Every September 26, the Catholic Church celebrates in its Santoral San Cosme and San Damián, two medical twin brothers who dedicated their lives to cure the sick without asking for anything in return. Their testimony of faith and charity made them patrons of doctors, surgeons and pharmacists worldwide.
Who were San Cosme and San Damián
San Cosme and San Damián were born in Arabia and exercised medicine in Syria during the third century. According to tradition, they did not charge for their services, which earned them the name of “the saints Anargrileos” (that is, “those who do not accept money”).
His prestige extended rapidly because they combined medical knowledge with a deep Christian faith. They were martyred at the time of the Diocletian emperor, around the year 303, along with their three brothers.
Devotion and patronage
The devotion to San Cosme and San Damián spread through the East and West. In Rome, Pope Felix IV dedicated a basilica in the Roman forum. In Spain and Latin America, they are especially revered by health professionals.
They are employers of:
Doctors and surgeons.
Pharmacists
Barbers and dentists (in the medieval tradition).
Other saints and blessed of September 26
In addition to San Cosme and San Damián, the Santoral de Hoy remembers:
San Nilo the young, Italian abbot of the 10th century, great promoter of monastic life.
San Gedeón, Judge of Israel in the Old Testament, considered a model of faith and obedience.
Blessed Luis Tezza, priest Camilo, founder of the daughters of San Camilo, known as the “Apostle of Lima”.