SaintPre-Congregation
Twelve Holy Brothers
The Twelve Holy Brothers, also known as the Martyrs of the South, were a group of martyrs who died around the year 303 at different locations in southern Italy.
Biography
The Twelve Holy Brothers, also known as the Martyrs of the South, were a group of martyrs who died around the year 303 at different locations in southern Italy. Their names are Saint Arontius of Potenza, Saint Donatus of Sentianum, Saint Felix of Sentianum, Saint Felix of Venosa, Saint Fortunatus of Potenza, Saint Honoratus of Potenza, Saint Januarius of Venosa, Saint Repositus of Velleianum, Saint Sabinian of Potenza, Saint Sator of Velleianum, Saint Septiminus of Venosa, and Saint Vitalis of Velleianum. The exact details of their lives and martyrdom are not extensively recorded, but what we do know is that they were courageous and faithful men who faced persecution for their Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. According to tradition, Saint Boniface of Hadrumetum and Saint Thecla of Hadrumetum are said to be the parents of the Twelve Holy Brothers.
After their martyrdom, the relics of these twelve saints were brought together and enshrined in Benevento, Italy, as a group. This act of consolidating their relics signifies the veneration and recognition of their shared sacrifice and holiness. While representations of the Twelve Holy Brothers are not widely known, their names and feast day are celebrated on September 1st. It is important to note that their canonization was done before the establishment of the formal process we currently have known as the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Therefore, their canonization is considered pre-congregation. Though not specifically designated as patrons of any particular cause or activity, the Twelve Holy Brothers stand as inspiring examples of steadfastness in the face of persecution and witness to the Christian faith. While the available historical information about the Twelve Holy Brothers may be limited, their legacy reminds us of the courage, faith, and sacrifice exhibited by countless individuals throughout history who have laid down their lives for their beliefs.
Also remembered on September 1
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