MARY, OUR MOTHER

Today is also the Feast Day of Saint Pelagius

Pelagius was a thirteen year old Christian martyred for refusing to denounce his faith and convert to Islam, in Cordoba, Spain, 925. 10th century Cordoba was the most powerful and glorious of the muslim caliphates in the world and boasted the largest mosque outside of the Caaba in Mecca. Pelagius was, as a ten year old boy, taken hostage by the Moors of Cordoba during a rampage in a Christian town. He was in captivity for three years and nobody had made any attempt to ransom him. The Emir of Cordoba offered him his freedom if he would convert to Islam. The boy refused and the Emir had him tortured and killed. He is said to have endured six hours of constant excruciating pain until he died. Saint Pelagius is venerated in Leon, Cordoba, and Oviedo, where his relics have been kept since they were transferred there in 985.Saint Pelagius, pray for us, especially the Christian youth of today, that they will have the virtue of fortitude, to stand up fearlessly for Christ and His Church! Amen!