Totnan

Holy Martyr Totnan was an Irish preacher in Franconia, one of the three "apostles of Franconia", with Saint Kilian and Saint Colonatus. He was born in Ireland and was a deacon; he was martyred at Würzburg on 8 July 689.

In 686 he traveled to Rome with Kilian, Colonatus and nine other Christians; they met Pope Conon and went on to Würzburg. There the three stayed, while the others traveled through the region. Duke Gozbert of Würzburg became a Christian, but his wife remained a pagan. Kilian told Gozbert that he was breaking Scripture by being married to his brother's widow, Geilana. She sent soldiers to the square of Würzburg, where the three were preaching, and they were beheaded.

After their death, their relics were revered as a help in illness. In 752 Burchard, the first bishop of Würzburg, moved them to the new cathedral, dedicated to Saint Kilian. Totnan was named patron of the bishopric of Würzburg. He is commemorated on 8 July, by the Western calendar (new style). He is honored as a saint of the undivided Church.