Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs—Optional Memorial
Mid-Third Century–c. 304
Invoked by those enduring hardships in life
Pre-Congregation canonization
On February 23, 303, Roman Emperor Diocletian issued an edict that mandated the destruction of Christian churches and scriptures, revoked all legal rights of Christians, and called for the confiscation of their property. In 304, Diocletian ordered the arrest of clergy, forcing them to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods or face imprisonment, torture, and death.