Boèce

vers 480-524 6th century Feast day: October 23

The search for truth held fast in the night, and the mind that rises in prayer at the heart of misfortune.

Who was Boèce?

A philosopher and high Roman official, he sought to hand on Greek wisdom to the West. Unjustly accused of treason, imprisoned and awaiting death, he wrote the Consolation of Philosophy, a dialogue in which reason lifts the stricken man toward the light. Executed without renouncing his faith or his search for truth, he was venerated as a martyr at Pavia.

In their own words

Turn away from vice, cultivate virtue, lift up your soul to righteous hopes, offer humble prayers on high.

The Consolation of Philosophy, V, 6

Nothing is wretched unless you think it so.

The Consolation of Philosophy, II, 4

Who would give a law to lovers? Love is a greater law unto itself.

The Consolation of Philosophy, III, metre 12