Saints of 4 January

The Octave of the Holy Innocents

The Octave of the Holy Innocents.

St Titus of Crete

In Crete, the birthday of St. Titus, who was consecrated bishop of that island by the apostle St. Paul. After having faithfully performed the duty of preaching the Gospel, he reached the end of his blessed life, and was buried in the church of which he had been made a worthy minister by the holy apostle.

Ss. Priscus, Priscillian and Benedicta (Rome)

At Rome, in the reign of the impious Julian, the holy martyrs Priscus, priest, Priscillian, cleric, and Benedicta, a religious woman, who ended their martyrdom by the sword.

St Dafrosa

Also, at Rome, under the same emperor, blessed Dafrosa, wife of the martyr St. Flavian. After her husband had been killed, she was first banished, and then beheaded.

Ss. Hermes, Aggoeus, and Caius

At Bologna, the Saints Hermes, Aggoeus, and Caius, martyrs, who suffered under the emperor Maximian.

St Mavilus of Adrumetum

At Adrumetum, in Africa, in the persecution of Severus, the commemoration of St. Mavilus, martyr, who, being condemned by the most cruel president Scapula to be devoured by wild beasts, received the crown of martyrdom.

Ss. Aquilinus, Geminus, Eugenius, Marcian, Quinctus, Theodotus, and Tryphon, martyrs (Africa)

Also, in Africa, the most renowned martyrs Aquilinus, Geminus, Eugenius, Marcian, Quinctus, Theodotus, and Tryphon.

St Gregory of Langres

At Langres, St. Gregory, a bishop renowned for miracles.

St Rigobertus of Reims

At Rheims, in France, St. Rigobertus, bishop and confessor.

St Elizabeth Ann Seton

At Emmitsburg in Maryland, St Elizabeth Ann Seton, widow and foundress of the Sisters of Charity, the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonised (1975).