Sts. Gervase and Protase

Sts. Gervase and Protase (2nd century) were twin brothers born in the Roman Empire to Christian parents. Their parents were killed for their Christian faith, and the brothers likewise suffered martyrdom. They were imprisoned, scourged, and beheaded in Milan, Italy under the brutal persecutions of the Roman Emperor. In the year 386 A.D. the location of their relics was revealed in a dream to St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, just as he completed the building of the magnificent Milan basilica. He had the sacred relics moved to the new basilica, today called the Basilica of St. Ambrose, for veneration by the faithful. The relics established that the brothers were indeed beheaded as tradition had handed down. Many miracles occurred at their finding, confirmed by St. Ambrose and his disciple St. Augustine. Sts. Gervase and Protase are the patron saints of Milan. Their feast day is June 19.