Saints of 17 March

St Patrick, bishop and confessor (Ireland)

In Ireland, the birthday of St. Patrick, bishop and confessor, who was the first to preach Christ in that country, and became illustrious by great miracles and virtues.

St Joseph of Arimathea

At Jerusalem, St. Joseph of Arimathea, noble senator and disciple of our Lord, who took his body down from the cross, and buried it in his own new sepulchre.

Ss. Alexander and Theodore

At Rome, the Saints Alexander and Theodore, martyrs.

Many holy martyrs of Alexandria, killed by the worshippers of Serapis

At Alexandria, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, who being seized by the worshippers of Serapis, and refusing constantly to adore that idol, were cruelly murdered, in the reign of the emperor Theodosius, who afterwards issued orders that the temple of Serapis should be destroyed.

St Paul of Constantinople, martyr

At Constantinople, St. Paul, martyr, who was burned alive under Constantine Copronymus, for defending the worship of holy images.

St Agricola of Châlons

At Chalons, in France, St. Agricola, bishop.

St Gertrude of Nivelles

At Mvelle, in Brabant, St. Gertrude, a virgin of noble birth. Because she despised the world, and during her whole life practised all kinds of good works, she deserved to have Christ for her spouse in heaven.