Little is known about today’s saint, Clarus. He was born in England and then traveled over to France, where he led “an angelic life,” according to Butler. Clarus was known for his commitment to chastity, above other putative virtues.

Apparently, a certain noblewoman sought to lure Clarus away from his dedication to a sexless life–though there is no record as to whether she was crushing on Clarus, whether she simply liked a challenge, whether she held Christianity in contempt, or for some other reason. Butler oxymoronically describes this woman as a “lewd lady of quality”!

This unnamed Lewd Lady’s best efforts at bedding Clarus proved unsuccessful (he wouldn’t be a “saint otherwise). She tried repeatedly. Finally, she ordered Clarus beheaded. In this, at least, she succeeded. And Clarus gets credited as a martyr/saint for not succumbing to her charms, threats, entreaties, and/or wiles.

As my brother might well say, “This whole situation is nine ways wrong.” I believe the decision to be faithful to one’s commitments is laudable. But the commitment to be “less than you can be”? And the need to force someone to choose between one’s commitment or one’s life?