Saint Quentin

Saint Quentin, also called Quentin of Amiens, was born in Rome, traditionally the son of Zeno, a man of senatorial rank. Burning with apostolic zeal, he left his homeland to evangelize Gaul alongside Lucian and other companions, and he made his home in Amiens. There his preaching drew many to Christ, and the Lord confirmed his witness with miracles. Quentin’s bold proclamation of the Gospel soon provoked opposition. Arrested by the prefect Rictiovarus, he was chained and tortured again and again, yet he would not deny the faith he loved. As he was being taken toward Reims for judgment, his persecutor halted at Augusta Veromanduorum—now the town that bears Quentin’s name—and there ordered further torments. At last Quentin was beheaded around the year 287, and his body was cast into the marshes near the Somme. His relics were later found through miraculous guidance, and devotion to him spread widely in northern France. He is honored as patron of Alliste, Gossolengo, and Montechiarugolo. His feast day is October 31.