ST. MARINUS was a person remarkable both for his wealth and family at
Caesarea in Palestine, about the year 272, and was in course to succeed
to the place of a centurion, which was vacant, and about to obtain it;
when another came up and said, that according to the laws Marinus could
not have that post, on account of his being a Christian. Achaeus, the
governor of Palestine, asked Marinus if he was a Christian; who answered
in the affirmative: whereupon the judge gave him three hours space to
consider whether he would abide by his answer, or recall it. Theotecnus,
the bishop of that city, being informed of the affair, came to him, when
withdrawn from the tribunal, and taking him by the hand led him to the
church. Here, pointing to the sword which he wore, and then to a book of
the gospels, asked him which of the two he made his option. Marinus, in
answer to the query, without the least hesitation, stretched out his
right hand, and laid hold of the sacred book. "Adhere steadfastly then
to God," says the bishop, "and he will strengthen you, and you shall
obtain what you have chosen. Depart in peace." Being summoned again
before the judge, he professed his faith with greater resolution and
alacrity than before, and was immediately led away just as he was, and
beheaded. St. Asterius, or Astyrius, a Roman senator, in great favor
with the emperor, and well known to all on account of his high birth and
great estate, being present at the martyrdom of St. Marinus, though he
was richly dressed, took away the dead body on his shoulders, and having
sumptuously adorned it, gave it a decent burial. Thus far the acts in
Ruinart. Rufinus adds, that he was beheaded for this action. See Eus.
Hist. l. 7, c. 15, 16, 17.
SS. EMETERIUS, &c., MM.