As we commemorate Saints Protus and Hyacinth, Roman martyrs of the 3rd century, their lives bear witness to this same faith that St. Paul exalts and the Samaritan embodies. Though not Jews by birth, these brothers embraced Christ and sealed their confession with blood. In an age when legal religion was weaponized against the faith, they stood firm—not by the Law, but by the promise, and the power of Christ’s grace.
St. Cyprian of Carthage says of the martyrs:
“The martyrs are the imitators of Christ’s Passion, bearing witness not by words only, but by deeds, that the faith is not in vain.”
Their martyrdom teaches us that faith, when true, expresses itself in both gratitude and sacrifice—a pattern seen in the leper who returned, and perfected in those who, like Protus and Hyacinth, gave everything for the Kingdom.
Conclusion: The True Heir
Today’s epistle and gospel bring into focus the unity of God’s plan: the Law prepared us, Christ fulfilled the promise, and through faith, we are made heirs—not merely of the Law, but of eternal life. And like the one leper who returned, and like the holy martyrs, we are called to respond to this gift with heartfelt thanksgiving, humble adoration, and lives offered in return.
St. Augustine, in his homilies on the Gospels, comments:
“Faith gives birth to thanksgiving; the proud man does not give thanks, for he sees the gift as his due. But the humble knows he has received, and so he returns with praise.”
May we walk humbly with this faith, nourished by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and ever mindful of the saints who have gone before us, especially today, Saints Protus and Hyacinth, faithful witnesses of Christ.
Prayer of the Day:
O God, who didst adorn Thy holy Martyrs Protus and Hyacinth with constancy in faith and loyalty in suffering: grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate them in love of Thee, that we may also be made partakers of their eternal reward. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Jesu et Maria,
Catechismus Catholicum
You said:
Saint Hyacinth
Catechismus Catholicum said:
Certainly! Here is a traditional Catholic overview of Saint Hyacinth, with focus on the martyr commemorated on September 11th (together with his brother Saint Protus), distinct from the more widely known St. Hyacinth of Poland.
Saint Hyacinth, Martyr
Feast: September 11 (Commemoration in the Traditional Roman Rite)
With: Saint Protus, Martyr
Martyrdom: c. A.D. 257–259
Location: Rome
Mentioned in: Martyrologium Romanum, Depositio Martyrum, ancient itineraries
🔹 Who Was Saint Hyacinth the Martyr?
Saint Hyacinth was a Roman martyr of the 3rd century, who, together with his brother Saint Protus, was put to death for the Catholic faith during the persecutions under Emperor Valerian (c. 257–259 AD). These were the same persecutions under which St. Lawrence and St. Cyprian also suffered.
According to tradition, Hyacinth and Protus were slaves or servants in a Roman noble household, possibly that of Saint Eugenia, a noble Roman convert and martyr. The two brothers are described as her tutors or attendants, and were early Christian converts themselves. Their fidelity to the Faith inspired many within the household to embrace Christ.
When the imperial persecutions reached their peak, Protus and Hyacinth refused to offer incense to the Roman gods and were arrested. According to the Depositio Martyrum, they were executed on the Via Salaria, outside the walls of Rome, by beheading or scourging—sources vary.
🕊️ Their Witness
The Roman Martyrology commemorates them with these words:
“At Rome, on the old Salarian Way, the holy martyrs Protus and Hyacinth, brothers, who, as the learned Pope Damasus testifies, were eunuchs of a lady and were arrested for their Christian faith. They were scourged until death under the emperor Valerian.“
Their burial site became a place of early Christian veneration. St. John XXIII visited their tomb in the Catacomb of Basilla, where their relics were preserved.
Pope St. Damasus I, writing in the 4th century, erected a verse inscription over their tomb:
“The martyrs Protus and Hyacinth, brothers in blood and faith, rest here, whom the sword slew because they confessed Christ.”
✝️ Spiritual Lessons from St. Hyacinth
- Fidelity in Simplicity
Hyacinth was not a bishop or preacher, but a humble servant. Yet in his role, he served Christ and embraced martyrdom with heroic courage. “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matt. 25:21) - Brotherly Witness
His martyrdom alongside his brother Protus reminds us of the strength found in Christian fraternity. Together, they stood firm under trial. - The Power of Quiet Evangelization
Living and working in a noble household, Hyacinth likely won souls through example more than words—a reminder that hidden sanctity bears fruit.
🕯️ Devotion in the Traditional Liturgy
In the Traditional Latin Mass, on September 11th (or the nearest weekday when their memory is commemorated), the Collect for the martyrs reads:
Collect:
“Be mindful of our weakness, O almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs us down, may the glorious intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Protus and Hyacinth protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ…”
Their commemoration is typically made on Feria days or lower-ranked feasts, as seen in the context you originally referenced (Feria Quinta infra Hebdomadam XIII post Octavam Pentecostes).
🛐 Invocation
Saint Hyacinth, faithful servant of Christ and brave martyr, obtain for us courage in trial, constancy in the Faith, and humble perseverance in our daily duty. May we, like you, follow Christ even unto death, if He should so require it. Amen.