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"ST. FABIAN was bishop of Rome, and succeeded St. Anterus in the year 236. Eusebius relates that he was elected in consequence of a miraculous sign of a dove appearing over his head. He governed the Church sixteen years, and died a glorious martyr in the persecution of Decius, in the year 250. St. Cyprian calls him an incomparable man; and says that the glory of his death had answered the purity and holiness of his life. Pray for the present bishop of that holy see, that in piety and zeal for his flock, he may imitate his holy predecessors. Pray for yourself, that in all afflictions you may suffer with the meekness, submission, and patience of the martyrs.

St. Sebastian was chief commander under Dioclesian. For encouraging and assisting the persecuted Christians, he was, by order of the emperor, bound to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. Irene, a pious widow, going to bury him, found him still alive, and took him to her lodgings; where by care, he recovered of his wounds, but refused to fly. He even reproached the emperor for his unjust cruelties to the Christians. This freedom of speech greatly astonished the emperor, especially from a person whom he supposed to have been dead. But recovering from his surprise, he gave orders for St. Sebastian to be beaten with cudgels, which finished his glorious martyrdom.

Pray for the spirit of charity so eminent in this saint; that according to your circumstances, you may be ever ready to counsel, comfort and relieve those who are in distress. It is the most effectual means of drawing down the divine assistance for your own help: for your charity to others opens God's hands to you. Pray for all soldiers, that they may be better prepared for death than too generally they are: and pray for their commanders, that they may keep up Christian, as well as military discipline." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother