JUNE 03
Saint Maximian the priest was one of the companions of St Lucian, and assisted him in proclaiming the Gospel in the West.The holy preachers sailed from Italy to Gaul (modern France). St Marcellinus and those accompanying him continued on to Spain. St Saturninus went to Gaul, and St Dionysius and the others went to the region of Paris. From there St Lucian went to Belgium with Maximian and Julian.
St Lucian’s preaching was very successful. By the power of his words and the example of his life, he converted a large number of pagans to Christianity. Soon almost all the settlements of Belgium were converted to Christ.
During this period, the Roman emperor Dometian (81-96) initiated a second persecution against Christians (after that of Nero, 54-68), and he issued an edict prescribing torture and execution for anyone who refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods.
The Lord revealed to St Lucian the ordeal facing him. He gathered the flock together, urging them not to fear threats, tortures or death, and then he gave thanks to God for granting him the possibility of joining the company of the holy martyrs. After praying, St Lucian and the presbyter Maximian and Deacon Julian withdrew to the summit of a hill, where he continued to teach the people who came with him.
Here the soldiers of the emperor came upon the saints and led them away for trial. Sts Maximian and Julian were urged to renounce Christ and offer sacrifice to idols, but both refused and were beheaded.
Afterwards, a church was built over the grave of St Lucian, to which the relics of the martyrs Maximian and Julian were transferred.
