Categories: uncategorized
Date: 04 February 2007 20:12:04
Not many people realise that today is indeed St Mildew's Day. What do you mean you've never heard of her? She's the patron saint of slugs, snails and all formsof bacteria.
The original St Mildew was a baker in Ancient Rome, around the time of the Neronian persecutions of the early Christian church. She had the local bakery franchise for the Circus Maximaus and would sell her cakes, rolls and savoury goods outside the Circus on "match" days.
Unfortunately one of her staff allowed some of her dough to go mouldy and it managed to almost kill an important Senator, who was a very good friend of the Emperor Nero. As he was at death's door Mildew went around and, where the doctor's had failed, she managed, through prayer and offertry, to save his life.
In thanks for her compassion and faith Nero promised that she would be given sole rights to sell her wares at the Circus for as long as she lived. Then he ordered her to be arrested and thrown to the lions at the next games.
Who said Nero had no sense of humour?
Should you doubt the truth of this story I suggest that you either Google it or ask our resident Roman historian, Neil.
Happy St Mildew's Day to all. The traditional gift would be mouldy food but, knowing my wife's hatred of such things I bought her Cadbury's Roses instead.