ry to the heathens, grant, we beseech
Thee, that following them, we may despise, for the love of Thee, the
pleasures of this world, and that we do not recoil from its adversities.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

VIII

St. Cyriacus, Deacon and Martyr

LEGEND

EMPEROR MAXIMIN in token of his gratitude to Diocletian, who had ceded
the western half of his empire to him, ordered the building of that
magnificent structure in Rome, whose ruins are still known as the "Baths
of Diocletian." The Christians imprisoned for the Faith were compelled
to labor under cruel overseers at this building. A zealous Christian
Roman, touched with pity at this moving spectacle, resolved to employ
his means in improving the condition of these poor victims of
persecution.

Among the deacons of the Roman Church at that time was one by the name
of Cyriacus, who was distinguished by his zeal in the performance of all
good works. Him, with two companions, Largus and Smaragdus, the pious
Roman selected for the execution of his plan. Cyriacus devoted himself
to the work with great ardor. One day, whilst visiting the laborers to
distribute food amongst them, he observed a decrepit old man, who was so
feeble that he was unable to perform his severe task. Filled with pity,
Cyriacus offered to take his place. The aged prisoner consenting, the
merciful deacon thenceforth worked hard at the building. But after some
time he was discovered, and cast into prison. There he again found
opportunity to exercise his zeal. Some blind men who had great
confidence in the power of his prayer, came to ask him for help in their
affliction, and he restored their sight. He and his companions spent
three years in prison, and during that time he healed many sick and
converted a great number of heathens from the darkness of paganism.

Then Emperor Diocletian's little daughter became possessed by an evil
spirit, and no one was able to deliver her from it. To the idolatrous
priests who were called, the evil spirit declared that he would leave
the girl only when commanded to do so by Cyriacus, the deacon. He was
hastily summoned, and prayed and made the sign of the cross over the
girl, and the evil spirit departed. The emperor loved his daughter,
therefore he was grateful to the holy deacon, and presented him with a
house, where he and his companions might serve their God unmolested by
their enemies.

About this time the daughter of the Persian King Sapor was attacke