Acta Sanctorum

Clerus (Lucerius)

7 January · commentary
Latin source: Heiligenlexikon
St. Clerus (also called Lucerius), Deacon and Martyr at Antioch, was tortured seven times, endured long imprisonment, and was finally beheaded. He is recorded in the Roman Martyrology and numerous other calendars under variant name forms.

ON ST. CLERUS, DEACON AND MARTYR

Commentary

Clerus, Deacon and Martyr at Antioch (St.)

From various sources.

The Roman Martyrology: "At Antioch, St. Clericus the Deacon, who, tortured seven times for the glory of the confession, and worn out by long imprisonment, at last consummated his martyrdom by decapitation." Usuard, Ado, Notker, Peter de Natalibus, Bellinus, Maurolycus, the German Martyrology, and Galesinius in other words have the same. Bede and the old Roman Martyrology published by our Rosweydus mention him. The MS. of the Society of Jesus at Antwerp, bearing the name of Bede, calls him Bilicerius; the MSS. of Rhinow and St. Riquier call him Licerius; several MS. codices call him Lycerius; the MS. of St. Lambert of Liege and the MS. of St. Jerome call him Lucerius. You have another Clerus the Deacon on January 14, who is said to have been not beheaded but drowned in the sea. In the MS. Martyrology of St. Jerome, again on January 15: "At Antioch, of Lucerius the Deacon."