Saints of 8 December

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Immaculate Conception of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. On this day Pius IX. solemnly declared her to have been preserved by a special privilege of God free from the stain of original sin.

Pope St Eutychian

At Rome, blessed Eutychian, pope, who with his own hands buried in various places three hundred and forty -two martyrs. Under the emperor Numerian he became their companion, being crowned with martyrdom and buried in the cemetery of Callistus.

St Macarius of Alexandria, martyr

At Alexandria, in the time of Decius, St. Macarius, martyr, whose constancy in professing the faith increased with the efforts made by the judge to persuade him to deny Christ. He was finally condemned to be burned alive.

St Eucharius of Trier

At Treves, St. Eucharius, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, and first bishop of that city.

St Sophronius of Cyprus

In Cyprus, the holy bishop Sophronius, who was a devoted protector of orphans and widows, and a friend to the poor and the oppressed.

St Romaricus, abbot

In the monastery of Luxeuil, St. Romaricus, abbot, who left the highest station at the court of king Theodobert, renounced the world, and surpassed others in the observance of monastic discipline.

St Patapius of Constantinople

At Constantinople, St. Patapius, solitary, renowned for virtues and miracles.

St Zeno of Verona

At Verona, the ordination of St. Zeno, bishop.