Welcome back to "Fun with Saints"; previously known as Saintly November. I considered passing on the November "Saint of the Day" posts this year, but I have gotten so much positive feedback that I kinda feel obligated. Besides, there are too many great Saint stories yet to share.
Because I messed up my right knee yesterday on my way to the Vigil Mass for All Saints Day, today I have chosen to invoke the intercession of the Patron Saint of those with foot or leg ailments, Saint Servatius of Tongeren.
Servatius is traditionally believed to have been born in Armenia, but the date of his birth is not known. He was a widely travelled diplomat and prosecutor of the Arian Heresy. His presence was recorded as several church councils where he represented the Trinitarian view in the debates. Servatius was Bishop of Tongeren in the Flemish region of Belgium. When Athanasius, leader of the anti-Arian party, was in exile in Trier, he may have met with Servatius in Trier or Tongeren, because both men campaigned against Arian bishops and priests in the region.
Legend holds that St. Servatius was a cousin of John the Baptist, but the veracity of this is in doubt. Traditionally, he is believed to have died on 13 May 384 as the result of an infected leg wound. His patronage is Invoked against: foot troubles, lameness, rheumatism, rats and mice. His feast day is May 13.
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