Saint of the Day: Sts Crispin and Crispinian

Martyrs (d. ca. 285)

Their story

+ Crispin and Crispinian were exceptionally popular throughout northern Europe in the Middle Ages, and according to Shakespeare, King Henry V invoked Saint Crispin’s intercession before the Battle of Agincourt, which was fought on October 25, 1415.

+ According to legend, the two martyrs were Roman brothers who traveled to Gaul (modern France) as missionaries. Establishing themselves at Soissons, they supported themselves by making shoes.

+ After successfully living and working in this way for several years, they were reported to authorities for being Christians. They were martyred around the year 285.

+ Saint Eligius, who is now honored as the patron saint of jewelers and metalworkers, decortated their tomb-shrine in Soissons.

+ For centuries Crispin and Crispinian have been celebrated as the patrons of shoemakers and, by extension, of all who work with leather.

For prayer and reflection

“As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dark about as sparks through stubble.”—Wisdom 3:6-7a

Spiritual bonus

On this day the Church also celebrates the memory of Saints Chrysanthus and Daria, a husband and wife who were martyred in Rome around the year 283. While the ancient account of their martyrdom was once dismissed as mere legend, recent scientific research supports the stories surrounding their death and their relics were authenticated in 2008.

Prayer

May the prayer of the blessed Martyrs Crispin and Crispinian, being pleasing to you, O Lord, commend us, we pray, and confirm us in the profession of your truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, oGod, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For Several Martyrs)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.