The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Soul’s Day)

Saint Justus of Trieste was born in the city of Trieste in Italy, and lived as a Christian known among his neighbors for works of mercy and generous charity. In the year 293, during the Roman persecutions, fellow citizens accused him of being a Christian. Brought to trial under Roman law, Justus was commanded to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. He refused, choosing fidelity to Christ over safety, and was condemned for sacrilege. His sentence was death by drowning: according to local tradition he was cast from a small boat into the Gulf of Trieste near the promontory of Sant’Andrea, weighed down so his body would not be recovered. That night, a presbyter named Sebastian was warned in a dream that the martyr’s body had been washed ashore despite the weights. The faithful found him at Riva Grumula and buried him near the sea. In time, devotion to Justus shaped the life of the local Church, and Trieste’s cathedral came to bear his name. He is honored as patron of Trieste, as well as Gruaro, Labin, and Paglieta. His feast day is November 2.