Saint Marcelinus of Carthage, Martyr A.D. 413
by VP
Posted on Sunday April 06, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"So He was secretary of state to the Emperor Honorius, and for his great virtue commended by St. Augustin and St. Jerome. Being commissioned by the emperor to decide the controversy between the Catholics and Donatists in Africa, without regarding the power or threats of these latter, he gave the cause against them. They were so exasperated, that they resolved upon his death, and raised the jealousy of an eminent courtier against him. St. Augustin testifies that he had lived in great piety, in holiness of life, and in truly Christian sentiments. He was upright in his conduct, faithful in his friendship, zealous in the support of truth, and a man of solid piety. He was compassionate and charitable, ready to forgive his enemies, and even to love them. He was full of confidence in God, and assiduous in prayer. God was pleased to crown his virtues with a glorious martyrdom. The Count Marinus cast him into prison, and had him confined in a dark dungeon; and under the countenance of his orders they murdered him. The Church honors him as a martyr, because the reason of his death was the zeal which he had shown against the Donatists, which had drawn upon him the hatred of Count Marinus. He suffered at Carthage, in the year 413; and was much lamented by the emperor.
Be but steady to the cause of justice and truth, and you will need no other persecution for the trial of your courage. Seek to be just on all occasions; never flattering what deserves reproof, nor permitting affection or dislike to carry you against duty. Examine the working of your thoughts, and the censures of your judgment; and see that you are not brought under the guilt of rashness, by a hasty conclusion of evidence, where there is none. Keep a watch upon your lips; and speak not against others upon common reports or hearsay for there is so much of mistake, if not worse in these, that ordinary observation must suspect them as insufficient arguments of truth. Observe your usual severity in putting the worst construction on what some do, and more favorable interpretation on the actions of others; and see whether passion be not at the root of this partiality." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
