St George, Martyr, Patron of England

24th April Solemnity

George was martyred around 303 in Palestine under Diocletian and he was thought to be a soldier. The famous story of George and the dragon became immensely popular in the West, Legend says that George attacked the dragon, telling the people that he could rid them of this monster if they would believe in Jesus Christ and be baptised. 15,000 people were baptised. During the crusades, George was seen to personify the ideals of Christian chivalry and King Richard I of England placed the crusading army under his protection.