11 October St Philip the Deacon (First Century)
This is not the apostle Philip but like Stephen a Greek, one of the deacons,
‘men of good standing, full of the Spirit and wisdom’, chosen by the apostles
to take over the task of distributing food. Their work was soon extended
beyond helping at tables, since Acts 8 tells of Philip preaching and healing.
Even Simon the Magician was converted, although later condemned for
trying to buy the Holy Spirit. We learn of Philip meeting the chief treasurer of
the Queen of Ethiopia and baptising him, after explaining the scriptures.
Philip understood before the apostles that the good news had to be
proclaimed beyond Israel. Paul stayed with Philip, now named ‘the
evangelist’ at his home in Caesarea, it was said that Philip had four
daughters who had the gift of prophecy, which gives some indication of the
nature of the early church. Greek legend makes Philip later Bishop of Tralles
in Lydia.
13 October St Edward the Confessor (1005-1066)
He was King of England
from 1042, his life was
written by Osbert of Clare
(1130), prior of St Peter’s
Abbey of Westminster,
which Edward founded
and where he was buried.
He was said to be a
miracle worker, generous
and kind, the Normans
promoted his sainthood
since he (maybe) named
the Conqueror as
successor. He was born
in England, educated in
Ely and Normandy, did
not return from there until
he was named the
successor of Harold
‘Harefoot’. He built up a strong army and defended royal authority, especially
against Earl Godwin of Wessex, whose daughter he married. After his death
on 5 January 1066, his body was moved twice, in 1269, when a shrine was
build, and first on 13 October 1130 (in the presence of Thomas Beckett)
Then the body was said to be ‘intact’, a sign of sainthood. That date
became his saint’s day, rather the actual d