Memorial of Saints (July 19)

• Justa and Rufina, virgin and martyrs;
• Arsenius;
• Symmachus, pope;
• Ambrose Autpert;
• Macrina the Younger, virgin;
• William John Plessington, priest and martyr

Memorial of Saints (July 18)

Pambo; Philastrius, bishop; Arnulf or Arnoul of Metz, bishop; Frederick of Utrecht, bishop and martyr; Bruno of Segni, bishop

Pambo (d. ca. 390 A.D.) was a disciple of St. Antony of the Desert in his youth. He is one of the founders of the Nitrian Desert monasteries in Egypt and was noted for his austerities, mortifications, and wisdom. He was consulted by many, incuding St. Melania the Elder, who was with him when he died.

Memorial of Saints (July 17)

Speratus and Companions, the Sicilian Martyrs; Marcellina, virgin; Ennodius, bishop; Kenelm; Leo IV, pope; Clement of Okhrida and Companions, the Seven Apostles of Bulgaria; Nerses Lampronazi, bishop; Mary Magdelen Postel

Speratus (d. 180 A.D.) was a resident in Tunisia when he was arrested for his Christian faith together with others. They were offered their freedom if they would worship pagan gods. Speratus was the spokesman of the group of seven men and five women. They refused and were beheaded. Known as the Sicilian Martyrs, the account of their martyrdom is the earliest record of martyrdom in the African Church.

Ennodius (473-521 A.D.) was married but he and his wife decided to part - she to become a nun and Ennodius to be ordained a deacon. Eventually Ennodius was appointed bishop of Ticinum in 514 A.D. He was noted for his help to the poor, the churches he built and his writings. Notable among his writings were his autobiography of St. Antoninus of Lérins, an autobiography, a handbook on rhetoric, poetry and letters.