September 22
Mauritius (+290)
Martyr
He was an African, chief of the Theban Legion, which he recruited in Thebaid, in upper Egypt.
Biography
When his legion was assigned to what is now Saint-Maurice, not far from Geneva, Switzerland, the conflict of conscience occurred that made Maurice and his companions martyrs by refusing to sacrifice to the gods. This heroic act is at the root of Swiss Christianity, and the insignia of the Theban Legion, a white cross on a red background, is now the country's emblem. Saint Maurice is patron of the Holy Father's Swiss Guard.
Practical advice
With the desire to sanctify everyday life, he calmly defends a truth that others prefer to keep silent about, putting the result in the hands of God.
Example of
FortitudeFaithfulnessSacrifice