Saints Cosmas and Damian

According to ancient tradition, Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers born in Arabia who studied medicine in Syria and practiced in Cilicia, in present-day Turkey. They became famous because they treated the sick free of charge, earning the Greek title anargyroi, "those without silver." Through their care for body and soul, many people came to faith in Christ.

During the persecution of Emperor Diocletian, around 303, they were arrested and, after enduring tortures, were beheaded, according to tradition together with their three brothers. Devotion to them spread quickly. Their tomb at Cyrrhus in Syria became a place of pilgrimage, and in the sixth century Pope Felix IV dedicated a church in their honor in the Roman Forum, decorated with a famous mosaic. Their names are included in the Roman Canon of the Mass.

Doctors, nurses and pharmacists often celebrate their feast with a Mass and a blessing of hands. In Brazil, on September 27, families keep the custom of giving bags of sweets to children in honor of the twin saints, a tradition known as Cosme e Damião.

In Italy, Spain and Latin America, towns dedicated to them hold processions, and many hospitals keep their images.