Marcellus

Marcellus ST. (martyr). Aside from Marcellus I, pope of Rome (q.v.), and Marcellus of Apamea (q.v.), the martyrologues mention a number of other martyrs of that name, the more important of which are:

I. MARCELLUS who perished during the persecution of Antoninus Philosophus. Having refused to participate in a repast with the prefect Priscus, and remonstrated with the latter and his guests on account of their idolatry, he was half buried in the ground, in the open air, and died thus after three days. The year 140 is given as the date of his death; he is commemorated on September 4. See Surius, T.V. Gregorii Turon. Lib. de gloriamart. c. 53; Ruinart, Acta primorum martyrum, p. 73.

II. MARCELLUS, the chief of the Trajan Legion, who, for refusing to participate in heathen sacrifices at Tingis, in Mauritania, was beheaded by order of the governor, Aurelianus Agricola, in 270. See Surius, vol. 5; Ruinart, p. 302 sq. He is commemorated on Oct. 20.

III. MARCELLUS who suffered at Argenton, in France, under Aurelian. He was a native of Rome, son of a heathen father and a Christian mother, who brought him up a Christian. When of age, he fled to Argenton on account of the persecution of Aurelian. Here he wrought some wonderful cures, which attracted the attention of the prefect Heraclius. Arrested, he fearlessly confessed his faith, and, after scourging, was roasted on a spit; but as this neither converted nor killed him, he was beheaded. He is commemorated on June 29. See Gregorii Turon. Lib. de gloria mart. c. 52.

IV. MARCELLUS, bishop of Die, in France, was born at Avignon of Christian parents, and religiously brought up. He was ordained by his brother, who was bishop of Die before him. At the time of his election another was also appointed, but he was taken to the church by his adherents and there reconciled with his adversaries. On this occasion. it is said, a dove was seen to descend upon his head. He was thrown into prison by the Arians for opposing their views, and died there in the beginning of the 6th century. He is commemorated on April 9. See Gregorii Turon. Lib. de gloria confess. c. 7. — Herzog, Real-Encyklopädie, 9:22; Pierer, Univ. — Lexikcon, 10:855. (J. N. P.)