John B. Manos

Thecla hears Paul at Iconium, forgets her beauty and her betrothed, and follows the Apostle. Theatre, lions, and fire all fail before her Spouse calls her home.

Six thousand Thebans march into Gaul loyal to emperor and God, then refuse the order to kill Christians. Decimated twice, they still will not lift a sword.

Jesus walks by the customs booth, says “Follow Me,” and Matthew leaves the ledger on the table. The Pharisees hate the guest list at the feast that follows.

Trajan restores his command and his honors, then demands incense to the gods. Lions only frolic. The family goes to God together rather than bow.

Diocletian takes his head; the Church keeps the blood. Brought near the martyr’s relics, the vials melt and flow as if a living man were in them.

Thomas pushes aside the silken cushions, kisses the floor, visits the prison first, and spends two thirds of his revenues on the poor. Valencia’s beggar-archbishop.

Lambert drops a wooden sandal at night prayer, is sent to the outdoor cross, and kneels there barefoot for hours rather than explain himself. Then they give him his see back

Cyprian, noble pagan and teacher of rhetoric, is converted in midlife, made bishop despite himself, and meets the sword with “Thanks be to God.”

Catherine begs a share in Christ’s sufferings, endures a harsh marriage, returns from the world to the hospitals, and writes of purgatory from what she was shown.