Saint Lazarus
Also
known as
Lazaro,
Babalu, Babalu Aye
memorial
21 June
Profile
Leper
mentioned by Christ in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in the Gospel of
Luke (see below). He was probably not a real person at all but a composite or
example created by Christ to demonstrate a concept. Interestingly,
Lazarus is the only person who has a name in any parable of Jesus Christ.
The name Lazarus means “God has helped.” Today’s saint
is different than the Lazarus who Christ raised from the dead in the Gospel of
John. That guy is called Saint Lazarus of Bethany; he was the
brother to Martha and Mary, his feast is 17 December.
In the Santaria Religion of the Carrebean Saint Lazarus is called Babalu Aye,
like the song Dezi Arnaz (Ricky Ricardo) sings. The song is about
having San Lazaro (Babalu) make the singer’s object of desire, Mayegenue, fall
in love with him but giving Babalu Aye money and lighting candles in front of
his statue.
In or
around the 12th century
an order of Chivalry was formed with Lazarus as their patron. The
Order of Saint Lazarus provided nursing for lepers. The knights of
the order were lepers. This order of Chivalry was merged with the
Italian order of Saint Maurice and linked to the crown of Saxony back in the year
1572. It is not considered a papal order of
Knighthood. There are Knighthoods that the Vatican still
recognizes:
- The highest honor is the
Supreme Order of Christ. There are no living members left in this
order.
- Next is the Order of the
Golden Spur. There are no living members left in this
order.
- The third-highest papal
order is the Order of Pius IX.
- The fourth papal order
is the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.
- The fifth papal order is
the Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr.
- Next, under the
protection of the Holy See is The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre
of Jerusalem. The Whip along with her unworthy spouse, yours truly,
were inducted into this august and ancient order of Knighthood,
- Finally we have the
Knights of Malta, an independent order of Chivalry with diplomatic ties to
the Vatican.
Patronage
lepers,
leprosy, Order of Saint Lazarus
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