Aug. 7 Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time; Opt Mem of Sts. Sixtus II, Pope; and Companions, Martyrs; St. Cajetan, Priest, Opt. Mem.

Today is the Optional Memorial of Sts. Sixtus II and his companions (d. 258). Pope Sixtus II was one of the first victims of the persecution under the Emperor Valerian. Felicissimus and Agapitus were two of his deacons who were executed with him. Sixtus governed the Church from 256 to 258. His name is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass.

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