🕯️ Saint Pothinus, Bishop of Lyons, Saint Blandina, Virgin, and Their Companions, Martyrs
Biography
Saint Pothinus, bishop of Lyon, and Saint Blandina, a virgin, together with their companions, were martyred in the year 177 during the persecution of Marcus Aurelius. Saint Pothinus, advanced in age and great wisdom, shepherded the Church of Lyon with zeal and courage. Saint Blandina, a young slave, stood out for her unwavering faith and supernatural strength, encouraging her companions to remain faithful to Christ. The martyrs of Lyon offered a heroic witness of love for God, enduring atrocious tortures with joy and hope. Their example teaches us that God's grace triumphs over human weakness and that fidelity unto death is the seed of new Christians.
Patronage
Saint Pothinus and Saint Blandina are invoked as protectors of those persecuted for their faith and as models of strength in adversity.
Why we celebrate today
The Church celebrates today Saint Pothinus, Saint Blandina, and their companions, the martyrs, to recall their courageous witness of faith amidst persecution and to encourage the faithful to remain steadfast in Christ.
🙏 Prayer
O God, who crowned Saint Pothinus, Saint Blandina, and their companions with the palm of martyrdom, grant us, through their intercession, strength to profess your faith without fear and fidelity to the end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.