Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
Selected Mass Reading
First Reading — Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
But on the next day, meaning to know more diligently for what cause he was accused by the Jews, he loosed him and commanded the priests to come together and all the council: and, bringing forth Paul, he set him before them. And Paul, knowing that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, cried out in the council: Men, brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees: concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry. And some of the Pharisees rising up, strove, saying: We find no evil in this man. What if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel? And when there arose a great dissension, the tribune, fearing lest Paul should be pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him by force from among them and to bring him into the castle. And the night following, the Lord standing by him, said: Be constant: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
Feast Days
Victor of Caesarea Martyr
Saint Victor of Caesarea is remembered by the Church with quiet reverence, even as many details of his earthly life have been lost to time. Honored under the name “of Caesarea,” he stands among the early witnesses whose faith took root in the great centers of the ancient world and whose memory endured in Christian devotion. Though his birthplace, years, and labors are unknown, his name continues to be invoked with trust, especially by the faithful of Feletto, where he is venerated as patron. Each year on May 21, the Church recalls Saint Victor, inviting believers to cherish the communion of saints and to find courage in those who, known or unknown, have borne steadfast witness to Christ.