Daily Gospel

Saint Theodotus of Ancyra

Saint Theodotus, a martyr and a patron of innkeepers, was described as a man very passionate in doing his Christian duties, including charity towards his neighbours. He brought sinners back to God and helped the people in strengthening their faith.

In a persecution of the governor Theoctenus, Theodotus allowed his home to serve as refuge for the Christians, a hospital for the sick, and a place for worship. The martyrdom of Saint Theodotus is associated with the seven saintly virgins of Galatia — Thecusa (his aunt), Alexandra, Claudia, Faina, Euphrasia, Matrona and Julitta. The seven were called before the judges and were made to dauntlessly profess their faith. As a result, they were sent to a house of immorality, and miraculously all were able to preserve their purity. To end their lives, the virgins were cast into the sea with stones attached to their bodies. Theodotus succeeded in recovering their remains, which he gave an honourable burial. In consequence, the man too was arrested, tortured and executed.

The body of Theodotus was recovered and brought to Malos where the priest Fronto entombed him. A chapel was built over his grave. And the saint was forever held in reverence.

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Saint Kunigunde

Kunigunde, or Kinga, was born in 1224 to a royal family in Hungary. The family was known, not only for their political power, but also for their holy women. Among these were St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Sts. Hedwig and Agnes of Prague, St. Margaret of the Dominicans and the Blessed Yolande.

Kunigunde was only 15 when she was engaged to Boleslaus V, the heir to the throne of Poland. The two vowed for chastity before the bishop, and this promise they kept throughout the 40 years of their married life. As Queen of Poland, Kunigunde attended to the welfare of the people, providing them with their needs and visiting the sick. After the King s death in 1279, Kunigunde consecrated her whole life to the Lord. She lived the simple life of a Poor Clare nun, dwelling in a convent she and her husband had established.

Many miracles were reported to have occurred at her tomb, after her death in 1292. Thus, Kunigunde was professed as special patron of the Poles and Lithuanians by Pope Clement XI and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1999.

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