Twin brothers and physicians who healed without charge and died as martyrs. Patrons of doctors.
Life
Saint Cosmas is a martyr honored together with Saint Damian, traditionally said to be his twin brother. Little is known about them for certain, but they were venerated very early in both East and West, and their names appear in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
According to tradition, they worked as physicians in Cilicia in Asia Minor and treated the sick without accepting payment, leading many to faith through their care. They are said to have been martyred in the late third or early fourth century under Emperor Diocletian.
Patron of physicians and pharmacists, Cosmas is remembered by the Church with Damian on September 26.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Cosmas is proclaiming the Gospel through healing. In the tradition he treats his medical skill not as a way to make money but as a gift from God to be shared freely. Caring for the body became a path that led souls to God.
Reflection
Each of us has gifts received from God. Like Cosmas, how could you share your talents or your profession with your neighbors without expecting anything in return?