Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration
- Paul of Narbonne and Companions
- Basil of Ancyra, martyr
- Deogratias, bishop
- Benvenuto of Osimo, bishop
- Nicholas of Flue
- Nicholas Owen, martyr [1]
Today, March 22, the Catholic Church commemorates a group of missionaries, 2 martyrs, 2 bishops, and 1 hermit.
St. Paul of Narbonne (d. ca. 290 A.D.) was with a group of missionaries (7 bishops) that were sent to Gaul from Rome to preach the gospel. He founded several churches and was closely associated with Narbonne [2]. Very little sources are extant to determine the life and work of St. Paul of Narbonne. One source says that he was martyred together with St. Denis but he survived to establish the church at Narbonne and became its first bishop. St. Paul of Narbonne may have died of natural causes [3].
Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 22]
- St. Basil, Priest-Martyr, Presbyter of the Church in Ancyra
- Venerable Isaak, Monk [2]
St. Basil of Ancyra (d. ca. 362 A.D.) should not be confused with St. Basil the Great of Caesarea, Cappadocia, in Asia Minor. Although both lived and worked in the same century, in locations in Asia Minor, and fought against Arianism, St. Basil of Ancyra was a hieromartyr and priest, while St. Basil the Great was a bishop and a doctor of the Church.
St. Basil of Ancyra fought well against Arianism. He encouraged his followers to cling firmly to the orthodox tenets of the Christian faith. Because of this St. Basil was deposed from his priestly rank by a local Arian council. However, a Council of 230 bishops in Palestine reinstated him. St. Basil of Ancyra was also under Bishop Marcellus. He defended Bishop Marcellus when the bishop was deposed by the Arians. As a result, he was tortured and then executed during the reign of Julian the Apostate [2][4].
St. Basil of Ancyra is both commemorated this day, March 22, in the calendar of the Catholic Church and in the Byzantine Calendar.
References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results
- [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
- [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
- [3] Paul of Narbonne, En.Wikipedia.org
- [4] AI Overview for search query St. Basil, Priest-Martyr, Presbyter of the Church in Ancyra, Google.com, March 22, 2025
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