Martyrs of Africa
Feastday: December 7
The collective name given to the martyrs who died for the faith in Africa Latina, the northwestern region of Africa. The martyrs vary according to year and feast day.
(date unknown) Two hundred and twenty martyrs of Africa of whose martyrdoms no details are extant. Feastday: October 16 (date unknown) + A group of martyrs, numbering from one hundred to two hundred; no details of their deaths have survived. Feastday: October 30 (date unknown) + A group, called the Martyres Massylitani, put to death at Masyla in North Africa. The fourth-century Latin poet Prudentius wrote a hymn in their honor. Feastday: April 9 (d.c. 210) + Christians of both sexes who died in the persecution under Emperor Septimius Severus. They were burned at the stake. Feastday: January 6 (d.c. 303) + Martyrs called the "Guardians of the Holy Scriptures." These Christians refused to turn over the sacred Christian books to the authorities to be burned. Several "Guardians" groups were martyred. St. Augustine had high praise for those in Nicomedia. Feastday: February 11 (d. 459) + Large group martyred by the Arian heretical king Geiseric of the Vandals. He had them slain at a celebration of the Eucharist on Easter Sunday. A lector was shot by an arrow through the throat while chanting the Alleluia verse. Feastday: April 5 (d. 482) + Women martyrs put to death by the Vandal king Hunneric for refusing to accept Arian Christianity. Feastday: December 16
Saint Ambrose of Milan
Also known as
• The Honey Tongued Doctor
• Ambreuil, Ambrogio, Ambroise, Ambrosius, Ambrun, Embrun
Additional Memorials
• 4 April (Old Catholics; Lutherans)
• 20 December (Orthodox)
Profile
Born to the Roman nobility. Brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. Educated in the classics, Greek, and philosophy at Rome, Italy. Poet and noted orator. Convert to Christianity. Governor of Milan, Italy.
When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement led to violence. Ambrose intervened to calm both sides; he impressed everyone involved so much that though he was still an unbaptized catechumen, he was chosen as the new bishop. He resisted, claiming that he was not worthy, but to prevent further violence, he assented, and on 7 December 374 he was baptized, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as bishop. He immediately gave away his wealth to the Church and the poor, both for the good it did, and as an example to his flock.
Noted preacher and teacher, a Bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical hymns. He stood firm against paganism and Arians. His preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church. Ambrose's preaching brought Emperor Theodosius to do public penance for his sins. He called and chaired several theological councils during his time as bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. Welcomed Saint Ursus and Saint Alban of Mainz when they fled Naxos to escape Arian persecution, and then sent them on to evangelize in Gaul and Germany. Proclaimed a great Doctor of the Latin Church by Pope Boniface VIII in 1298.
The title Honey Tongued Doctor was initially bestowed on Ambrose because of his speaking and preaching ability; this led to the use of a beehive and bees in his iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom. This led to his association with bees, beekeepers, chandlers, wax refiners, etc.
Born
c.340 in Trier, southern Gaul (modern Germany)
Died
• Holy Saturday, 4 April 397 at Milan, Italy of natural causes
• relics at basilica of Milan
Patronage
• bee keepers
• bees
• bishops
• candle makers
• chandlers
• domestic animals
• French Commissariat
• geese
• honey cake bakers
• learning
• livestock
• police officers
• schoolchildren, students
• security personnel
• starlings
• wax melters
• wax refiners
• archdiocese of Milan, Italy
• 8 cities
Representation
• baby with bees on his mouth
• beehive
• bees
• bishop holding a church
• bones, referring to the relics of Saint Gervase and Saint Protase which were revealed to him in a vision
• dove
• man arguing with a pagan
• ox
• pen
• lash, whip or scourge, usually with three thongs; represents the doctrine of the Trinity which defeated the Arian
• with Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Jerome and Saint Augustine of Hippo
• beehive at his feet
• books
• at the grave of Saint Martin of Tours (Ambrose saw his burial in a vision)
• with Saint Protase and Saint Gervase (they appeared to Ambrose in a vision to lead him to their lost relics)
Storefront
• medals and pendants, page 1
• medals and pendants, page 2
• medals and pendants, page 3
• medals and pendants, page 4
Saint John the Silent
Also known as
• John Hesychastes
• John Sabaites
• John Silentiarius
• John the Silent
Profile
Son of Enkratios, a military commander, and Euphemia; his brother and other family members were advisors to emperors. John received an excellent secular and religious education. His parents died in 471, and at age 18 John used his inheritance to build the Church of the Most Holy Mother of God in Nicopolis. By age 20 he had founded a monastery for himself and ten fellow young monks. Bishop of Colonia (Taxara) by age 28; ecclesiastical duties permitting, he continued to live as a monk.
In his tenth year as bishop, his brother-in-law, Pazinikos, was appointed governor of Armenia, and immediately began meddling in Church affairs. Overwhelmed by secular matters he was not prepared for, he secretly fled to Jerusalem, praying for a place to hide from the world. Accepted as a novice at Saint Sabas monastery, working as a steward and construction worker. After four years at the monastery, he was being considered for ordination, and felt compelled to reveal his secret life to the Jerusalem Patriarch Elias. Elias permitted him to take a vow of silence, and wall himself into his cell for another four years.
Lived as a hermit in a hut built against a rock face in the desert wilderness for nine years; legend says he was protected from brigands by a lion that stayed nearby. Saint Sava convinced John to return to the monastery. His secret came out, and he lived many years at the monastery under the protection of Sava. Late in life he left his solitude to fight the Origenists. Miracle worker. Healer. Exorcist.
Born
8 January 454 at Nicopolis, Armenia
Died
8 January 558 in Jerusalem of natural causes
Representation
bishop with a finger to his lips
Saint Mary Joseph Rosello
Also known as
• Benedetta Rossello
• Benedicta Rossello
• Josepha Rossello
• Maria Giuseppe Rossello
• Maria Joseph Rollo
• Sister Mary-Joseph
Profile
One of nine children, her father was a potter. Born in poverty, she suffered from poor health all her life. Pious from early youth she tried to enter a religious order, but was refused admission due to her health and lack of dowry. The pious, childless couple she worked for could have given her a dowry, but would not because they did not want to lose her as member of their family. Franciscan tertiary at age 16.
Her bishop knew of her skill in teaching the faith to girls, and in 1837 he gave her a house which she and three other young women made into two classrooms. From this humble beginning came the Institute of the Daughters of Mercy in 1837 under the protection of Our Lady of Mercy and Saint Joseph, groups devoted to teaching the young, and caring for the sick. Any deserving girl would be accepted into the community, even without a dowry. Mary Joseph served as superior of this band of teachers for over 40 years. In 1875 they opened their first house in the Americas at Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Josepha's success and personal holiness were such that her bishop, over strong objection from many, allowed her to organize a group that encouraged vocations to the priesthood.
Born
1811 at Albissola Marina, Liguria, diocese of Savona, Italy as Benedetta Rossello
Died
7 December 1888 at Savona, Italy of natural causes
Canonized
1949 by Pope Pius XII
Saint Sabino of Spoleto
Also known as
• Sabino of Assisi
• Sabinus, Savino
Profile
Bishop, possibly of Spoleto, Italy, during the persecutions of Diocletian; he was imprisoned in Assisi and Spoleto, Italy. As punishment for continuing to spread Christianity in defiance of imperial decrees, Sabino had his hands amputated so he could live on as an example to others. While imprisoned, Sabino restored the sight of a blind fellow prisoner. The prison's executioner, who had chopped off the hands, suffered from an eye disease and went to see Sabino; the bishop healed the man, and talked to him about Christianity; the other guards were so angry at the continual defiance, they beat Sabino to death. Martyr.
Died
• beaten by prison guards c.303 in Spoleto, Italy
• some relics stolen in 954 by Duke Conrad of Spoleto, and taken to Ivrea, Italy in order to combat an epidemic that was raging in the city; miracles reported in connection with the relics, and they were processed through the center of the old city every 7 July for centuries
Patronage
• Fermo, Italy
• Ivrea, Italy
Representation
• blind or blindfolded bishop
• bishop having his hands cut off
• bishop with no hands preaching
Saint Burgundofara
Also known as
Burgondophora, Fare, Fara
Profile
Sister of Saint Cagnoald and Saint Faro of Meaux; daughter of Count Agneric, courtier of King Theodebert II. As a baby, she was blessed by Saint Columbanus.
Burgundofara was early drawn to a religious vocation, despite her father's fierce opposition. He demanded that she marry, and arranged a marriage for her. The girl became deathly ill, and when she was miraculously healed by Saint Eustace, Burgundofara's father gave in, and built his daughter a convent. It followed the Rule of Saint Columban, and is now known as the Benedictine abbey of Faremoutiers.
Abbess for 37 years, noted for her piety and administrative skill. She trained many English nun-saints, including Saint Ethelburga. Bede refers to her, which led to the mistaken idea that she died in England.
Born
595 in Burgundy, France
Died
643 or 655 or 657 near Meaux, France (records vary) of natural causes
Patronage
Faremoutiers, France
Representation
• abbess with an ear of corn
• a child being blessed by Saint Columbanus
Saint Charles Garnier
Additional Memorials
• 19 October as one of the Martyrs of North America
• 26 September in Canada
Profile
Son of the wealthy Jean G and Anne de Garault. A studious lad whose health was never strong, he early felt a call to religious life. Studied classics, philosophy and theology at the Jesuit college of Clermont, France. Joined the Jesuits in 1624. Ordained in 1634. Missionary to Canada in 1636. Missionary to the Huron for 13 years, one of the famous "black robes" who lived in terrible conditions to bring the faith to the far north. Died when the fort at which he was stationed was attacked by Iroquois. Charles spent his last hours ministering to the dying before he was murdered. Martyr.
Born
1606 in Paris, France
Died
shot in the chest and abdomen, and tomahawked in the head on 7 December 1649 at Fort Saint Jean, Canada
Canonized
29 June 1930 by Pope Pius XI
Saint Athenodorus of Mesopotamia
Also known as
Athenodoros
Profile
Tortured and martyred in the persecutions of Eleusis and Diocletian.
Died
• sentenced to be burned at the stake in 304 in Mesopotamia, but the fire would not light
• sentenced to be beheaded, but the executioner dropped dead when he approached Athenodorus
• while another solution was sought, Athenodorus began to pray, and he died quietly
Saint Antonius of Siya
Profile
Married to the daughter of his employer, a wealthy merchant. Moved to Novgorod with the business. Widower. Monk in Kensk. Hermit in the forest around the White Sea. His reputation for holiness attracted disciples, and the Prince of Moscow built a monastery for them. In his later years, Antonius tried to retire to live as a hermit again, but his brother monks followed him.
Born
Archangel, Russia
Died
1556
Blessed Humbert of Clairvaux
Profile
Benedictine monk at Chaise-Deux. Monk at Clairvaux Abbey in 1117. Prior at Clairvaux, appointed by Saint Bernard. Abbot at Igny, France in 1127. Humbert tried to return to Clairvaux, but was ordered back to Igny by Bernard under pain of monastic excommunication. Bernard delivered a touching homily at Humbert's funeral Mass.
Died
1148
Saint Agatho of Alexandria
Profile
Soldier in Alexandria, Egypt. When he prevented a mob of pagans from desecrating the bodies of Christian martyrs killed in the persecutions of Decius, the mob dragged him to court where he confessed to being a Christian himself. Martyr.
Died
martyred in 250 in Alexandria, Egypt
Saint Servus the Martyr
Profile
Born to the nobility. A layman, he was tortured and murdered in the persecutions of the Arian Vandal King Hunneric for adhering to orthodox Christianity.
Born
African
Died
beaten and then dragged over stones until dead in 484 in North Africa
Saint Buithe of Monasterboice
Also known as
• Buithe mac Bronach
• Boethius, Buite
Profile
Pilgrim to Rome who studied in Italy, then returned to Scotland to work as a missionary to the Picts.
Born
Scotland
Died
521
Saint Nilus of Stolbensk
Profile
Spiritual student of Saint Sabas of Pskov. Hermit in the forests in the Tver region. He attracted so many would be students that he moved to a deserted island in Lake Seliguer.
Died
1554 of natural causes
Saint Victor of Piacenza
Profile
First bishop of Piacenza, Italy, a flock he served for over 50 years. Staunch opponent of Arianism. Attended the Council of Sardica.
Died
375 of natural causes
Saint Geretrannus of Bayeux
Profile
Sixth century bishop of Bayeux, France.
Saint Diuma
Profile
Missionary and evangelizing bishop in Mercia, England. The modern town of Peterborough, England, grew up around a monastery he founded.
Born
Ireland
Died
658
Saint Martin of Saujon
Profile
Spiritual student of Saint Martin of Tours. Founded the monastery of Saujon, France.
Died
c.400
Saint Anianas of Chartres
Also known as
Agnan of Chartres
Profile
Fifth century bishop of Chartres, France.
Saint Urban of Teano
Profile
Bishop of Teano, Campania, Italy.
Died
c.356
Saint Polycarp of Antioch
Died
martyred in Antioch
Saint Theodore of Antioch
Died
martyred in Antioch
