Sts. Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum, Martyrs

Marius, a Persian nobleman, his wife Martha, and his sons Audifax and Abachum came to believe in Christ and became Christians. In imitation of the early Christians of Jerusalem, they gladly gave away their fortune to the poor.

Then the family traveled to Rome to venerate the tombs of the Apostles and lend their aid to the persecuted Christians. Among other things, they gathered the ashes of the Martyrs and buried them with respect.

In time, the Saints were arrested and tortured. Marius and his sons were beheaded and Martha was drowned thirteen miles from Rome in a place known as Santa Ninfa. The Roman Martyrology says this happened about the 4th century. Theses Saints are mentioned in all the western martyrologies.

PRAYER: Lord, we devoutly recall the sufferings of Sts. Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum. Give success to our joyful prayers and grant us also constancy in our Faith. Amen.