18 JANUARY – SAINT PRISCA (Virgin and Martyr)

Prisca, the thirteen year old daughter of a consul, was accused of being a Christian and was ordered by the emperor Claudius II to sacrifice to idols. On her steadfastly refusing, she was beaten and thrown into prison. The next day she was again urged to sacrifice but after refusing to do so she was beaten with rods and taken back to prison. On the third day she was exposed to a lion which however crouched at her feet, doing her no injury. After being tortured on the little horse with hooks and pincers, she was led outside of Rome and beheaded. An eagle is said to have defended her body from dogs until Christians came and buried it.

Also on this day according to the ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:

In Pontus, the birthday of the holy martyrs Moseus and Ammonius, soldiers, who were first condemned to work in the metal mines, and then cast into the fire.

In the same country, St. Athenogenes, an aged divine, who, on the point of enduring martyrdom by fire, joyfully sang a hymn which he left in writing to his disciples.

At Tours in France, St. Volusian, bishop, who was made captive by the Goths, and in exile gave up his soul to God.

In the same place, St. Leobardus, anchoret, a man of wonderful abstinence and humility.

In Brittany, St. Deicola, abbot, a disciple of St. Columban.

At Como, St. Liberata, virgin.

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

Thanks be to God.