St. Cletus (25 AD - 66 AD) and St. Marcellinus (250 AD – 304 AD) were both popes and martyrs who served during periods of great persecution for Christians.

St. Cletus was the third pope of the Church roughly serving between 76 and 88 AD. The text “Liber Pontificalis” notes that he divided Rome into twenty-five parishes and ordained priests to oversee them.

He was martyred in about 91 AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian and buried near the resting places of the first two popes, St. Peter and St. Linus in Vatican.

St. Marcellinus became pope in 296 AD. He was a Roman who served as pope during the time when Emperor Diocletian the Roman empire.

Once the persecution of Christians began under Diocletian's rule, St. Marcellinus and his priests were ordered to reject their faith and offer sacrifices to the Roman gods, but they refused. He was martyred and buried 25 days after his death on April 26, 304 AD.

Other Saints of the Day:
St. Trudpert of Munstertal
St. William of Foggia
St. Basileus of Amasea
ST. Clarence of Venice