It is very unusual for a hermit to found an independent state but this is what the citizens of the Most Serene Republic of San Marino hold. This European micro-state is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world with a constitution which has been in effect since 1600. Even in these troubling times it has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe, no national debt and a budget surplus. Many Sammarinese believe that their stability and good fortune is the result of the good foundations laid by St Marinus in the fourth century.Marinus was a stone-mason from the island of Rab (in present day Croatia) who went to the city of Rimini fleeing from the Diocletian Persecution. He was ordained a deacon and his preaching made him famous throughout the city. Alas, his celebrity attracted unwanted attention from an insane woman, who claimed that she was his wife. He fled to Monte Titano to live as a hermit and where he built a chapel and monastery. This enclave was free and independent of the temporal rulers surrounding it. This allowed the small community the freedom to live the Christian life in peace. The monastery became the basis of the republic of San Marino. St Marinus died in 366. According to legend his last words were: "I leave you free from both men". This mysterious phrase could refer to the Emperor and the Pope but is more likely to refer to the two warring claimants for the imperial throne.
As Christians we too have a duty to be independent. We may at times feel like the great powers of the world and sin are trying to overcome and dominate us, but we can and must stand up for truth and the gospel. Our independence was declared at the Resurrection and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
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