Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs

Saint Blandina was born around 162, though the place of her birth is unknown. She lived as a Christian slave in Lugdunum, modern Lyon, France, and was arrested during the fierce persecution that struck the Church there under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Frail in body, she seemed an unlikely witness, and her fellow believers feared she would break under torture. Yet again and again, through interrogations and brutal punishments, she answered with calm courage: “I am a Christian, and we commit no wrongdoing.” Blandina was brought into the amphitheater during public games and endured humiliations meant to crush her faith. Bound to a stake like one crucified, she prayed with steadfast love for her companions and even for her captors. Her constancy strengthened the young martyr Ponticus and heartened the whole suffering Church. After days of torment, she was finally killed, sealing her testimony with blood. Venerated as a Christian martyr and model of endurance in Christ, Saint Blandina is remembered on June 2.

Saint Guido of Acqui, also known as Wido, was born around 1004 in Melazzo near Acqui in north-west Italy, into the noble family of the Counts of Acquesana. Orphaned while still young, he pursued his studies in Bologna, where his learning and faith prepared him for a life of service to the Church. In March 1034 he was elected Bishop of Acqui, and he shepherded his people until his death. Guido’s episcopate was marked by steady reform and pastoral zeal. He worked to renew the liturgy and to strengthen the spiritual and moral life of clergy and faithful alike. With notable generosity, he gave from his own wealth to relieve the financial pressures that had fostered corruption and to support new works of charity and renewal. He encouraged the education of young women and founded the nunnery of Santa Maria De Campis. Under his guidance, Acqui Cathedral was built, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and consecrated in 1067. Guido died on June 2, 1070, and is venerated as patron of Acqui Terme. His feast day is June 2.

Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim was born around 1075 in Steiri, in Boeotia, Greece. As a young shepherd he embraced a solitary, contemplative life, and his heart became fixed on a single prayer: “Kyrie eleison”—“Lord, have mercy.” This constant cry, springing from a soul hungry for God, was often misunderstood. In towns he met ridicule and harsh treatment, and even his own mother, fearing he was afflicted, brought him to the monastery of Hosios Loukas. There too his strange, relentless prayer seemed like madness, and he was sent away. Yet Nicholas continued in simplicity and trust, bearing humiliation with patience. At nineteen he set out as a pilgrim to Rome, traveling by sea from Naupaktos to Otranto and through the Greek communities of Apulia. He reached Trani, where he died on June 2, 1094. Soon his holiness was recognized, and Trani built a cathedral in his honor. Venerated in both Catholic and Orthodox tradition—often as a “Fool for Christ”—he is the patron saint of Trani. His feast day is June 2.