Ss. Marcellus and Valerian, Martyrs (4 September): Butler's Lives of the Saints

About this sermon

Saints Marcellus and Valerian escaped the terrible persecution of Christians at Lyon and Vienne in 177, only to continue preaching the Gospel throughout the neighboring regions. Their courageous missionary work eventually earned them the crown of martyrdom. Emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius were renowned for wisdom, moderation, and concern for the Roman Empire. Yet the reputation of Marcus Aurelius is darkened by his treatment of Christians. In his Meditations, he dismissed their courageous acceptance of death as mere obstinacy. During his reign, renewed persecution descended upon the Church. Although Marcus Aurelius reportedly ordered peace for Christians following his victory over the Quadi and Marcomanni, he failed to restrain hostile governors and violent crowds who continued using earlier anti-Christian laws against the faithful. The horrific massacre of the Christians at Lyon and Vienne occurred in 177. Saints Marcellus and Valerian escaped the immediate storm and carried the Gospel into the surrounding territories. Marcellus was captured near Chalon-sur-Saône. After enduring numerous torments, he was buried alive up to his waist. He remained in that agonizing position until his death on September 4, 179. Valerian was arrested near Tournus, a town situated on the Saône between Mâcon and Chalon. After suffering upon the rack and being torn with iron hooks, he was beheaded on September 15. The relics of Saint Marcellus were preserved in the church bearing his name at Chalon. A church was also erected over Saint Valerian’s tomb at Tournus. Both martyrs became honored as apostles of that region. Their story concludes with a powerful lesson from Father Alban Butler: martyrdom is prepared for through the daily practice of virtue. A person cannot expect suddenly to display heroic patience, courage, resignation, and charity during persecution if these virtues have not already taken deep root within the soul. When virtue becomes habitual, sickness, opposition, persecution, and suffering are transformed into occasions for practicing patience, charity, resignation, and goodwill toward those who harm us. Saints Marcellus and Valerian, obtain for us the deeply rooted virtues necessary to remain faithful during every trial. 00:00 Saints Marcellus and Valerian 00:09 Two martyrs of the early Church 00:18 Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius 00:32 The character of Marcus Aurelius 00:41 The shadow upon his reputation 00:50 Marcus Aurelius condemns the Christians 00:59 Renewed persecution of the Church 01:05 Victory over the Quadi and Marcomanni 01:13 Persecution continues despite the peace 01:22 The martyrs of Lyon and Vienne 01:29 Marcellus and Valerian preach the Gospel 01:38 Marcellus is captured near Chalon 01:45 Buried alive for the Catholic faith 01:53 The capture of Saint Valerian 02:02 Tortured and beheaded at Tournus 02:09 The relics of Saint Marcellus 02:19 The church over Valerian’s tomb 02:26 Apostles of the surrounding country 02:33 The Abbey of Saint Valerian 02:40 Monks expelled from Noirmoutier 02:48 The relics of Saint Philibert 02:56 The Huguenots plunder the church 03:04 The survival of Valerian’s relics 03:19 A lifetime of preparation for martyrdom 03:35 Virtue must be deeply rooted 03:52 Transforming trials into opportunities 04:06 Patience and charity toward persecutors https://sensusfidelium.com/the-lives-of-the-fathers-martyrs-and-other-principal-saints/september/ss-marcellus-and-valerian/ Get Butler's Lives of the Saints here: https://loretopublications.idevaffiliate.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=102&url=1 #LivesOfTheSaints #Catholic #SaintMarcellus #SaintValerian #CatholicSaints #ChristianMartyrs #MarcusAurelius #Faith #ButlersLivesOfTheSaints #CatholicHistory #MartyrsOfTheChurch 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Suffering & Trials