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Sant'Alfio, San Filadelfo and San Cirino, orate pro nobis |
In 250 AD an edict was issued by Emperor Decius demanding that all Christians renounce their faith and pay homage to the gods, upon penalty of death. Benedicta refused and was martyred. Vitale escaped, leaving his sons in the care of a faithful servant.
Rounded up, the brothers were brought before the Emperor in Rome, who hoped to retrieve the young nobles. However, unable to convince the boys to denounce their faith, they were shipped off to Sicily to be coerced by Tertullo, governor of Sicily.
Landing in Messina the prisoners were marched to Lentini, stopping in Trecastagni and Catania along the way. In charge of getting the brothers to renounce their faith, Tertullo subjected his victims to many cruel and sadistic tortures.
After months of persecution, the frustrated governor ordered their deaths. Lashed to a post, Alfio, the oldest brother, had his tongue torn out. Next, Filadelfo was burned to death on a gridiron. Finally, Cirino, the youngest, was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil.
Many miracles have been attributed to the brothers, both during their captivity and after their deaths.
Landing in Messina the prisoners were marched to Lentini, stopping in Trecastagni and Catania along the way. In charge of getting the brothers to renounce their faith, Tertullo subjected his victims to many cruel and sadistic tortures.
After months of persecution, the frustrated governor ordered their deaths. Lashed to a post, Alfio, the oldest brother, had his tongue torn out. Next, Filadelfo was burned to death on a gridiron. Finally, Cirino, the youngest, was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil.
Many miracles have been attributed to the brothers, both during their captivity and after their deaths.
In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to the Three Saints. The accompanying photo was taken at Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, during the 89th Annual Feast of the Three Saints in 2012. Evviva Sant'Alfio, San Filadelfo and San Cirino!
Prayer to the Three Saints
Glorious Martyrs of our Faith, we exult with holy joy calling to mind the immortal triumphs which you brought about in fiercest torments. And we exult the more at the thought of you being our defenders in life and our protectors at death. Deign, from heaven where you sit midst the splendor of infinite light, to cast your merciful glances upon us and make us worthy of your protection. Heal us from all sicknesses, but above all, heal us from the leprosy of sin and enkindle in our souls a burning charity which will have as its reward eternal life. Amen
