Category Archives: Martyrology

Martyrology-June 20th Roman Martyrology-June 20th- on this date in various years- On the island of Pontia, the birthday of St. Silverius, pope and martyr. For refusing to reinstate the heretical bishop Anthimus who had been deposed by his predecessor Agapitus, he was banished to the isle of Pontia by Belisarius, prompted by the wicked empress Theodora. He died there,consumed by many tribulations for the Catholic faith. At Rome, the death of St. Novatius, son of the blessed senator Pudens, Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 19th Roman Martyrology-June 19th- on this date in various years- At Florence, St. Juliana Falconieri, virgin, foundress of the Sisters of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was placed among the holy virgins by the Sovereign Pontiff, Clement XII. At Milan, the holy martyrs Gervase and Protase, brothers. The former, by order of the judge Astasius, was scourged with leaded whips for so long that he expired. The latter, after being scourged with rods, Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 18th Roman Martyrology-June 18th- on this date in various years- At Edessa in Mesopotamia, St. Ephraem, deacon of the church of Edessa in the time of Emperor Valens and confessor. After suffering many trials for the faith of Christ and gaining great renown for holiness and learning, he went to rest in the Lord. He was declared a doctor of the Universal Church by Pope Benedict XV At Rome, on the Ardeatine Way, in the persecution of Diocletian, the birthday of the saintly Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 17th Roman Martyrology-June 17th- on this date in various years- At Rome, during the persecution of Diocletian, the birthday of two hundred and sixty-two martyrs, who were put to death for the faith of Christ, and buried on the old Salarian Way, at the foot of Cucumer Hill. At Besancon in France, St. Antidius, bishop and martyr, who was slain by the Vandals for the faith of Christ. At Apollonia in Macedonia, the holy martyrs Isaurus, a deacon, Innocent, Felix, Jeremias, Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 16th Roman Martyrology-June 16th- on this date in various years- At Mainz, the passion of the Saints Aureus and Justina, his sister, and other martyrs who were massacred by the Huns, at that time devastating Germany, while they were in church at Mass. At Besancon in France, the holy martyrs Ferreol, a priest, and Ferruntion, a deacon, who were sent by the blessed bishop Irenæus to preach the word of God, and after being exposed to various torments under Judge Claudius, Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 15th Roman Martyrology-June 15th- on this date in various years- Near the river Silaro in Lucania, the birthday of the holy martyrs Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia, who were brought there from Sicily in the reign of the emperor Diocletian. They were plunged into a vessel of molten lead, exposed to the beasts, and stretched on the rack, but after having survived these torments through the power of God, they came to the end of their glorious trials. At Silistria in Rumania, Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 14th Roman Martyrology-June 14th- on this date in various years- St. Basil, surnamed the Great, confessor and doctor of the Church. He died on the 1st of January, but his feast is celebrated today, for it was on this day that he was consecrated bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. At Samaria in Palestine, the holy prophet Eliseus, whose grave, says St. Jerome, makes the demons tremble. With him also rests the prophet Abdias. At Syracuse in Sicily, St. Marcian, bishop, Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 13th Roman Martyrology-June 13th- on this date in various years- At Padua, St. Anthony, a native of Portugal, priest of the Order of Friars Minor and confessor, illustrious for the sanctity of his life, his miracles, and his preaching. Pope Gregory IX placed him on the canon of the saints within a year after his death. At Rome, on the Ardeatine Way, the birthday of St. Felicula, virgin and martyr, who was delivered to the judge for refusing to marry Flaccus and to sacrifice Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 12th Roman Martyrology-June 12th- on this date in various years- St. John of St. Facundus, confessor of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, who died on the 11th of June. At Rome, on the Aurelian Way, during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, and under the prefect Aurelius, the birthday of the holy martyrs Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius, all soldiers who were cast into prison for the confession of the Christian name, scourged with knotted whips, Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 11th Roman Martyrology-June 11th- on this date in various years- At Salamina in Cyprus, the birthday of the apostle St. Barnabas, a native of that place. He was ordained by the disciples as Apostle of the Gentiles with St. Paul, and travelled with him over many regions, exercising the function committed unto him of preaching the Gospel. At last he went back to Cyprus, where he ennobled his apostolate by a glorious martyrdom. His body was found by his own revelation, in the Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 10th Roman Martyrology-June 10th- on this date in various years- St. Margaret, widow, queen of Scotland, who slept in the Lord on the 16th of November. At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the martyrdom of blessed Getulius, a very learned nobleman, and his companions, Caerealis, Amantius, and Primitivus. By order of Emperor Hadrian they were arrested by the ex-consul Licinius, scourged, thrown into prison, and then delivered to the flames. But the fire did not injure them, and Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 9th Roman Martyrology-June 9th- on this date in various years- At Nomento in the Sabine Hills, the birthday of the holy martyrs Primus and Felician, under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian. These glorious martyrs lived long in the service of the Lord, and endured sometimes together, sometimes separately, various cruel torments. They were finally beheaded by Promotus, governor of Nomento, and thus happily ended their trial. Their bodies were afterwards translated to Rome Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 8th Roman Martyrology-June 8th- on this date in various years- At Aix in France, St. Maximin, first bishop of that city, who is said to have been a disciple of the Lord. On the same day, St. Calliopa, martyr, who for the faith of Christ received the palm of martyrdom. Her breasts had been cut away, her flesh burned, she was rolled on broken pottery, and was at last beheaded. At York in England, St. William, archbishop and confessor, who, among other miracles wrought Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 7th Roman Martyrology-June 7th- on this date in various years- For 2013 The Feast of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. At Constantinople, the birthday of St. Paul, bishop of that city. For the Catholic faith, he was often driven out of his see by the Arians, but restored to it by the Roman Pontiff, St. Julius I. Finally the Arian emperor Constantius banished him to Cucusum, a small town of Cappadocia. There, by the intrigue of the Arians, he was barbarously strangled, and Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 6th Roman Martyrology-June 6th- on this date in various years- At Magdeburg, St. Norbert, bishop of that city, confessor. He was the founder of the Premonstratensian Order. At Caesarea in Palestine, the birthday of blessed Philip, one of the first seven deacons. He was renowned for miracles and prodigies. He converted Samaria to the faith of Christ, baptized the eunuch of Candace, queen of Ethiopia, and finally rested in peace at Caesarea. Near him are buried three of his Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 5th Roman Martyrology-June 5th- on this date in various years- In Friesland, St. Boniface, bishop of Mainz, and martyr. He went from England to Rome, and was then sent by Pope Gregory II to Germany to preach the faith of Christ to the people of that country. After converting large multitudes to the Christian religion, especially in Friesland, he merited the title Apostle of the Germans. His martyrdom was fulfilled by being put to the sword by the furious heathens, along with Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 4th Roman Martyrology-June 4th- on this date in various years- At Agnone in Abruzzo, St. Francis of the noble Neapolitan family Caracciolo, confessor, and founder of the Congregation of Minor Clerks Regular. He burned with an admirable love of God and of neighbour, and a most ardent desire to spread devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist. His body was taken to Naples in Campania, where it is religiously honoured. He was inscribed in the catalogue of the saints by Pius VII. At Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 3rd Roman Martyrology-June 3rd- on this date in various years- At Arezzo in Tuscany, during the persecution of Decius, under Governor Tiburtius, the holy martyrs Pergentinus and Laurentinus, brothers, who being as yet children, were put to the sword after they had endured cruel torments and performed many miracles. At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Lucillian and four boys, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Denis. Lucillian, formerly a pagan priest, but now a Christian, was Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 2nd Roman Martyrology-June 2nd- on this date in various years- At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyr Marcellinus, priest, and Peter, exorcist, who instructed in the faith many persons kept in prison. Under Diocletian, they were loaded with chains, and after enduring many torments, were beheaded by Judge Serenus, in a place which was then called the Black Forest, but which was in their honour afterwards known as the White Forest. Their bodies were buried in a crypt near St. Read more [...]

Martyrology-June 1st Roman Martyrology-June 1st- on this date in various years- At Rome, St. Juventius, martyr. At Autun, the Saints Reverian, bishop, and Paul, a priest, along with ten others, who were crowned with martyrdom under Emperor Aurelian. At Caesarea in Palestine, blessed Pamphilus, priest and martyr, a man of remarkable sanctity and learning, and great charity to the poor. In the persecution of Galerius Maximian, he was tortured for the faith of Christ, under Governor Urbanus, Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 31st Roman Martyrology-May 31st- on this date in various years- St. Angela Merici, virgin of the Third Order of St. Francis. She was the foundress of the Nuns of St. Ursula, and was called by her heavenly Spouse on the 27th of January in order to receive an incorruptible crown. At Rome, St. Petronilla, virgin, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter. She refused to marry Flaccus, a nobleman, and was granted three days for deliberation. She spent these days in fasting and in Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 30th Roman Martyrology-May 30th- on this date in various years- For 2013 The Feast of the most Sacred Body of Christ.. Pope St. Felix I, martyr, whose birthday is commemorated on the 30th of December. At Torres in Sardinia, the holy martyrs Gabinus and Crispulus. At Antioch, Saints Sycus and Palatinus, who endured many torments for the name of Christ. At Ravenna, St. Exuperantius, bishop and confessor. At Pavia, St. Anastasius, bishop. At Caesarea in Cappadocia, Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 29th Roman Martyrology-May 29th- on this date in various years- St. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi of the Order of Carmelites, and virgin. Her birthday was mentioned on the 25th of May. At Rome, on the Via Aurelia, the birthday of St. Restitutus, martyr. At Iconium in Lycaonia, in the time of Emperor Aurelian, the martyrdom of the Saints Conon and his son, a child twelve years of age, who were laid on a grate over burning coals sprinkled with oil, placed on the rack, and exposed Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 28th Roman Martyrology-May 28th- on this date in various years- St. Augustine, bishop of Canterbury and confessor, whose birthday is mentioned on the 26th of May. In Sardinia, the holy martyrs Aemilius, Priamus, and Lucian, who gained their crowns after being in the combat for Christ. At Chartres in France, under Emperor Domitian, St. Caraunus, martyr, who was beheaded, and thus acquired the glory of martyrdom. Also the martyrdom of the Saints Crescens, Dioscorides, Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 27th Roman Martyrology-May 27th- on this date in various years- St. Venerable Bede, priest, confessor, and doctor of the Church, who went to heaven on the 25th of May. St. John I, pope and martyr. His birthday is observed on the 18th of May, but his feast is celebrated today because of the translation of his revered body. At Silistria in Bulgaria, during the reign of Emperor Alexander, the martyrdom of blessed Julius, a veteran soldier in retirement, who was arrested Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 26th Roman Martyrology-May 26th- on this date in various years- For 2013 The Feast of the most holy and undivided Trinity, and the Octave of Pentecost. At Rome, St. Philip Neri, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, celebrated for his virginal purity, the gift of prophecy, and miracles. Also at Rome, St. Eleutherius, pope and martyr, who converted to the Christian faith many noble Romans. He sent Saints Damian and Fugatius to England, and Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 25th Roman Martyrology-May 25th- on this date in various years- At Salerno, the death of blessed Pope Gregory VII, a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed Urban, pope and martyr, by whose exhortation and teaching many persons, among whom were Tiburtius and Valerian, received the faith of Christ and suffered martyrdom for it. He himself endured many afflictions for the Church of God, and was crowned with Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 24th Roman Martyrology-May 24th- on this date in various years- At Antioch, the birthday of St. Manahen, foster-brother of Herod the Tetrach. He was a doctor and prophet under the grace of the New Testament, and his remains now lie in the city of Antioch. Also, blessed Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, mentioned by the evangelist St. Luke. At Porto, the birthday of St. Vincent, martyr. At Nantes in Brittany, in the time of Emperor Diocletian, the blessed martyrs Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 23rd Roman Martyrology-May 23rd- on this date in various years- At Langres in France, the martyrdom of the holy bishop Desiderius, who visited the king to offer entreaties in behalf of his people who were mistreated by the Vandal army. He was immediately condemned to beheading, and willingly presenting his head to receive the blow of the sword, he died for the sheep committed to his charge and departed for heaven. With him suffered many of his flock, who are buried in the same Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 22nd Roman Martyrology-May 22nd- on this date in various years- At Rome, the holy martyrs Faustinus, Timothy, and Venustus. In Africa, the holy martyrs Castus and Aemilius, who met their martyrdom by fire, St. Cyprian says that there were overcome by the first trial, but that in the second God made them victorious, so that those who had first weakened in the face of the fire were made mightier than the flames. At Comana in Pontus, under Emperor Maximian and the governor Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 21st Roman Martyrology-May 21st- on this date in various years- St. Valens, bishop, who was put to death along with three children. At Alexandria, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Secundus, a priest, and others, whom the Arian bishop George ordered to be barbarously slain during the holy days of Pentecost, under Emperor Constantius. In Morocco, the birthday of the holy martyrs Timothy, Polius, and Eutychius, deacons, who merited to be crowned together for spreading Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 20th Roman Martyrology-May 20th- on this date in various years- At Aquila in Abruzzi, St. Bernardin of Siena, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who added to the glory of Italy by his preaching and his example. At Rome, St. Plautilla, wife of a consul, sister of the consul Flavius Clemens, and mother of the holy virgin Flavia Domitilla, both martyrs. She was baptized by the apostle St. Peter, and after giving an example of all the virtues, she rested in peace. Also Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 19th Roman Martyrology-May 19th- on this date in various years- For 2013 The day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost came down upon the disciples at Jerusalem in the form of fiery tongues. The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord. At Rome, the Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 18th Roman Martyrology-May 18th- on this date in various years- For 2013 The Vigil of Pentecost. At Camerino, the holy martyr Venantius, who, at fifteen years of age, along with ten others, ended a glorious ordeal by being beheaded under Emperor Decius and the governor Antiochus. The birthday of St. John I, pope and martyr, who was called to Ravenna by the Arian king of Italy, Theodoric, and died there after being in prison a long time for the true faith. His feast, however, Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 17th Roman Martyrology-May 17th- on this date in various years- At Villareal in Spain, St. Paschal of the Order of Friars Minor, confessor. He was a man remarkable for innocence of life and the spirit of penance, whom Pope Leo XIII declared to be the heavenly patron of Eucharistic Congresses and of societies formed to honour the Most Blessed Sacrament. At Noyon in France, the holy martyrs Heradius, Paul, and Aquilinus, with two others. At Chalcedon, the holy martyrs Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 16th Roman Martyrology-May 16th- on this date in various years- At Gubbio, St. Ubaldus, bishop and confessor renowned for his miracles. At Auxerre, the passion of St. Peregrinus, first bishop of that city. He was sent into France with other clerics by the blessed Pope Sixtus II, and having accomplished his work of preaching the Gospel, he was condemned to capital punishment, and merited for himself an everlasting crown. In Persia, the holy martyrs Audas, a bishop, seven Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 15th Roman Martyrology-May 15th- on this date in various years- St. John Baptist de la Salle, priest and confessor, who founded the Society of Brothers of the Christian Schools. He went to rest in the Lord on the 7th of April. In Spain, the Saints Torquatus, Ctesiphon, Secundus, Indaletius, Cecilius, Hesychius, and Euphrasius, who were consecrated bishops at Rome by the holy apostles, and sent to Spain to preach the word of God. When they had evangelized various cities, Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 14th Roman Martyrology-May 14th- on this date in various years- At Tarsus in Cilicia, the birthday of the holy martyr Boniface, who suffered under Diocletian and Maximian. His body was subsequently taken to Rome and buried on the Via Latina. In France, St. Pontius, martyr. Having by his preaching and his zeal converted to the faith of Christ the two Caesars Philippi, he obtained the palm of martyrdom under the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. In Syria, the holy martyrs Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 13th Roman Martyrology-May 13th- on this date in various years- St. Robert Bellarmine, of the Society of Jesus, cardinal and one time bishop of Capua, confessor and doctor of the Church, whose birthday is kept on the 17th of September. At Rome, in the time of Emperor Phocas, the dedication of the church of St. Mary of the Martyrs, formerly a temple of all the gods, called the Pantheon, which was purified and dedicated by the blessed Pope Bonface IV to the honour of the Blessed Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 12th Roman Martyrology-May 12th- on this date in various years- At Rome, on the Ardeatine Way, the holy martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, brothers, who underwent a long exile for Christ in the island of Pontia with Flavia Domitilla, whose chamberlains they were. Afterwards they endured a most severe scourging. Finally, as the judge, Minutius Rufus, endeavoured by using the rack and fire to force them to offer sacrifices, they said that having been baptized by the blessed apostle Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 11th Roman Martyrology-May 11th- on this date in various years- At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of blessed Anthimus, priest, who, after having distinguished himself by his virtues and preaching, was cast into the Tiber during the persecution of Diocletian. He was rescued by an angel and restored to his oratory. Afterwards he was beheaded, and went victoriously to heaven. In the same place, St. Evelius, martyr, who belonged to the household of Nero. By witnessing Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 10th Roman Martyrology-May 10th- on this date in various years- St. Antoninus of the Order of Preachers, confessor and archbishop of Florence, whose birthday is the 2nd of May. At Rome, on the Via Latina, the birthday of the holy martyrs Gordian and Epimachus. In the time of Julian the Apostate, the former was a long time scourged and finally beheaded for confessing the name of Christ. He was buried at night by the Christians, in a crypt to which, shortly before, the remains Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 9th Roman Martyrology-May 9th- on this date in various years- For 2013 On Mount Olivet, the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. At Nazianzum, the birthday of St. Gregory, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, surnamed the Theologian because of his remarkable knowledge of divinity. At Constantinople, he restored the Catholic faith which was fast waning, and repressed the rising heresies. At Rome, St. Hermas, mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in the Epistle to the Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 8th Roman Martyrology-May 8th- on this date in various years- For 2013 The Vigil of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. For 2013 At Rome, the Lesser Litanies in the church of St. Peter. On Mount Gargano, the apparition of St. Michael Archangel, whom Pope Pius XII named the patron and protector of radiologists and radiotherapists. At Cracow in Poland, the birthday of St. Stanislas, bishop and martyr, who was slain by the wicked King Boleslas. His feast was celebrated Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 7th Roman Martyrology-May 7th- on this date in various years- For 2013 At Rome, the Lesser Litanies in the church of St. John Lateran. St. Stanislas, bishop of Cracow and martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom on the day following this. At Terracina in Campania, the birthday of blessed Flavia Domitilla, virgin and martyr, and niece of the holy martyr, the Consul Flavius Clemens. She received the religious veil at the hands of St. Clement, and in the persecution Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 6th Roman Martyrology-May 6th- on this date in various years- For 2013 At Rome, the Lesser Litanies in the church of St. Mary Major. At Rome, the Apostle and Evangelist St. John before the Latin Gate. He was bound and brought to Rome from Ephesus by the order of Domitian, and the Senate condemned him to be taken to that gate and placed in a cauldron of boiling oil, from which he came forth more healthy and vigorous than before. At Damascus, the birthday of St. John Damascene, Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 5th Roman Martyrology-May 5th- on this date in various years- Pope St. Pius V, confessor of the Order of Preachers, who went to sleep in the Lord on the 1st of May. At Rome, the martyr St. Silvanus. Also at Rome, St. Crescentia, martyr. At Leocata in Sicily, St. Angelus, priest of the Order of Carmelites, who was murdered by the heretics because of his defence of the Catholic faith. At Alexandria, St. Euthymius, deacon, who died in prison for the sake of Christ. Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 4th Roman Martyrology-May 4th- on this date in various years- At Ostia, the birthday of St. Monica, mother of blessed Augustine. He has left us in the ninth book of his Confessions a beautiful sketch of her life. At the metal mines of Phennes in Palestine, the birthday of blessed Silvanus, bishop of Gaza, who was crowned with martyrdom with many of his clerics by the command of Caesar Galerius Maximian, in the persecution of Diocletian. At Jerusalem, in the reign of Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 3rd Roman Martyrology-May 3rd- on this date in various years- At Jerusalem, in the time of Emperor Constantine, the finding of the holy Cross of our Lord. At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the holy martyrs Pope Alexander and the priests Eventius and Theodulus. Alexander was bound, imprisoned, racked, lacerated with hooks, burned, and had all his limbs pierced with pointed instruments, and finally met death, under Emperor Hadrian and the judge Aurelian. Eventius and Theodulus Read more [...]

Martyrology-May 2nd Roman Martyrology-May 2nd- on this date in various years- At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Athanasius, bishop of that city, confessor and doctor of the Church, most celebrated for sanctity and learning. Although almost all of the world had formed a conspiracy to persecute him, he courageously defended the Catholic faith, from the reign of Constantine to that of Valens, against emperors, governors, and a multitude of Arian bishops, whose underhanded attacks forced him to Read more [...]