Saint of the day March 11, 2025

Saint Eulogius (c. 819 – 859) was born in Muslim ruled Cordoba, into a wealthy Christian family who, from Roman times, had held land in that region. He received an excellent education, and there is record of him being a priest as of 848.

During that period, the Muslim government of Cordoba required Christians to pay a tax to be allowed to practice their faith but otherwise left them in peace. However, in 850, persecution of Christians was initiated, with several being imprisoned and killed. Many fled the area, others succumbed to the pressure and abandoned the faith, but some voluntarily declared themselves Christians and were martyred.

At the start of the persecution, the local authorities imprisoned Saint Eulogius for proclaiming that he was a Christian. He was then released and ordered to stop his apostolate. He nonetheless boldly continued his ministry and, in 859, was again imprisoned, this time for helping to hide Leocritia, a Muslim convert to Christianity. When questioned, he again refused to renege his faith and so was beheaded on the spot. Saint Leocritia was beheaded four days later.

Saint Eulogius was the first to translate part of the Koran. He was described as a great scholar with a keen mind and yet as being very humble. Along with these qualities, as all saints do, he had great courage, refusing to obey the temporal authorities if that meant denying his faith and betraying Our Lord.

Saint Eulogius of Cordoba is revered as a martyr and a beacon of faith under persecution. His writings not only bear witness to the courage and devotion of Christian martyrs but also serve as spiritual encouragement for Christians living under oppressive regimes.

Reflection

Speak the Truth with Courage

St. Eulogius defended persecuted Christians even when it meant imprisonment. In modern life, this means standing up for your beliefs at work, in social settings, or online with charity and conviction, even when it’s unpopular.

Encourage Others in Faith

He supported fellow Christians through letters and teaching. Today, this could mean sending a thoughtful message to someone struggling in their faith, sharing an inspiring book, or inviting a friend to Mass.

Preserve and Share Your Heritage

St. Eulogius documented the faith of his time so future generations would not forget. We can apply this by recording family traditions, sharing stories of faith with children, or supporting Catholic education and media.