August 8th is the Feast of San Ciriaco di Roma, Deacon, Martyr, and Miracleworker. First exorcist of the Church, he delivered the daughters of Emperor Diocletian and the King of Persia from demonic possession. He was tortured and beheaded on the Via Salaria with his companions St. Largus, St. Smaragdus and twenty others by co-emperor Maximian circa 303 for refusing to renounce the Faith. 
San Ciriaco and Companions, orate pro nobis
One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, San Ciriaco is invoked against evil spirits, demonic possession, eye disease and deathbed temptations. He is the patron saint of exorcists and Torre le Nocelle in Provincia di Avellino, Campania.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Saints Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish in Boston, Massachusetts. Evviva San Ciriaco di Roma!
Prayer to Saints Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus
O God, You gladden us by the annual feast of Your holy Martyrs, Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus; mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate their heavenly birthday, may also imitate the fortitude of their martyrdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
