Saints of 9 August

St Lawrence, martyr

The vigil of St. Lawrence, martyr.

St Romanus, soldier (Rome)

At Rome, St. Romanus, soldier, who was moved by the torments of blessed Lawrence to ask for baptism from him. He was immediately prosecuted, scourged, and finally beheaded.

Ss. Secundian, Marcellian, and Verian

In Tuscany, the birthday of the holy martyrs Secundian, Marcellian, and Verian. In the time of Decius, they were scourged by the ex-consul Promotus, then racked and torn with iron hooks. Being burned with fire applied to their sides, they merited the triumphant palm of martyrdom by having their heads struck off.

Ss. Firmus and Rusticus

At Verona, the holy martyrs Firmus and Rusticus, in the time of the emperor Maximian.

The Holy Martyrs of Africa during the Persecution of Valerian

In Africa, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, during the persecution of Valerian. Being exhorted by St. Numidicus, they obtained the palm of martyrdom by being cast into the fire, but Numidicus, although thrown into the flames with the others and overwhelmed with stones, was nevertheless taken out by his daughter. Found half dead, he was restored and deserved afterwards by his virtue to be made priest of the church of Carthage by blessed Cyprian.

Ss. Julian, Marcian

At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Julian, Marcian, and eight others. For having set up the image of our Saviour on the brazen gate, they were exposed to many torments, and then beheaded by order of the impious emperor Leo.

St Domitian of Châlons

At Chalons, in France, St. Domitian, bishop and confessor.

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

At Auschwitz, St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Carmelite virgin and martyr, philosopher, daughter of Israel. Canonised 1998.