SAINTS DECEMBER 23

SAINTS DECEMBER 23

Martyrs of Crete, Ten Roman Catholic martyrs of the island of Crete who suffered during the persecution of Emperor Trajanus Decius. They are named Agathopus, Basilides, Eunician, Euporus, Evaristus, Cleomenes, Gelasius, Saturninus, Theodulus, and Zoticus. Feastday: December 23

St. Victoria, Roman Catholic Martyr, with her sister Anatolia, she refused importunate suitors. Both were imprisoned and starved by their suitors but persisted in refusing marriage. Anatolia was converted to Christianity and converted many in Picenum before being denounced for her faith, for which she was tortured and executed at Thora on Lake Velino in Italy. When Victoria refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, she too was executed, perhaps at Tribulano. The guard was converted by their example and was also martyred. Feastday Dec.23rd.

St. John of Kanty, Roman Catholic priest, scholastic philosopher, physicist and theologian, Born in Kęty, Poland, in 1390, John was a priest and professor of philosophy at the University of Krakow. He was chosen as tutor to Polish princes. With his pay he fed the poor, whom he sought in the city streets. Esteemed by all for his charity, he died during the Christmas Eve Mass of 1473 Feastday Dec.23rd.