St. Hermenegild

Today marks the day that Prince (Saint) Hermengild was martyred by order of his own father, King Leovigild, leader of the Visigoths in what is now Spain. Hermenegild was raised an Arian, but as an adult married Frankish Princess Ingund, who lived the Nicene fatih. He converted, pushing his father to the point of outrage. His father first tried to lure him back with the promise of riches, which were refused. He then resorted to threats. The King stripped Hermenegild of his right to the throne and all of his property, and ultimately had him arrested. On Easter, his father sent an Arian bishop to administer the sacrament of communion to him. Hermenegild refused, and his father had him executed.

O God, who didst teach thy blessed Martyr Hermemgild to prefer thy heavenly to an earthly kingdom: grant, we pray thee; that, following his patter, we may despise all things that are transitory, and follow steadfastly after things eternal. Through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.