Saint Theophilus the Penitent
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- Memorial
- 4 February
- Profile
- Archdeacon of Adana in Cilicia.
Offered the bishopric of Adana, Cilicia (modern Turkey); he declined, saying he was not adequate to the task.
Due to slander, the new bishop removed him from his position in the Church.
In anger, he signed a pact with a demon to avenge himself on the bishop and regain his position.
When he came to his senses, he begged for the help of Our Lady who intervened, recovered the pact, and tore it up.
The pact was burned in the public square, and this legend has figured in many dramas since, including Goethe's Faust.
- Died
- c.538
- Canonized
- Pre-Congregation
- Representation
- archdeacon making a pact with the devil from which he is rescued by the Virgin; sometimes she is shown handing him back the contract
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