Did you realize Saint Maurice wasn’t always depicted as a Black man? Before the 13th century many images portrayed him with European features. Now we stand before St. Mauritius. This place is more than just old stones. It holds a story linked to an ancient Egyptian military leader.
St. Mauritius is named after Saint Maurice. He was the commander of the Theban Legion in the 3rd century. This legion consisted entirely of Christians. They were called to Gaul. Emperor Maximian needed help with a revolt. Maurice and his men were ordered to offer sacrifices to pagan gods. They also had to pay homage to the emperor. But Maurice refused. He said his service to God came first. He and his men would not worship Roman deities.
Maximian then ordered them to murder local Christians. Again, Maurice and his legion refused. As punishment, Maximian ordered every tenth soldier killed. This was a military punishment known as decimation. The remaining soldiers still refused to comply. Maximian ordered all of them to be executed. This mass execution took place in Agaunum. That place is now Saint-Maurice, Switzerland. It is also the site of the Abbey of St. Maurice.
Saint Maurice became a patron saint. He was especially revered by German Holy Roman Emperors. In 926, Henry the Fowler ceded land to the Abbey of St. Maurice. He received Maurice’s lance, sword, and spurs in return. These items became part of coronation regalia. They were used until 1916. Some emperors were even anointed before the Altar of Saint Maurice in St. Peter’s Basilica.
In 961, Otto I enriched Magdeburg Cathedral. He intended it as his tomb. The body of St. Maurice was brought to him at Regensburg. It came with bodies of some companions and other saints’ relics. These relics were received in Magdeburg with great honour. They are still venerated there.
Over 650 religious foundations are dedicated to Saint Maurice. They are found in France and other European countries. He is often shown in full armour with a red cross. Legend connects him to the Holy Lance. His name is engraved on the Holy Lance of Vienna. This lance is claimed to have pierced Jesus’ side.
Notably, the earliest surviving image depicting Saint Maurice as a dark-skinned African dates from the 13th century. This statue stands in Magdeburg Cathedral near Otto I’s grave.
Saint Maurice is the patron saint of soldiers and swordsmiths. He is also the patron of weavers and dyers. Several towns have chosen him as their patron saint. Relics of Maurice were transferred to a new reliquary in Schiavi di Abruzzo in 2008. Saint Maurice even appeared to Benoîte Rencurel. He appeared in antique vestments. He told her about a nearby chapel dedicated to him.
Saint Mauritius stands as a testament to faith. It reflects changing artistic representations. It connects Weimar to a story spanning centuries and continents.