St. Victorian and others, Martyrs, A.D. 484
by VP
Posted on Saturday March 23, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
" Victorian had been made proconsul of Carthage by Huneric the Arian king of the Vandals, in the fifth century. The king, after he had published his cruel edicts against the Catholics, sent a message to him, promising the most obliging terms, to heap on him the greatest wealth and the highest honours, if he would renounce his faith. The proconsul generously answered: "Tell the king that I trust in Christ. If his majesty pleases, he may condemn me to the flames, or to wild beasts, or to any torments: but I shall never consent to renounce the Catholic Church." The tyrant became furious at this answer: nor can the tortures be imagined, which he caused the saint to endure. Victorian suffered them with joy, and amidst them finished his glorious martyrdom.
Two brothers at the same time being seized, promised to be companions in the same torments and death. This favour being desired of the executioners, they were hung up in the air with heavy weights at their feet; which one of them not supporting, desired to be released. But being called upon by his brother, and put in mind of his promise, he took fresh courage, and offered himself to still greater torments. Upon which, they were burnt with plates of iron, and torn with hooks; and thus finished their glorious martyrdom.
What can we do when we see this courage and patience of the martyrs, but be confounded within ourselves, and blush at the repeated experience of our
own weakness; there being scarce any difficulty so inconsiderable, but
what is above our courage and patience? As often as any provocation is
given us, we immediately take fire, and make passionate returns. As
often as we imagine ourselves injured, affronted, or neglected, we open our breasts to the disquiets of anger
and pride, and in our hearts despise those who have inflicted injuries
upon us. O God, when wilt thou give us a better spirit, such as may
carry us through the ordinary trials of life; that we may not be thus daily overcome by trifles, whilst others triumph over the most severe torments. O God, we bow down and acknowledge our misery, but hope that thy goodness which strengthened the martyrs, will likewise be our support." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
