Saints of 2 February

The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, called by the Greeks Hypapante (meeting) of the Lord.

St Apronian of Rome

At Rome, on the Salarian road, the passion of St. Apronian, a notary. Whilst he was yet a Gentile, and was leading St. Sisinius out of prison, to present him before the governor Laodicius, he heard a voice from heaven saying, Come ye, the blessed of my Father, possess the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. At once he believed, was baptized, and after confessing our Lord, received sentence of death.

Ss. Fortunatus, Felician, Firmus and Candidus

Also, at Rome, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Felician, Firmus and Candidus.

St Cornelius of Caesarea

At Caesarea, in Palestine, St. Cornelius, a centurion, whom the blessed apostle Peter baptized, and raised to the episcopal dignity in that city.

St Flosculus of Orléans

At Orleans, the holy bishop Flosculus.

St Lawrence of Canterbury

At Canterbury, in England, the birthday of St. Lawrence, bishop, who succeeded St. Augustine in the government of that church, and converted the king himself to the faith.