Donatian and Rogatian
The Latin inscription reproduces the prayer handed down in the acts of martyrs , which Donatian addressed to Christ for his unbaptized brother Rogatian before the execution: “Lord Jesus Christ, for your servant Rogatian pure faith will be the gift of baptism. For with you willing vows attain the same thing as done deeds; Yours is giving, our is asking. "
Donatian and Rogatian (* 3rd century; † 289 or 304 in Nantes ) were two brothers who were executed together in Nantes for their Christian creed. They are venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as saints and patrons of the city of Nantes.
Life
According to tradition, Donatian, the younger of the two, became a Christian at a young age and converted many through his charisma . His older brother - usually depicted as a Roman soldier - was also convinced by him. But before Rogatian could receive baptism , a new wave of persecution began and Donatian and Rogatian were arrested, tried, and executed. So Rogatian received the baptism of blood . The execution site is marked by two crosses on Rue Dufour . They were buried on the family's nearby property.
Adoration
Soon after the Edict of Tolerance in Milan , the bodies of the two martyrs were raised and placed in a marble sarcophagus, which was widely worshiped and a destination of pilgrimage. The first church on this site was built around 490. Today's St. Donatian and Rogatian basilica was built in the last quarter of the 19th century. In it you can see the ancient marble sarcophagus. A marble slab in the crypt marks the place of the original burial.
Web links
- Deux frères martyrs (website of the Basilica of St. Donatian and Rogatian in Nantes, French)
- Passio Sanctorum Rogatiani et Donatiani Martyrum . In: Theoderich Ruinart: Acta Martyrum , Verona 1731, pp. 246–248 (Latin)