⛪ Saint of the Day : January 7
⛪ Other Names :
• Lucian of Drepana • Lucian of NicomediΓ« • Lucian of Nicomedia • Lucian the Martyr • Lucian of Samosata • Lucianus
⛪ Memorial :
• 7 January (Western Church) • 15 October (Eastern Church)
ST. LUCIAN was born at Samosata in Syria. Having lost his parents in
his youth, he distributed all his worldly goods, of which he inherited
an abundant share, to the poor, and withdrew to Edessa, to live near a
holy man named Macarius, who imbued his mind with a knowledge of
the Holy Scriptures, and led him to the practice of the Christian
virtues. Having become a priest, his time was divided between the
external duties of his holy state, the performance of works of charity,
and the study of sacred literature. He revised the books of the Old and New Testaments, expunging the errors which had found their way into
the text either through the negligence of copyists or the malice of
heretics, thus preparing the way for St. Jerome, who shortly after was
to give to the world the Latin translation known as "The Vulgate."
Having been denounced as a Christian, Lucian was thrown into prison
and condemned to the torture, which was protracted for twelve whole
days. Some Christian visited him in prison, on the feast of the
Epiphany, and brought bread and wine to him; while bound and
chained down on his back, he consecrated the divine mysteries upon
his own breast, and communicated the faithful who were present. He
finished his glorious career in prison, and died with the words, "I am a
Christian," on his lips.
⛪ Reflection —If we would keep our faith pure, we must study its holy
truths. We cannot detect falsehood till we know and love the truth;
and to us the truth is not an abstraction, but a Person, Jesus Christ, God
and Man.
Source : Lives Of The Saints By Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. Edition