SS. FIVE FRIARS MINORS, MARTYRS - 16 JANUARY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JANUARY

Saints celebrated on the 16th of January

WELCOME!

SAINTS FIVE FRIARS MINORS, MARTYRS 

Berardus, Peter, Acursius, Adjutus, and Otto, were sent by Saint Francis, to preach to the Mahometans of the West, whilst he went in person to those of the East. 

THEY PREACHED TO THE MAHOMETANS OF THE WEST

They preached first to the Moors of Seville, where they suffered much for their zeal, and were banished. 

Passing thence into Morocco, they began there to preach Christ, and being banished, returned again. 

THE INFIDEL JUDGE CAUSED THEM TWICE TO BE SCOURGED

The infidel judge caused them twice to be scourged till their ribs appeared bare; he then ordered burning oil and vinegar to be poured into their wounds, and their bodies to be rolled over sharp stones and potsherds. [Unwaveringly, these holy men professed Jesus Christ and steadfastly refused to be forced and tortured into becoming Muslims. Therefore, when all cruelties proved pointless,] at length the king caused them to be brought before him, and taking his scimitar, clove their heads asunder in the middle of their foreheads, on January 16, 1220. 

THEIR CANONISATION

Their relics were ransomed, and are preserved in the monastery of the Holy Cross in Coimbra. Their names stand in the Roman Martyrology, and they were canonised by Sixtus IV in 1481. 

From Fr Butler's Lives of the Saints 

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who know how courageously your holy martyrs Berardus, Peter, Acursius, Adjutus, and Otto confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us with you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.