Saints of 24 April

St Fidelis of Sigmaringen

At Sevis, in Switzerland, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, of the Order of Capuchin Minorites, who was sent thither to preach the Catholic faith. He was put to death by the heretics, and was placed among the holy martyrs by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIV.

St Sabas of Rome

At Rome, St. Sabas, a military officer, who bravely confessed Christ before the judge when he was accused of visiting the Christians in prison. For this he was burned with torches and thrown into a caldron of boiling pitch, out of which he came uninjured. Seventy men were converted to Christ at the sight of this miracle, and as they all remained unshaken in the confession of the faith, they were put to the sword. Sabas, however, terminated his martyrdom by being cast into the river.

St Alexander of Lyon

At Lyons, in France, during the persecution of Verus, the birthday of St. Alexander, martyr. After being imprisoned, he was so lacerated by the cruelty of those who scourged him, that his ribs and the interior of his body were exposed to view. Then he was fastened to the gibbet of the cross, on which he yielded up his blessed soul. Thirty-four others who suffered with him are commemorated on other days.

Ss. Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus

The same day, during the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus, and four others, were slain with the sword after enduring great torments.

St Mellitus of England

In England, the 116 demise of St. Mellitus, bishop. Being sent thither by St. Gregory, he converted to the faith the East-Saxons and their king.

St Gregory of Elvira

At Elvira, in Spain, St. Gregory, bishop and confessor.

St Honorius of Brescia

At Brescia, St. Honorius, bishop.

St Egbert of Ireland

In Ireland, St. Egbert, priest and monk, a man of admirable humility and continency.

Ss. Bona and Doda

At Rheims, the holy virgins Bona and Doda.