Martyrs (d. 259)
Their story
+ In the year 259, the Roman procurator Solon arrested eight Christians following an uprising in Carthage in North Africa. Although the Christian community was not connected to the insurgence, Solon used this as an excuse for persecuting Christians.
+ Many of those arrested were clergy serving Saint Cyprian, the bishop of Carthage.
+ After being imprisoned for several months, during which time they were deprived of food and water, each of the martyrs died after having spoken to the crowds, especially urging those who have denied their faith in Christ to return to the Church.
+ Only the names of the two of the martyrs—the priest Lucius and a layman named Montanus—have come down to us.
+ Saints Montanus, Lucius, and companions died in the year 250. Devotion to the martyrs spread quickly throughout the Christian world and the historic account of their martyrdom is considered to be authentic.
For prayer and reflection
“We have all one and the same spirit which unites and cements us together in prayer, in mutual intercourse, and in all actions. These are the bonds of affection which put the devil to flight, which are most pleasing to God… It is impossible for us to attain the inheritance of heavenly glory unless we keep that union and peace with our brothers which our heavenly Father has established among us.”—Saint Lucius
Prayer
O God, from whom faith draws perseverance and weakness strength, grant, through the example and prayers of the Martyrs Montanus, Lucius and their companions, that we may share in the Passion and Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son, so that with the Martyrs we may attain perfect joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For Several Martyrs During the Easter Season)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...