St. Irenaeus of Sirmium
Mar 24
Martyred under Diocletian
Apart from his position as bishop, Irenaeus seems to have been a man of local importance.
Arrested during the terrible persecution of Diocletian, Irenaeus was brought before the governor, and commanded to offer sacrifice to the gods. At his refusal, he was stretched on the rack, but did not relent.
His mother, wife (at that time the laws of celibacy were different) and children hung about his neck begging him to save himself and not to abandon them.