SAINT DONATUS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS - 17 FEBRUARY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN FEBRUARY

 Saints celebrated on the 17th of February

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SAINT DONATUS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS

Originally from the Vicenza area, Saints Donatus, Secundianus, Romulus, Solonus, Chrysanthus, Eutychius, Justus, Cordius, Silvanus, Neomedius, Polykratius and about 80 other martyrs tried to flee from persecution; therefore they moved to Concordia. There they were taken prisoner, however, since someone reported them to the authorities for being Christians.

Most cruel torment followed to make them renounce our Lord Jesus Christ, but the martyrs remained steadfast throughout. After their jaws had been broken in two with leaden tools, they were laid on the rack,  had their sides set alight with burning torches, had boiling oil poured all over their bodies, until they were finally beheaded. These events took place in A.D. 303 near the lake of Liminus. Saints Donatus and Solonus are venerated at Vicenza, and the former is distinct from the Saint Donatus, whose relics are venerated in Friuli. The mortal remains of Saint Chrysanthus are kept in various places. The Roman Martyrology* mentions just Saint Donatus, Secundianus and Romulus by name.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 1, Augsburg 1858, p. 796)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saints Secundianus, Romulus, Solonus, Chrysanthus, Eutychius, Justus, Cordius, Silvanus, Neomedius, Polykratius, 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.

Sources of these articles (in the original German): books.google.co.uk, de-academic.com, zeno.org, openlibrary.org