SAINT MARCELLUS THE CENTURION
Martyr
(3rd century)
In the year 298, Emperor Maximian Herculeus' birthday was celebrated with extraordinary feasting and solemnity. Marcellus, a Christian centurion or captain in the legion of Trajan, then posted in Spain, left his company rather than partake in the pagan rituals. Identifying with Jesus Christ, Marcellus nobly declared his faith, and was afterward imprisoned.
When the festival was over, Marcellus was brought before a judge, who remanded him to officials known to give light sentences. However, Marcellus was taken instead to Aurelian Agricolaus, vicar to the prefect of the prætorium. Once Marcellus confessed his allegiance to Jesus Christ as true God and King of Kings, Aurelian passed the sentence of death. St. Marcellus was forthwith led to execution, and beheaded on October 30.
Cassian, the secretary or notary of the court, refused to write the sentence pronounced against the martyr, because it was unjust. He was immediately hurried to prison, and was beheaded, about a month after, on December 3.