Wednesday, 22 March 2023

22 MARCH – FERIA OF LENT

On this day according to the ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:

At Narbonne in France, the birthday of the bishop St. Paul, a disciple of the Apostles. He is said to have been the pro-consul Sergius Paulus who was baptised by the blessed Apostle St. Paul and left at Narbonne, where he was raised to the episcopal dignity when the apostle went to Spain. Having zealously discharged the office of preaching and performed miracles, he departed for heaven.

At Terracina, St. Epaphroditus, a disciple of the Apostles, who was consecrated bishop of that city by the blessed Apostle St. Peter.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Saturninus and nine others.

The same day, the birthday of the Saints Callinica and Basilissa, martyrs.

An Ancyra, under Julian the Apostate, St. Basil, priest and martyr, who gave up his soul to God after having endured grievous torments.

At Carthage, St. Octavian, archdeacon, and many thousands of martyrs, who were slain by the Vandals for the Catholic faith.

In the same place, St. Deogratias, bishop of Carthage, who ransomed many captives taken from that city by the Vandals, and performed other good works, after which he went to rest in the Lord.

At Osimo in the Marches of Ancona, St. Benvenutus, bishop.

In Sweden, St. Catherine, virgin, daughter of St. Bridget.

At Rome, St. Lea, a widow, whose virtues and happy death are related by St. Jerome.

At Genoa, St. Catherine, a widow, celebrated for her contempt of the world and her love of God.

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

Thanks be to God.