ON SAINTS NOBILIS OR NUBILIS, MARTIA, HERMEMPHUS, FORTUNATUS, IOCUNDUS, AFRICAN MARTYRS.
CommentaryNobilis or Nubilis, Martyr in Africa (St.)
Martia, Martyr in Africa (St.)
Hermemphus, Martyr in Africa (St.)
Fortunatus, Martyr in Africa (St.)
Iocundus, Martyr in Africa (St.)
G. H.
The first two Martyrs of this class are inscribed in the ancient MS Martyrologies of the monasteries of Rheinau in Switzerland, and of Reichenau or Augia-dives near Constance in Swabia, in both in these words: "In Africa, of Nobilis, Martia," which in the other MS is written "Matia." But without place added, Fortunatus is indicated in the MSS of Aachen, Augsburg, and Labbé; likewise in Greven in the Auctuary of Usuard. The same with a fourth companion are referred in the Martyrology of Saint Jerome: "In Africa, of Nobilis, Marca, Hermemphus, Fortunatus." The first of these is also called Nubilis, and Marca, Marcia and Maria: Hermemphus is called Memphus: to whom is added in the Corbie transcript published at Paris, Iocundus. Which name is often found added at the end in the said codex: and with such a warning it is placed here in the title. For on 8 March Saint Iocundus also Martyr in Africa from the said Corbie transcript is added to 11 other Martyrs there named by name. As on 18 March Saint Iocundus Martyr in Mauretania is celebrated with Saints Curentus, Timothy and Salda. Again on 14 March Saint Iocundus Martyr at Nicomedia from the same Corbie MS is referred with Saints Felicissimus, Dativus, and Frontinus. Moreover from various Martyrologies Saint Iocundus Martyr is celebrated on 5 January, with 13 others there designated; and on 7 March with Saints Saturninus, Artaxius, and Quintus. Likewise Saints Fortunatus and Iocundus, Martyrs in Africa, are mentioned on 9 January, but have other fifteen Martyrs joined to them and distinguished by their own names. Moreover there is Saint Fortunatus Martyr in Africa referred on 17, 19, and 27 January, and 21 March, but everywhere others besides these are joined as companions. Nobilis or Nubilis, Martia, Hermemphus or Memphus in Africa, or even elsewhere as Martyrs, have not, as far as we recall, been referred hitherto.