S. SECUNDUS, M.
(A.D. 119.)
[Molanus, in his additions to Usuardus, Maurolycus, and other modern Martyrologies. Not in the Roman Martyrology. The Acts, of which there exist several versions, are not worthy of trust. They may possibly contain the original Acts, but if so, they are so embedded in fable that it is impossible to distinguish what is true from what is false.]
According to the legendary Acts, Secundus of Aste, count of the palace, was instructed in the faith by S. Calocerus, then a prisoner at Aste, and baptized by SS. Faustinus and Jovitta, at Milan. He was afterwards sent to Tortona, to S. Martian, in his dungeon, to bear to him the Blessed Sacrament, and he was present when this saint suffered for Christ. It was told the governor, Sapricius, that Secundus had buried the body of the martyr; and sending for him, he heard him confess that he was a Christian. He was placed on the rack, and then sent to Aste, where he suffered execution with the sword, together with S. Calocerus, on March 30th.
Patron of Aste, where his relics are preserved.
S. QUIRINUS THE TRIBUNE, M.
(A.D. 130.)
[Usuardus, Ado, Notker, and Roman Martyrology. Authority:—Mention in the Acts of S. Alexander, pope (May 3rd), but these are not altogether trustworthy.]
Quirinus the Tribune was converted and baptized by pope S. Alexander I., and was condemned to have his tongue, hands, and feet cut off. According to the popular legend, which is often represented in art, his tongue was offered to a falcon, but the bird refused to eat it: the Acts say nothing of it. The hands and feet were in like manner cast to dogs, and popular tradition adds that they refused to devour them. Afterwards he was drawn by oxen to the place of final execution, where his head was struck off.