Cantianus, Saint

Cantianus, Saint, an early prince and martyr, was born at Rome, and beheaded at Aquileia. He suffered execution with Cantius, his elder brother; Cantianilla, his sister; and Protus, their Christian preceptor, A.D. 304. Although they were of the illustrious family of the Anicians, and relatives of the emperor Carinus, these three young persons had been educated in the Christian faith. In order to flee from the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian, they sold what they possessed at Rome, distributing its price among the poor, and went to Aquileia. There they continued to practice their religion, encouraging the imprisoned Christians to suffer for their faith. Information against them having been given, to the emperor, they were arrested as they were about to hide themselves, at a short distance from Aquileia, near the tomb of Chrysogones, their friend, who had suffered martyrdom shortly before. Their heads were cut off on the spot. A priests Zoilus, buried their bodies close by that of Chrysogones. Afterwards their remains were removed to Aquileia, but Milan, Bergamo, and other cities of Lombardy, Germany, and France, pretend likewise to be in possession of the bodies of these saints. Their festival is May 31, the traditionary day of their death. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.