Martyrs (d. 304)
Their story
+ Optatus and his 17 companions were martyred together in Zaragoza, Spain, during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian.
+ Although the poet Prudentius (d. ca. 410) celebrated their martyrdoms in one of his hymns, he did not include the details of their martyrdom.
+ These martyrs are honored as patrons of Zaragoza and their cultus has long been associated with another martyr, Saint Encratius, who is honored with them on this day.
For reflection
“In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;
incline your ear to me, and save me.”—Psalm 71:1-2
Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
grant us so to celebrate
the mysteries of the Lord’s Passion
that we may merit to receive your pardon.
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: Collect for Tuesday of Holy Week)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...