23 February
(In leap-year, the Vigil of St. Matthias is not announced today, because it is transferred to the 24th.)
THE vigil of the apostle St. Matthias.—At Faenza, St. Peter Damian, Cardinal bishop of Ostia, and Doctor of the Church, celebrated for learning and sanctity.—At Sirmium, St. Sirenus, monk and martyr. By order of the emperor Maximian, he was arrested and beheaded, for confessing that he was a Christian.—In the same place, the birthday of seventy-two holy martyrs, who ended the combat of martyrdom in that city, and took possession of the everlasting kingdom.—At Rome, St. Polycarp, priest, who with blessed Sebastian converted many to the faith of Christ, and by his exhortations led them to the glory of martyrdom.—In the city of Astorga, St. Martha, virgin and martyr, under the emperor Decius, and the proconsul Paternus.—At Constantinople, St. Lazarus, a monk whom the Iconoclast emperor Theophilus ordered to be put to the torture for having painted holy images. His hand was burned with a hot iron, but being healed by the power of God, he painted anew the holy pictures that had been defaced, and finally rested in peace.—At Brescia, St. Felix, bishop.—At Seville, in Spain, St. Florentius, confessor.—At Todi, St. Romana, virgin, who was baptized by pope St. Sylvester. She led a heavenly life in caves and dens, and wrought glorious miracles.—In England, St. Milburga, virgin, daughter of the king of Mercia.
And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors and holy virgins.
Thanks be to God.