Martinian of Rome

Holy Martyr Martinian of Rome was, together with Saint Processus, a pagan and a guard in the Mamertine Prison of Rome. They suffered around the year 67.

In that prison state criminals were held, among them Christians. Watching the Christian prisoners and listening to their sermons, Processus and Martinian came little by little to the knowledge of the true faith in the Saviour. When the holy Apostle Peter was imprisoned in the Mamertine Prison, the two believed firmly in Christ, received Holy Baptism from the apostle and let him out of the prison. Learning of it, the prison chief, Paulinus, demanded that Processus and Martinian renounce Christ. But they fearlessly confessed the Christian faith and spat on the golden statue of Jupiter. Paulinus ordered them struck on the mouth, then, seeing their firmness, put them to torments: they were beaten with iron rods, scorched with fire and at last thrown into prison.

A noble and devout woman named Lucina came in to them and consoled and encouraged them. Paulinus was soon struck by the punishment of God: he went blind and died after three days. Paulinus' son went to the head of the city and demanded that the martyrs be killed at once. Processus and Martinian were beheaded with the sword, and the devout Lucina buried their bodies.

They are commemorated on 24 April, in the new style.