Saint of the day September 02

 Saint of the day September 02

In 1622 took place what was called the "great martyrdom", fifty-two chosen Christians being martyred on the same day (2 Sept.) at Nagasaki, twenty seven being decapitated, and the remainder being burned alive at Nagasaki. Feastday Sept 2

Martyrs of September, A group of 190 martyrs who were massacred on September 2 and 3, during the French Revolution. One hundred twenty were martyred at the Carmelite Church on the rue de Rennes in Paris. Feastday Sept 2

St William of Roskilde, Bishop. This Anglo Saxon priest was chaplain to Canute, king of England and Denmark from 1016-1035. He accompanied him on several trips to Scandinavia and became so concerned about the ignorance and superstition there, he decided to stay behind and preach the Gospel. A caring and tireless pastor, William lived in Zeeland and eventually became bishop of Roskilde. In the early years he had many struggles with the fierce king Sweyn Estriden.One day, after the king pursued and killed several alleged criminals in a church, violating sanctuary, William banned him from the sacraments until he repented. Several of Sweyn's courtiers drew their swords, threatening to kill the saint, but, in a great stand-off, William showed he was not afraid to die. The king was so mortified by this incident he confessed his crime and donated land to Roskilde church by way of a peace offering. From that time on the two men became friends and worked together to spread the faith. sept 2

St Zeno, with his two sons Concordius and Theodore, suffered martyrdom under Julian the Apostate. Julian had rejected Christianity, and attempted to restore paganism as the official religion of the Roman Empire. The execution of Zeno and his sons is related in an ancient Latin passion.