ey too availed nothing, he proceeded to have them put into execution.
The brave confessor of the Faith was tortured in every conceivable
manner. Finally he was nailed to a tree, and then beheaded. The priest
Hermolaus and the brothers Hermippos and Hermocrates suffered death with
him, in the year 308.

LESSON

HAPPY are they who, whatever may be their station or calling in life,
are intent on bringing those with whom they come into contact under the
influence of religion. But, alas, too many do just the reverse. They
permit themselves to be led astray by bad example, and set aside the
claims of the Church as too severe and exacting. How do you act in this
regard? Do you shun the company of the wicked? A proverb says: "Tell me
in whose company you are found, and I will tell you who you are." Bad
company insensibly undermines faith and morals, overcomes the fear of
evil and the aversion to it and weakens the will. "He that loveth danger
shall perish in it" (_Ecclus_. iii. 27).

As soon as St. Pantaleon came to a sense of his apostasy, he repented
and returned to the practice of the Faith. He did this despite the
knowledge that he thereby incurred hatred and persecution. The true
Christian will ever follow the dictates of conscience and please God,
whether he thereby incur the displeasure of men or not. If, to please
men, we become remiss in the service of God, we show that we fear and
love Him less than men. What a lamentable folly! Of whom have we to
expect greater benefits or to fear greater evils--from God or man? Do
not act thus unwisely; rather imitate St. Pantaleon, and live for God
and His service.

_Prayer of the church_

ALMIGHTY God, grant us through the intercession of Thy blessed martyr
Pantaleon to be delivered and preserved from all ills of the body, and
from evil thoughts and influences in spirit. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

[Illustration: Our Lord in the Lap of His Blessed Mother]

V

St Vitus, Martyr

LEGEND

ST. VITUS belonged to a noble pagan family of Sicily, and was born about
the year 291, at Mazurra. His father, Hylas, placed him in early
childhood in charge of a Christian couple named Modestus and Crescentia,
who raised him in the Christian faith, and had him baptized. He grew in
years and in virtue, till, at the age of twelve, he was claimed by his
father, who, to his great anger, found him a fervent Christian.
Convinced, after many unsuccessful attempts, that stripes and oth