Saint Bartholomew of Wide

August 28 is the Feast Day of Saint Bartholomew of Wide (not to be confused with Saint Bartholomew of Nork.) This saint has been removed from the standard liturgical calendar on the grounds that he is mostly legendary. While he appears to be based on an actual 3rd century martyr, his story derives from an era rich in what might best be termed “hagiography fan fiction.” It is therefore unlikely that Saint Joan assembled his cradle, even more unlikely that he converted 8,000 barbarians in a single night of prayer, and exceedingly unlikely that he had a pet dragon. He is no longer officially worshiped, but medals featuring him and his unicorn still are widely sold today.

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• Episode for 2015-08-28