This saint remained faithful in spite of the efforts of his mother, wife and children to convince him to adore the idols

March 24 -- St. Iranaeus  Bishop of Sirmium

St. Iranaeus lived in the third century during the persecution of Diocletian. He was apprehended and brought before the governor of Pannonia, now the a village in Hungary. Here, he was commanded to give sacrifice to the pagan gods.  Upon his firm refusal, he was sent to be tortured and racked. 

In an effort to make him submit, the Governor Probus brought his mother, wife and children to convince him to adore the idols. They all broke out in tears and lamentations, conjuring him to pay homage to the pagan idols. St. Iranaeus was silent and raised his soul above the considerations of blood and flesh, calling upon Our Lord for the victory of martyrdom. 

The Governor entreated," Will you be insensible to such marks of tenderness and affection? Can you see so many tears shed for you without being moved?  It is not beneath a great courage to be touched with compassion. Sacrifice, and do not destroy yourself in the flower of your age."  Iraneus answered, " It is that I may NOT destroy myself that I refuse to sacrifice."  St. Iranaeus was beheaded and thrown into a river on March 24, 304. 

He won the eternal victory of the martyr's crown.

It is interesting to note the stratagems that the pagan Governor invoked to get St. Iranaeus to abjure his Faith.  He brought the saint's entire family to convince him to sacrifice to the gods. He used  "sweet" words and subtle persuasion when the torments didn't work.  Can one imagine the pressure that was exerted on our saint? 

But St. Iranaeus believed the words of the Savior: " He that loveth father or mother, wife or children,brothers or relations, more than Me, is not worthy of Me." 

Modern day life has numerous "false gods" that appear in delightful wrappings.  Let us ask St. Iranaeus to give us the conviction and courage of soul to reject the stratagems of the modern day and to renounce all that interferes with a total resignation to the will of God.