Saints of 4 November

St Charles (Milan)

At Milan, St. Charles Borromeo, cardinal, and bishop of that city, who was ranked among the Saints by Paul V. on account of the holiness of his life and his renown for miracles.

Ss. Vitalis and Agricola

At Bologna, the holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. The former was first the servant of the latter, and afterwards his partner and colleague in martyrdom. He was subjected by the persecutors to all kinds of torments, so that there was no part of his body without wounds. After having suffered with constancy, he yielded up his soul to God in prayer. Agricola was put to death by being fastened to a cross with many nails. St. Ambrose relates that being present at their translation, he took the martyr's nails, his glorious blood, and the wood of his cross, and deposited them under the consecrated altars.

Ss. Philologus and Patrobas

The same day, the birthday of the Saints Philologus and Patrobas, disciples of the apostle St. Paul.

St Proculus of Autun

At Autun, St. Proculus, martyr.

St Clarus of Vexin

In Vexin (in the North of France), St. Clarus, priest and martyr.

St Porphyry of Ephesus

At Ephesus, St. Porphyry, martyr, under the emperor Aurelian.

Ss. Nicander and Hermas (Myra)

At Myra, in Lycia, the holy martyrs Nicander, bishop, and Hermas, priest, under the governor Libanius.

St Pierius, priest

The same day, the birthday of St. Pierius, priest of Alexandria, who, being deeply versed in the sacred Scriptures, leading a very pure life, and freed from all impediments in order to apply to Christian philosophy, taught the people with great renown, and published various treatises, under the emperors Carus and Diocletian, when Theonas governed the church of Alexandria. After the persecution, he spent the remainder of his life at Borne, where he rested in peace.

St Amantius of Rodez

At Bhodez, in France, blessed Amantius, bishop, whose life was resplendent with sanctity and miracles.

St Joannicius of Bithynia

In Bithynia, St. Joannicius, abbot.

St Emeric of Hungary

In Hungary, at Alba-Begale, the demise of St. Emeric, confessor, son of St. Stephen, king of Hungary.

St Felix de Valois

In the monastery of Cerfroid, in the diocese of Meaux, St. Felix de Valois, founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Bedemption of Captives. His feast is celebrated on the 20th of this month by order of Innocent XI.

St Modesta of Trier

At Treves, St. Modesta, virgin.