SAINT OF THE DAY (June 26)
St. Pelagius was a thirteen year old Christian who was martyred in 925 for refusing to denounce his faith and convert to Islam in Cordoba, Spain.
10th century Cordoba was the most powerful and glorious time in the world for the muslim caliphates.
They boasted the largest mosque outside of the Caaba in Mecca.
Pelagius, as a ten year old boy, was taken hostage by the Moors of Cordoba during a rampage in a Christian town.
He was in captivity for three years, but nobody had made any attempt to ransom him.
The Emir of Cordoba offered him his freedom if he would convert to Islam.
The boy refused. The Emir had him tortured and killed. He is said to have endured six hours of constant excruciating pain until he died.
Saint Pelagius is venerated in Leon, Cordoba and Oviedo, where his relics have been kept since they were transferred there in 985.
