ON SS. RUFINUS AND MARTIA
MARTYRS AT SYRACUSE IN SICILY.
From the Hieronymian and various Martyrologies.
CommentaryRufinus, Martyr, at Syracuse in Sicily (S.)
Marcia, Martyr, at Syracuse in Sicily (S.)
G. H.
This pair of Martyrs in the second place in the ancient copies of the Hieronymian Martyrology is placed in these words: In Sicily of Rufinus and Martia; which is also written Marcia. About the same with Usuard and Ado these things are read in the first place: In Sicily the city of Syracuse, the natalis of the holy Martyrs Rufinus and Martia. With similar things are had in the principal Mss. Martyrologies, as also with Notker, Bellinus, and other more recent ones with the present Roman Martyrology. Wandelbert also refers to these alone on this day in such a verse:
The Martyr Rufinus and Martia prevail on the eleventh.
Cajetan also alleges the Gallican Breviary, the Tables of the Syracusan Church, and old manuscript codices, and grieves that the Acts of their passion are wanting. The Ms. Florarium makes both female. In Sicily the city of Syracuse, the natalis of the Holy Martyrs Rufina and Martia.