Saints celebrated on the 16th of June
SAINT JULITTA AND SAINT CYRIACUS OF ICONIUM, MARTYRS
Saint Julitta and Saint Cyriacus [Quiricus] were martyred under Diocletian. The names of these two martyrs, who in the early Church enjoyed a widespread veneration, are found in the “Martyrologium Hieronymianum” and also in the calendars and menologies of the Greek and other Oriental Churches.
SHE FLED FROM THE PERSECUTION
According to the Acts of their martyrdom, which appeared later, and a letter of the sixth century, Julitta fled with her three-months-old child, Quiricus, from Lycaonia, when the Maximinian persecution broke out there, to Isauria and thence to Tarsus in Cilicia.
THEIR MARTYRDOM
She suffered martyrdom in the last-named city after her child had first been killed before her eyes. The veneration of the two martyrs was common in the West at an early date, as is proved by the chapel dedicated to them in the Church of Santa Maria Antiqua at Rome, as well as by testimony from Gaul.
THEIR RELICS
Their relics are said to have been brought to the monastery of Saint-Amand (Elnonense monasterium) in the Diocese of Tournai. The feast is observed on June 16; in the Synaxarium of Constantinople it is set under the date of July 15.
Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Julitta and Saint Cyriacus may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. 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.
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