Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The birthday of Saint Peter of Alcantara, Priest of the Order of Friars Minor and Confessor, who entered into heaven the day before this date.

In Rome, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Ptolemaeus and Lucius, under Marcus Antoninus. The former, as recorded by Justin Martyr, converted an impure woman to the faith of Christ and taught her to live chastely. For this, he was accused by her immoral husband before the Prefect Urbicius, subjected to prolonged imprisonment, and finally, after publicly confessing the teachings of Christ, was condemned to death. Lucius, who openly disapproved of Urbicius's judgment and freely declared himself a Christian, received the same sentence. Another companion joined them, who was likewise condemned to the same punishment.

At Antioch, the holy Martyrs Beronicus, Pelagia the Virgin, and forty-nine others.

In Egypt, Saint Varus, a soldier, who, under Emperor Maximinus, visited and cared for seven holy monks detained in prison. Upon the death of one of them, he chose to take his place, and thus, enduring severe suffering, obtained the palm of martyrdom.

At Evreux in France, Saint Aquilinus, Bishop and Confessor.

In the territory of Orleans, the repose of Saint Veranus, Bishop.

At Salerno, Saint Eusterius, Bishop.

In the monastery of Silva Nectensis in Ireland, Saint Ethbin, Abbot.

At Oxford in England, Saint Frideswide, Virgin.

St. Peter of Alcántara, Confessor

St. Peter of Alcántara, Franciscan, practiced the most extreme austerities for forty years. He directed St. Teresa of Ávila. He died in 1562.

St. Peter of Alcántara was born at Alcántara in Extremadura, Spain, in 1499. He entered the Franciscan Order and became known for the most extreme austerities in the history of the order.

For forty years he slept only an hour and a half each night, sitting with his head leaning against a wall. His cell measured four and a half feet long. He ate only once every three days and wore a single rough garment regardless of the weather.

Despite these austerities, he was a man of great gentleness and joy. He founded the Alcantarine reform of the Franciscans and was the spiritual director and confessor of St. Teresa of Ávila, who greatly admired him. He died October 18, 1562, and was canonized in 1669.

St. Luke, Evangelist

St. Luke, physician and evangelist, wrote the third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. Tradition says he also painted icons of Our Lady. Patron of physicians and artists.

St. Luke, the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, was a physician from Antioch and a convert from paganism. He was the companion of St. Paul on his missionary journeys, as evidenced by the 'we passages' in Acts.

His Gospel, written for Gentile readers, emphasizes Christ's compassion, mercy, and universal salvation. It contains material found nowhere else, including the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, and the most detailed account of the Infancy of Christ.

Tradition holds that he was also a painter, and several icons of the Blessed Virgin are attributed to him. He died about the year 84, probably in Greece. He is the patron saint of physicians, artists, and painters.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

In Bithynia, the birthday of blessed Luke, Evangelist, who suffered much for the name of Christ and died full of the Holy Spirit. His bones were later transferred to Constantinople and then brought to Padua.

At Rome, likewise, the birthday of Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest and Confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Distinguished by remarkable innocence and penance and inflamed with singular love for Christ crucified, he was added to the roll of Saints by Pope Pius IX, who decreed that his feast be celebrated on April 28.

At Arenas in Spain, the birthday of Saint Peter of Alcantara, Priest of the Order of Friars Minor and Confessor. Renowned for his admirable penance and many miracles, he was enrolled among the Saints by Pope Clement IX. His feast is celebrated on the following day.

At Antioch, Saint Asclepiades, Bishop, one of the illustrious martyrs who gloriously suffered under Macrinus.

At Neocaesarea in Pontus, Saint Athenodorus, Bishop, brother of Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus. Renowned for his learning, he completed his martyrdom during the persecution of Aurelian.

At Saint-Senou in the territory of Beauvais, Saint Justus, Martyr, a boy who was beheaded during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian under the governor Rictiovarus.

At Rome, Saint Tryphonia, who was once the wife of Emperor Decius and the mother of Saint Cyrilla, Virgin and Martyr. Her body was buried in a crypt near Saint Hippolytus.

At Auriesville in New York State, the holy Martyrs of the Society of Jesus, Isaac Jogues, Priest, and John de La Lande, lay coadjutor, who were cruelly killed by the Iroquois on this and the following day, at the same place where, a few years earlier, René Goupil, also a lay coadjutor, had received the palm of martyrdom.

In the region of Edessa in Mesopotamia, the commemoration of Saint Julian the Hermit, surnamed Saba, who is also commemorated on January 17.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The birthday of Saint Hedwig, Widow, Duchess of Poland, who fell asleep in the Lord on the previous day.

At the monastery of Derve in France, Saint Bercharius, Abbot and Martyr.

In Africa, two hundred and seventy holy Martyrs, crowned together.

In the same place, the holy martyrs Martinian and Saturian, along with their two brothers, who, during the persecution by the Vandals under the Arian King Genseric, were servants of a certain Vandal. Converted to the faith of Christ by Saint Maxima, their fellow servant, they were first beaten with knotted clubs and torn to the bone for their steadfastness in the Catholic faith. Though they suffered such torments for a long time and remained unharmed the following day, they were finally exiled. There, after converting many barbarians to the faith of Christ and obtaining a priest and other ministers from the Roman Pontiff to baptize them, they were ultimately commanded to die together, their feet bound behind them and dragged by galloping horses through thorny places in the woods. Maxima, after overcoming many trials, was divinely freed and rested in peace as the mother of many virgins in a monastery.

Also, the holy martyrs Saturninus, Nereus, and three hundred sixty-five others.

At Cologne, Saint Eliphius, Martyr, under Julian the Apostate.

In the territory of Bourges, Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Cahors.

At Mainz, Saint Lullus, Bishop and Confessor.

At Trier, Saint Florentinus, Bishop.

At Arbon in Germany, Saint Gall, Abbot, who was a disciple of blessed Columbanus.

At Muro in Lucania, Saint Gerard Majella, Confessor, a professed layman of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, who was renowned for miracles and enrolled among the Saints by Pope Pius X.

St. Hedwig, Religious

St. Hedwig, Duchess of Silesia, founded hospitals and convents and lived in great austerity. She died in 1243, canonized in 1267.

St. Hedwig was born about 1174 in Bavaria, the daughter of the Duke of Croatia and Dalmatia. At twelve she married Henry I, Duke of Silesia, and bore seven children.

She was known for her extraordinary charity, founding hospitals, convents, and churches. She lived in great austerity, often walking barefoot even in winter, wearing the same dress for years.

After her husband's death in 1238, she entered the Cistercian convent at Trebnitz, which she had founded. She died October 15, 1243, and was canonized by Pope Clement IV in 1267.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Edward, King of England and Confessor, who fell asleep in the Lord on the Nones of January but is especially venerated on this day due to the translation of his body.

At Troas, a city in Asia Minor, the birthday of Saint Carpus, a disciple of the Apostle Paul.

At Cordoba, in Spain, likewise the birthday of the holy martyrs Faustus, Januarius, and Martial. They were first tortured on the rack, then had their eyebrows shaved, teeth pulled, ears and noses cut off, and finally achieved martyrdom through the agony of fire.

At Thessalonica, Saint Florentius, Martyr, who, after various torments, was burned alive.

At Stockerau, in Austria, Saint Colman, Martyr.

At Antioch, Saint Theophilus, Bishop, who was the sixth successor of the Apostle Peter and held the pontificate of that church.

At Tours, in Gaul, Saint Venantius, Abbot and Confessor.

At Subiaco, in Latium, Saint Chelidonia, Virgin.

St. Edward the Confessor, King

St. Edward the Confessor, King of England from 1042, built Westminster Abbey and was known for piety and gentle governance. He died in 1066.

St. Edward the Confessor was born about 1003, the son of King Ethelred the Unready. After years in exile in Normandy during the Danish rule of England, he became King of England in 1042.

He was known for his deep piety, his generosity to the poor, and his gentle governance. He built Westminster Abbey, which became his most enduring legacy. His reign was one of the most peaceful in English history.

He was said to have the gift of healing and was renowned for his chastity. He died January 5, 1066, and was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161. He is one of the patron saints of England.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At Rome, the holy martyrs Evagrius, Priscian, and their companions.

In Africa, the holy confessors and martyrs, numbering four thousand nine hundred sixty-six, during the Vandal persecution under Hunneric, the Arian king. These included bishops of the Church of God, priests, and deacons, along with faithful laypeople. For defending the Catholic truth, they were exiled to a dreadful desert, where many were cruelly driven by the Moors, impaled with spear points, struck with stones, or dragged by their feet over rough terrain, their limbs torn apart. Ultimately, they endured various tortures and celebrated their martyrdom. Among them, the most prominent were the Lord's priests, Felix and Cyprian, bishops.

At Ravenna, along the Lauretina Way, the birthday of Saint Edistus, Martyr.

In Lycia, Saint Domnina, Martyr, under Emperor Diocletian.

At Celenae, in Pannonia, Saint Maximilian, Bishop of Laureacum.

At York, in England, Saint Walfrid, Bishop and Confessor.

At Milan, Saint Mona, Bishop, who, during the deliberation for electing a bishop, was miraculously chosen for the pontificate of that church, surrounded by heavenly light.

At Verona, Saint Salvinus, Bishop.

In Syria, Saint Eustachius, Priest and Confessor.

At Ascoli Piceno, Saint Seraphin, Confessor, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins, distinguished for his holy life and humility. He was enrolled among the saints by Pope Clement XIII.

Our Lady of the Pillar

Our Lady of the Pillar appeared to St. James at Zaragoza in 40 AD, the first recorded Marian apparition. She is patroness of Spain and the Hispanic world.

This feast commemorates the tradition that on October 12, 40 AD, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle St. James the Greater on the banks of the Ebro River at Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza) in Spain.

Mary, who was still living in Jerusalem, appeared standing on a pillar of jasper, carried by angels, and asked James to build a church on the spot. This apparition is considered the first recorded Marian apparition in history.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for nearly two millennia. Our Lady of the Pillar is the patroness of Spain and of the Hispanic world.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At Tarsus, in Cilicia, the holy women Zenaida and Philonilla, sisters and relatives of the Apostle Paul, who were disciples in the faith.

In the region of Vexin, in Gaul, the passion of the holy martyrs Nicasius, Bishop of Rouen, Quirinus, Priest, Scubiculus, Deacon, and Pientia, Virgin, under the prefect Fescenninus.

At Besançon, in Gaul, Saint Germanus, Bishop and Martyr.

Also, the passion of the holy martyrs Anastasius, Priest, Placidus, Genesius, and their companions.

At Tarsus, in Cilicia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Tharacus, Probus, and Andronicus. During the persecution of Diocletian, they were long afflicted by the squalor of imprisonment and examined three times under various tortures and punishments. Finally, confessing Christ, they achieved the triumph of glory by being beheaded.

In the Thebaid, Saint Sarmatas, a disciple of Saint Anthony the Abbot, who was killed by the Saracens for Christ.

At Uzès, in Gaul, Saint Firminus, Bishop and Confessor.

At Calosso, in the diocese of Asti, formerly Pavia, Saint Alexander Sauli, of the Congregation of Clerics Regular of Saint Paul, Bishop and Confessor. Distinguished by his lineage, virtues, learning, and miracles, he was enrolled among the saints by Pope Pius X.

In the monastery of Achadh-bo, in Ireland, Saint Canice, Priest and Abbot.

At Lier, in Belgium, the repose of Saint Gummarus, Confessor.

At Rennes, in Gaul, Saint Aemilian, Confessor.

At Verona, Saint Placidiae, Virgin.

The Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This feast celebrates Mary's divine motherhood, defined at the Council of Ephesus (431). Established in 1931 by Pius XI to mark the council's 1500th anniversary.

This feast celebrates the divine motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, recalling the dogmatic definition of the Council of Ephesus in 431 that Mary is truly Theotokos — the Mother of God — because the person born of her is the Divine Word made flesh.

The feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1931 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the Council of Ephesus. It celebrates the most fundamental privilege of Mary: her divine maternity, from which all her other privileges flow.

Because the Son she bore is the eternal Son of God, Mary's motherhood transcends all other human relationships. She is Mother of God not by adoption or metaphor, but in the truest and most real sense.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The feast of Saint Francis Borgia, Priest of the Society of Jesus and Confessor, whose birthday is commemorated on the day before the Kalends of October.

At Ceuta, in Mauritania Tingitana, the passion of seven holy martyrs of the Order of Friars Minor: Daniel, Samuel, Angelus, Leo, Nicholas, Hugolinus, and Domnus. All, except Domnus, were priests. They endured insults, imprisonment, and scourging from the Saracens for preaching the Gospel and refuting the sect of Mohammed, and finally achieved the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.

At Cologne, Saint Gereon, Martyr, along with three hundred and eighteen companions, who, during the persecution of Maximian, courageously submitted their necks to the sword for the true faith.

In the territory of the same city, the holy martyrs Victor and his companions.

At Bonn, in Germany, the holy martyrs Cassius and Florentius, along with many others.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Eulampius and his sister Eulampia, Virgin. Upon hearing of her brother’s torture for Christ, Eulampia rushed into the crowd, embraced him, and joined him in his suffering. Both were cast into a cauldron of boiling oil, but remained unharmed. Finally, along with two hundred others who were converted by witnessing this miracle, they were beheaded, completing their martyrdom.

On the island of Crete, blessed Pinytus, a most noble bishop. He was Bishop of the city of Gnosus during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, leaving behind writings that reflect his living image.

At York, in England, Saint Paulinus, Bishop, a disciple of Pope Gregory the Great. He was sent by the pope to preach the Gospel in England, where he converted King Edwin and his people to the faith of Christ.

At Populonia, in Tuscany, Saint Cerbonius, Bishop and Confessor, who, as Pope Gregory the Great recounts, was renowned for miracles in life and death.

At Verona, Saint Cerbonius, Bishop.

At Capua, Saint Paulinus, Bishop.

St. Francis Borgia

St. Francis Borgia, duke and viceroy, entered the Jesuits after his wife's death. As Superior General, he greatly expanded the order. Canonized in 1671.

St. Francis Borgia was born on October 28, 1510, at Gandia in Valencia, the great-grandson of both Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand of Aragon. He served as Duke of Gandia and viceroy of Catalonia.

The sight of the decayed corpse of the Empress Isabella at her funeral in 1539 moved him to exclaim: 'Never again will I serve a lord who can die.' After his wife's death, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1546.

He became the third Superior General of the Jesuits in 1565 and greatly expanded the order. He died October 1, 1572, and was canonized in 1671.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Bridget, Widow, whose birthday is celebrated on the tenth day before the Kalends of August, and whose translation is commemorated on the Nones of October.

On the same day, the birthday of the blessed Simeon, the elder, who is recorded in the Gospel as having received the Lord Jesus, presented in the Temple, into his arms and prophesied concerning Him.

At Laodicea, in Phrygia, Saint Artemon, Priest, who received the crown of martyrdom by fire under Diocletian.

At Thessalonica, Saint Demetrius, Proconsul, who, because he led many to the faith of…

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St. Bridget of Sweden, Religious

St. Bridget of Sweden founded the Brigittines and received revelations on the Passion. Co-patroness of Europe, she died in 1373.

St. Bridget was born about 1303 into one of the noblest families of Sweden. She married Ulf Gudmarsson at fourteen and had eight children, one of whom was St. Catherine of Vadstena.

After her husband's death, she founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior (Brigittines) at Vadstena. She later moved to Rome, where she lived for the rest of her life, caring for the poor and pilgrims.

She received many revelations concerning the Passion of Christ and the reform of the Church. She made pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to Santiago de Compostela. She died at Rome on July 23, 1373, and was canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1391. She is co-patroness of Europe.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and likewise the commemoration of Saint Mary of Victory, which Saint Pius V, Supreme Pontiff, instituted to be celebrated annually on this day in memory of the remarkable naval victory won by Christians, through the aid of the Most Holy Mother of God, over the Turks.

At Rome, on the Via Ardeatina, the departure of Saint Mark, Pope and Confessor.

In the province called Augusta Euphratesia, the holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, noble Romans, under Emperor Maximian. Of these, Bacchus was scourged with raw thongs until his whole body was torn apart, and in confessing Christ, he gave up his spirit; Sergius, having nails driven into his boots and remaining steadfast in the faith, was sentenced to be beheaded. The place where the blessed Sergius rests is called Sergiopolis and is honored by frequent gatherings of Christians due to his renowned miracles.

At Rome, the holy Martyrs Marcellus and Apuleius, who at first adhered to Simon Magus; but, seeing the wonders worked by the Lord through the Apostle Peter, both abandoned Simon and embraced Apostolic teaching. After the passion of the Apostles, under the consul Aurelian, they received the crown of martyrdom and were buried not far from the city.

Likewise, in Augusta Euphratesia, Saint Julia, Virgin, who under the governor Marcian, completed her martyrdom.

At Padua, Saint Justina, Virgin and Martyr, who was baptized by the blessed Prosdocimus, a disciple of Saint Peter, and, persisting steadfastly in the faith of Christ, was pierced with a sword by order of the governor Maximus and migrated to the Lord.

At Bourges, in Aquitaine, Saint Augustus, Priest and Confessor.

In the district of Rheims, Saint Helan, Priest.

In Sweden, the translation of the body of Saint Bridget, Widow.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At the monastery of Torre, in the diocese of Squillace in Calabria, the birthday of Saint Bruno, Confessor, who was the founder of the Carthusian Order.

At Laodicea, in Phrygia, the blessed Sagaris, Bishop and Martyr, who was one of the early disciples of the Apostle Paul.

At Auxerre, Saint Romanus, Bishop and Martyr.

At Capua, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Marcellus, Castus, Aemilius, and Saturninus.

At Trier, the commemoration of almost countless Martyrs, who, during the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Rictiovarus, were put to death in various ways for their faith in Christ.

At Agen, in Gaul, the birthday of Saint Faith, Virgin and Martyr; by whose example the blessed Caprasius was inspired to martyrdom and happily completed his own struggle on the thirteenth day before the Kalends of November.

Likewise, of Saint Erotis, Martyr, who, inflamed with love for Christ, overcame the fire of the flames.

At Oderzo, in the territory of the Veneti, Saint Magnus, Bishop, whose body rests in Venice.

At Naples, in Campania, the departure of Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Virgin, of the Third Order of Saint Francis, who, distinguished for virtues and miracles, was enrolled among the holy Virgins by Pope Pius IX.

St. Bruno, Confessor

St. Bruno founded the Carthusian Order in the valley of the Chartreuse in 1084, devoted to contemplation and silence. He died in 1101.

St. Bruno was born at Cologne about the year 1030. After brilliant studies, he became chancellor of the diocese of Reims and head of its cathedral school. Disgusted by the corruption of Archbishop Manasses, he resigned his offices.

In 1084, with six companions, he withdrew to the wild valley of the Chartreuse near Grenoble, offered to them by St. Hugh, Bishop of Grenoble. There he founded the Carthusian Order, dedicated to contemplation and silence.

Called to Rome by his former pupil Pope Urban II, he founded another Carthusian house at La Torre in Calabria. He died there on October 6, 1101. His order, with its motto 'The Cross stands while the world turns,' remains the strictest in the Church.

Bl. Raymond of Capua

Bl. Raymond of Capua, Dominican, was St. Catherine of Siena's confessor and biographer. As Master General, he reformed the order. Beatified in 1899.

Blessed Raymond of Capua was born at Capua about 1330. He entered the Dominican Order and became one of its most distinguished members, serving as confessor and spiritual director to St. Catherine of Siena.

As Catherine's director, he witnessed and recorded many of her mystical experiences. He wrote her first biography, the Legenda Major, which remains the primary source for her life.

After Catherine's death in 1380, he was elected Master General of the Dominican Order in 1380 and devoted the rest of his life to reforming the order. He died October 5, 1399, and was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1899.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Tértio Nonas

Méssanæ, in Sicília, nátalis sánctorum Mártyrum Plácidi Monáchi, e beáti Benedícti Abbátis discípulis, et ejus fratrum Eutýchii et Victórini, ac sóroris eorum Fláviæ Vírginis, itémque Donáti, Firmáti Diáconi, Fausti et aliórum trigínta Monachórum, qui omnes a Manúcha piráta, pro Christi fide, necáti sunt.

Apud Smyrnam item nátalis beáti Thráseæ, Epíscopi Euméniæ, martýrio consummáti.

Antisiódori deposítio sánctorum germanórum Firmáti Diáconi, et Flavíanæ Vírginis.

Tréviris sánctorum Mártyrum Palmátii et Socíorum; qui, in persecutíone Diocletíani, sub Rictióvaro Præside, martýrium subíerunt.

Eodem die pássio sanctæ Charítinæ Vírginis, quæ, sub Diocletíano Imperátore et Domítio Consúlari, ignibus est cruciáta et in mare projécta, et, cum inde incólumis evasísset, tandem, mánibus et pédibus abscíssis dentibúsque convúlsis, in oratíone spíritum emisit.

Ravénnæ sancti Marcéllini, Epíscopi et Conféssoris.

Valéntiæ, in Gállia, sancti Apollináris Epíscopi, cujus vita virtútibus fuit illústris, et mors signis ac prodígiis decoráta.

Eodem die sancti Attílani, Epíscopi Zamorénsis, quem beátus Urbanus Papa Secúndus in Sánctorum númerum rétulit.

Romæ sanctæ Gallæ Víduæ, fíliæ Symmáchi Cónsulis, quæ, viro suo defúncto, apud Ecclésiam beáti Petri multis annis oratíoni, eleemósynis, jejúniis aliísque sanctis opéribus inténta permánsit; cujus felicíssimnm transítum sanctus Gregórius Papa descrípsit.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At Assisi, in Umbria, the birthday of Saint Francis, Deacon and Confessor, who was the Founder of the three Orders: the Friars Minor, the Poor Ladies, and the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. His life, full of holiness and miracles, was written by Saint Bonaventure.

At Corinth, the birthday of Saints Crispus and Caius, mentioned by Saint Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Corinthians.

At Athens, Saint Hierotheus, who was a disciple of Blessed Paul the Apostle.

At Damascus, Saint Peter, Bishop and Martyr, who, accused before the leader of the Saracens of teaching the faith of Christ, was crucified after having his tongue, hands, and feet cut off, thus consummating his martyrdom.

At Alexandria, the holy Priests and Deacons Caius, Faustus, Eusebius, Chaeremon, Lucius, and their Companions, some of whom became Martyrs during the persecution of Valerian, while others, serving the Martyrs, received the reward of Martyrs.

In Egypt, the holy Martyrs Mark and Marcian, brothers, and nearly innumerable others of both sexes and all ages, who, after enduring scourging and various horrible tortures, were either delivered to the flames, cast into the sea, beheaded, consumed by starvation, crucified, or hung upside down with their heads downward and their feet raised aloft, thus meriting the most blessed crown of martyrdom.

At Bologna, Saint Petronius, Bishop and Confessor, who was renowned for his learning, miracles, and holiness.

At Paris, Saint Aurea, Virgin.

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181–1226) renounced wealth to embrace poverty and founded the Franciscan Order. He received the stigmata on Mount La Verna and was canonized just two years after his death.

St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in the history of Christianity, was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182 at Assisi in Umbria, Italy. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant, and Francis spent his youth in pleasure and worldly ambition, dreaming of military glory.

After a period of illness and imprisonment following a local war, Francis underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He heard Christ speaking to him from the crucifix in the ruined church of San Damiano: "Francis, go and repair My house, which is falling into ruin." Taking these words first literally, then spiritually, Francis renounced his inheritance, embraced poverty, and began to rebuild churches and care for lepers.

Disciples gathered around him, and in 1209 he obtained Pope Innocent III's approval for his new Order of Friars Minor — the Franciscans. His rule was radical in its simplicity: the brothers were to own nothing, live by the labor of their hands or by begging, and preach the Gospel everywhere. In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata — the five wounds of Christ — the first recorded instance of this miraculous phenomenon. He died on October 3, 1226, and was canonized only two years later by Pope Gregory IX.