ON SS. MARCIAN AND SISINNIUS AND AMASUS AND PRIMUS AND MATERNUS: BISHOP AND MARTYRS,
From the Hieronymian transcripts.
CommentaryMarcian, bishop, M. (S.)
Sisinnius, M. (S.)
Amausus, M. (S.)
Primus, M. (S.)
Maternus, M. (S.)
J. P.
The manner of announcing these saints is different in the sacred Fasti. For the Martyrology published by Florentinius has it thus: At Bellausia Prima, the birthday of St. Marcian the bishop. And elsewhere the birthday of the saints Sisinnius and Amauxus. Grevenus changes the place, and joins all three together, recording these words: At Bethsaida prima, the birthday of the saints Marcialis the bishop, Sisinnius and Amausus. The Corbie Martyrology, in Florentinius's notes, does not name the place, saying thus: And elsewhere the birthday of SS. Martianus the bishop, Sisinnius, Amauis — corruptly, as I suspect, for Amausus. What Bellausia prima may mean I do not for my part understand; and it is the same with Bethsaida prima in Grevenus. The most ancient Antwerp copy says, in the notes just cited: At Carthage, of Primus, Maternus, and elsewhere of Sisinnius, Amausus. What then, if above the adjective prima stood for the proper name of Primus, and Marcianus was thrust in for Maternus, amid so great a corruption of the Hieronymian transcripts? But that In Carthagine ought to be read for Bellausia and Bethsaida seems less likely. Florentinius in his notes does not explain the matter, but rather entangles it further: for writing in the text of the Martyrology published by him, instead of Bellausia Prima, as we have already read above, he sets Bettausia Prima, which we do not read in that place, and he adds: Our books exhibit an unknown Bettausia. It is uncertain to me whether it be the name of a martyr or of a place. But whatever be the case concerning Maternus and Primus, I have nevertheless expressed their names in the title above, because they are clearly noted in the said Antwerp copy.