Sts. Cosmos and Damien - Patrons of Surgeons, Barbers, Doctors and Druggists - September 27th
These two Saints were twin brothers who were born in Arabia. They were very famous students of science and both became excellent doctors.
Cosmos and Damien saw in every patient a brother in Christ. For this reason, they showed great charity to all and treated their sicknesses to the best of their ability. Yet no matter how much care a patient required, neither Cosmas nor Damien ever accepted any money for their services. For this reason, they were called by a name in Greek which means, “the moneyless ones.”
Every chance they had, the two Saints told their patients about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and because the people all loved these twin doctors, they listened to them willingly. Cosmos and Damien often brought health back to both the bodies and the souls of those who came to them for help.
When the persecution of Christians began in their city, the Saints were arrested at once, for they had never tried to hide their great love for the Christian Faith. They were tortured, but nothing could make them give up their belief in Christ. They had lived for Him and had brought so many souls to His love. So at last, they were put to death. These holy martyrs are named in the Canon, the most solemn part of the Mass.
Let us perform a work of mercy today-either spiritual or material.