February 24
St. Montanus, St. Lucius and Companions
The emperor Valerian was especially brutal in his persecutions of the early Christians. In the year 258, he had St. Cyprian executed who had many followers. The official who arrested St. Cyprian and had him martyred died himself shortly afterward. His replacement, a man named Solon, was afraid for his safety because there was such uproar over the killing of St. Cyprian and there were plots on his life. Therefore, he arrested eight innocent Christians, mostly clergy, to send a message of fear to others among the faithful.
These innocent Christians were thrown into a dark, filthy dungeon. There were other Christians already down there than the new prisoners knew. They were made to work hard all day and were frequently denied food and water. They supported each other and bonded in friendship and in faith. This went on for several years.
When the prisoners were finally led to their place of execution, there was a large crowd of Christians there to pray for them and support them. The prisoners were given a chance to speak. St. Montanus who was big and strong despite imprisonment, spoke bravely to all the faithful and urged them never to give up their faith in Christ, that a more beautiful life awaits them in heaven. When St. Lucius came forward, he was so weak, he could barely stand and went to his death on the arms of two friends.
As the prisoners were beheaded one by one, the crowd became bolder and more passionate. They asked each martyr to please remember them and bless them from Paradise and they became louder and louder as each man was executed. The observers were devastated at the loss of their brothers but joyful that they would be with God. These saints died in the year 259.
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