Description

Oil Dedicated to St Mark and Marcellianus

St Mark and Marcellianus were twin brothers of an illustrious family in Rome. Who had converted to the Faith in their youth and were honorably married.

Saint Mark and Marcellian were martyrs of the persecution of Diocletian c. 304. Who buried in the catacombs of Balbina on the Via Ardeatina. The Roman Martyrology 2004 mentions the legend that they were twin brothers. By stating “their shared passion made them brothers”.

However, Saint Sebastian convinced them not to abandon their faith. According to the legend, Zoe had been a mute for six years. However, she made known to Sebastian her desire to convert to the Church. As soon as she had, her speech returned to her. Nicostratus then brought the rest of the prisoners. These were sixteen people who also converted by Sebastian.

When Diocletian ascended the imperial throne in 284, the pagans raised persecutions. The brothers werethrown into prison and condemned to beheaded. Their friends obtained a delay of the execution for thirty days. That they might prevail on them to worship the false gods. Tranquillinus and Martia, their afflicted pagan parents. Accompanied by their sons’ wives and their little babes endeavored to move them. By the most tender entreaties and tears. But Saint Sebastian, an officer of the emperor’s household arriving in Rome soon after their confinement. Daily visited and encouraged them.

Their legend states that they martyred at Rome under the Emperor Diocletian towards the end of the third century. Most likely in the year 286. Mentioned in most of the ancient martyrologies including the Roman Martyrology. And their martyrdom described in the Acts of St Sebastian. Which though ancient is largely legendary.

Marcus and Marcellianus’ Death

Marcus and Marcellianus concealed by a Christian officer of the imperial household in his apartments in the palace. But they betrayed by an apostate and reimprisoned. Fabian a judge who had succeeded Chromatius, condemned them to bound to two pillars. Their feet nailed to them. In this posture they remained a day and a night and on the following day were stabbed with lances. Their martyrdom occurred in the year 286.