Speratus

Saint Speratus is one of the Martyrs of Scilli, put to death around 180 at Carthage. He was the spokesman of the group before the proconsul: he said that he and his companions had lived quietly and honestly, paid their taxes and done no wrong to anyone. Called to swear by the name of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, he answered: "I recognize not the empire of this world; but rather do I serve that God whom no man hath seen, nor with these eyes can see". He was beheaded on 17 July 180, together with the other eleven. According to Agobard of Lyon, the relics of Speratus were brought to Lyon by order of Charlemagne; by another source, his body went from Arles to Lyon, and from there to Rome, to the church of Saints John and Paul.