MEMORIAL – JUNE 30
The first disciples of the apostles faced extreme persecution in Rome, especially after the year 64 AD with the persecution of the Roman Emperor Nero who blamed the Christians for burning down most of Rome. As a result, Christians were executed in a variety of ways in the Roman Circus. These include crucifixion, being fed to animals, or being lit on fire as torches for the event. Even before Sts. Peter and Paul, who would follow in their footsteps, these martyrs were known as ‘protomartyrs,’ witnessing to Christ’s declaration ‘There is no greater love than this; to lay down one’s life for a friend.’
