Justus, a Pious and God Fearing Youth of Auxerre, in the Year 303

When the soldiers of the Emperor Diocletian were busy arresting the Christians, a certain father, called Mattheus, and his two sons, Justinian and Justus, were traveling toward Auxerre, in Burgundy, where they lived. But in the meantime they were denounced by some evil informers, and were pursued by the soldiers just named and by four horsemen sent by the Emperor's Proconsul. The younger son, Justus, saw this and told his father and his brother, who hid themselves in a cave; but Justus kept watch outside. When he saw the horsemen, he went to meet them. When they asked him who he was, and where his companions were, he replied: "I am called Justus, and I freely confess that I am also a Christian; but since I regard you as persecutors of the Christians, it is not lawful for me to betray my companions."

When they drew their swords and threatened him with them, he answered: "Truly, I will consider myself happy if I may be allowed to suffer every kind of punishment, even death itself, for the name of Christ; for I am ready to lose my soul in this world so that I may keep it to life eternal."

Then one of the soldiers drew his sword and struck off his head. His father and his brother buried his dead body at Luperam, which was nearby. This happened in the year 303. Abr. Mell., ex Acta per Surium edita, ut apparet ex Bede, Acris Rit. Micis de Sumpta. [n255-1]