Saints of 18 November

The Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter and Paul (Rome)

At Rome, the Dedication of the basilicas of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. The former, having been enlarged, was on this day solemnly consecrated by Urban VIII.; while the latter, more sumptuously rebuilt after its total destruction by the flames, was solemnly dedicated on the 10th of December by Pius IX., though the festival in commemoration of that event was transferred to this day.

St Romanus of Antioch

At Antioch, the birthday of St. Romanus, martyr, in the time of the emperor Galerius. When the prefect Asclepiades broke into the churches and strove to destroy them completely, Romanus exhorted the Christians to resist him, and after being subjected to dire torments and the cutting out of his tongue (without which, however, he spoke the praises of God), he was strangled in prison and crowned with a glorious martyrdom. Before him suffered a young boy named Barula, who being asked by him whether it was better to worship one God or several gods, and having answered that we must believe in the one God whom the Christians adore, was scourged and beheaded.

St Hesychius of Antioch

Also, at Antioch, the holy martyr Hesychius, a soldier. Hearing the order that anyone refusing to sacrifice to idols, should lay aside his military belt, he immediately took off his. For this reason, he was precipitated into the river with a large stone tied to his right hand.

Ss. Oriculus and companions

The same day, the Saints Oriculus and his companions, who suffered for the Catholic faith, in the persecution of the Vandals.

St Maximus of Mainz

At Mayence, St. Maximus, bishop, who, after suffering much from the Arians, died a confessor, in the time of Constantius.

St Odo of Tours

At Tours, the departure from this life of blessed Odo, abbot of Cluny.

St Thomas of Antioch

At Antioch, St. Thomas, a monk honored with an annual solemnity by the people of Antioch, for having obtained the cessation of a pestilence by his prayers.

St Frigdian, bishop and confessor (Lucca)

At Lucca, in Tuscany, the translation of St. Frigdian, bishop and confessor.

St Rose Philippine Duchesne

At Saint Charles in Missouri, St Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin of the Society of the Sacred Heart, missionary to the frontier. Canonised 1988.