St Just - 1841

S. JUST, Priest, Confessor
Land's End district was exclusively settled ecclesiastically by Irish, the only exceptions being the intrusive foundations of S. Paul, Gulval, and Towednack.
Just is said to have been a son of Fergus, descended from Brtasal Breedach, grandson of Cathair Mor, King of Leinster. He lived at the same time as Dunlang, King of Leinster, who died before 460, and as lollain, his successor, who was baptised at Naas by S. Patrick. S. Patrick took him into his missionary band, and ordained him deacon. The glossator on the Calendar of Oengus says of him : The Deacon Justinus, i.e. Deacon Just, of Fidarta. It was he who baptised Ciaran of Cluain (Clonmacnois) , and of France was he, ut quidem putant. But against this hesitating opinion we may set his recorded pedigree. It is, however, very probable that he went to Gaul for his ecclesiastical education. It is possible enough that there may have been two of the same name, and at the same period, one at Fidarta, and the other at Ardbraccan ; but it is more likely that, as Just had a roving commission, he founded both these churches. Fidarta, where S. Patrick placed him, at all events for a time, is Fuerty, in Roscommon, which was in the old territory of the Hy Many. S. Patrick left his book of ritual and of baptism with him. He was the preceptor of Ciaran of Saighir, and in his old age he baptised the other Ciaran, the wheelwright's son. Unfortunately no Life of this Saint has been preserved. Although known as Patrick's Deacon, there is no reason to suppose that he was not advanced later to priest's orders. William of Worcester calls S. Just a martyr, but this is because the true S. Just of Penwith had been supplanted by a namesake who did suffer for the Faith, and who was in the Roman Calendar. At S. Just, the feast varies from October 30 to November 8. The rule seems to be that its observance is guided by the Sunday preceding the nearest Wednesday in November which will give seven clear Sundays to Christmas.

The rule seems to be that its observance is guided by the Sunday preceding the nearest Wednesday in November which will give seven clear Sundays to Christmas.

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Seems a bit of a complicated rule. Why not just say the 8th Sunday before Christmas?
I do not follow the Wednesday bit.