Saints of 23 July

St Apollinaris

The birthday of the holy bishop Apollinaris, who was consecrated at Rome by the apostle Peter, and sent to Ravenna, where he endured for the faith of Christ many different tribulations. He afterwards preached the Gospel in JEmilia, where he converted many from the worship of idols. Fianlly, returning to Ravenna, he terminated his confession of Christ by a glorious martyrdom under the Caesar Vespasian.

St Liborius, bishop and confessor (Le Mans)

At Le Mans, in France, St. Liborius, bishop and confessor.

St Rasyphus of Rome

At Rome, St. Rasyphus, martyr.

St Primitiva, virgin and martyr

In the same city, the martyrdom of St. Primitiva, virgin and martyr.

Ss. Apollonius and Eugenius

Also, the holy martyrs Apollonius and Eugenius.

Ss. Trophimus and Theophilus

The same day, the birthday of the holy martyrs Trophimus and Theophilus. who received their crown of martyrdom by being beaten with stones, scorched with fire, and finally struck with the sword, in the time of the emperor Diocletian.

Many holy martyrs (Bulgaria, under Nicephorus)

In Bulgaria, many holy martyrs whom the impious emperor Nicephorus, whilst he was devastating the churches of God, put to death in various ways — by the sword, the halter, arrows, long imprisonment, and starvation.

Ss. Romula, Redempta and Herundines, virgins (Rome)

At Rome, the saintly virgins Romula, Redempta, and Herundines, men tioned by pope St. Gregory in his writings.

St Bridget, widow

In the same city, the departure from this life of St. Bridget, widow, whose sacred body was taken to Sweden on the 7th of October. Her feast is celebrated on the 8th of that month.