Saint Protus of Rome

Saint Protus of Rome was the brother of Saint Hyacinth of Rome. The two brothers served together in the household of Saint Eugenia in Rome, Italy, where they were devoted servants of both their earthly mistress and their heavenly Lord. When the persecutions intensified against Christians, Protus and Hyacinth were arrested for their faith. Refusing to deny Christ, both brothers were martyred, sealing their testimony with their blood. Their faithfulness and courage so moved the early Christian community that Pope Saint Damasus himself composed their epitaph, honoring their sacrifice and ensuring that their memory would endure through the centuries.