Silanus of Gaul

Holy Martyr Silanus of Gaul was sent to preach the Gospel in southern Gaul and suffered, with Frontasius, Severinus and Severian, in the time of Emperor Claudius (41-54).

The four confessors were sent by Bishop Fronto of Perigueux to proclaim the Word of God. The pagan governor Squiridon seized them and demanded that they renounce Christ, but they said their only wish was to live or die for Him. Enraged, he ordered them led out of the city, bound to posts, and nails driven into their heads like a crown of thorns, then their heads cut off. According to tradition the martyrs rose, took their heads in their hands and walked to the church of the Mother of God where the bishop who had sent them was praying, and there, laying their heads at his feet, they departed to the Lord.

The saint is commemorated on 17 June, in the new style.