Today in Catholic History – The death of Boethius

On 23 October 524, Anicius Manlius Severinus Boëthius,commonly called Boethius, was executed by Ostrogoth king Theodoric the Great.

Boethius is famous for his contributions to philosophy and theology, especially for his work The Consolation of Philosophy which stressed that despite the sufferings of this world that there was a higher power which guided all things for good. Boethius’ translations of Aristotle were the only known works of Aristotle known in Western Europe until the 12th century. His other works proved to be instrumental in passing the knowledge of Ancient Greece and Rome to future generations. His theological works defended orthodox Christianity against Arianism and Nestorianism.

Ostrogoth king Theodoric accused Boethius of plotting with Byzantine Emperor Justin I against him and ordered him executed.

Boethius is considered a saint and martyr in the Catholic Church because he defended orthodox Christianity against the Arianism of Theodoric and this was believed to have been the reason for Boethius’ death.

“Boethius, the symbol of an immense number of people unjustly imprisoned in all ages and on all latitudes, is in fact an objective entrance way that gives access to contemplation of the mysterious Crucified One of Golgotha.” – Benedict XVI

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7 Comments

  1. roxanne garza
    Posted November 30, 2010 at 9:29 pm | Permalink | Reply

    When will you be have new podcasts?

  2. Justin Bonyun
    Posted December 9, 2010 at 3:19 pm | Permalink | Reply

    I have not seen a podcast in a while, have they stopped? now that would a shame!!!!

  3. Jim in Columbus, OH
    Posted January 26, 2011 at 1:23 pm | Permalink | Reply

    Hello Fr. Seraphim,

    I’m still subscibed to your podcast and have noted that you have not released an episode for a while. Has this series run its course for you? Or worse yet … I hope you have not had any personal hurdles that have interfered with your podcasting hobby.
    Warm Regards on a cold winter afternoon.
    Jim J.

  4. James Murphy
    Posted February 13, 2011 at 8:10 pm | Permalink | Reply

    I haven’t seen any new shows on itunes and was wondering if you were still doing podcasts.

  5. Joseph Haggarty
    Posted May 2, 2011 at 9:47 am | Permalink | Reply

    Great site! Thank you for your good work in keeping the heritage of the Faith vibrant!

    One question on the Boethius article: Where does that great Benedict XIV quote come from? Is the full text available, esp. the original (Latin? German? Italian?)?

    Joseph Haggarty

    haggarty@bc.edu

    • sbeshonertor
      Posted July 8, 2011 at 9:18 pm | Permalink | Reply

      It comes from Benedict XVI’s book on the Church Fathers from Saint Leo the Great to Peter Lombard. I assume that there is a German original.

  6. Stephen McCormick
    Posted May 14, 2011 at 11:55 pm | Permalink | Reply

    What happened? This is more than just a break. Are you coming back? I liked your work.
    God Bless you,
    Steve McCormick

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