Feast of Saint Eulogius of Cordoba

(9th c.)

St. Eulogius of Cordoba was a priest from a prominent Christian family in Cordoba (Cordova), Spain.  He was well-educated, humble, gentle, friendly, and a gifted leader with the charism of encouragement, especially towards Christians facing martyrdom.  In his time Cordoba was the capital of the Muslim conquerors of Catholic Spain.  The Muslim leaders allowed Christians to live in relative peace until a persecution arose when some of the Muslim population began converting to Christianity.  They imprisoned the clergy, including Eulogius.

While in prison Eulogius read the Bible to his companions and exhorted them to faithfulness in the face of martyrdom.  He also wrote to two other young female converts who were facing threats, instructing them that no matter how terribly they were physically abused, it could not harm their souls, and that they must fight for their faith till death and leave God to defend his Church.  St. Eulogius was released and later jailed again for hiding a young female convert who fled from her family in fear of her life.  St. Eulogius’ judge offered him escape if he would weaken the practice of his religion, but instead he preached the Gospel to the presiding court.  He was immediately beheaded.

St. Eulogius’ feast day is March 11th.

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Article excerpt adapted from Loyola Press.

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They threaten to sell you as slaves and dishonor you, but be assured that they cannot injure the purity of your souls, whatever infamy they may inflict on you. Cowardly Christians will tell you, in order to shake your constancy, that the churches are silent, deserted, and deprived of the sacrifice on account of your obstinacy: that if you will but yield temporarily you will regain the free exercise of your religion. But be persuaded that, for you, the sacrifice most pleasing to God is contrition of heart, and that you can no longer draw back or renounce the truth you have confessed … You must fight till death and leave God to defend his church: you must fight till death because in such a struggle as this victory is won by death alone.”

Saint Eulogius of Cordoba, Letter to Flora and Mary

Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He endures death through an act of fortitude….

The Church has painstakingly collected the records of those who persevered to the end in witnessing to their faith. These are the acts of the Martyrs. They form the archives of truth written in letters of blood.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church (2473 – 2474)

Saint Eulogius of Cordoba, Priest and Martyr, pray for us.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family, pray for us.  Amen.