Memorial of Saints (June 25)

on June 25: William of Vercelli, abbot; Febronia, virgin and martyr; Gallicanus; Prosper of Aquitaine; Prosper of Reggio, bishop; Maximus of Turin, bishop; Moloc or Luan, bishop; Adalbert of Egmond; Eurosia, virgin and martyr; Gohard, bishop, and Companions, martyrs

William of Vercelli (1085-1142 A.D.) became a hermit on Monte Virgiliano and attracted so many disciples that he organized them into a community that by 1119 A.D. became known as the Hermits of Monte Vergine. There were conflicts within that community and so he organized other communities. He founded more monasteries at Conza, Guglietto, and Salerno opposite the palace where he became adviser to King Roger I of Naples.

Febronia (d. ca. 304 A.D.) refused a marriage and remained constant in her Christian faith. She was scourged, roasted, had her teeth pulled out and her breasts and limbs cut off, and then was axed to death.

Gallicanus (d. ca. 352 A.D.) became famous for his charity and good works, and was forced into exile by Emperor Julian the Apostate when he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods.

Prosper of Aquitaine (ca. 390-465 A.D.) was probably a layman who may have been married. He wrote poetry and treatises, notably his Chronicle, a universal history from creation to the Vandal capture of Rome in 455 A.D.

Prosper of Reggio (d. ca. 466 A.D.) was bishop of Reggio, Emilia, Italy, who was known for his charities and ruled his see for twenty-two years until his death.

Maximus of Turin (ca. 380-467 A.D.) was born probably at Vercelli, Rhaetia, Italy. He attended the synod of Milan in 451 A.D. and the Council of Rome in 465 A.D. He is mainly remembered for his writings - sermons, homilies and ascetical writings.

Moloc or Luan (d. ca. 572 A.D.) may have been born in Scotland of a noble family, educated at Birr, Ireland, and was trained by St. Brendan the Elder. He returned to Scotland to work as a missionary bishop near Lismore.

Adalbert of Egmond (d. ca. 705 A.D.) accompanied St. Egbert to Ireland and became a deacon at Rathmelsigi Monastery. Miracles were reported at his tomb, which became a center of pilgrimage.

Eurosia (8th century A.D.) may have been a native of Bayonne, France, who was murdered by the Saracens at Jaca in the Pyrenees of Aragon near the French border when she refused to marry a Moorish leader.

Gohard and Companions (d. 843 A.D.) was murdered with a large number of priests, monks, and laypeople while saying Mass in Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Nantes by marauding Normans, who then pillaged and destroyed the entire city.