founded.
Here’s a great poem about Bride, and the trouble her generosity caused. For more information about Bride, go here:
Martin of Tours (316-397) was born in what is now Hungary, the son of a pagan Roman officer. At age 10 Martin became a Christian catechumen against the wishes of his parents, but he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Roman army. One day he saw a beggar. Lacking money, Martin cut his cloak in half, giving half to the beggar. That night he dreamed of Christ, wearing half a cloak. This was enough to persuade Martin to be baptized. He then left the service, saying, “Until now I have faithfully served Caesar, let me now serve Christ.” Eventually, Martin became Bishop of Tours. As bishop he worked to convert his largely pagan diocese, and improve the lives of the poor. Local authorities tried to prevent him from visiting because Martin was passionate about securing the release of prisoners, and the authorities found they could not resist his demands—he even intervened on behalf of prisoners of the Imperial Guard. Martin passionately defended the catholic faith, but not at the price of compassion. When other bishops persuaded Emperor Maximus to execute a group of heretics, Martin furiously excommunicated them all. His shrine in Tours later became a sanctuary for those seeking justice.
For more information about Martin:
Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) was married at age 14 to Ludwig IV of Germany. Although born a Hungarian princess, Elizabeth’s concern
was f or the poor. During a famine, while her husband was dealing with politics in Italy, Elizabeth sold her jewels and gave away royal furnishings in order to provide for the poor. She built a hospital and visited it daily to take care of the patients. She spun wool and sewed garments for the poor. Her husband supported all these charitable acts, believing that her giving his wealth away would earn him eternal rewards. Unfortunately, their happy marriage was short–Ludwig died on his way to the 6th Crusade in 1227. His brother, who ruled next, did not share his enthusiasm for charity, and Elizabeth was forced out of the court, leaving her three children behind. Her own family attempted to force her into another political marriage, but Elizabeth had other plans. Taking on vows of celibacy, Elizabeth used her dowry to build yet another hospital where she continued to serve the poor until her death at age 24.
For more to the story of Elizabeth:
For more about saints in the Episcopal Church, check out this calendar:
Now it’s your turn: Share a story of generosity!