On this day according to the ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:
At Antioch, the birthday of the martyr St. Phocas
who triumphed over the old serpent after many injuries which he
suffered for the name of the Redeemer. That triumph is still
manifested to the people in our days, for if any one stung by a
serpent touches with faith the door of the martyr’s
basilica, the power of the venom disappears and he is immediately
cured.
At Caesarea in Palestine, in the persecution of
Diocletian, St. Adrian, martyr, who, being first exposed to a lion
for the faith of Christ and then killed with the sword by order of
the governor Firmilian, received the crown of martyrdom.
The same day, the passion of the holy martyrs
Eusebius, officer of the imperial palace, and nine others.
At Caesarea in Palestine, in the time of the
emperor Severus, St. Theophilus, bishop, who was conspicuous by his
wisdom and the purity of his life.
Also in Palestine, on the banks of the Jordan, the
anchoret St. Gerasimus, who lived in the time of the emperor Zeno.
At Naples, the decease of St. John Joseph of the
Cross, Promoter and first Provincial of the Italian branch of the
Order of Discalced Friars Minor of St. Peter of Alcantara, who, by
emulating the virtues of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Peter of
Alcantara, became a new ornament of the Seraphic Order. He was
canonised by Pope Gregory XVI.
And in other places, many other holy martyrs,
confessors and virgins.
Thanks be to God.
