Memorial of Saints (December 11)

St. Damasus I succeeded Pope Liberius to the papacy. His papal administration lasted eighteen years and two months. Damasus approved the Vulgate (Latin translation of the Bible) written by St. Jerome, and promoted the cult of the martyrs. He is remembered for his modesty, despite his being a very learned man. He is known also for his compassion for the poor, the innocence of his manners, and his holiness. His remains are buried in a small church built on the Ardeatina Way in Rome (died ca. 384 A.D.).

St. Daniel the Stylite was from Syria. He became a monk and soon followed the example of St. Simeon Stylites the Elder. He lived on a "stylos" or "pillar" in Constantinople, where he performed his priestly duties such as celebrating the Mass, preaching sermons, dispensing spiritual advice, and caring for the sick. Renowned for his sanctity and spiritual insights, Daniel lived on a pillar for the last 33 years of his life and was buried in an oratory at the foot of the pillar (died ca. 493 A.D.).

St. Barsabas is known in Christian tradition as an abbot of Persia. He was arrested with twelve of his monks during the persecution of Christians under the reign of King Sapor II. They were all tortured and then beheaded. A passing Mazdean was inspired by the fortitude and patience which these monks displayed under torture. This Mazdean was converted, believed in Christ, and was eventually executed with Barsabas and his monks (died ca. 4th century A.D.).

Sts. Fuscian, Victoricus and Gentian were martyrs. Tradition tells their story. Fuscian and Victoricus were Romans sent to evangelize the Morini in Gaul. Both missionaries were moderately successful. When the two decided to visit St. Quintinus, they learned from an old man named Gentian that Quintinus had been martyred. When the governor heard of the presence of Fuscian and Victoricus in his domain, he had them arrested. Gentian was also arrested, but when he resisted the arrest of the soldiers, they beheaded Gentian on the spot. Fuscian and Victoricus were taken to Amiens, tortured and then beheaded at Saint-aux-Bois (date of death unknown).