(ABOUT A.D. 285.)
[The Acts of these martyrs constitute the lections for this day in
the Salerno Breviary.]
Archelaa, a virgin consecrated to God, during the persecution of
Diocletian, took refuge with two maidens, Thecla and Susanna, in a
private house outside the walls of Nola, in Campania, hoping to remain
unnoticed till the storm was passed. But Leontius, Governor of Salerno,
having heard that they were Christians, ordered them to be brought
before him. Archelaa was exposed to lions, but was unhurt; then the
inhuman judge ordered boiling oil and pitch to be poured over her naked
body. In her agony, she spread her hands to heaven, and cried: "Look, O
Lord, on us, and be mindful of thy servants. Extinguish the fire which
consumes me, and cool my tortured body, refreshing me after the wounds
the wicked one has dealt me!" Then a sudden sunbeam shot from between
the clouds upon her, and a voice was heard, "O Martyr, fear not! A crown
is laid up for thee in heaven. Fear not, I am with thee, and I will give
thee refreshment and succour." Then Leontius ordered Archelaa, Thecla,
and Susanna to have their heads smitten off with the executioner's
sword.