The Victory of the Martyrs, St. Victor of Marseilles, and more

This week on From the Housetops, Brother Matthew introduces The Victories of the Martyrs by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, highlighting the courage of early Christians like St. Victor of Marseilles. Victor, a military officer, exhorted the faithful to endure torture rather than renounce Jesus Christ. Arrested and brought before the prefects, he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, calling them demons, and boldly professed Christ’s divinity and resurrection. Despite brutal tortures, Victor remained steadfast. When imprisoned, he was comforted by angels, converted three guards, and baptized them. Upon learning this, the emperor executed the guards and resumed Victor’s torment.

Victor destroyed a pagan altar, lost his foot, was crushed with a millstone, and finally beheaded. A voice from heaven declared his victory, and the bodies of the martyrs were cast ashore and placed in a grotto, where the Lord was pleased to honor them with many miracles. Brother Matthew also shares the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales, who taught that each cross we bear is lovingly chosen by God and not one ounce too heavy. In his Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis urges us to consider Christ’s sufferings and follow Him with patience and love.