Celebrating Sts. Processus and Martinian, Martyrs on July 2.
Sts. Processus and Martinian were Roman soldiers of the Praetorian Guard, assigned to watch over prisoners in the Mamertine Prison—including Saints Peter and Paul. According to tradition, after witnessing the apostles’ faith, endurance, and miracles, both soldiers converted to Christianity and were baptized by Peter himself. Their newfound faith led to their martyrdom under Nero’s reign.
Their story, though largely hidden in the shadows of more famous saints, offers powerful insight for Catholic professionals. First, it shows how witnessing authentic faith in the workplace—or in any setting—can be transformative. Processus and Martinian weren’t seekers; they were simply doing their job. Yet by opening their hearts to the witness of holiness, their lives were changed forever.
This speaks to the quiet power of presence. You never know who is watching you, and how your integrity, patience, and witness might stir someone’s soul. Whether in boardrooms or construction sites, classrooms or Zoom meetings, your faithfulness might be the seed that takes root in another.
Their martyrdom also challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship. Once they chose Christ, they did not turn back, even when it meant death. In our careers, we may not face physical martyrdom, but we will face opportunities to either stand with truth or shrink back for comfort’s sake.
May Sts. Processus and Martinian intercede for us, that we might be faithful witnesses in the most ordinary and extraordinary circumstances of our professional lives.