25 Oct – “This day is called the Feast of Crispian…”

Today is the Feast of Crispin and Crispinian.

The 3rd c. martyrs Crispin and Crispinian were killed in Soissons.  They converted people as they plied their trade as cobblers and they were generous to the poor.  Eventually they were persecuted by the local governor and eventually beheaded around on 25 Oct 286 in the time of the Emperor Diocletian.  A different version has them in England, in Faversham, which is surely the version Shakespeare worked with.   St. Eligius made a reliquary for the head of Crispinian.

Their remains are in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Panisperna.  I was there the other day for to find Card. Sirleto’s monument.

Here is their altar and urn in the church.

How could we go without some samples of the great speech?

The last time I posted this there were some great comments, especially from our long lost Semper Gumby whose observations we sorely miss and hope to enjoy again very soon.

Henry V (1944) directed by and starring Lawrence Olivier

Henry V (1989) directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh

Richard Burton’s version:

Tom Hiddleston from the Hollow Crown series. US HERE UK HERE


Renaissance Man with Lillo Brancato, Jr.

Here is another, from the well-reviewed Globe production.

Happy Feast of Sts. Crispin and Crispinian.

And let the revival of our liturgical worship continue.

The numbers of Holy Masses in the Extraordinary Form are growing, though but slowly.

Also, I fear that the number of bishops, priests and laity who accept what the Church teaches about marriage is shrinking.

For now content us saying “the fewer men, the greater share of honour”.

And remember… Latin is tooooo haaaaard for children.

They can’t possibly be expected to put on different clothing and recite something lofty from memory.

When I posted this before, we had great comments included from long-lost Semper Gumby, whom we hope to see again soon.

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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6 Comments

  1. Ms. M-S says:

    Let’s all pray for Semper Gumby, in gratitude for past great comments, in hope of future same, and in case he may need the prayers.

  2. Rich Leonardi says:

    We named our second son, who turned 22 on Monday, “Henry,” in honor of the St. Crispin Day speech. I didn’t realize there were parallel traditions between the French and the English. Thanks for the post, Father.

  3. JustaSinner says:

    A little light humour on this day…
    “Scholasticus vas vinarium, quod habebat obsignaverat. Quod cum famulus subtus perforaret, vinumque demeret, mirabatur ille salvis signis vinum imminui. Cui alter quidam “Vide” inquit ”ne subtus sit ablatum. Tum ille ”Stultissime,” inquit “non infra, sed supra deficit.”

    Do I get a “C” for that, Father???

  4. Fr. Timothy Ferguson says:

    I’m chuffed that Jacob Rees Mogg dated his resignation letter yesterday “St. Crispin’s Day” More like him, please!

  5. Kathleen10 says:

    I love the day, and love these speeches. The little boys, how dear, but they will be men and how like little men they are. Good. The world needs them.
    But where is Semper Gumby. I feel distressed. No wonder things seem off.
    Wherever Semper Gumby is, please God, be there as well.

  6. PostCatholic says:

    I think my personal favourite is Kenneth Branagh’s interpretation.

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