ON THE HOLY ITALIAN MARTYRS DONATUS, HERADIUS OR HERACLIUS, VINCENT, SUSANNA, ORBANA, AND DONATA.
CommentaryDonatus, Martyr in Italy (Saint) Heradius, or Heraclius, Martyr in Italy (Saint) Vincent, Martyr in Italy (Saint) Susanna, Martyr in Italy (Saint) Orbana, Martyr in Italy (Saint) Donata, Martyr in Italy (Saint)
I. B.
[1] These we have found nowhere listed all together except in the ancient Roman, or Saint Jerome's, Martyrology, where they are thus listed: "And in Italy, These suffered in Italy, Donatus, Heradius, Vincent, Susanna, Orbana, Donata." The manuscript Martyrology of the monastery of Saint Maximin at Trier: "Likewise in Italy, Susanna." A smaller Martyrology from the same monastery: "The passion of Damian, Modestus, Susanna, Eulalia." Many Susannas are mentioned in the sacred Fasti; the most celebrated is the one venerated on August 11, a Roman Virgin. The Hebrew Susanna, whose innocence was defended by the Prophet Daniel at Babylon, is listed on this very day in the German Martyrology of Canisius, and elsewhere by others. The one here called Orbana is perhaps Urbana.
[2] Donatus and Heraclius are mentioned in the additions to Usuard by Hermann Greeven, but placed in Africa Or perhaps some suffered in Africa with other companions. He reads thus: "In Africa, of Damian the soldier and Martyr. Likewise in the same place, Julian, Donatus, Heraclius, Zoticus." It is difficult, when only the bare names of Martyrs are reported, or when the place of martyrdom is ascribed to one but not to all, for everything not to be confused and disordered through the carelessness of copyists.