October 31: Saint Quentin of Vermand, Martyr

A city was built in his name 

He is remembered not only for his martyrdom but also for his steadfast faith, his strength in the face of persecution, and his dedication to spreading Christianity. Saint Quentin, originally from Rome, lived in the 3rd century. Little is known for certain about his life. According to tradition, he was the son of an influential senator named Zeno and, after embracing the Christian faith, began a missionary journey that led him to Gaul, together with Saint Lucian of Beauvais.

His evangelizing mission began in Amiens, where he soon drew the attention of the Roman authorities. The prefect Rictiovarus, a known persecutor of Christians and representative of Emperor Maximian, ordered his arrest. Quentin was imprisoned for his preaching and, despite the tortures he endured, he never renounced his faith.

According to tradition, after several interrogations and tortures, Rictiovarus decided to transfer the prisoner to Reims, the capital of Belgic Gaul, to subject him to an official trial. During the journey, near a place called Augusta Veromanduorum (modern-day Saint-Quentin), a miraculous event occurred: Quentin managed to escape and resumed his mission of evangelization.

His freedom, however, was short-lived. He was captured again, subjected to further tortures, and finally beheaded. His body was abandoned in the marshes of the Somme River, where it remained hidden for years.

About fifty-five years after his death, a noblewoman who was blind, guided by a divine vision, reached the place where the martyr’s remains lay. She not only miraculously found his body—which, according to legend, emitted a heavenly fragrance—but also regained her sight immediately after burying him on top of a hill, where she had a chapel built in his honor.

Over time, the site became a destination for pilgrims and the scene of numerous miracles attributed to the Saint’s intercession. The city that later arose on that spot was named Saint-Quentin and still preserves a deep devotion to its Patron Saint.