Tuesday of the Twentieth Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Agapitus was born in Palestrina in Lazio, Italy, and tradition holds that he came from a noble family. While still only sixteen years old, he bore courageous witness to Christ during the persecutions under Emperor Aurelian. Arrested for being a Christian, Agapitus endured harsh questioning and torture under the prefect Antiochus, yet remained steadfast in faith. According to ancient legend, he was led into the local arena and thrown to wild beasts; when the animals would not harm him, he was finally put to death by beheading. His youthful constancy and martyrdom made him a lasting sign of hope for the Church in time of trial. From early centuries he was remembered in the martyrologies, and a basilica was built in his honor near the place of his suffering, later giving rise to a cemetery and enduring local devotion. His relics were eventually enshrined in the cathedral of Palestrina and spread to other regions. Saint Agapitus is honored as patron of Maggiora, Palestrina, and Sant’Agapito. His feast day is August 18.

Flavia Julia Helena was born around AD 246–248, traditionally in Drepanon of Bithynia in Asia Minor, a humble town later renamed Helenopolis in her honor. Of lowly origins, she became the companion and likely wife of Constantius, and in time gave birth to a son who would change history: Constantine. When Constantius set her aside for political advancement, Helena lived quietly for years, devoted to her child. After Constantine was proclaimed emperor, he restored his mother to public life, bringing her to the imperial court and honoring her with the title Augusta. Through Constantine she embraced the Christian faith, and her influence helped strengthen the Church in an age when it was emerging from persecution. In her later years she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and ancient Christian tradition holds that she discovered the True Cross, a memory that has inspired devotion for centuries. Saint Helena is venerated in both East and West, and is honored as patroness of places including Aldein, Amyntaio, Ano Liosia, Benetutti, Birkirkara, Capitana, Casapesenna, Cergnago, Deskati, and Fyli. Her feast day is August 18.