Saint Roderick (Murillo)

Saint Roderick, also known as Rodrigo de Murillo, was a Mozarabic priest in Córdoba during the Islamic rule of Al-Andalus. He is venerated as a martyr by the Catholic Church, his feast day observed on March 13th.

Roderick was born in Cabra to a Muslim father and a Christian mother. Despite his father's faith, Roderick identified as Christian and secretly practiced his religion. Accounts vary, but it is generally accepted that Roderick was accused of apostasy from Islam, either by a relative or acquaintance. He was imprisoned and later executed alongside another man, Solomon, who had converted from Islam to Christianity, for refusing to renounce their Christian faith.

The historical record for Saint Roderick relies heavily on the account written by Saint Eulogius of Córdoba, who was himself later martyred. While Eulogius's writings provide valuable insight into the religious climate of the time, it is crucial to acknowledge their potential bias and the challenges of verifying details from this historical period.

Saint Roderick is considered a symbol of resistance against religious persecution and a figure of Christian faithfulness in a challenging environment. His story represents the struggles faced by Mozarabs who maintained their faith under Islamic rule.