Saint Maurice

Saint Maurice was born around AD 250 in Thebes of Upper Egypt, and grew to manhood as a Christian in a world often hostile to the Gospel. Entering the Roman army, he rose through the ranks until he became commander of the Theban Legion, a unit remembered as being composed of Christian soldiers. Sent from Egypt to Gaul under Emperor Maximian to suppress unrest, Maurice and his men pledged loyal service to the empire, yet refused to place obedience to Caesar above obedience to God. When ordered to offer sacrifice to pagan gods—and, in some accounts, to persecute or kill fellow Christians—they would not comply. For this steadfast witness, the legion was subjected to repeated decimation, and at last Maurice and his companions were executed at Agaunum, in present-day Switzerland, where the Abbey of Saint-Maurice later became a center of devotion. Venerated as a model of courageous faith under authority, Saint Maurice is honored as patron of soldiers and infantrymen and of many towns and churches. His feast day is September 22.