Saints of 16 October

Two hundred and seventy holy martyrs (Africa)

In Africa, two hundred and seventy holy martyrs crowned together.

Ss. Martinian and Saturnian

In the same country, the Saints Martinian and Saturnian with their two brothers. In the reign of the Arian king Genseric, while the persecution of the Vandals was raging, they were slaves belonging to a man of that race, and being converted to the faith of Christ by Maxima, a slave like themselves, they manifested their attachment to the truth with such courage, that they were beaten with rough clubs and lacerated in all parts of their bodies to the very bone. Although this barbarous treatment was continued for a considerable period, their wounds were each time healed over night, wherefore they were at length sent into exile. There they converted many barbarians to the faith, and obtained -from the Roman Pontiff a priest and other ministers to baptize them. Finally they were condemned to die by being dragged through thorns, with their feet tied behind running chariots. Maxima being miraculously delivered after enduring many tribulations, became the Superioress of a large monastery of virgins, where she ended her days in peace.

Ss. Saturninus, Nereus

Also, the Saints Saturninus, Nereus, and three hundred and sixtyfive other martyrs.

St Eliphius of Cologne

At Cologne, St. Eliphius, martyr, under Julian the Apostate.

St Bercharius, abbot

Also, St. Bercharius, abbot and martyr.

St Ambrose of Bourges

Near Bourges, St. Ambrose, bishop of Cahors.

St Lullus of Mainz

At Mayence, St. Lullus, bishop and confessor.

St Florentinus of Trier

At Treves, St. Florentinus, bishop.

St Gall of Arbon

At Arbon, in Switzerland, St. Gall, abbot, disciple of blessed Columban.

St Victor III

On Mount Cassino, blessed Victor III., who succeeded Gregory VII. in the papal chair and threw new lustre rounjd the Holy See by the signal triumph he gained over the Saracens through the divine assistance. The veneration paid to him from time immemorial Pope Leo XIII. approved and confirmed.

St Gerard Majella

At Muro, in Lucania, St. Gerard Majella, a professed lay brother in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Pius X., on account of his reputation for miracles ranked him among the saints.

St Margaret Mary Alacoque

At Paray-le-Monial, St Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin of the Visitation, to whom the Sacred Heart of Jesus was made known. Canonised 1920.