Quadratus of Utica

Saint Quadratus, hieromartyr, was bishop of Utica in North Africa (today in Tunisia) and was killed on 21 August 258 or 259, together with all his flock. He is commemorated on 21 August.

According to the Roman Martyrology, at Utica the bishop and martyr Quadratus was killed, who confessed faith in Christ together with all his people, clergy and laity. He was put to death four days after the killing of a community whose members are known as martyrs.

Very little is known of his life. Blessed Augustine preached several sermons in honour of the saint. His veneration was widespread in Africa, as the calendar of Carthage shows. The name Quadratus also appears in the martyrology of Jerome under 26 May, also concerning Africa, but it is thought that another person is probably meant there.

He lived before the separation of the Churches, and so he is venerated as a saint of the undivided Church.