Saint of the day September 26: Saint Cosme and Saint Damian. Catholic Saints

Every September 26, the martyrs Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian are celebrated, the twin brothers dedicated to medicine who died martyred during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century.

Along with Saint Luke the Evangelist, these brothers are usually considered the patron saints of doctors and surgeons.

Exemplary doctors

According to tradition, Cosmas and Damian were born somewhere in peninsular Arabia, between Asia and Africa. They learned science in Syria and stood out in the field of medicine at that time. It is also said that these martyrs performed numerous miraculous cures. Their lives evoke feats and miracles: relief from extreme pain, healing from strange diseases and even surprising surgeries – including a miraculous leg transplant; all done with the minimum resources available at the time.

Both became very famous and people came to appreciate them very much, specifically because they never asked for money in exchange for the service they provided. In the East, even today, they are called “the saints without money” (anargiros or enemies of money).

Cosimo and Damián understood perfectly that putting themselves at the service of the people was a way of announcing Christ, Servant of humanity; as well as serving it. They knew very well that service is something that involves word and action, which also moves us to constant prayer and fills the heart with love for others.

With that spirit, the brothers became Christians and “doctors of the body and soul.”

Witnesses of Him who heals all wounds and illnesses

The brothers continued to enjoy the affection and respect of their contemporaries. Unfortunately, during the persecution of Diocletian (c. 284- ca. 305), both were arrested for being Christians and later sentenced to death.

God wanted to manifest himself through them and that is why he granted them great strength. There were several attempts to take their lives that were unsuccessful. It is said that first they were thrown into the sea tied to heavy rocks so that they would drown; It didn’t work, as the restraints came loose again and again inexplicably. Then, given the failure of the first executioners, they wanted to kill them with arrows. None of the archers could deliver a fatal blow.

Dying, the brothers were thrown into the bonfire, but the fire did not harm them. Finally, in Roman fashion, the executioners executed them by cutting off their heads. They were the violent beginnings of the 4th century.

The mission of the saints

After they died, tradition says, Cosimo and Damian continued to appear in dreams to many people. Particularly to the sick who implored his intercession. These obtained relief from pain or the desired healing.

Today, many faithful continue to resort to the intercession of the martyred doctors. It is done to ask for the healing of an illness that one suffers from, or that of a family member or friend.

The image of the martyrs is usually in a hospital, infirmary, doctor’s office or waiting room, as a memory or symbol that in difficult times God always sends us someone to assist or help us.

Patronage and legacy: the sword

Saint Cosmas and Damian, in addition to being patron saints of doctors and surgeons, are also patron saints of pharmacists and dentists, as well as those who carry out trades – services after all – such as hairdressing, or conditioning and cleaning work. that take place on beaches and spas.

According to a certain tradition, the sword with which both martyrs were beheaded is preserved today in the cathedral of Essen, Germany. This bears the following inscription: “The sword with which our patrons were beheaded” (The sword with which our patrons were beheaded).

—

If you want to know more about these brother doctors and saints, we recommend this article from the Catholic Encyclopedia: https://ec.aciprensa.com/wiki/Santos_Cosme_y_Dami%C3%A1n.