SAINTS AND MARTYRS for September 22

SAINTS AND MARTYRS for September 22 

St Maurice was the head of the famous Theban Legion, a unit of Roman soldiers composed of Christians. They were martyred by the Emperor Maximian when they refused to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods ahead of an important battle.   

Martyrs of the Theban Legion, While serving in France, the legion marched to Agaunum, where it encamped for pagan rituals. Maurice, a commander, and Exuperius, Candidus, Innocent, Vitalis, two Victors, and the men of the legion refused to worship pagan deities, or possibly refused to massacre the local innocent populace. They were supposed to be pressured to obey by witnessing the beheading of some of their officers, but refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Reportedly, Maximian brought in another legion to slay the 6,600 Christians. A basilica, St. Maurice-en-Valais, was built from about 369-391 to commemorate this remarkable martyrdom.

ST. EMERITA, MARTYR ON THE VIA OSTIENSE

ST. BASILLA, MARTYR ON THE VIA SALARIA ANTICA

Sts. Felix and Constantia, Roman Catholic Martyrs of Nocera, Italy, slain in the persecution conducted by Emperor Nero. Feastday Sept 22

Sts. Digna & Emerita Roman Catholic Virgin Martyrs, Roman maidens martyred in the Eternal City. They both died while praying before their judges. Their relics are in St. Marcellus Church in Rome. Feastday Sept 22

St. Phocas the Gardener,  Phocas’ Christian identity became known to the pagan Roman authorities. Soldiers were dispatched to find and arrest him. Upon nearing Sinope, they stopped at Phocas’ door and received lodging from him, unaware that their host was the man they were charged to capture. reluctant to carry out their orders against their kind host, but in the end they beheaded him.

Bl. Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War, is the name given by the Catholic Church to the people who were killed by communist during the war because of their faith. As of July 2008, almost one thousand Spanish martyrs have been beatified or canonized. For some two thousand additional martyrs, the beatification process is underway. Sept 22

St. Thomas of Villanueva, Roman Catholic Spanish friar of the Order of Saint Augustine who was a noted preacher, ascetic and religious writer of his day. He became an archbishop who was famous for the extent of his care for the poor of his see. Feastday Sept 22

St. Lolanus, 1034 A.D. Scottish bishop whose life is Unknown because fifth-century legends obscure the historically accurate accounts of his labors.