The story of Eulogius is one of constant, faithful Christian confession under the hand of Muslim persecution. By the middle of the ninth century, the Muslim Moors had taken over almost the whole of Spain. Christians were allowed some latitude to remain in their faith, as long as they did it quietly and didn’t offend the name of Muhammed (which would carry the death penalty). However, they were heavily taxed, mocked, and otherwise poorly treated. Eulogius was a priest in Cordoba, Spain at the time–a devout, gentle, reverent, well-educated priest steeped in the Sacred Scriptures–who cared deeply about the plight of the Christian people. During this time, an increasing number of young people began to have a more passionate zeal for the Christian Faith, to the extent that they were growing weary of having to keep quiet about it. They saw it as disingenuous to keep their faith secret. After all, Jesus said, “Whoever confesses me before men, I will confess before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I will deny before my Father in heaven.” As their passion for the faith grew, the threat of martyrdom grew also. In fact, many of these young “radical” Christians were willing and even glad to die a martyr’s death for the sake Christ. Eulogius advised them and, at times, protected them. As time went on, he would also accompany them to their execution and later write the story of their faith and life. Dozens upon dozens of Christians were killed in Cordoba alone during this time (the 850s). They were accused of insulting Muhammad or something similar. Eulogius wrote many of their stories, showing the bravery and steadfastness with which they confessed their hope in Jesus. Eventually, Eulogius himself was taken prisoner and condemned to death. According to Butler’s Lives of the Saints, “arriving at the place of execution, he knelt down, extended his arms, made a large sign of the cross, prayed silently, and offered his neck to the sword.” Eulogius was put to death March 11, 859.”
Catholic Jonesboro 