Donatian and Rogatian, Martyrs
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
BROTHERLY CONCORD. -Donatian and Rogatian belonged to one of the most illustrious families of Nantes (France). Donatian, the younger of the two, was the first converted to Christianity, and, after his conversion, which he did not cease publicly to avow, he solicited his friends and relatives to imitate his example. Rogatian, his elder brother, who loved him tenderly, allowed himself to be gained over. In this conjuncture was issued the edict of Diocletian, ordering the governors of provinces to persecute the Christians, in order to make them renounce their faith. Rogatian had not as yet received baptism, and the bishop was no longer at hand, either because he had sought a place of refuge, or possibly because the governor had thrown him into confinement. Rogatian proclaimed himself a Christian notwithstanding, in the hope that the pouring out of his blood might stand in stead of baptism. He followed his brother to prison, and with him manfully sustained the supreme trial of faith in the midst of cruel torments. They were stretched upon the rack, torn with pincers, pierced with swords, and finally beheaded. Their martyrdom was accomplished towards the year 303.
MORAL REFLECTION. -"Three things are pleasing unto God and mau," says the Sage,-" concord among brethren, the love of parents, and the union of husband and wife."-(Eccles. xxv. 1, 2.)
