Official feasts used to be an important part of the human community. People would gather together to remember something sacred, express their faith and hope for the future, and / or just be together formally, recognizing each other as being part of a shared community. Few things express a desire for shared companionship and social intimacy more than dining together. Sadly, the gathering together for feasting is increasingly a relic of the past – at least here in the West.
It need not be so! Today we will remember the ancient feasts.
The Feast Day of St. Donatus of Muenstereifel
This is a Christian religious celebration honoring Donatus of Muenstereifel, a 2nd century Roman soldier and martyr. He is a catacomb saint, whose relics were subsequently transferred to Muenster Eifel in the 17th century.
In life, Donatus was raised by his mother as a Christian after Saint Gervasius healed his father from a severe illness. As an adult, he enlisted in the 12th legion “the Thundering Legion” and was stationed in the Rhineland and was a regional bodyguard for the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. In the year 173 the 12th Legion was engaged in the Marcomannic Wars in Moravia along the Danube frontier. According to the contemporary writer Dio Cassius, part of the legion was surrounded and nearly overwhelmed when it was miraculously saved by a divine thunderstorm. Cassius attributed the thunderstorm to the invocation of Mercurius by Aurelius’ Egyptian sorcerer, Arnuphis, but Tertullian and other Christian writers ascribed the miracle to the prayers of the many Christians in that Legion. Later legend credited Donatus as the leader of the Christians’ prayers. After the miracle, Donatus gave thanks to God, and he was martyred by the emperor. Donatus’ name bears some similarity to the Germanic “Donner” which means “Thunderer.”
Donatus is a patron saint of lightning, fire, storms, bakers, and the city of Budapest.
Statue of Saint Donatus of Muenstereifel at the Kloster Maria Hilf (Bornheim)
Brotherhood of Saint Donat, carrying the reliquary bust of the saint during the “Car d’Or” (Golden Chariot) procession in Mons.
Legend
Saint Donatus is said to be a 2nd-century Roman soldier and martyr. His parents were named Faustus and Flaminia. When Faustus was deathly ill, his wife Flaminia sought the intercession of Saint Gervasius, who assured her that her husband would recover and beget a son. This came to pass, and Flaminia named the boy Donatus, which means “gift”. She educated him in the Christian faith. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the famed 12th Legion “Fulminatrix”, i.e., the “Thundering Legion”. He rapidly rose through the ranks and soon became a personal bodyguard to the emperor, Marcus Aurelius.
In the year 173 the 12th Legion was engaged in the Marcomannic Wars in Moravia along the Danube frontier. According to the contemporary writer Dio Cassius, part of the legion was surrounded and nearly overwhelmed when it was miraculously saved by a divine thunderstorm. Cassius attributed the thunderstorm to the invocation of Mercurius by Aurelius’ Egyptian sorcerer, Arnuphis, but Tertullian and other Christian writers ascribed the miracle to the prayers of the many Christians in that Legion. Later legend credited Donatus as the leader of the Christians’ prayers. After the miracle, Donatus gave thanks to God, and he was martyred by the emperor.
He was buried by his mother in the Catacombs of Saint Agnes. Over the centuries, access to the catacombs was lost. In 1646, the catacombs were re-opened, and the relics of Donatus and many other saints were re-discovered. Pope Innocent X bequeathed Donatus’s relics to the Jesuit church in Muenster Eifel, and they were carried in procession from Rome to the Rhineland. On 30 June 1652 the relics were at St. Martin’s church in Euskirchen as a Jesuit priest, Fr. Heerde, was saying mass in the morning. With the conclusion of benediction, lightning struck the church and lit the altar and the priest on fire. He immediately invoked the aid of Saint Donatus and was miraculously restored unharmed. This miracle spread the fame of the Roman martyr throughout the region.
Some writers comment on the alliteration between the Latin name Donatus and the German title Donner, which means “Thunderer”.
Veneration
Saint Donatus is a patron against lightning strikes. His cultus is closely linked to that of Saint Florian, who is the protector against May frost. The two together are often invoked to protect the wine harvest, particularly in Hungary. Although he is not in the Roman Martyrology, he shares a feast day with his namesake, Saint Donatus of Arezzo, on 7 August. He is also commonly venerated on 30 June, the anniversary of his miracle in Euskirchen. There is an annual fair in his honor in Euskirchen on the 2nd Sunday of May. The Archdiocese of Cologne sponsors an annual pilgrimage to Bad Muenstereifel on the 2nd Sunday of July. In Hungary, where he has a widespread cult in the Balaton wine region, his protection for the vintage is asked on 7 August. He is depicted in art wearing Roman armor, and armed with a thunderbolt. He is often shown holding a martyr’s palm or a grapevine.
For a really cool video tour of a Church named in his honor, please watch the following:
What is something you can eat to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Donatus?
If you’re in the mood to be creative, I believe you have a lot of potential options for celebrating this saint with your recipe choices. He is Roman, served in the Rhineland, and is a patron saint of lightning, storms, fire, and Budapest. I opted to try to incorporate a couple of these with my choice, by providing a traditional Hungarian meal and including an element of fire.
2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian or regular paprika, divided
1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 package (16 ounces) kluski or other egg noodles
3 tablespoons butter
Minced fresh parsley, optional
Directions
1In a small bowl, mix flour, 1 tablespoon paprika and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle over beef and toss to coat; shake off excess.
2In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Brown beef in batches, adding remaining oil as needed. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in pan.
3Add onion and pepper to drippings; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes, broth and the remaining 1 tablespoon paprika and 3/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until beef is tender, 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
4Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; return to pot. Add butter and toss to coat. Serve with stew. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.
What is a prayer to say on the Feast Day of Saint Donatus of Muenstereifel?
O Saint Donatus, Protector against lightning and storms, We seek your intercession on this feast day. Keep us safe from harm and guide us in our faith. We thank you for your life and the miracles you have performed. Help us to grow in love and devotion.
Amen.
When is the Feast Day of Saint Donatus celebrated?
This feast day occurs annually on 7 August. He is also often celebrated on 30 June, the anniversary of his miracle in Euskirchen.
I hope that everyone who celebrates has a wonderful day!
.JPG)
