(d.304) Saint Marcellinus, a Roman priest, and Saint Peter, an exorcist, were martyred together during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Peter may have delivered a jailer’s daughter from demonic influence, leading to the conversion of their entire household, and Marcellinus baptized them. Marcellinus and Peter were both beheaded. They are mentioned in the oldest Eucharistic prayer still used at Mass, Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon).
Courage and martyrdom are once again themes for today’s saints. These virtues were so important to the early Church that they focused on the hope of things not yet seen, the fulfillment of all desire in obtaining heaven. Where do you find hope (striving for the “not yet”) at this stage of your recovery? How can you share hope (along with your experience and strength) with others?
“For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance” (Romans 8:24).