Saint of the day February 12, 2025

The persecutions of Christians were brutal under the Emperor Diocletian.

One of the worst scenes was in Abitina, a town in North Africa, where Diocletian issued an order that all Christians, under penalty of death, had to deliver up Holy Scriptures to be burned. The bishop of Abitina complied with the magistrates and brought them the sacred Scriptures to be consumed by fire. This act of sacrilege was followed by a hailstorm, which ravaged the whole country, and a violent rainstorm that extinguished the fire.

During a Sunday service in the home of Octavius Felix, Roman soldiers seized 49 people including their priest, Saturninus and his four children. When they were brought before their judges, however, they so zealously professed Jesus that even their tormentors were impressed with their faith.

It did little to spare them, however. They were shackled and sent to Carthage, the residence of the proconsul. Upon their arrival, some were put on the rack, their bodies torn with iron hooks. Other forms of torture were inflicted on the rest.

The proconsul focused on the youngest child of Saturninus and tried to get him to reject his faith. Young Hilarianus, however, filled with the Holy Spirit, was not afraid and announced, “I am a Christian; I have been at the collect (gathering to worship), and it was of my own voluntary choice, without any compulsion.” The proconsul then threatened him by telling him that he would cut off his nose and ears.

The child replied, “You may do it; but I am a Christian.” With this, the proconsul ordered the child and all the others to prison. They all ended their lives under the hardships of their imprisonment except for two, who on Feb. 11 died from their wounds.

St. Saturninus, along with his fellow clergy and laypeople, refused to renounce their faith when ordered by imperial authorities. Despite threats of imprisonment, torture, and death, they remained steadfast in their belief in Christ. Arrested and brought before the Roman governor, they boldly professed their faith, knowing it would cost them their lives. Some were executed by the sword, while others suffered brutal punishments for refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods. Their witness inspired many early Christians to remain faithful despite persecution. Their courage and unity continue to strengthen believers today.

Reflection

Stand Firm in Your Beliefs:

St. Saturninus and his companions refused to compromise their faith, even under threat of death. In modern life, this reminds us to uphold our values and moral convictions, whether in the workplace, social settings, or difficult personal situations.

Encourage and Support Your Faith Community:

These martyrs stood together, strengthening each other in their trials. Make an effort to support fellow Christians through prayer, encouragement, and acts of kindness, especially when they face hardships or opposition for their faith.

Live Your Faith Boldly:

The martyrs openly professed their belief in Christ despite persecution. In daily life, this means being unafraid to express your faith—whether by praying before meals in public, sharing an encouraging word about God with a friend, or living with integrity in all that you do.