Saints of 23 February

St Matthias

(In leap-year, the Vigil of St. Matthias is not announced today, because it is transferred to the 24th.) The vigil of the apostle St. Matthias.

St Peter (Faenza)

At Faenza, St. Peter Damian, Cardinal bishop of Ostia, and Doctor of the Church, celebrated for learning and sanctity.

St Sirenus of Sirmium

At Sirmium, St. Sirenus, monk and martyr. By order of the emperor Maximian, he was arrested and beheaded, for confessing that he was a Christian.

Seventy-two holy martyrs

In the same place, the birthday of seventy-two holy martyrs, who ended the combat of martyrdom in that city, and took possession of the everlasting kingdom.

St Poly of Rome

At Rome, St. Poly carp, priest, who with blessed Sebastian converted many to the faith of Christ, and by his exhortations led them to the glory of martyrdom.

St Martha, virgin and martyr

In the city of Astorga, St. Martha, virgin and martyr, under the emperor Decius, and the proconsul Paternus.

St Lazarus of Constantinople

At Constantinople, St. Lazarus, a monk whom the Iconoclast emperor Theophilus ordered to be put to the torture for having painted holy images. His hand was burned with ia hot iron, but being healed by the power of God, he painted anew the holy pictures that had been defaced, and finally rested in peace.

St Felix of Brescia

At Berscia, St. Felix, bishop.

St Florentius of Seville

At Seville, in Spain, St. Florentius, confessor.

St Romana of Todi

At Todi, St. Romana, virgin, who was baptized by pope St. Sylvester. She led a heavenly life in caves and dens, and wrought glorious miracles.

St Milburga of England

In England, St. Milburga, virgin, daughter of the king of Mercia. (In leap-year, the 24th of February is announced in this manner: The twenty-fourth day of February.

The Vigil of St Matthias the Apostle

The vigil of the apostle St. Matthias.