Saint’s Life Story

His Family

Eulogius was born in a prominent Christian family in the Moorish occupied Córdoba, Spain. It is not certain on what date or in what year of the 9th century Eulogius was born.   It must have been before 819, because in 848, he was a highly esteemed priest among the Christians of Catalonia and Navarre. Plus priesthood was conferred only on men thirty years of age.  Eulogius had five brothers. They all received an excellent education, thanks to their noble birth. His youngest brother, Joseph, had a position in the high court of Abd-er-Rahman II. Two other brothers, Isidore and Alvarus, were merchants who had large-scale operations that reached as far as central Europe. His sister Niola stayed with her mother and his other sister Anulona was educated from infancy in a monastery where she later became a nun.

Life as A Priest

After completing his studies in the monastery of Saint Zoilus, Eulogius continued to live with his family the better to care for his mother. Eulogius was educated by Abbot Sperando and was finally ordained a priest by Bishop Recared of Cordova. He became noted for his learning and knowledge of Scripture. He also drew up the rules for many of the monasteries of Navarre and Pamplona. Eulogius distinguished himself, by his virtue and learning. As a priest, Eulogius was placed at the head of the chief ecclesiastical school at Cordoba. He joined assiduous fasting and prayer to his studies. His humility, mildness and charity gained him the affection and respect of everyone.

A Prisoner Who Wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom

In 850, Eulogius was imprisoned when the Moors unleashed a persecution of the Christians in Córdoba. While he was in prison, he wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom, for two Christian girls, Saints Flora and Mary, who had been threatened with slavery, but were both beheaded. A few days later Eulogius and the other prisoners were released.

More Writings on Martyrs

The persecution continued and Eulogius was tireless in his encouragement of his dispersed flock of fellow Christians. In 853, another group of Christians were martyred. Eulogius wrote their history in a work entitled Memorial of the Saints, that described the sufferings of the martyred saints to encourage the persecuted Christians. He also wrote Apologia, defending martyrs who sought death by proclaiming their faith. 

Aided Saint Leocritia’s Escape

He was elected archbishop of Toledo, but never occupied that position. Before he was consecrated, Eulogius helped Saint Leocritia escape. She was a young Moorish woman who had converted to Christianity and her parents were irate. At that time, the death penalty was issued for any Moor who became a Christian. Eulogius hid her among friends to protect her.  Unfortunately, she was discovered. 

HIs Arrest and Martyrdom 

In 859, Eulogius himself was arrested because he had protected and hidden the young convert, Saint Leocritia. Eulogius was charged before a judge, who offered to let him off if he would soften his views. But Eulogius began to proclaim the Gospel to the court.  So, to silence him, the judge hastily condemned him to death. Eulogius was taken out and beheaded on the spot on March 11, 859 in Córdoba, Spain. Saint Leocritia was also beheaded four days later. Eulogius is buried in the Cathedral of Oviedo in Spain.

Born:                  9th Century in Córdoba, Spain

Died:                  March 11, 859 in Córdoba, Spain

Beatified:           Pre-Congregation

Canonized:        Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:          March 11

Patron Saint:     Carpenters; Coppersmiths

Sources:

• • CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Eulogius of Cordoba
  • Dictionary of Saints: Delaney, John J.

Prayers

Video Link

St. Eulogius Of Cordoba – YouTube (St Francis Xavier – SPRING of FAITH)