The Roman Martyrology welcomes on the first of September the "Commemoration of St. Joshua, son of Nun, servant of the Lord, who upon receiving the laying on of hands by Moses, was filled with the spirit of wisdom, and upon the death of Moses introduced the people of Israel in a wonderful way, crossing the Jordan, in the land of promise (Jos, 1, 1)".
Joshua was one of the most distinguished characters of the Old Testament. His birth name, according to the book of Numbers, was Hosea, but it was changed by his predecessor Moses.
He lived around the 12th century BC. Collaborated with Moisés and, at his death, he led the people of Israel. Miraculous deeds are attributed to him: the walls of Jericho collapsed, the sun stood still until Israel achieved victory. Joshua firmly believed that only in fidelity to the Covenant did they have a guarantee of God's protection. He is revered by Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
St. Egidio and martyrs of the 20th century
San Gil, or St. Egidioenjoyed a cult following in much of Europe. He founded an abbey in the region of Nimes (France), of which he was abbot and where he died in the VI/VII century. In that place the city of Saint-Gilles later arose. This day also celebrates French bishops, Saints Vincent, of Dax, and Victorius, of Le Mans.
The Church has also established this day to commemorate martyrs of the religious persecution of the 20th century in Spain. Among them are the Blessed José Samso i Elías, priest, who heartily forgave those who shot him, as they all did, or Ángel Amado Fierro, Buenaventura Pío Ruiz de la Torre and Claudio José Mateo, Brothers of the Christian Schools (La Salle).
The Valencian parish priest Alfonso Sebastiá Viñals, Benito Clemente España Ortiz from Burgos, Cristino (Miguel) Roca Huguet and eleven companions martyred, religious of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. And Hugo Bernabé and Leoncio Joaquín, martyrs, Brothers of the Christian Schools, or José Prats and Tomás Cubells, diocesan workers, are other blessed of the day.
