Here, writing for History Extra, Emma Wells explores the lives of seven controversial saints in history – from Thomas Becket to St Angela of Foligno…Advertisement1 St AugustineSt Augustine, or Augustine of Hippo as he is better known, is perhaps the most famous saint with a sinful past, which is rather surprising since his own mother (St Monica) was a devout Christian. It is said that Dismas actually had a run-in with the Holy Family [Jesus, Mary and Joseph] when Jesus was only an infant. Serra, writing in 1780, even admitted supporting corporal punishment because other saints had endorsed it. 6 St ColmcilleFew facts are known about St Colmcille, one of Ireland’s three patron saints. Emma J Wells is an ecclesiastical and architectural historian specialising in the late medieval/early modern English parish church/cathedral and the cult of saints.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 08, 2019 16:41 UTC