Today is the Feast Day of St. Victor Maurus
(d. 303 A.D.)
St. Victor Maurus, also known as Victor the Moor and Victor of Milan, was born in Mauretania (North Africa) in a Christian household. He later relocated to Milan, Italy, as a soldier of the Praetorian Guard that served Roman Emperor Maximian during his persecution of Christians. Although Victor was a Christian since childhood, this fact was not widely known until he destroyed an altar to a pagan god. The Emperor, infuriated, had Victor imprisoned and starved for six days. The Emperor then gave him every chance to recant his faith, including offering him riches, but Victor refused each attempt. He was then tortured mercilessly, unless he would offer sacrifice to the gods; he was stretched on the rack and basted in molten lead poured over his body. He remained steadfast and boldly proclaimed his faith in Christ. On May 8th in the year 303 A.D., St. Victor was beheaded and died a Christian martyr.
A church was later erected over Victor’s grave and Saint Gregory of Tours wrote of miracles that occurred at the site. His relics were later moved to a church dedicated to him in Milan, Italy.
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
– Tertullian
St. Victor Maurus, pray for us.
Be not afraid! And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always. Holy Family pray for us. Amen.
