In the 3rd century there lived at Nantes in Brittany two brothers named Donatian and Rogatian. The former had become a convert to Christianity and led such an edifying life that his example moved heart of Rogatian to desire the Sacrament of Baptism. But the persecution of the Emperor Maximian was raging, and the Bishop was in concealment, so there remained no opportunity of receiving that Sacrament. The Emperor was in Gaul in 286, and it was probably about that time that the martyrdom of the two brothers occurred. The perfect, who was probably the cruel Rictius Varus, accused St. Donatian of being a Christian and of having enticed others, particularly his brother, from the worship of the gods. Having confessed Christ, he was cast into prison. St. Rogatian was also apprehended and showed himself equally steadfast in the Faith.
The brothers spent the night in prayer. When brought before the perfect in the morning, they declared that they were ready to suffer anything for the Name of Jesus. Seeing them to be inflexible, the judge commanded them to be stretched on the rack and beheaded (St. Rogatian thus received a Baptism of blood). Their martyrdom occurred probably about the year 304.
PRAYER: Lord, we devoutly recall the sufferings of Sts. Donatian and Rogatian. Give success to our joyful prayers and grant us also constancy in our Faith. Amen.