Martyrs Viarius

ON THE HOLY MARTYRS,

VIARIUS, DONATUS, CYPRIANUS, LICINIUS AND PUBLIUS.

Vicarius, Martyr (St.)

Donatus, Martyr (St.)

Cyprianus, Martyr (St.)

Licinius, Martyr (St.)

Publius, Martyr (St.)

G. H.

Among the more illustrious monuments which we found in the most celebrated Archmonastery of the whole Benedictine Order at Cassino, was a certain very ancient Martyrology, inscribed in an old Longobardic character, in which on this day these things alone are read: "On the 4th day before the Ides of April, the Birthday of the holy Martyrs Viarius, Donatus, Cyprianus, Licinius, and St. Publius." The name of Viarius, who is the leader of these Martyrs, we have hitherto found marked in no Martyrologies. The memorial of Licinius Martyr of Como is on the 7th of August, to whom five other companions are joined. We have given from this same Cassinese Martyrology on the 4th of March, Lucinius the Bishop Martyr, with Aristion likewise Bishop and Martyr, but we plainly consider him different from this one. We have given from the same Cassinese Manuscript on the 7th of March, St. Cyprian the Martyr in Africa, on the 10th of March we celebrated another Martyr Cyprian of Corinth with various but other companions. Again in this month on the 12th and 15th day there are Cyprian Martyrs, but joined with other companions: and the same will happen in other months. The name Donatus is given to several Martyrs: of these there were twenty-three in the three preceding months. Another on this day is among the Alexandrian Martyrs, and several are reckoned on other days. Also on various days occur Martyrs called Publii. Concerning this Publius himself, doubt may also be raised, whether he is to be numbered among the others, since toward the end is said, "And of St. Publius," but perhaps the title of Saint is carelessly added. However it may be, we suggest to others, who if they can bring greater light, we shall gladly see the honor of the Saints increased.