Saints of 31 December

St Silvester (Rome)

At Rome, the birthday of pope St. Silvester, who baptized the emperor Constantine the Great, and confirmed the Council of Nicaea. After performing many other holy deeds, he rested in peace.

Ss. Donata, Paulina, Rustica, Nominanda, Serotina, Hilaria

Also, at Rome, on the Salarian road, in the cemetery of Priscilla, the holy martyrs Donata, Paulina, Rustica, Nominanda, Serotina, Hilaria and their companions.

St Sabinian of Sens

At Sens, the blessed Sabinian, bishop, and Potentian, who being sent thither by the Roman Pontiff to preach, illustrated that metropolitan church by their confession and martyrdom.

St Columba, virgin and martyr

In the same place, St. Columba, virgin and martyr, who after having triumphed over fire, was beheaded, in the persecution of the emperor Aurelian.

St Hermes of Retiers

At Retiers, St. Hermes, exorcist.

Ss. Stephen, Pontian, Attalus, Fabian, Cornelius, Sextus, Flos, Quinctian, Minervinus and Simplician

At Catania, in Sicily, the martyrdom of the Saints Stephen, Pontian, Attalus, Fabian, Cornelius, Sextus, Flos, Quinctian, Minervinus and Simplician.

Ss. Zoticus, Roman

The same day, St. Zoticus, Roman priest, who went to Constantinople, and took upon himself the care of orphans.

St Barbatian of Ravenna

At Ravenna, St. Barbatian, priest and confessor.

St Melania the Younger

The same day, St. Melania the Younger, who withdrew from Rome with her husband Pinian, and went to Jerusalem, whore both embraced the religious life, she among the women consecrated to God, and he among the monks, and ended their career in peace. And in other places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and virgins Answer: Thanks be to God. A.