The April 23the Church remembers St. GeorgeRoman soldier who, according to tradition, he died a martyr and is venerated as a megamartyr, that is, a martyr who had to face a particularly atrocious and burdensome torture for his faith. He is often depicted riding a horse and facing a dragon, symbolizing Christ’s victory over Satan.
Saint George the Martyr is celebrated in almost all Christian Churches and his name comes from Latin and means “farmer”.
The life of St. George martyr: a soldier of Christ
St. George born in 280 in Cappadocia, in the heart of the Anatolian peninsula, in a family of Christian faith. After moving to Palestine, he decided to join Diocletian’s army but when, in 303, the latter ordered the extermination of the Christians, Saint George chose to donate all his possessions to the needy and in front of the emperor affirmed his faith in Christ.
Precisely for this reason, it was victim of terrible torture and was killed by decapitation. On the site where his body was buried, near present-day Tel Aviv, a basilica was built, the remains of which can still be visited today.
The legend of the dragon and the symbolism of Saint George Martyr
Over time the figure of Saint George Martyr became increasingly important, especially among the crusaders which depicted him as the winner against a dragon, symbolizing the defeat of the evil one.
The same Richard the Lionheart he descended as a protector of fighters and his cult took root so prominently in England that it became one the patron and its symbol: the white shield with the red crossis also present in the country’s flag.
Saint George the Martyr is invoked as protector of knights, soldiers, scouts and against poisonous snakes.
Patronages in Italy and around the world
The cult of Saint George Martyr it is very much alive in different parts of the world. In addition to England, also in Portugal, Georgia and several Italian municipalities, including Ferrara.
Ferrara it is one of the most important municipalities in Emilia-Romagna, capital of the province of the same name with around 130 thousand inhabitants.
It was an important cultural, political and artistic center during the Estensi period and in the Renaissance it was declared the “first modern capital of Europe”.
This beautiful city has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its historic center and in 1999 for the Po delta.
Among the main places of interest to visit is the St. George’s Cathedral, a building of high level historical and artistic importance. Furthermore, the Basilica of San Giorgio outside the walls, the first basilica built in the city and later neglected when, in 1135, the current cathedral was built.
The figure of Saint George the martyr is celebrated very much by the whole town, in fact the celebrations last for several days and numerous events are planned which attract tourists and faithful from every place, such as the Palio of Ferrarabut also processions in Renaissance costumes, food stands, musical and theatrical shows that entertain the most curious and liven up the city streets.
Furthermore, various functions are planned throughout the day in the Cathedral, in which the faithful gather in prayer in memory of St. George the martyr.
The other Saints of the day
The April 23 the Church also venerates: Blessed Maria Gabriella SaghedduVirgin; Saint Adalbert of Prague, Bishop and martyr; Blessed Teresa Maria of the CrossVirgin; Blessed Elena Valentini from UdineReligious; Blessed Giles of AssisiReligious; Saint Gerard of ToulBishop; Saint Eulogius of EdessaBishop; San Giorgio di SuelliBishop; San Marolo in MilanBishop.
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