Oct. 25 Feast of Saints Crispin and Crispinian

[Valin]

Saints Crispin and Crispinian

Patron Saints of Cobblers and Leatherworkers

+ Crispin and Crispinian were exceptionally popular throughout northern Europe in the Middle Ages, and according to Shakespeare, King Henry V invoked Saint Crispin’s intercession before the Battle of Agincourt, which was fought on October 25, 1415.

+ According to legend, the two martyrs were Roman brothers who traveled to Gaul (modern France) as missionaries. Establishing themselves at Soissons, they supported themselves by making shoes.

+ After successfully living and working in this way for several years, they were reported to authorities for being Christians. They were martyred around the year 285.

+ Saint Eligius, who is now honored as the patron saint of jewelers and metalworkers, decortated their tomb-shrine in Soissons.

+ For centuries Crispin and Crispinian have been celebrated as the patrons of shoemakers and, by extension, of all who work with leather.

(Snip)

 

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