Saint of the day May 08

 Saint of the day May 08

St. Peter of Tarantaise, Roman Catholic Monk and Archbishop.He was named the archbishop of Tarantaise against his wishes, and he devoted much energy to reforming the diocese, purging the clergy of corrupt and immoral members, aiding the poor, and promoting education. He is also credited with starting the custom of distributing bread and soup the so called May Bread just before the harvest, a custom which endured throughout France until the French Revolution. Feastday May8

ST. VICTOR MAURUS OF MILAN, MARTYR

In 1576, at the request of St. Charles of Borromeo, Victor's relics were transferred to a new church in Milan established by the Olivetan monks. The church still bears St. Victor's name today. After a life of adherence to the Faith during perilous times, St. Victor Maurus was taken prisoner and tortured as an old man. May 8

ST. BONIFACE IV, POPE

Boniface IV A doctor's son from L'Aquila, Pope/Saint Boniface IV was deacon and treasurer to St. Gregory the Great, and like his mentor, he turned his house into a monastery. Boniface was elected pope in late 607 but was not enthroned until September, 608, when his election was confirmed by Emperor Phocas. May 8

ST. ARSENIUS THE GREAT, ROMAN DEACON, ANCHORITE IN EGYPT

Arsenius, who was born in Rome in 354, was the tutor of the children of Emperors Theodosius I the Great, Arcadius, and Honorius. At that time, Arsenius was a Roman deacon recommended for the office by Pope St. Damasus. He served at Theodosius' court in Constantinople for about ten years and then became a monk in Alexandria, Egypt. May 8

ST. BENEDICT II, POPE

Benedict II Born and educated in Rome, St. Benedict served the church in every order of the clergy before his election to the papacy in 684. He persuaded Emperor Constantine IV Pogonatus that papal elections do not require imperial confirmation. The practice, however, continued.