Sts Cosmas and Damian Martyrs (-303) Saint of the day

September 26

Traditionally considered twins, Cosmas and Damian were devout Arabian Christians who practised their medical profession at the seaport of Aegae in Cilicia, Turkey. Their consistent refusal to accept any payment for their medical services earned them the epithet, “silverless ones”. This, combined with the fact that they were equally interested in mending the souls of their patients, as also their miraculous healing powers and their example of holy living, brought many pagans to the Faith.

When the Diocletian persecution broke out, they were immediately imprisoned as prominent Christians, subjected to various torments, and then beheaded. Their fame spread rapidly throughout Christendom, and many churches were dedicated to them, both in the East and the West. They are included in the Litany of the Saints, and were the last Saints to be added to the Canon of the Mass.

The famous Medici family of Florence adopted them as their Patrons, and so did a number of seaports where the plague was apt to be brought from time to time through commerce with the east. Druggists, barbers, physicians, surgeons and dentists regard the holy brothers as their patrons, and they are invoked against hernia and pestilence.