The history of Theophilus was written by Eutychian, a patriarch of Constantinople, who was an eye-witness of the happenings he relates. This history is well known and is advocated by St. Peter Damian, St. Bernard, St. Bonaventure, St. Antonine, and by others. This particular write-up is taken heavily from that done by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, a Doctor of the Church.

Theophilus was archdeacon of the church of Adana, a city of Cilicia. He was held in such veneration by the people that they wanted him for their bishop. But out of humility, he refused the dignity. It happened that evil-disposed persons falsely accused him of some crime, and for this he was demoted from his archdeaconry. Theophilus took this so much to heart, that, blinded by his anger, he went to a magician. The magician helped him consult satan, that satan might help him in his misfortune. The devil told Theophilus that if he wanted his help he must renounce Jesus and his Mother Mary. Then he must write, in his own hand, this renunciation and give it to satan. Immediately, Theophilus did as the devil instructed.

The next day, the bishop discovered that he had been deceived and that Theophilus was innocent. He asked Theophilus' pardon and restored him to his former office. No sooner had this happened than Theophilus realized what he had done and his conscience was torn with remorse. In his guilt and grief, the unfortunate man could do nothing but weep. What could he do? The archdeacon went to a church and there, casting himself all in tears at the feet of an image of Mary, he prayed to her.

"O Mother of God,” he cried, “I will not despair as long as I can have access to thee, who art so compassionate and hast the power to help me."

He remained this way, weeping and praying to our Blessed Lady for forty days - when, lo, one night the Mother of mercy appeared to him, and said: "O Theophilus, what hast thou done? Thou hast renounced my friendship and that of my Son, and for whom? For His and my enemy."

"O Lady," answered Theophilus, "thou must pardon me, and obtain my forgiveness from thy Son."

Mary, seeing his confidence, replied: "Be of good heart; I will intercede for thee with God." Theophilus, encouraged by these consoling words, redoubled his tears, mortifications, and prayers, and never left the image.

At last, Mary again appeared to him and with a cheerful countenance said: “Theophilus, be of good heart; I have presented thy tears and prayers to God; He has accepted them, and has already pardoned thee; but from this day forward be grateful to Him and faithful."

"But, O Lady," replied Theophilus, "that is not yet enough to satisfy me entirely; the enemy still possesses that impious writing in which I renounced thee and thy Son. Thou canst oblige him to surrender it."

Three days later, Theophilus awoke in the night, and found the writing lying on his chest.

On the following day, Theophilus went to the church where the bishop was, and, in the presence of an immense gathering of people, cast himself at the bishop's feet. With bitter tears, he related all that had happened, and gave the bishop the infamous writing. The bishop burned the document in the presence of all the people, who did nothing but weep for joy and praise the goodness of God, and the mercy of Mary shown towards this poor sinner.

But Theophilus returned to the church of Our Blessed Lady. He remained there for three days. Then he expired; his heart filled with joy, and returning thanks to Jesus and to his most holy Mother.