Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, Patron Saint of all Doctors, Surgeons and Pharmacists | September 26

Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, Patron Saint of all Doctors, Surgeons and Pharmacists | September 26     Our saints for today, Saints Cosmas and Damian, were twin brothers and skilled physicians. Because of their charity, God willed that their medical practice be accompanied by miraculous cures. Today, they are venerated as patrons of doctors, surgeons and pharmacists. Both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches give them special veneration. The twin brothers were born in a small town in Arabia. They became prominent due to their competence in their profession. Being good Christians, they did not ask nor accept payment for their services. For this reason, they were called the "moneyless physicians.” During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, when the Christians in the known Roman Empire, were being persecuted, they were arrested by order of the governor of Cilicia and were commanded to recant their faith and offer sacrifices to the idols. They refused to obey and were tortured, crucified, shot with arrows and finally beheaded. Their remains were brought to Syria and buried in a place called Cyrrhus. Account of their martyrdom spread out rapidly. Many went to Cyrrhus to ask for some relics. Many countries started to name and rededicate churches after them. A church for example in Constantinople became a place of pilgrimage and a basilica in Rome bear their names until this day. Then ancient writers began to write about their inspiring lives. Lots of people also experienced and believed in their powerful intercession and cures. It is related that in the 15th century, an Italian doctor claimed that a complex compound, similar to paste, they called "opopira" which can cure diseases, was invented by the twin brothers. The names of Sts. Cosmas and Damian are invoked in the Canon of the Mass at the Communicates or Commemoration of the Saints, after those of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the Apostles in the Eucharistic They served the sick around them free of charge. Dear Jesus, may the examples of Sts. Cosmas and Damian inspire us to serve others without expecting anything in return? What we my reaction if I don't receive a "Thankyou"for a service I have done?