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SAINT PHOTINUS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF LYON - 2 JUNE

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JUNE

Saints celebrated on the 2nd of June

SAINT PHOTINUS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF LYON


[This feast is also called, "Photinus, Sanctius, Vetius, Epagatus, Maturus, Ponticus, Biblides, Attalus, Blandina and Others".]

These are the famous 2nd century martyrs of Lyons, of which city Photinus or Pothinus was Bishop. At the time of his martyrdom the venerable Prelate was ninety years of age. They suffered under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Philosopher (A.D. 177). 

The details are given in the authentic letter addressed on the occasion by the Churches of Gaul to those of Asia. This letter, which is extant, was probably composed by Saint Irenaeus. The Christians were at first set upon by the Pagan mob; but afterwards they were tried and condemned, because of their religion, by the regular tribunals. 

The aged Bishop Pothinus expired in his dungeon from the ill-usage he had received. The others were thrown, as part of the spectacle, to the wild beasts in the Amphitheatre at the Public Games. The poor slave, Blandina, enmeshed in a net and tossed by a wild bull, and the boy, Ponticus, who was one of the last to suffer, have ever excited special sympathy. The whole description is most life-like; and a particular touch of reality is felt in the paragraph in which the Christians deplore the falling away of some of their number, and tell how they tremble at the thought of what may be in store for themselves.

(From the Book of Saints, 1921, by the Monks of Ramsgate)

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Photinus and Companions 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.

⬅️ More information about the Martyrs of Lyon

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