23 MAY – FERIA

On this day according to the ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:

At Langres in France, the martyrdom of the holy bishop Desiderius, who visited the king as a suppliant in behalf of his people who were maltreated by the Vandal army. Being forthwith condemned to decapitation, he readily presented his neck, and being struck with the sword, died for the sheep committed to his charge and departed for heaven. With him suffered many of his flock who are buried in the same city.

In Spain, the holy martyrs Epitacius, bishop, and Basileus. In Africa, the holy martyrs Quintian, Lucius and Julian who merited eternal crowns by their sufferings during the persecution of the Vandals.

In Cappadocia, the commemoration of the holy martyrs who died by having their legs crushed in the persecution of Maximian Galerius.

Also in Mesopotamia, those martyrs who, at the same time, were suspended in the air with their heads downward. Being suffocated with smoke and consumed with a slow fire, they consummated their martyrdom.

In the territory of Lyons, St. Desiderius, bishop of Vienne, who was crowned with martyrdom by being overwhelmed with stones by order of king Theodoric.

At Synnada in Phrygia, St. Michael, bishop.

The same day, St. Mercurialis, bishop.

At Naples in Campania, St. Euphebius, bishop.

At Norcia, the Saints Eutychius and Florentius, monks, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.

At Rome, the birthday of St. John Baptist de Rossi, confessor, a man illustrious for his patience and his zeal in preaching the Gospel to the poor.

And in other places, many other holy martyrs, confessors and virgins.

Thanks be to God.

21 MAY – FERIA

On this day according to the ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:

In Mauritania (Morocco), the birthday of the holy martyrs Timothy, Polius and Eutychius, deacons, who merited to be crowned together for dispensing the word of God in that region.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Polieuctus, Victorius and Donatus.

At Cordova, St. Secundinus, martyr.

The same day, the holy martyrs Synesius and Theopompus.

At Caesarea Philippi, the holy martyrs Nicostratus and Antiochus, tribunes, with other soldiers.

The same day St. Valens, bishop, who was put to death with three boys.

At Alexandria, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Secundus, a priest, and others, who the Arian bishop George caused to be barbarously killed during the holy days of Pentecost under the emperor Constantius. Also the saintly bishops and priests, who, being banished by the Arians, merited to be associated with holy confessors.

At Nice in France, St. Hospitius, confessor, distinguished by the virtue of abstinence and the spirit of prophecy.

And in other places, many other holy martyrs, confessors and virgins.

Thanks be to God.