Today is the feast day of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. Since they are twin brothers and I have a twin brother, I've always had an appreciation for these two.

Cosmas and Damian were both doctors and surgeons in their day (the third century), and were called "the moneyless" b/c they never ceased to aid the sick without pay. They were loved and revered by all. This made their patients docile to the Gospel of Christ, which they always preached to those who sought their care. When Diocletian began his persecution of Christians, they were the first to be sought and captured. They died as martyrs, never forsaking their faith in Jesus Christ.

Today I pray that, like them, my twin brother and I will be able to do God's will in all things and to hold tight to our faith in Jesus Christ. I certainly know what it's like to be "moneyless"!

For more information about Sts. Cosmas and Damian, see the following links:

• Liturgical Calendar: Optional Memorial of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs
• New Advent: Sts. Cosmas and Damian
• Saint of the Day: Sts. Cosmas and Damian
• The Italian Feast of the Healing Saints Cosmas and Damian
• Prayer to Sts. Cosmas and Damian
• Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian in Rome
• The Word on Fire: The Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian
• The Beheading of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, by Fra Angelico

Sts. Cosmas and Damian ... ora pro nobis.

Pax Christi,
phatcatholic