- December 3, 2023
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Justin was born a pagan in Samaria in the late first century, and was well-educated in philosophy and related subjects. Justin pursued various schools of philosophy as he grew older, but could not find the fulfillment he sought, though he was encouraged the most by Platonic philosophy. One day, Justin encountered an old man by the seaside, and the stranger introduced Justin to Jesus Christ and His prophets. Justin never saw the old man again, but zealously studied the Christian faith, and soon converted. He continued to wear the garb of a philosopher, and used his knowledge of pagan philosophy to help argue for the truth of Christianity. Eventually he began his own school in Rome to instruct fellow Christians and defend the faith. After a public debate with a vindictive pagan philosopher around the year 165, Justin was denounced to the authorities, and since he refused to sacrifice to the idols, he was beheaded. Many of his invaluable writings survive to this day. Justin Martyr is celebrated on June 1st in the East and in the modern calendar.
THE feast of St. Justin, martyr, who is mentioned on the 13th of this month.
At Rome, on the Appian way, the birthday of the holy martyrs Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, who suffered in the time of the emperor Alexander and the prefect Almachius. The first two being converted to Christ by the exhortations of blessed Cecilia, and baptized by pope St. Urban, were beaten with rods, and decapitated for the true faith. But Maximus, chamberlain of the prefect, moved by their constancy, and encouraged by the vision of an angel, believed in Christ, and was scourged with leaded whips until he expired.
At Teramo, St. Proculus, bishop and martyr.
Also, St. Domnina, virgin and martyr, crowned with other virgins, her companions.
At Alexandria, St. Thomaides, martyr.
The same day, St. Ardalion, an actor. One day, in the theatre, while mocking the holy rites of the Christian religion, he was suddenly converted, and bore testimony to it, not only by his words, but also with his blood.
At Lyons, St. Lambert, bishop and confessor.
At Alexandria, St. Fronto, an abbot, whose life was adorned with sanctity and miracles.
At Rome, St. Abundius, resident sacristan of the church of St. Peter.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.
