ON SS. THEODOTUS THE MARTYR, AND DONATUS, BISHOP OF LIBYA.
Their cult, from the printed Menaea.
Theodotus, Martyr of Libya (S.)
Donatus, Bishop of Libya (S.)
J. P.
This pair of Saints the Greek Menaea published in print exhibit to us in these words: "On the same day (IV July), the feast of the holy Martyr Theodotus and Donatus, bishop of Libya." Whom I also read in Maximus, bishop of Cythera. In both places is added Maria, Mother of St. Symeon the Stylite. Concerning her it is treated among the Passed-over of the V of this month under the name of Martha, not Mary. Moreover in the life of the same St. Martha the widow, mother of St. Symeon the Stylite the Younger, on the XXIV of May in the preliminary Commentary, it is said that the name of Mary crept in here wrongly for Martha. Read what is there said. Our Saints are also read inscribed on this same day, in the Menaea of the Ambrosian library, to which is ascribed that they were bishops of Libya and Martyrs. It is difficult to determine whether some confusion has not been introduced between these our Martyrs and others of the same name, accustomed to be celebrated on other days; and indeed experience has taught that this has not rarely happened. But since no sufficient reason certainly enough persuades it, it seemed good not to pass them over here, but to leave them in the possession which they have hitherto enjoyed.