Roman Martyrology

The reading

February 23

(In leap-year, the Vigil of St. Matthias is not announced today, because it is transferred to the 2Ath.) npELE vigil of the apostle St. Matthias. — At Faenza, - St. Peter Dainian, Cardinal bishop of Ostia, and Doctor of the Church, celebrated for learning and sanctity. — At Sirmium, St. Sirenus, monk and martyr. By order of the emperor Maximian, he was arrested and beheaded, for confessing that he was a Christian. — In the same place, the birthday of seventy-two holy martyrs, who ended the combat of martyrdom in that city, and took possession of the everlasting kingdom. — At Rome, St. Poly carp, priest, who with blessed Sebastian converted many to the faith of Christ, and by his exhortations led them to the glory of martyrdom. — In the city of Astorga, St. Martha, virgin and martyr, under the emperor Decius, and the proconsul Paternus. — At Constantinople, St. Lazarus, a monk whom the Iconoclast emperor Theophilus ordered to be put to the torture for having painted holy images. His hand was burned with ia hot iron, but being healed by the power of God, he painted anew the holy pictures that had been defaced, and finally rested in peace. — At Berscia, St. Felix, bishop. — At Seville, in Spain, St. Florentius, confessor. — At Todi, St. Romana, virgin, who was baptized by pope St. Sylvester. She led a heavenly life in caves and dens, and wrought glorious miracles. — In England, St. Milburga, virgin, daughter of the king of Mercia. (In leap-year, the 2Ath of February is announced in this manner: "The twenty-fourth day of February. — The vigil of the apostle St. Matthias. — Also, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, confessors and virgins." On the 25th, read: ((The twentyfifth day of February," and then: "In Judea, etc." as marked for the

Source: The Roman Martyrology, Baltimore, 1916, John Murphy Company; local raw text lines 2210-2255.