nd converted great numbers of heathens. At length he came to
Italy, where Emperor Maximin persecuted the Christians as fiercely as
did Diocletian in the East. As soon as Maximin heard of Erasmus and the
conversions effected by his preaching and miracles, he ordered the
slaughter of three hundred of the converts. Erasmus himself was most
cruelly tortured, but to no purpose. He remained firm. Then cast into
prison, he was again liberated by an angel.

At last the hour of deliverance came to this valiant and apostolic
confessor and martyr of Christ. He heard a heavenly voice, saying:
"Erasmus, come now to the heavenly city and rest in the place which God
has prepared for thee with the holy martyrs and prophets. Enjoy now the
fruit of thy labor. By thee I was honored in heaven and on earth."
Erasmus, looking toward heaven, saw a splendid crown, and the apostles
and prophets welcoming him. He bowed his head, saying: "Receive, O Lord,
the soul of thy servant!" and peacefully breathed forth his spirit on
June 2, 308.

LESSON

THE tortures which St. Erasmus suffered for the Faith seem almost
incredible, and the events related of him are truly wonderful. Martyrdom
and miracles illustrated the doctrine he preached; he converted
multitudes and gained the crown of heaven.

Perhaps you say that in our times there are no longer any martyrs, at
least not in civilized countries. Are you quite sure of it? St.
Augustine writes: "Peace also has its martyrs." It is certainly not easy
to suffer torments like the martyrs and to receive finally the
death-dealing blow of the sword. But is it not also a martyrdom to suffer
for years the pains of a lingering illness? Again, how difficult the
combat with the world, the flesh, and the powers of hell! How carefully
must we watch and pray to gain the victory! This is our martyrdom. Let us
imitate the example of the holy martyrs in bearing the trials and
sufferings of life, and we shall receive, as they did, the crown of
heaven.

_Prayer of the Church_

O GOD, who dost give us joy through the memory of Thy holy martyrs,
graciously grant that we may be inflamed by their example, in whose
merits we rejoice. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

IV

St. Pantaleon, Physician and Martyr

LEGEND

ST. PANTALEON was physician to Emperor Maximin and a Christian, but he
fell through a temptation which is sometimes more dangerous than the
most severe trials by the fiercest torments. This temptation