Saturninus of Gaul

Holy Martyr Saturninus of Gaul was sent to Gaul, in the first century, by Pope Clement of Rome, together with St Dionysius the Areopagite and other companions, to preach the Gospel in the western lands. He is commemorated in the group of the Holy Hieromartyr Lucian, a bishop, the priest Maximian, the deacon Julian and Marcellinus.

Lucian lived in Rome and in paganism bore the name Lucius. Enlightened by the Apostle Peter, he was baptized; after the death of the apostle he preached the Gospel in Italy. St Dionysius the Areopagite, a disciple of the Apostle Paul, came to Rome, and at the request of Pope Clement he agreed to go to preach in the western lands and chose companions. Pope Clement ordained Lucian bishop and sent him, with Marcellinus and Saturninus, with the priest Maximian and the deacon Julian, together with Dionysius. From Italy they sailed to Gaul. Marcellinus went to Spain, Saturninus to Gaul, Dionysius with the others to the region of Paris, and from there Lucian, with Maximian and Julian, to Belgium.

Lucian's preaching had great success; with a word full of grace and the example of his life he brought a great number of pagans to Christianity. He was a strict ascetic: in a day he ate only a piece of bread and a little water, he was gentle, always cheerful and bright of face. Soon almost the whole of Belgium turned to Christ. At that time the emperor Domitian (81-96) began the second persecution, after that of Nero, commanding that those who refused to sacrifice to the gods be tormented and put to death. The Lord revealed to Lucian the struggle that awaited him. He gathered his flock, urged it not to fear threats, torments and death, and then thanked God. After prayer he withdrew with Maximian and Julian to a mountain, where he went on teaching those who accompanied him. There the emperor's soldiers overtook them and brought them to trial. Maximian and Julian were asked to renounce and sacrifice to the idols, but they firmly refused and were beheaded. The judge accused Lucian of sorcery and disobedience to the emperor and senate; he answered that he was no sorcerer, but a servant of the true God, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was subjected to scourging, but only repeated that he would not cease to praise Christ with heart, faith and lips, and was beheaded. Over the body a heavenly light shone and the voice of the Saviour was heard, calling the brave martyr to the heavenly Kingdom. By the power of God the saint rose, took up his severed head, crossed a river and, arriving at the place chosen for burial, lay down and fell asleep in peace. Seeing this great wonder, about five hundred pagans turned to Christ. Later a church was raised over Lucian's tomb, to which the remains of Sts Maximian and Julian were also moved.

Of Saturninus the page says no more than that he was sent to Gaul. He is commemorated on 16 June, in the new style.