On June 2nd the Church honors the memorial of fourth-century Saints Marcellinus and Peter. Martyrs for their faith during the early Roman Empire rule of Diocletian, Peter an exorcist and Marcellinus a beloved priest were thrown in prison for the converting pagans to Christianity.
While in prison legend tells us that the warden’s daughter, who was possessed, was freed of the demon by Peter. Soon after Marcellinus baptized the warden (Artemius) and his entire family.
When the Roman emperor heard of it, he had both secretly taken out into the woods, made to dig their own graves, and then beheaded.
The later part of the story is known, because their executioner converted and told Pope St. Damasus I of the men.
mentioned in the Roman Canon- Eucharistic Prayer 1 – Saints Marcellinus and Peter are called upon for their intercession by the whole Church.
Saints Marcellinus and Peter, pray for us.
