Wednesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Getulius was born at Gabii in the region of Sabina, near Rome, and died around AD 120. Tradition remembers him as a Roman army officer who, upon embracing the Christian faith, resigned his commission and withdrew to his estates near Tivoli to live in peace and prayer. When authorities moved against him, the imperial legate Caerealis was sent to arrest him but was converted by Getulius’ witness; another officer, Primitivus, was likewise won to Christ, and Getulius’ brother Amantius joined them in steadfast faith. According to the ancient account of his martyrdom, the four were bound to a stake and set on fire, yet the flames did not harm them. They were then beaten with clubs and finally beheaded, offering their lives as a testimony to the Lord they had come to love above all. Getulius is also honored as the husband of Saint Symphorosa and is associated with the martyrdom of their seven sons. He is venerated as patron of Gambolò. His feast day is June 10.

Saint Maximus of Aveia was born in Aveia, a town now known as Fossa in central Italy. In the early centuries of the Church, he served Christ as a deacon, giving witness through humble ministry and steadfast faith. During the fierce persecutions under the Roman Emperor Decius, around the year 250, Maximus was arrested for his Christian confession. Tradition holds that he endured torture and was finally put to death by being thrown from a cliff near his native city, sealing his testimony with martyrdom. Through the centuries the people of the region continued to honor him as a courageous servant of the Gospel, and his memory became closely tied to the life of the local Church. When the episcopal seat was transferred from Aveia to L’Aquila in 1256, his relics were brought with it, and the new cathedral was dedicated in his name together with Saint George, another martyr. Saint Maximus is venerated as a patron of L’Aquila and Penne. His feast day is celebrated on June 10.

Saint Olivia of Palermo was born in Palermo, Sicily, traditionally around the year 448, in the Loggia district, to a noble family. From her youth she chose Christ over comfort, giving generously to the poor and strengthening believers in times of persecution. According to ancient local tradition, when Sicily fell under foreign rule and Christians suffered, Olivia—still a girl—visited prisoners and urged them to remain faithful. Because of her noble birth she was not immediately killed, but was sent across the sea to Tunis, where authorities hoped to break her spirit. In Tunis, Olivia’s steadfast witness became a quiet mission: she was said to work miracles, heal the sick, and lead many to baptism. Even when driven into isolation among wild animals, she remained unharmed and at peace, a sign of God’s protection. Arrested again, she endured severe tortures without renouncing Christ and was finally beheaded, completing her martyrdom on June 10. Beloved for centuries as a local patroness, she is especially honored in Pettineo and Raffadali. Her feast day is June 10.